Is it safe to hike with food in Yosemite?

Is it safe to hike with food in Yosemite? Always keep your food within arm's reach and don't turn your back to your food; never leave food unattended. Bears may investigate picnic areas or backpacks for food even in your presence, so be alert.

Are there bears in Yosemite?

American black bears found in Yosemite National Park have long been of intense interest to park visitors and managers. Seeing one of the approximately 300 to 500 black bears in Yosemite can evoke excitement, awe, and fear. If visitors spot a bear while in the park, it is a black bear-not a brown or grizzly bear.

What to eat while hiking in Yosemite?

Try to bring items that will travel well no matter what the temperature may become. Beef jerky, trail mix, granola bars, and dried fruit all make great trail snacks. Depending on the length of your hike, you might pack a whole lunch, just be aware of the temperatures.

Can you hike with food in Yosemite?

Hanging food is illegal throughout Yosemite. Certain bear-resistant portable containers designed for backpackers to store food are allowed for use in Yosemite (however, only the Garcia Backpackers' Cache 812 is available for rental in Yosemite). Find out where to rent and return a bear canister.

Can bears smell food in a car?

Bears can smell scented particles in the air from miles away. This includes food, trash, human waste, and toiletries like soap and toothpaste. To a hungry bear, it all smells like it might be something to eat. It's always worth the time to take full precautions to keep yourself and wildlife safe.

Can you hike Yosemite in sneakers?

They are all well trodden trails, fine with regular running shoes. Your road running shoes should be fine. It will put more wear and tear on the shoe but you aren't planning to go far so no big deal.

Is it OK to drink tap water in Yosemite?

Our water is perfectly safe to drink, bath and swim in, but we recommend that you bring bottled water for drinking, due to the fact that our water has a high mineral content.

Are mosquitoes bad in Yosemite?

The risk for mosquito activity is extremely high. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when spending time outdoors to prevent bites.

Can you swim in Yosemite waterfalls?

Be careful of sharp underwater objects or slippery rocks (aqua shoes are helpful), and of course, never swim above or directly below waterfalls. Mountain water is often very cold, so avoid prolonged exposure causing hypothermia and always use extreme caution when swimming in Yosemite with children.

Do I need bear spray in Yosemite?

Make sure you know before you go. In national parks where grizzlies live, such as Glacier or Grand Teton, rangers encourage you to carry bear spray. In others, such as Yosemite, where only black bears live, bear spray is not even permitted.

How do I prepare for Yosemite hike?

What should I be careful of in Yosemite?

Stay away from river and creek banks during high water conditions and avoid rock hopping. Stream polished rocks along the water's edge may be slippery when wet or dry. If you choose to cross a stream without a bridge, avoid deep and/or swift water.

Can I bring food into Yosemite?

You may store food inside your car or truck (out of sight, with windows completely closed) only during daylight hours. You may not leave food in a pickup truck bed or strapped to the outside of a vehicle at any time. Do not store food in your car or truck after dark: use a food locker.

Are there mountain lions in Yosemite?

Mountain lions—also called cougars, pumas or panthers—roam Yosemite's mountains and valleys. These important predators, native to the Americas, are a natural part of the Yosemite landscape.