What kind of shoes should I wear to Yosemite?


What kind of shoes should I wear to Yosemite? Especially around the waterfalls, Yosemite trails will have standing water and slippery areas. To be prepared for all occasions, it's best to invest in a reliable pair of waterproof hiking shoes. If you plan on hiking during the winter, you will want to invest in a pair of winter hiking boots.


Do you need walking boots for Yosemite?

A sturdy pair of hiking boots or runners will protect your feet and ensure maximum comfort while you're exploring on foot. Try to bring a pair of boots that support your ankle and have decent grip to prevent slips and trips. If you're buying new boots, make sure you break them in before you go.


What is the best day of the week to go to Yosemite?

Plan trips during the mid-week - Yosemite Valley is most popular on weekends and holidays, which can mean significant traffic congestion, especially on Saturdays. To avoid crowds, consider planning a trip to Yosemite Monday through Thursday.


Can I wear shorts in Yosemite?

No matter which season you are planning to visit Yosemite, layers will be important. During the spring, summer, or fall, we recommend wearing a base of shorts and a tank top or t-shirt then layering from there. Cargo pants that have removable sections are great.


How much money should I bring to Yosemite?

You should plan to spend around $130 per day on your vacation in Yosemite National Park, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, $40 on meals for one day and $41 on local transportation.


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.


How do you pack food for Yosemite?

Do not store food in your car or truck after dark: use a food locker. Remember to clear your car of food wrappers, crumbs in baby seats, and baby wipes--and even canned food and drinks. Think about packing all your food and related items together for easy removal from your car upon arriving in Yosemite.


How should I dress for Yosemite?

Be sure that you have breathable layers, including a waterproof lightweight jacket, a mid-layer long sleeve shirt for both sun coverage and warmth, and a baselayer such as a tank or t-shirt for when it gets hot. Opt for sports fabric over cotton. Jeans or denim of any sort are not recommended.


How early should I get to Yosemite?

Yosemite is very busy this summer! Any time spring through fall, one- to four-hour delays are possible at entrance stations. It's best to arrive by 8 am or in the afternoon to avoid delays.


Can you carry food in Yosemite?

You are required by federal regulations to store all your food properly throughout Yosemite National Park. You must have your food stored unless it's within arm's reach (so, don't go for a swim or take a nap while leaving food out).


What should I wear in Yosemite right now?

During the spring, summer, or fall, we recommend wearing a base of shorts and a tank top or t-shirt then layering from there. Cargo pants that have removable sections are great. You can start the day with long pants and simply unzip a section as the temperatures warm.


Is hiking in Yosemite difficult?

It's a big undertaking and requires a permit, but hiking to the top of Half Dome is one of the bucket list challenges in Yosemite. This hike is not for the faint hearted and we don't recommend anyone taking this on without some training.


Do you 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.


Do you need Microspikes in Yosemite?

Yosemite Valley: The Valley doesn't usually have sufficient snow for skiing or snowshoeing, but sometimes conditions will require microspikes or snowshoes in the higher elevations of hikes that start out in the Valley, you can always check with a ranger beforehand to find out the current conditions.


How do I prepare for Yosemite hiking?

Here are some quick tips to help you be safe while hiking in Yosemite:
  1. Carry a headlamp on every hike, even short day hikes.
  2. Carry and drink plenty of water (a minimum of 1 quart every 2 hours)
  3. Sturdy footwear with good traction might save an ankle.


Does Yosemite get cold at night?

Daytime temperatures in Yosemite Valley sometimes reach 100°F during summer, while nights are cool. Temperatures in Tuolumne Meadows (8,600 feet) in mid-summer are usually in the 70s in the daytime and in the 30s at night.