What to Pack Depends on Your Trip
Yosemite National Park covers a wide range of elevations, from the valley floor to high granite country. Your packing list depends on your activity, your lodging, the length of your trip, and the season. A day hiker staying in a lodge needs very different gear than someone backpacking for several nights.
This list starts with items almost every visitor needs, then adds sections for car camping, backpacking, and each season. Conditions and rules change, so confirm current information with the National Park Service before you travel.
Core Items for Every Visitor
- Layers. Weather can change quickly, and mornings and evenings are usually cooler than midday.
- Sturdy footwear with good traction. Granite can be slippery, especially when wet or dusty.
- Water bottles or a hydration system. Carry more than you think you need on exposed trails.
- Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and lip balm with SPF.
- Snacks and food for the day.
- Map and offline navigation. Cell service is limited in many parts of the park, so download maps before you arrive and consider a paper map.
- Daypack large enough for water, food, and an extra layer.
- Headlamp with fresh batteries, in case a hike takes longer than planned.
- Basic first-aid kit, including blister care.
- Reservations, permits, and park entry information, saved offline.
Clothing
A layering system is the most reliable approach:
- Base layers: Moisture-wicking shirts in synthetic fabric or merino wool. Avoid cotton for hiking.
- Mid-layers: A fleece or lightweight insulated jacket.
- Outer layers: A waterproof, windproof shell, plus rain pants if rain or snow is possible.
- Bottoms: Quick-drying hiking pants or shorts.
- Accessories: Warm hat, light gloves, and a neck gaiter or buff for cooler months.
- Socks: Wool or synthetic hiking socks. Bring spares.
Day Hike Additions
For most day hikes (see our easy Yosemite Valley hikes for ideas), add to your core items:
- A water filter or purification tablets if you plan to refill from streams, as a backup rather than a replacement for carrying water
- A whistle and a small multi-tool
- Insect repellent in warmer months
- Trekking poles for steep or uneven sections
- Traction devices such as microspikes if snow or ice is possible on your route
If your plans include the cables on Half Dome, a permit is required and rules apply, so check the park’s current guidance. Many hikers carry sturdy gloves for gripping the cables. See mountains to climb in California for how Half Dome compares with other peaks.
Car Camping Additions
If you are camping at a developed campground:
- Tent with a rainfly, and a footprint or ground tarp
- Sleeping bag rated for the night temperatures you expect, and an insulated sleeping pad
- Camp stove, fuel, lighter, cookware, and utensils
- Headlamps or lanterns
- Camp chairs and a small table, if you want them
- Trash bags to pack out waste
- Camp shoes and a quick-dry towel
Backpacking Additions
For overnight trips in the wilderness, a wilderness permit is required (our best backpacking trails in California guide has route ideas). Beyond the day hiking items, consider:
- Backpack sized for your trip length
- Lightweight shelter, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad
- Stove, fuel, and lightweight cookware
- Water filter or treatment
- Extra food beyond your planned meals
- Navigation tools you know how to use
- Trowel and waste bags, following current wilderness rules
- Power bank for your phone
Food Storage and Wildlife
Black bears live in Yosemite, and storing food properly protects both you and the animals. Park rules generally require that food and scented items not be left in a vehicle or unattended. In campgrounds and trailhead parking areas, food storage lockers are commonly provided. Backpackers are required to carry an approved bear-resistant food canister, which can be borrowed or rented through the park. Check the park’s current food storage rules before your trip.
If you are wondering whether you can carry food in your backpack while hiking, yes, that is normal for day trips. The rules focus on keeping food secured when you are not with it, and on not leaving it in vehicles or campsites.
What Is Not Allowed
Rules change, so check the official website for your dates. Commonly restricted items and activities in national parks include:
- Feeding or approaching wildlife
- Leaving food unattended
- Collecting plants, rocks, or artifacts
- Flying drones in most national park areas
- Campfires outside of designated rings and during fire restrictions
Season-by-Season Notes
Spring
Waterfalls are often at their fullest, and weather can be unsettled. Pack waterproof layers, warm clothing for cool mornings, and waterproof footwear. Some trails may still have snow or ice.
Summer
Days can be hot, especially at lower elevations. Pack sun protection, extra water, and lightweight breathable clothes. Afternoon thunderstorms can occur at higher elevations, so carry a rain shell. Mosquitoes can be common near water in early summer.
Fall
Days are often pleasant, but nights get colder and conditions can change. Pack warm layers, a hat, and gloves. Daylight gets shorter, so a headlamp matters.
Winter
Pack insulated and waterproof layers, warm boots, gloves, and a hat. Roads can be icy, and the park may require carrying tire chains in winter conditions. Check current road and chain requirements before driving, and carry chains if they are advised. If you plan to snowshoe or ski, bring or rent appropriate equipment.
How to Dress Right Now
A simple way to decide what to wear on the day is to check the forecast for your start time and for the highest point on your route, then add one more warm layer than seems necessary. You can always carry it in your pack.
Planning Beyond Yosemite
If you are building a longer mountain trip, the mountain vacation packing list covers lodging and town clothing in more detail. If you are heading to the Eastern Sierra after Yosemite, see our Mount Whitney gear list for high-altitude considerations.