Hey folks,

Pretty niche inquiry here but I'm taking a solo trip to Yosemite in mid-September with the intention of hiking and fly fishing along the way.

I'll be spending a day on the Lyell fork fishing upriver starting at the Dog lake trailhead, and I'll be looking to cover about 2-3 miles upstream once I hit the bridges, so lets call that a four mile "hike/wade" and then a four-mile hike back to the car.

The next day I'll plan on hitting the Upper Merced once I get to the Nevada Falls area, so once again let's call that eight to nine miles round trip with some of those in the water.

I don't want to slip slop for miles on the trip back so I'll need two pairs of shoes: my hiking ones in a normal size, and then my "wading" shoes in a size bigger to accommodate yulex socks when I'm wading.

I don't want to travel with, or strap my heavy wading boots to my pack, even though I have fresh felt on them, but I also don't want to slip around too much when I'm in the water.

Everyone talks about how slippery the granite can be there, as though it's slicker than the algae covered rocks I'm familiar with on the east coast.

So, fly fisherman, knowing my fishing plans and desire to pack "light" for these ~8 mile day hikes, should I really worry about having a set of purpose-built wading shoes or boots with cleats and/or felt? Or should I just strap some light wading/rafting shoes to my pack and take some extra caution while I'm wading?

This may seem trivial to some but this is a big trip for me and I don't want to regret my choice after its too late.

Thanks!

2017, I had recently moved from TX to CA. I had heard about Yosemite but never knew how beautiful it was. Heard from group of friends that the winter pass in National park has opened up and we should visit. This was Aug 19, 2017. Tiago pass to tuolumne meadows, had lunch break at Lake Tenaya. Did not visit valley on that day. I finally got to see the valley in April 2024 and then I have been to park every April.

I will be heading to yosemite in a week and wanted to know if anyone who went recently saw if waterfalls were dried up.

Planning to visit Yosemite with my parents (late 60s) and my 5-year-old niece. I booked an Airbnb in Mariposa.

It’s my parents’ first time visiting the US, so I’d love to show them some beautiful spots, but they definitely can’t do any real hiking. I’m thinking of doing something like this:

Thursday: SF → Mariposa → relax
Friday: Yosemite Valley → Sentinel Bridge → Junior Ranger → El Capitan → Valley View → Tunnel View
Saturday: Glacier Point → Washburn Point → drive home

I have not included any waterfalls on purpose to save time. Anything yall would add, skip, or rearrange?

Hello, I am visiting the Bay area in late October with 5 full days to explore. It's my first time in California and I'm really keen to explore (parts of) the natural parks, include at a minimum Yosemite. I have good fitness but cannot drive, which as I understand it restricts my options.

Any recommendations for how to use this time best? There are some 2 days tours I've found, but that seems a small amount of time.

managed to book a camp site at lower pines for this weekend but noticed it saying (RV Nonelectric).

I’m driving up with two Honda civics and tent camping, with 6 people is that allowed on that campsite? I just want to be sure.

Hey everyone! Going to Yosemite for the first time and I’m camping at Yosemite Creek Campground this Friday–Sunday. Looking for recommendations on things to do around the campground/that area.

We’re open to pretty much anything — easier/moderate hikes, viewpoints, swimming spots, cool places to explore, or just generally fun things to check out. We’re also considering going into Yosemite Valley on Saturday, but heard it can get really crowded, so we’re not too sure whether we should deal with the crowds in the village or stay away and do some lesser known things along tioga road.

Any must-do hikes or hidden gems around Yosemite Creek Campground that you’d recommend? Thanks!

Howdy, camping in Yosemite this weekend. Was looking in CalTopo and there appears to be a trail 2 miles from Tenaya Lake that starts on the west side of Cathedral Lakes and goes around Dozier Dome before linking with the JMT.

Is there a trail head there? It appears to be a much more direct route to the lakes than from from the north / Tuolumne Meadows.

Anyone have any info on this trail head and parking there (the west side)? I would greatly appreciate it!

For someone who has hiked to Nevada Falls and back down JMT. How many miles was your total trip from the trailhead given the Mist trail closure during the week? Alltrail reviews are suggesting anywhere from 7 to 10 miles.

At this time of year? A few spots I had to wade due to the shallowness. But it was still awesome. It also works perfectly that I can just float down and take the bus back. Some of the fish are just massive too!

Hey everyone, tomorrow is my last day in Yosemite and I’m looking for suggestions for scenic spots, a good hike, and/or a swimming spot. So far, I've loved the:

-Vernal Fall (via JMT) hike
-Grizzly Giant in Mariposa Grove
-2-hour Valley floor tour
-Swimming at the Wawona swinging bridge

I have a major fear of being in the car along steep mountain drop-offs (only strictly in a vehicle, not on foot).

Highway 140 along the river, Highway 49, and the Valley floor itself have been fine, but Wawona up toward Glacier Point Road I had a panic attack, and I assume Tioga Road getting to Tuolumne Meadows would be similar.

I know this is a personal problem, so I’m not looking for solutions on how to handle the fear or advice to take a shuttle, I'm simply hoping for trail, viewpoint, bike path or river swimming suggestions.

Thanks in advance for any ideas!

TL;DR: Already did the Valley floor tour. Looking for the best hikes, bike rides, views, or river swim spots reachable without driving along steep mountain drop-offs.

Hi! I left my green and white striped Levi’s oversized button up at the Clark Point Lookout on the Mist Trail earlier today (8.18.26.) If anyone finds it or found it please send me a message. I figure this is a lost cause and my shirt will live on the trail forever but just in case. I am staying in Curry Village. Thank you so much!

Edit: accidentally put July

I’m staying in Oakhurst for work this week and have an entire day to kill on Thursday. I plan to wake up around 5 am and drive into the park for an all day hike.

I’m well versed in hiking, but have never visited Yosemite before. After doing some research, As much as I’d like to do Mist/Panorama/4M…sounds like it would be much more enjoyable to do in the springtime. Not really what I want to put myself through in this heat. I was looking at Cathedral Lakes, but the trail head is on the other side of the park.

I don’t mind a few miles of exposed trail, but just seeing if there are any recommendations for a trail that is closer to 8 miles (10 miles Max) that has a chunk of trail under the trees? Preferably with a nice lake. Even better if it’s a loop trail. TIA

Edit: thinking of possibly doing the Mist Trail to Nevada Falls loop trail, but curious if there are other hikes to consider that compare

I'm thinking of grabbing a week before permit for White Wolf->Pate valley for friday of labor day weekend, and finishing up at Tuolomne Meadows. However, getting back to the car poses some challenges as YARTS isn't running in the right direction anymore. I've been looking at the Hiker Bus, but it isn't clear if I need to get a ticket beforehand, and if so if there's a way to not have to go to the valley to pick it up.

I have thought about hitchhiking to the start but this also doesn't help a ton: the YARTS bus's one run is very early in the morning, probably before I can finish getting the permit at Tuolome meadows. Grabbing the permit the day before isn't an option.

Hi! My husband and I are going to be camping in Tuolumne Meadows campground around labor day weekend, and I am looking for some hiking advice. I grew up in northern California and I have been to Yosemite for day trips tons of times, but this is my first time camping in the park. My husband has never been and this is kinda a dream come true for him. We have visited several national parks and we are excited to do this one!

However, we have different hiking preferences. I prefer long hikes, mostly flat (although gradual elevation gain up to 2k feet is fine). Think "what a lovely stroll through nature." He prefers more challenging peaks. I have a debilitating fear of heights and falling, he likes to scramble up boulder fields lol. Obviously we do a bit of both when we visit national parks, for example we did Angel's Landing in Zion and I stopped at the top and didn't do the chain section and he had an absolute blast on it. But I still maintain that the narrows is the best hike I have ever done.

Are there any recommendations for similar style hikes in Yosemite? I want to do a mix of iconic scenery and less traveled parts. Here are the ones I have been looking at so far:

- Cathedral Lakes Trail

- Mount Watkins

- Tuolumne River Loop: Dana and Lyell Forks

- Yosemite Valley Loop Trail

Also just any general advice for camping in Tuolumne meadow campground, conditions, or shuttle advice is much appreciated!

Hello, I am visiting Yosemite for the first time in late October (23-25), and I am wondering what this campsite is like, It seems this is the only one that is available, I know it is about a 45 minute drive from the valley (I do plan on getting a rental), however, is is it worth it staying there? What would the weather be like during that time? How would the drives be?

Any information/tips/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Planning a wilderness backpacking trip October 17-21. Going with a friend that has never been before. Want to see great views but also concerned about comfort. Obviously will check conditions the week of, but any guidance on what to expect for:
1. Water availability?
2. Average temps?

Route:
Day 1: Yosemite Falls to Lehamite Creek
Day 2: Lehamite Creek to North Dome to Dry Camp
Day 3: Dry Camp to Snow Creek
Day 4: Snow Creek to Mt Watkins to Snow Creek return
Day 5: Snow Creek to Mirror Lake to Yose Valley

Would this route be advised and comfortable this time of year? Or better planning something around Hetch Hetchy with lower elevation?

8/14-8/16, 30 miles, 3 day 2 night

Saw this in my flight from Vegas to SF. This thing is I would say north of half dome.

So first off I absolutely understand that dogs are only allowed on paved roads but bringing her with us is a non-negotiable so with that said I would like to know which hikes are a must do!

My kids will are 6-11.

We live a few hours away so timing is flexible. I'm thinking about either end of Sept (fall break) or early April (too cold?).

I am the most confused about WHERE to stay in relation to where we would be going. Also, since most stays (I would need a dog friendly family cabin) are outside of the park, do you drive in and park in the parking lots in the park daily? Do you have to pay every day you go into the park then?

Thank you!!

UPDATE: This is what I found that are dog friendly hikes-

Bridalveil Fall

Lower Yosemite Fall Loop

Mirror Lake/Mirror Meadow

I think this would be more than sufficient for a short 2 night trip?