Yosemite National Park offers several options for overnight parking for wilderness permit holders, including the Backpackers Campground in Yosemite Valley, White Wolf, and Hetch Hetchy. Understanding these options is crucial for planning a successful and hassle-free trip to this iconic national park.
Yosemite Valley Backpackers Campground
The Yosemite Valley Backpackers Campground is a popular choice for overnight parking for wilderness permit holders. Located behind the North Pines Campground, this campground is open from mid-April to early-October. It features vault toilets, but no potable water is available on-site. Overnight parking is not permitted at The Ahwahnee or North Pines Campground, but visitors can park at the trailhead parking or at Curry Village parking.
Tuolumne Meadows Campground
The Tuolumne Meadows Campground, including the backpackers campground, is closed through 2024 for renovations. This means that overnight parking options in this area of the park are limited during this time.
Parking Options for North Pines Campground Reservations
For those with reservations at North Pines Campground, which allows for 2 cars, a third car can be left overnight at the dirt parking lot at Curry Village or along the road by Lower Pines. Alternatively, visitors can leave their car in a foothill town like Mariposa, Midpines, or Oakhurst, which have overnight “park and ride” lots for the YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System). This option is recommended as it does not take a valuable spot from someone else trying to enjoy the valley, where parking is a significant issue.
Trailhead Parking
Parking is available at or near most trailheads, and visitors can park their cars for the duration of their hike unless otherwise posted. In Yosemite Valley, parking for wilderness permit holders is available only at the trailhead parking lot just beyond Curry Village. A shuttle bus stop is nearby, and a free shuttle bus can take visitors to other trailheads around Yosemite Valley.
Overnight Parking Restrictions
It is important to note that sleeping in your car or RV overnight in a parking lot or along the side of the road is not allowed in Yosemite National Park. Visitors must remove all food, drinks, toiletries, trash, and other scented items from their cars, as bears may be attracted to these items. Vehicles containing food after dark may be impounded and/or cited.
Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road Overnight Parking
Overnight parking on the Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road beyond Badger Pass is prohibited beginning October 15 each year until the roads reopen the following spring. No shuttle service is available, except for the Glacier Point Tour, which stops only at Glacier Point.
In conclusion, Yosemite National Park offers several options for overnight parking for wilderness permit holders, each with its own unique considerations. By understanding these options and following the park’s regulations, visitors can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in this stunning natural wonder.
References:
– Yosemite National Park Backpackers Campground
– Reddit Discussion on Overnight Parking
– Yosemite National Park Trailhead Parking
– Tripadvisor Discussion on Overnight Parking
– Yosemite Village Parking