Yosemite National Park offers over 12 miles of paved bike paths in Yosemite Valley, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the park on two wheels. With a speed limit of 15 mph, these bike trails offer a scenic and eco-friendly way to experience the natural beauty of Yosemite.
Bike Rentals and Bike Share Program
Bicycles are available for rent in Yosemite Valley at Curry Village, Yosemite Village, and Yosemite Valley Lodge on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are only available for ADA bicycles (hand-crank bicycles, and tandem bicycles for visually impaired guests). The free Yosemite Bike Share program, which opens in late spring, allows visitors to use bikes for short trips (up to two hours) within Yosemite Valley.
To use the Yosemite Bike Share, visitors can download the free app, unlock a bike at one of the designated stations, and return the bike to the same station when finished. This eco-friendly option provides a convenient way to explore the park without the need for a personal vehicle.
Regulations and Recommendations
When exploring Yosemite’s bike trails, there are a few important regulations and recommendations to keep in mind:
- Helmets are required by law for children under 18 years of age.
- E-bikes with two or three wheels, fully operable pedals, and electric motors less than 750 watts (1 horsepower) are allowed everywhere bicycles are allowed.
- Electric scooters are permitted on the bike paths (adhering to the 15mph speed limit) but not on park roads.
- Off-trail riding, mountain biking, and the use of motorized scooters on bike paths are not permitted in Yosemite National Park.
Bike Trails and Routes
Yosemite National Park offers several bike trails and routes for visitors to explore. Some of the popular options include:
Wawona | Swinging Bridge
- 4 miles round trip
Wawona | Meadow Loop
- 3.5 mile loop
Yosemite Valley
- See the current Yosemite Guide newspaper for areas where bikes are permitted
It’s important to note that bikes are not allowed on dirt trails in Yosemite, except for the Wawona Meadow Loop. If you’re unsure about the bike-friendliness of a particular trail, it’s best to contact the nearest visitor center for more information.
Fees and Reservations
There is a fee associated with bike rentals in Yosemite Valley. Reservations are only available for ADA bicycles (hand-crank bicycles, and tandem bicycles for visually impaired guests). Bike rentals are typically available from spring through fall, but the bike paths may not always be cleared from snow in the winter, making them difficult or impossible to ride on, depending on the conditions.
Exploring Yosemite National Park on two wheels is a fantastic way to experience the park’s natural beauty and reduce your carbon footprint. By following the regulations, taking advantage of the bike rental and bike share options, and choosing from the various bike trails and routes, visitors can enjoy a unique and eco-friendly adventure in this iconic national park.
References
- Biking – Yosemite Valley – National Park Service. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/biking.htm
- Ride a bike in Yosemite Valley – National Park Service. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/bikingyosemite.htm
- Biking Trails inside Yosemite National Park | yosemitethisyear.com. Retrieved from https://www.yosemitethisyear.com/account/biking-trails-inside-yosemite-national-park