The water in Yellowstone looks pristine and clear, but don't be fooled to think that it is clean and safe to drink on it's own. Because of the park's immense wildlife populations, there are animals constantly drinking, defecating and dying in and around these waters.
To protect yourself from disease, treat any river or lake water before drinking. The most reliable way to disinfect water is to boil it for three minutes. Other options include: Use a filter rated to remove bacteria and protozoa (1 micron or smaller filter).
There are long lines (1-3 hours) on weekend mornings, and parking in the valley will fill up and be detoured sometime between 8-10am. These issues are much less during the week.
Besides the outdoor pools available to the public during summer at Curry Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge, swimming is generally permitted in all bodies of water in the park.
Horsetail Fall is a small, ephemeral waterfall that flows over the eastern edge of El Capitan in Yosemite Valley. For two weeks in February, the setting sun striking the waterfall creates a deep orange glow.
Showers are available at the Curry Village pool showerhouse for a fee. Showers are not available elsewhere in the park. Dump stations are available at Upper Pines Campground (all year), near Wawona Campground (summer only), and near Tuolumne Meadows Campground (summer only).
Each year, park rangers and search and rescue personnel respond to approximately 250 emergency incidents in the park. Here are some quick tips to help you be safe while hiking in Yosemite: Carry a headlamp on every hike, even short day hikes. Carry and drink plenty of water (a minimum of 1 quart every 2 hours)
Yosemite National Park offers a range of swimming opportunities—from rivers and lakes to our family-friendly pools, which are the only swimming places in Yosemite with lifeguards. River and lake swimming is at-your-own-risk. Life jackets are strongly recommended—especially for children.
Of course, we got down and hands and knees and drank, and the water tasted just like carbonated water. We recommend taking a cup if you plan to drink. After you cross the bridge, the trail branches to make a loop where you can see the buildings and the springs.
Are there alcohol or marijuana restrictions? Alcoholic beverages are not provided, however some adults bring beer or wine to share with the group in the evenings. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted for those under 21 years of age.
Price: FreeWaterBalance will help you track and increase your daily water intake by calculating how much water you need, tracking what you drink, and gently reminding you when to drink.