Hiking Poles: While hiking poles aren't always necessary, they come in handy on long hikes, especially when a lot of elevation gain is involved.
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They are all well trodden trails, fine with regular running shoes. Your road running shoes should be fine. It will put more wear and tear on the shoe but you aren't planning to go far so no big deal.
A sturdy pair of hiking boots or runners will protect your feet and ensure maximum comfort while you're exploring on foot. Try to bring a pair of boots that support your ankle and have decent grip to prevent slips and trips. If you're buying new boots, make sure you break them in before you go.
It's a big undertaking and requires a permit, but hiking to the top of Half Dome is one of the bucket list challenges in Yosemite. This hike is not for the faint hearted and we don't recommend anyone taking this on without some training.
Make sure you know before you go. In national parks where grizzlies live, such as Glacier or Grand Teton, rangers encourage you to carry bear spray. In others, such as Yosemite, where only black bears live, bear spray is not even permitted.
These two mighty waterfalls form a cascade in which the Merced River flows down into the valley and create what is called the “giant staircase.” Another one of our hidden gems in Yosemite, Illilouette Fall can be glimpsed from the legendary Mist Trail, but to really get a good view of it, you need to do some hiking.
Always keep your food within arm's reach and don't turn your back to your food; never leave food unattended. Bears may investigate picnic areas or backpacks for food even in your presence, so be alert.
For the best “bang for your buck,” do exercises that use your large muscle groups, perform four to six exercises in a row, and alternate between a lower body, upper body push, upper body pull, and core exercise. Repeat three to five times with no rest between exercises, rest one to two minutes between sets.
You are required by federal regulations to store all your food properly throughout Yosemite National Park. You must have your food stored unless it's within arm's reach (so, don't go for a swim or take a nap while leaving food out).
Seeing one of the approximately 300 to 500 black bears in Yosemite can evoke excitement, awe, and fear. If visitors spot a bear while in the park, it is a black bear-not a brown or grizzly bear.
Stay away from river and creek banks during high water conditions and avoid rock hopping. Stream polished rocks along the water's edge may be slippery when wet or dry. If you choose to cross a stream without a bridge, avoid deep and/or swift water.
Yosemite is home to countless waterfalls. The best time to see waterfalls is during spring, when most of the snowmelt occurs. Peak runoff typically occurs in May or June, with some waterfalls (including Yosemite Falls) often only a trickle or completely dry by August.
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.
Be careful of sharp underwater objects or slippery rocks (aqua shoes are helpful), and of course, never swim above or directly below waterfalls. Mountain water is often very cold, so avoid prolonged exposure causing hypothermia and always use extreme caution when swimming in Yosemite with children.
Mountain lions—also called cougars, pumas or panthers—roam Yosemite's mountains and valleys. These important predators, native to the Americas, are a natural part of the Yosemite landscape.