Where Can I Park for Backpacking Camping in Yosemite?

By Alice Nichols

Yosemite National Park provides plenty of opportunities for backpacking and camping, including a wide range of options for parking. With its grand vistas, imposing granite walls, cascading waterfalls, and inviting meadows, Yosemite is an ideal destination for outdoor adventures. Whether you’re visiting the park for a weekend or planning a multi-day backpacking trip, there are plenty of places to park your car and pitch your tent.

If you’re looking for a place to park when camping in Yosemite, your first option is the Yosemite Valley Parking Lot. This lot is the closest parking area to many of Yosemite’s most popular destinations and activities, including hiking trails, campgrounds, and other attractions. The parking lot has ample space to accommodate cars of all sizes and is open 24 hours a day.

For those looking for more remote backpacking locations in Yosemite National Park, there are several other parking lots available. The Glacier Point Parking Lot, located near the iconic viewpoint overlooking Half Dome and Yosemite Valley, offers easy access to some of the park’s most scenic trails.

The Tuolumne Meadows Parking Lot provides access to the High Sierra region of the park—a great spot for experienced backpackers looking for more solitude and challenging terrain.

If you plan on staying overnight in any of Yosemite’s designated wilderness areas, you will need to find an appropriate place to leave your vehicle. The Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station Parking Lot, located near the entrance gate at Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, is one place where you can leave your car before heading out into the wilderness. Be sure to follow all posted regulations when leaving your vehicle unattended in any part of Yosemite National Park.

Overall, there are plenty of options when it comes to finding a place to park while backpacking in Yosemite National Park. Whether you plan on exploring the valley floor or heading into one of its remote wilderness areas, there are several parking lots that provide easy access to some of the most incredible scenery in California.

Conclusion:
No matter where you decide to explore in Yosemite National Park during your backpacking trip, there are plenty of car parks available that provide easy access to various destinations within the park. To ensure that your vehicle is safe while you’re away adventuring in nature’s playground be sure to follow all regulations posted by Yosemite National Park when leaving your car unattended.