Where Can I Park for Backpacking in Yosemite Valley?

By Anna Duncan

Yosemite Valley is one of the most beautiful places in the world and a perfect destination for any backpacking trip. With its stunning waterfalls, towering granite walls and lush meadows, Yosemite Valley is a hiker’s paradise. But before you set out on your adventure, it’s important to know where you can park for backpacking in Yosemite Valley.

Whether you’re camping overnight or spending just a few hours in Yosemite Valley, there are several great places to park your car. The most popular option is the Lower Pines Campground parking lot.

This large lot has plenty of room for cars and can accommodate up to 40 vehicles. It’s located right next to the campground and provides easy access to the trails in the area.

Another great option for backpacking in Yosemite Valley is the Upper Pines Campground parking lot. This lot is much smaller than the Lower Pines Campground lot but still offers plenty of space for cars and small RVs. It’s located near the campground and is close to some of the more popular trails in Yosemite Valley.

If you don’t want to pay for camping or spend money on parking fees, there are several free parking lots throughout Yosemite Valley that you can use instead. The most popular one is located at El Capitan Meadow, which offers plenty of space for cars and RVs alike. There are also several other free lots scattered throughout the valley, such as at Bridalveil Fall Viewpoint and Happy Isles Nature Center that offer great views as well as convenient access to some of Yosemite’s most popular trails.

No matter which option you choose, it’s important to remember that overnight parking is not permitted in any of these lots or anywhere else within Yosemite Valley. You must park your car outside of the park or find an alternative means of transportation if you plan on staying overnight in Yosemite Valley.

Conclusion:

When planning a backpacking trip to Yosemite Valley, it’s important to know where you can park your car safely and legally. The Lower Pines Campground parking lot and Upper Pines Campground parking lot both offer plenty of room for cars and RVs alike while El Capitan Meadow, Bridalveil Fall Viewpoint and Happy Isles Nature Center all offer free parking with easy access to some of California’s most beautiful trails. However, it’s important to remember that overnight parking is not permitted anywhere within Yosemite Valley so alternative means of transportation should be considered if staying overnight is part of your plan.