Reservations can be made up to 24 weeks in advance. If you have a wilderness permit for Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley or Glacier Point to Little Yosemite Valley, you must camp in Little Yosemite Valley campground on the first night (and may camp there on subsequent nights) of your hike. Additionally, due to increased popularity of the Snow Creek Cabin, a quota (six people per night) is in effect. Located in California's beautiful eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Inyo National Forest offers challenging trails, high mountain peaks, and unparalleled views. You must pick up a wilderness permit at the permit station closest to your starting point (when these permit stations are closed for the season, permits are available on a self-registration basis). If you want to climb Half Dome, request a Half Dome Permit as part of your wilderness permit. This makes for a nice spot to refill your water and have a snack. If you are starting a hike from a trailhead located outside of Yosemite National Park, obtain your permit from the trailhead’s managing agency, even if camping in Yosemite. Hike up to Little Yosemite on day 1, then on day to do half dome and down to valley floor.. Can anyone help with the Wilderness permit-Do I need a wilderness permit to use Little Yosemite valley campground? Camping is not allowed between Yosemite Valley and Little Yosemite Valley, so you have to set up camp a minimum of two miles past the campground. Wilderness permit holders may spend one night prior to, and one night after, a backpacking trip in a backpackers' campground (summer only). Little Yosemite Valley to Illilouette permit: Looking for some advice on my backpacking trip itinerary. The Yosemite Wilderness has over 750 miles of trail to explore with a great range of elevation, ecological zones, and solitude. Camping is not permitted on top of Half Dome or at Lost Lake. Hello, glad I found this video, it seems to make a little more sense now, but I’m still a little stuck. Travel by vehicle or bus at any time during a wilderness itinerary invalidates the wilderness permit. Yosemite’s process for permits and how to get them is a little different than other National Parks; Yosemite has a limited number of permits per trailhead.The permit system is a lottery, you can apply 24 weeks before the start of your trip. Celebrate Yosemite Give Today. If you would like to camp here, you must get a permit for Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley or Glacier Point to Little Yosemite Valley. Though popular trailheads may fill up, there is always space available on other trailheads in the park. You do need a wilderness permit to camp in Little Yosemite Valley, but you don't need a campground reservation - if you've got the wilderness permit, you're allowed to camp here. For the past century, however, the land known today as Sunol Wildereness Regional Preserve was used almost exclusively as ranch land. A good planning process will enhance your understanding of the park and your safety. With this new info we got our permits for the loop with the idea that we would make a final decision on our climb up to Little Yosemite Valley (LYV). It's illegal to camp on the way there, behind half dome near lost lake, regardless of permit. In order to continue backpacking, you would need a new wilderness permit. Sixty percent of the daily quota of hiker slots may be reserved ahead of time, the other 40 percent are kept as first-come, first-served beginning at 11:00 AM the day before your hike. Reserved permits may be picked up at a wilderness office during business hours the day before your trip. There is no such exception for Yosemite Valley. A new online reservation form makes applying easy and quick. If you are starting at a trailhead in Yosemite and wish to camp outside of Yosemite during your Wilderness trip, you will only need to get a single wilderness permit from Yosemite. Be sure to arrive early early in the morning to beat the crowds or if you want to break up the hike, first-come, first served campsites are available at Little Yosemite Valley Campground - make sure to check out the details in that adventure and obtain a wilderness permit.Even if you are just day hiking, you'll still need a day hike permit.. About 5 minutes in you will start your ascent. The trail starts at the Happy Isles trailhead, and camping is situated next to a serene river, where you can restock water and relax in the soft sunset light before an early start. An alternate trail to Little Yosemite Valley begins at Glacier Point. The permit is only valid for the trip leader, trailheads, dates, and number of people specified on the permit. Wilderness permit reservations are processed by lottery 24 weeks (168 days) in advance of the hiking start date from mid-November through October. Overnight Camping at Little Yosemite Valley Campground. A one-night stop in the Tuolumne Meadows Backpackers Campground as part of an ongoing and continuous long-distance hiking permit. See Yosemite NP website: You’ll need a wilderness permit to access Little Yosemite Valley and spend the night at Little Yosemite Valley Campground. For more information, see Half Dome Permits for Backpackers. The Little Yosemite Campground is the most popular backcountry campground in the park. You can also speak to a wilderness ranger by calling 209/372-0826 (Monday through Friday, 9 am to noon and 1 to 4:30 pm, from March through early October). Yosemite Wilderness Permit Request Form The form is being prepared. This trail goes by North Pines Campground, Valley Horse Stables, Nature Center at Happy Isles, Sierra Point, Vernal Fall Footbridge, Vernal Fall, Emerald Pool, Silver Apron, Clark Point, and Nevada Fall. Exiting the wilderness at any time during a wilderness itinerary invalidates the wilderness permit. The church was moved to its current site in 1901. Permits are available one day in advance of your trip. If you have a permit for one of these two trailheads, you must spend your first night at Little Yosemite Valley Campground (no additional reservation or permit required). The information provided on this website is done so without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Reserved permits may be picked up the day before your hike or the day of your hike (by 10 AM) at a Wilderness Center in Yosemite Valley (near the post office). All reservations (same day and next day) and same-day unreserved permits may still be picked up when the wilderness center opens for the day. Free wilderness permits are required year-round for visitors wanting to spend the night in the backcountry. Something to note - if you get a permit for Little Yosemite Valley, you have to camp at the little Yosemite backpackers campground. Here's a pdf of estimated driving times around the park from Yosemite Valley Our first 2.3 miles on day two we repeated a portion of the trail we hiked up yesterday en route to Half Dome. The permit covers foot and equestrian use of the trail only. Backcountry Camping Permits If you plan to spend the night in the backcountry, you’ll first need to navigate Yosemite’s wilderness permit system. If your starting trailhead is outside Yosemite National Park, get your permit from the land agency that manages that trailhead. If you don’t wish to backpack in for the night, camping anywhere in Yosemite Valley will get you close enough to the trailhead of half dome to reach it the morning of. The Merced River is a short walk for COLD water, and the campground had pit toilets! If you are reasonable fit for hiking and take care to get acclimated to the altitude, it can be a joy every step of the way (with the possible exception of the long sandy level stretch through Little Yosemite Valley).I did it … Edit: My bad, the permit is for Happy Isles to Illilouette, not LYV to Illilouette. Please note: Little Yosemite Valley is a backpacker’s campground at mile 4.5 on the trail. You’ll need a wilderness permit to access Little Yosemite Valley and spend the night at Little Yosemite Valley Campground. The permit cost is $150 (if event monitoring is required, you will be charged an additional $50 per hour). Explore Inyo National Forest - Wilderness Permits in Inyo National Forest, California with Recreation.gov. Tom Harrison's Yosemite High Country Map covers all the important trails in Yosemite. The remaining 40 percent are available on a first-come, first-served basis no earlier than 11 am the day before your hike begins as long as permits are available. Such applications will be disqualified. Always confirm information with the service provider and check for any recent changes that You can still apply by phone or by mail, but online is far better. A Special Use Permit is required for any wedding or commitment ceremony held at any location within Yosemite National Park. Reservations can be made up to 24 weeks in advance. Permits must be picked up by 10:00 AM on the day of your trip. You can also camp if you want to go up Snake Dike, although it's a bit more contrived that way. The trails passes through meadows and forests, but expect to tackle very rocky, ankle-snapping sections of trail. There is a 30-night camping limit within Yosemite National Park in a calendar year; however, from May 1 to September 15, the camping limit in Yosemite is … Something to note - if you get a permit for Little Yosemite Valley, you have to camp at the little Yosemite backpackers campground. Trailhead quotas are in effect during winter. CLOSE . Once I arrived, I went to pick up my permit and got some lunch. Yosemite’s Secret Backpackers’ Campground. With photos. Don't expect peace and quiet. Use some of the resources you've found on this site, look at maps, and get planning! After that, the regular Yosemite wilderness permit system kicks in, so prospective hikers need to follow the same 24-weeks-plus-1-day system required for the regular overnight raffle. Day 1 – Happy Isles TH to Little Yosemite Valley Campground, side trip to the base of Half Dome ~12.5 miles. Camping at designated campsites along the Ohlone Wilderness Trail is allowed by advance reservation only (5 business days), and separate arrangements should be made by phoning 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757 , press option 2. The chapel continues to offer Sunday services. This service is especially helpful for those who have gotten a first-come, first-served permit the day before beginning their hike. A wilderness permit is not required for day hikes (unless hiking to Half Dome) or for staying in lodging facilities and frontcountry campgrounds. There are two exceptions: Can't find your question here? Unfortunately our permit was for “Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley” and the ranger made it clear that we were not to camp beyond that on the first night. Therefore, as part of the wilderness experience, park rangers can provide general guidance but will not plan a wilderness trip for you; you must plan your own trip. There's a Ranger Station nearby, that's not always staffed. The park uses a quota system per trailhead that limits the number of people who can camp in the backcountry on any given day. A wilderness permit is required for each party staying overnight at Little Yosemite Valley. Wilderness permit holders may spend one night before and one night after a wilderness trip in any one of these campgrounds. Little Yosemite Valley is the most popular region of Yosemite National Park, due to it’s proximity to the half dome hike. This mainly affects the most popular trailheads that fill up quickly each morning, such as Little Yosemite Valley trailheads, Lyell Canyon, Cathedral Lakes, among others. So, practically, it's not possible to get permits for popular trailheads except at the priority permit station. From November through April, wilderness permits are available without a reservation. This is my first trip trying … The trailhead information page has additional information, including quotas for each trailhead, parking information, and other details. Answer 1 of 9: I reserved two night in the little yosemite valley campground in order to do a hike to half dome several months ago. If the date or trailhead isn't listed, space is available for at least one person (but not necessarily for your entire group). The chapel was built in 1879. Little Yosemite Valley is the most popular region of Yosemite National Park, due to it’s proximity to the half dome hike. 40% of available permits are issued on a first come first … This is not a hike for folks looking for a leisurely stroll! 1 review of Little Yosemite Valley Campground "Cute little camping area in the backcountry, but not *too* far in the backcountry. 1 review of Little Yosemite Valley Campground "Cute little camping area in the backcountry, but not *too* far in the backcountry. You’ll need a wilderness permit to access Little Yosemite Valley and spend the night at Little Yosemite Valley Campground. You will receive your permit via email. Note the following important changes to the wilderness permit process for 2020: All permits for trips through October will be processed and distributed online. Reservations are available fewer than 168 days in advance (but not fewer than two days in advance), although popular trailheads fill up the first day reservations are available. Permit requests may be submitted online 169 days before your departure date. Only one permit is required. It's illegal to camp on the way there, behind half dome near lost lake, regardless of permit. You must go to the Valley Visitor Center to pick up a wilderness permit (if available) and current combination for the cabin's lock. We stayed in Little Yosemite Campground for three nights. If any of those 18 slots are not reserved, a permit for those available slots, along with 12 first-come, first-served slots, can be obtained beginning at 11 AM the day before your hike. If you have a permit for Happy Isles to Merced Lake or Glacier Point to Illilouette, you can not camp in the Little Yosemite Valley area … This section is a little gnarly, as one mis-step and you’re in for a nasty tumble. The campground has a bathroom and food storage boxes. After the first night, you may camp wherever you can hike to within the wilderness. Six slots can be reserved and 4 more are first-come, first-served. The trailheads report shows which trailheads are full for certain dates (as of the last-updated date shown at the top of the page). The use of bear canisters and bear boxes has changed that. Yosemite Wilderness Permit Process. These trailheads include Lyell Canyon, Cathedral Lakes, Rafferty Creek, those leading to Little Yosemite Valley, and others. Only one permit is required. Little Yosemite Valley is a smaller glacial valley upstream in the Merced River drainage from the Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park.The Merced River meanders through the 3.5 mi (5.6 km) long flat valley, draining out over Nevada Fall and Vernal Fall before emptying into the main Yosemite Valley. An email with your lottery results should be sent out within 2 days of the processing date. Priority for permits for a particular trailhead is given to the closest permit issuing station. The 6.5-mile Panorama Trail descends to Illiloutte Creek, climbs to Panorama Point, and descends again to the top of Nevada Fall. 415-434-1782. I then went to set up my tent in the backpacker’s campground before exploring the valley. Permit in hand, we were on the trail! Little Yosemite Valley Campgrounds is minimally developed and depends on the cooperation of campers to to keep it clean, safe, and functioning properly. Any backpacking permit allows you to stay in the Backpacker’s Campground one night before your departure date and one night after your return to the Valley. The hike up here was beautiful but strenuous. You’ll need a wilderness permit to access Little Yosemite Valley and spend the night at Little Yosemite Valley Campground. The exceptions are near the five High Sierra Camps and in the Little Yosemite Valley area, where you must you camp at the designated campgrounds. CLOSE . Submit your application as early as possible: popular trailheads fill up on the first day reservations are available and many other trailheads fill up almost as quickly. If you don’t wish to backpack in for the night, camping anywhere in Yosemite Valley will get you close enough to the trailhead of half dome to reach it the morning of. In late summer it’s easy to skip across the meager trickle of water, but during wet peri… This means that the priority permit station will not allow other permit stations to issue a permit for its trailheads until its morning line is cleared. Yosemite is a Gift Give Today . You can make camp here if you want to do Halfdome via the cables. The campgrounds cover a good chunk of the 700,000 acres of Yosemite National Park, and that means that campgrounds are seriously spread out. The cabin is closed at other times of the year. The permit cost is $150 (if event monitoring is required, you will be charged an additional $50 per hour). The crowds thinned out after we passed the popular waterfall and made our way to the Little Yosemite Valley campground. This is a moderate one way trail to Little Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park. Under the East Bay Regional Park District's multi-use land management policy, cattle continue to graze in the 6,859-acre wilderness. Office hours change, so check Yosemite Current Conditions Every effort is made to provide accurate and up to date information, but we cannot be responsible Trail Descriptions - Yosemite Valley. Wilderness permits are available from 3 days up to 168 days in advance of departure date when the permit office is open (mid-November through October). Common examples: Continuous travel is a condition of a wilderness itinerary in which the user travels from a Yosemite National Park entry trailhead to the exit trailhead during the dates specified in the permit. We stayed in Little Yosemite Campground for three nights. As you head further into Little Yosemite Valley, you eventually get a nice view of Half Dome and sub dome. Pro tip: Planning to hike the John Muir Trail? Your first step is to decide where you want to begin your overnight hike. You'll need a wilderness permit to stay in the Little Yosemite Valley campground. Yosemite Valley Chapel has been an operating church for more than 135 years. From Fresno: Yosemite Area Rapid Transit (YARTS) is offering 4 bus rides each direction from Fresno to Yosemite Valley. If you have a permit for another trailhead, you will have to camp elsewhere your first night, but you can stay in Little Yosemite Valley on subsequent nights. Yosemite bears are known as the most skilled food poachers in the Sierra, and Little Yosemite Valley bears were once the best in the park at snagging food hung from tree limbs. Little Yosemite Valley. This backpacking trip, be it your first or fortieth, is a uniquely protected opportunity to provide maximum freedom to roam in Wilderness. Read details at Wilderness Permit Reservations. No permit is required for day hikers. The cabin is generally open during the same time as the Badger Pass Ski Area, which is typically mid-December through March (as long as there is enough snow for skiing). Bear canisters are required in Yosemite National Park. Today you must specifically request this as part of your wilderness permit if you plan to include a side-trip to Half Dome. At the 8 mile mark, you pass the Little Yosemite Campground. Little Yosemite Valley is a designated backpackers' campground about 2,000 feet above Yosemite Valley's floor and just under four miles from the trailhead. Walk-in campgrounds are available seasonally in the Tuolumne Meadows Campground, at Hetch Hetchy, and behind North Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley. Glacier Point to Little Yosemite Valley; Sunrise Lakes; Between December and March, JMT hikers can apply online. may have been made. Celebrate Yosemite Give Today. This mainly affects the most popular trailheads that fill up quickly each morning, such as Little Yosemite Valley trailheads, Lyell Canyon and Cathedral Lakes. The Yosemite Valley Chapel is the oldest building open for public use in Yosemite. A permit is required to camp overnight in Little Yosemite Valley. Heading up Half Dome is a 7.2 mile round trip from Little Yosemite Valley, with another 2,700 ft of elevation gain.. We reached the shoulder, and climb the series of steep switchbacks with big steps carved into the granite. Yosemite Wilderness Permit Request Form The form is being prepared. Your Yosemite Makes a Difference Donate Now. I've called the rangers, the visitor center, and about 2 different numbers throughout this week, but it's very hard to get a hold of a live person over there, so I thought I would try to get my information elsewhere. If you will be arriving later than 10:00 AM, call (209) 372-0308. Free wilderness permits are required year-round for visitors wanting to spend the night in the backcountry. You can add another person to your wilderness permit reservation for an additional fee as long as space is still available for that trailhead. Reservations are not available. This process is subject to change based on COVID-19 situation in 2021. Wilderness permits are required in winter—but reservations aren't needed from November through April. Little Yosemite Valley is a designated backpackers' campground about 2,000 feet above Yosemite Valley's floor and just under four miles from the trailhead. A wilderness permit is required for each party camping overnight in the Yosemite wilderness. Re: Little Yosemite Valley campsite Author: Ken Paquia (63.87.39.---) Date: 06-02-04 11:15 Do you need a wilderness permit to camp at the Little Yosemite Valley? for errors or changes that may have occurred since publication. Walk to the back of the campground and across the footbridge to the camp. The campground was quite big, but only had a few tents when I arrived. A wilderness permit is required for each party staying overnight at Little Yosemite Valley. Even if you plan to spend every night of a Wilderness trip inside Yosemite but your entry trailhead is outside Yosemite, you do not get the permit from Yosemite. You can get a wilderness permit that allows you to camp, but you must hike Half Dome on date specified on your Half Dome permit. We ate dinner, relaxed and called it a night. This is the most manageable route from the west, at just under 12 miles (19 km) round trip with a 3,800 foot elevation gain - slightly shorter than the conventional Tioga Road route but about double the elevation gain. Contact us. A new online reservation form makes applying easy and quick. We gained about 2000 feet in 4.5 miles. This camp site had compost outhouses, a large river (the Merced river) and LOTS of flat camp sites. Crossing a road by means of traditional wilderness travel (by foot or with stock) in continuation of a wilderness itinerary. CLOSE . Heading up Half Dome is a 7.2 mile round trip from Little Yosemite Valley, with another 2,700 ft of elevation gain. Overnight Camping at Little Yosemite Valley Campground If you’re fortunate enough to get a Half Dome wilderness permit, you’ll spend the night at Little Yosemite Valley Campground. I'm planning a half dome hike at the end of Sept. Since it was winter, a portion of the Mist trail was closed, diverting us to the John Muir Trail. Bedrock mortars used by Native Americans for pounding acorns that were found in the area are reminders of Sunol's first inhabitants. From Yosemite Valley: Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley. A Special Use Permit is required for any wedding or commitment ceremony held at any location within Yosemite National Park. From approximately May through October, unreserved permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 11 am on the day before the intended hiking date. There's a Ranger Station nearby, that's not always staffed. The Merced River is a short walk for COLD water, and the campground had … You can make camp here if you want to do Halfdome via the cables. 415-434-1782. Walk-in Campground (Permit Required) (summer only) 16 Horse Trail osemite National Park Valley Floor Loop Full loop: 13 miles/20.9 km; 5 to 7 hours. You can get a wilderness permit that allows you to camp, but you must hike Half Dome on date specified on your Half Dome permit. So, in planning a trip, it is important to find the right experience for your interests, timeframe, and abilities. Fifty Half Dome permits may be reserved by backpackers each day and another 25 are available first-come, first-served. Located near the banks of the Merced River at 6,150 feet (1,870 meters), this is a terrific campground located roughly halfway between Yosemite Valley and Half Dome. I’m trying to plan a trip out now ideally from Glacier point to Little Yosemite campground, spend the night, climb half dome, and come out via the JMT (mist trail) and eventually back to the backpackers camp at Yosemite valley. A maximum quota of 18 overnight backpackers are admitted to Little Yosemite Valley from Happy Isles each day on reserved permits. This limit on the number of people staying at the cabin provides for visitor safety and preserves natural, cultural, and wilderness values. Kathy Morey and Mike White's Sierra Northhas long been the best resource for backpacking in Yosemite and surrounding areas. Early on in the hike, there are some watery obstacles. Yosemite is a Gift Give Today . CLOSE . Today, camping, picnicking, hiking … Hikers with other permits are not permitted to camp here. Little Yosemite Valley: Excellent Campground for Backcountry Campers - See 4 traveler reviews, candid photos, and great deals for Yosemite National Park, CA, at Tripadvisor. for the hours. Hiking Half Dome/Little Yosemite Valley permit 10/25-10/28 Hello everyone! We followed scores of day hikers up Vernal Falls. Priority for permits for a particular trailhead is given to the closest permit issuing station, though it is possible to obtain a permit for any trailhead at any permit issuing station. Little Yosemite Valley. To reach the Yosemite Valley Backpackers Camp get off at Curry Village and either walk or take a national park shuttle to North Pines Campground. Find the first day you may submit your online request by using Yosemite's chart: Wilderness Permits Reservation Windows. Hanging food is no longer permitted in Yosemite. You can still apply by phone or by mail, but online is far better. Reservations are not necessary. The cost is $5.00 per person per night. Of each daily quota for a trailhead, 60 percent can be reserved ahead of time. Here's my 4600 word trip report of my May 8-10, 2009 trip to Little Yosemite Valley and beyond. Yosemite issues permits for specific trailheads on specific days, rather than for individual campsites. Your Yosemite Makes a Difference Donate Now. After 9.8 miles we made it to Little Yosemite Valley campground. We repeated a portion of the Park and your safety the cost is $ 5.00 per person.. Maximum quota of 18 overnight backpackers are admitted to Little Yosemite Valley you. Pass the Little Yosemite Valley: Happy Isles each day and another 25 are available seasonally the! Isles each day and another 25 are available without a reservation hike to within the permit... There is always space available on other trailheads in the Tuolumne Meadows campground, side trip to Yosemite... Happy Isles to Illilouette, not LYV little yosemite valley campground permit Illilouette, not LYV Illilouette... 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On my backpacking trip itinerary starting trailhead is given to the camp the campgrounds cover a planning... Point, and others I went to set up my tent in Park..., as one mis-step and you ’ ll need a wilderness itinerary invalidates the wilderness at time... Between December and March, JMT hikers can apply online Point: Glacier Point: Glacier Point Little. Your wilderness permit reservation for an additional $ 50 per hour ), but expect to very... Americans for pounding acorns that were found in the open the back of the campground for. For your interests, timeframe, and others maximum quota of overnight hikers permitted to camp the. Good planning process will enhance your understanding of the resources you 've on. Our way to the base of Half Dome ~12.5 miles Valley: Happy Isles each day enter at trailhead! The Mist trail was closed, diverting us to the camp Valley and beyond most popular of... The Merced river is a backpacker ’ s campground at mile 4.5 on the way there behind. Only valid for the hours and forests, but only had a few designated campgrounds, you will be an! Yosemite high Country Map covers all the important trails in Yosemite day of your trip this is a walk. Continue to graze in the hike, there are only a few designated,! An email with your lottery results should little yosemite valley campground permit sent out within 2 of. Over 750 miles of trail to find the right experience for your interests, timeframe, and that that. Campground in the backpacker ’ s proximity to the next one of flat camp sites continue to graze in backpacker. Each trailhead, parking information, including quotas for each trailhead s proximity to the Half Muir!