Yosemite National Park’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is well-deserved. The Yosemite backcountry is home to soaring peaks and rare wildlife, while Yosemite Valley takes your breath away with 3,000-foot canyon walls and stunning waterfalls. At first blush, it’s easy to assume such a rugged landscape could withstand the effects of tourism. But that’s not the case. Now more than ever Yosemite demands responsible recreation to sustain its delicate beauty.
Fortunately, we all can be part of the solution. Here are five areas where the responsible Yosemite traveler can make an immediate and lasting impact. While some of these tips may sound familiar, or even obvious, the key is taking the important step from awareness to practice, and sharing that knowledge with others. If we all pitch in we can help insure that future generations will be able to stand among Yosemite’s natural wonders and feel that same tingling sense of awe.
1. Vehicle Traffic
Dos:
- Drive in early or late in the day. This minimizes traffic (and vehicle emissions), plus it gives you more elbow room to enjoy the sights.
- Carpool when visiting with groups of friends or family.
- Even better, make the most of Yosemite public transportation: YARTS; the free Valley Shuttle; Tuolumne Meadows Shuttle; Mariposa Grove Shuttle; free bike share, and simply walking are all worthy solutions!
Don’ts:
- Don’t arrive between 10 am - 2 pm.
- Don’t bring multiple vehicles for your group or family.
- Don’t park outside of designated parking areas or on the shoulder of the road — it damages sensitive plant habitats.
Responsible Travel Tip:
Leave the driving to someone else and book a Yosemite group tour so you can enjoy the Park with like-minded travelers from all over the globe.
2. Fire Safety
Dos:
- Only have campfires in designated campground fire rings or barbecues.
- If backpacking, know the rules. For example, in designated wilderness, only build wood fires in existing fire rings and below 9,600 feet in elevation. Collect only dead and downed wood.
- Observe signs that indicate High Fire Danger and know current fire restrictions in Yosemite.
Don’ts:
- Never leave a fire unattended.
- Never drop a match or lit cigarette (on the ground or in a trash can).
- Never park on tall grass. It can ignite when touching the engine of your vehicle.
- Fireworks are banned year-round in National Parks & National Forests.
Responsible Travel Tip:
Consider an LED flickering lantern as your campfire alternative. Some brands are surprisingly realistic and their orange glow will get you into the camping mood.
3. Length of Stay
Dos:
- Come stay awhile. Immerse yourself in all the amazing outdoor recreation and unmatched natural beauty that only Yosemite Mariposa County can provide.
Don’ts:
- Drive into the Park for a few hours, then drive home. This adds to vehicle congestion, smog, and most importantly, you don’t get to appreciate the full spectrum of Yosemite’s dawn to dusk magic.
Responsible Travel Tip:
Yosemite Mariposa has a wide range of accommodations for all budgets, from camping to full-service resorts. Inquire about nearby shuttles or group tours offered by the property.
4. Trash
Dos:
- If you pack it in, then pack it out. The Golden Rule of outdoor recreation.
- When camping in Yosemite Mariposa County, leave your campsite cleaner than when you found it. The next campers will thank you.
- Commit to picking up 10 pieces of micro-trash (wrappers, bottle caps, etc.) on every hike. This small effort has a big impact.
Don’ts:
- Litter. Ever.
- Use single-use water bottles. They are a critical waste issue for our planet from landfills to oceans.
Responsible Travel Tip:
Buy a reusable water bottle, thermos, or hydration pack that suits your needs. There are many styles and sizes available, and better yet you’ll save money. Bottled water is a rip-off.
5. Wildlife
Dos:
- Drive slowly and alertly, looking for wildlife that may be crossing the road.
- Stay a safe distance from any wildlife you may encounter, including more common animals such as deer, chipmunks, and birds.
- Bring a sturdy leash for your furry friend and know the pet regulations for Yosemite.
Don’ts:
- Don’t speed. Over 400 black bears have been hit by vehicles in Yosemite since 1995.
- Approach wildlife for photo ops. Use your telephoto instead.
- Never feed wildlife. They become habituated and struggle with foraging on their own.
Responsible Travel Tip:
Bring a pair of high-powered binoculars for viewing wildlife from a safe distance. Kids love binocs, too!
Nature Rules!
National Parks belong to We The People, and with that great privilege of ownership comes great responsibility. As stewards of our wild lands, every single contribution from every single person counts. For a more in-depth look at how you can help Yosemite Mariposa flourish for generations to come, please visit our Nature Rules! page and be sure to share your knowledge (and personal tips) with all the nature lovers in your life!