Only one permit is required. Under the East Bay Regional Park District's multi-use land management policy, cattle continue to graze in the 6,859-acre wilderness. You can still apply by phone or by mail, but online is far better. We stayed in Little Yosemite Campground for three nights. Of each daily quota for a trailhead, 60 percent can be reserved ahead of time. Day 1 – Happy Isles TH to Little Yosemite Valley Campground, side trip to the base of Half Dome ~12.5 miles. Half loop: 6.5 miles/10.5 km; 2.5 to 3.5 hours Begin at the Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead (shuttle stop #6) This trail follows many of the Valley’s first east-west trails and wagon roads. If it does not automatically appear, please follow this link. We stayed in Little Yosemite Campground for three nights. Celebrate Yosemite Give Today. I don’t know what Yosemite National Park was like before the age of computer backgrounds and Instagram, but I do know that now it is packed full of people all summer long, most of whom visit Yosemite Valley. This service is especially helpful for those who have gotten a first-come, first-served permit the day before beginning their hike. If you’re fortunate enough to get a Half Dome wilderness permit, you’ll spend the night at Little Yosemite Valley Campground. These trailheads include Lyell Canyon, Cathedral Lakes, Rafferty Creek, those leading to Little Yosemite Valley, and others. 415-434-1782. Wilderness permits are only issued to a limited number people for each trailhead in order to provide outstanding opportunities for solitude, as required by the Wilderness Act. Little Yosemite Valley Campgrounds is minimally developed and depends on the cooperation of campers to to keep it clean, safe, and functioning properly. Today, camping, picnicking, hiking … Yosemite Valley Chapel. This area of Little Yosemite Valley was not burned. 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’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. 40% of available permits are issued on a first come first … Fifty Half Dome permits may be reserved by backpackers each day and another 25 are available first-come, first-served. 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. 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 … Yosemite Wilderness Permit Process. 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. Early on in the hike, there are some watery obstacles. 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. 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). 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. 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. 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. 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 … The campgrounds cover a good chunk of the 700,000 acres of Yosemite National Park, and that means that campgrounds are seriously spread out. Reservations require a $5 processing fee and a $5 fee per person. Yosemite’s Secret Backpackers’ Campground. 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. This campground was for permit holders only and as such, we were checked for our permits for the first time. For the past century, however, the land known today as Sunol Wildereness Regional Preserve was used almost exclusively as ranch land. From Glacier Point: Glacier Point to Little Yosemite Valley. The first trail day began with hiking out of the valley from Happy Isles. This is not a hike for folks looking for a leisurely stroll! Bear canisters are required in Yosemite National Park. 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. You can make camp here if you want to do Halfdome via the cables. You'll need a wilderness permit to stay in the Little Yosemite Valley campground. 1 review of Little Yosemite Valley Campground "Cute little camping area in the backcountry, but not *too* far in the backcountry. The trailheads report shows which trailheads are full for certain dates (as of the last-updated date shown at the top of the page). Glacier Point to Little Yosemite Valley; Sunrise Lakes; Between December and March, JMT hikers can apply online. Little Yosemite Valley is the most popular region of Yosemite National Park, due to it’s proximity to the half dome hike. Little Yosemite Valley. No permit is required for day hikers. Only one permit is required. The Little Yosemite Campground is the most popular backcountry campground in the park. The Merced River is a short walk for COLD water, and the campground had … Tom Harrison's Yosemite High Country Map covers all the important trails in Yosemite. The hike up here was beautiful but strenuous. Hanging food is no longer permitted in Yosemite. Yosemite is a Gift Give Today . Wilderness permit reservations are processed by lottery 24 weeks (168 days) in advance of the hiking start date from mid-November through October. 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. Hiking Half Dome/Little Yosemite Valley permit 10/25-10/28 Hello everyone! 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. If you strike out at one campground, be prepared for a somewhat lengthy drive to the next one. Today you must specifically request this as part of your wilderness permit if you plan to include a side-trip to Half Dome. We gained about 2000 feet in 4.5 miles. I'm planning a half dome hike at the end of Sept. Yosemite Wilderness Permit Request Form The form is being prepared. A wilderness permit is required for each party camping overnight in the Yosemite wilderness. A maximum quota of 18 overnight backpackers are admitted to Little Yosemite Valley from Happy Isles each day on reserved permits. Bedrock mortars used by Native Americans for pounding acorns that were found in the area are reminders of Sunol's first inhabitants. You can also camp if you want to go up Snake Dike, although it's a bit more contrived that way. The permit cost is $150 (if event monitoring is required, you will be charged an additional $50 per hour). This means at or beyond either Moraine Dome or the Half Dome/John Muir Trail junction. A wilderness permit is required for each party staying overnight at Little Yosemite Valley. The trailhead information page has additional information, including quotas for each trailhead, parking information, and other details. Our first 2.3 miles on day two we repeated a portion of the trail we hiked up yesterday en route to Half Dome. Reservations are not necessary. 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. Everyone staying in LYV Campground needs to take appropriate measures to ensure no bears are attracted by food in the open. The trails passes through meadows and forests, but expect to tackle very rocky, ankle-snapping sections of trail. An alternate trail to Little Yosemite Valley begins at Glacier Point. The church was moved to its current site in 1901. Read details at Wilderness Permit Reservations. Travel by vehicle or bus at any time during a wilderness itinerary invalidates the wilderness permit. You will receive your permit via email. A permit is required to camp overnight in Little Yosemite Valley. 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. Since there are only a few designated campgrounds, you can camp anywhere you like, provided you follow all the regulations. The permit cost is $150 (if event monitoring is required, you will be charged an additional $50 per hour). Contact us. Office hours change, so check Yosemite Current Conditions You can still apply by phone or by mail, but online is far better. You’ll need a wilderness permit to access Little Yosemite Valley and spend the night at Little Yosemite Valley Campground. If it does not automatically appear, please follow this link. From Yosemite Valley: Happy Isles to 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. When you make a permit reservation in Yosemite, you tell them which trailhead you plan to leave from, and where your first night’s campsite will … CLOSE . The crowds thinned out after we passed the popular waterfall and made our way to the Little Yosemite Valley campground. Trail Descriptions - Yosemite Valley. Something to note - if you get a permit for Little Yosemite Valley, you have to camp at the little Yosemite backpackers campground. Yosemite is a Gift Give Today . Our campsite setup in Little Yosemite Valley (LYV) backpackers campground. This was a plus for an almost 50 year old backpacker! This is a moderate one way trail to Little Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park. It's illegal to camp on the way there, behind half dome near lost lake, regardless of permit. There's a Ranger Station nearby, that's not always staffed. 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. With photos. 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. 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. Located in California's beautiful eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Inyo National Forest offers challenging trails, high mountain peaks, and unparalleled views. The Merced River is a short walk for COLD water, and the campground had pit toilets! Pro tip: Planning to hike the John Muir Trail? Walk-in campgrounds are available seasonally in the Tuolumne Meadows Campground, at Hetch Hetchy, and behind North Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley. 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. This is my first trip trying … You’ll need a wilderness permit to access Little Yosemite Valley and spend the night at Little Yosemite Valley Campground. 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. This limit on the number of people staying at the cabin provides for visitor safety and preserves natural, cultural, and wilderness values. Yosemite issues permits for specific trailheads on specific days, rather than for individual campsites. 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. I have to disagree about the dayhike up Half Dome being "a real grind". A Special Use Permit is required for any wedding or commitment ceremony held at any location within Yosemite National Park. 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? 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. Wilderness permits are available during business hours at any permit issuing station beginning at 11 am the day before the beginning of your wilderness trip. Reservations can be made up to 24 weeks in advance. Reservations are not available. 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. There are two exceptions: Can't find your question here? CLOSE . 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. 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. If your starting trailhead is outside Yosemite National Park, get your permit from the land agency that manages that trailhead. You’ll need a wilderness permit to access Little Yosemite Valley and spend the night at Little Yosemite Valley Campground. Any travel through Yosemite Valley invalidates the permit. This process is subject to change based on COVID-19 situation in 2021. The campground has a bathroom and food storage boxes. for the hours. Little Yosemite Valley: Excellent Campground for Backcountry Campers - See 4 traveler reviews, candid photos, and great deals for Yosemite National Park, CA, at Tripadvisor. Once I arrived, I went to pick up my permit and got some lunch. A new online reservation form makes applying easy and quick. This mainly affects the most popular trailheads that fill up quickly each morning, such as Little Yosemite Valley trailheads, Lyell Canyon and Cathedral Lakes. You can add another person to your wilderness permit reservation for an additional fee as long as space is still available for that trailhead. This makes for a nice spot to refill your water and have a snack. A Special Use Permit is required for any wedding or commitment ceremony held at any location within Yosemite National Park. 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). Yosemite Valley Chapel has been an operating church for more than 135 years. No pets are allowed in the Yosemite wilderness. A wilderness permit is required year-round for backpacking or any other overnight stay in the Yosemite Wilderness. I'm sure I read that the first night of any stay has to be in a campground. 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. 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 camp site had compost outhouses, a large river (the Merced river) and LOTS of flat camp sites. 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. The Yosemite Wilderness has over 750 miles of trail to explore with a great range of elevation, ecological zones, and solitude. Permits are available one day in advance of your trip. You must go to the Valley Visitor Center to pick up a wilderness permit (if available) and current combination for the cabin's lock. Crossing a road by means of traditional wilderness travel (by foot or with stock) in continuation of a wilderness itinerary. The cost is $5.00 per person per night. You can also camp if you want to go up Snake Dike, although it's a bit more contrived that way. You’ll need a wilderness permit to access Little Yosemite Valley and spend the night at Little Yosemite Valley Campground. Reservations can be made up to 24 weeks in advance. Find the first day you may submit your online request by using Yosemite's chart: Wilderness Permits Reservation Windows. The trailhead quota system limits use based on where you begin your hike, and in some cases, on where you camp the first night of your trip. The campground was quite big, but only had a few tents when I arrived. This backpacking trip, be it your first or fortieth, is a uniquely protected opportunity to provide maximum freedom to roam in Wilderness. 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. Yosemite Valley. 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. 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). The 6.5-mile Panorama Trail descends to Illiloutte Creek, climbs to Panorama Point, and descends again to the top of Nevada Fall. CLOSE . The maximum number of people per party is 15 (8 if hiking cross country), but some trailhead quotas are less than that. I then went to set up my tent in the backpacker’s campground before exploring the valley. Please note: Little Yosemite Valley is a backpacker’s campground at mile 4.5 on the trail. 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). Permit in hand, we were on the trail! Every effort is made to provide accurate and up to date information, but we cannot be responsible A wilderness permit is not required for day hikes (unless hiking to Half Dome) or for staying in lodging facilities and frontcountry campgrounds. See Yosemite NP website: Trailhead quotas are in effect during winter. A one-night stop in the Tuolumne Meadows Backpackers Campground as part of an ongoing and continuous long-distance hiking permit. There is a daily quota of overnight hikers permitted to enter at each trailhead. A wilderness permit is not required for day hikes (unless hiking to Half Dome) or for staying in lodging facilities and frontcountry campgrounds. 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? 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