What to Bring to Yosemite National Park

If you're planning a trip to Yosemite National Park in California, you may be wondering what gear you need to bring with you on the trip. What you bring depends on your intended activities and duration of stay, but there are a few essentials you just can't live without. Knowing what to bring will make everything go more smoothly.

Yosemite National Park in California is an amazing place for a vacation, no matter how long you decide to stay or what activities you intend to pursue. But if you've never been to the park before, how do you know what to bring? what type of gear is essential, and what will make your trip that much easier?

There are some basics you should have ready before you visit the park. First of all, get your hands on a USGS trail map and guide with elevation profiles, so you are prepared and know where to go ahead of time. It's also a good idea to have maps for inside and outside the park at hand, an itinerary, the Yosemite National Park, Road Guide, a copy of Yosemite Today, and a National Parks Pass.

What about clothing? The essentials include a hooded rain jacket so you're prepared for rain or walking past waterfalls, socks without seams for comfort (extra socks are also a good idea) cargo pants and shorts, any clothing made out of fast drying material, hats, comfortable shoes, a jacket for the cool nights, and rain gear.

You're going to be hungry along the way, so packing picnic supplies is a must. Bring plenty of water (you can even purchase portable water filtration systems these days), and healthy snacks such as oranges, power bars, granola bars, nuts, and other essentials that will keep your energy up.