Spring arrived just a few weeks ago, and it’s time to visit Yosemite! My mother’s family, who spent the majority of her childhood in the area, has a deep love for the national park. Apparently, I was taken to Yosemite when I was 3 years old. But now, it’s time for me to create my own memories there. I’ve recorded my Yosemite packing list for you below!
If you’re lucky enough to find some free time to adventure outdoors, visiting Yosemite is a no-brainer. As one of the five most popular national parks in the United States, it leaves little to be desired. From the everyday outdoorsy folk to dedicated backpackers, Yosemite has something for everybody. I’m so excited.
After a 3-week closure due to record-breaking snowfall, Yosemite has finally opened back up to visitors. Fingers crossed that it doesn’t snow too much more! At this time of year, you’ll need to pack for icy/snowy trails, but at a certain point the trails become too dangerous to enjoy.
Without further ado, here’s your Yosemite packing list for the middle of April.
my luggage:
Large Suitcase or Lacrosse Bag (this is what I use to check all of my backpacking gear that cannot go in my carry-on)
Eddie Bauer Packable 20L Backpack (I love this bag because it packs into its own pocket, and only takes up 8 squares inches of space when packed)
Thrifted Fanny Pack (easy access to snacks and tech)
Insulated Jacket
Long Sleeve Tops (3)
Tank Tops + Crop Tops (4)
- 2 are from my favorite local bouldering gym in Dallas, Oso Climbing Gyms.
- The others are thrifted
Hiking Pants/Leggings (2)
- REI Co-op Sahara pants
- Gymshark leggings (my exact pair aren’t being sold online anymore, but I linked the closest thing I could find.)
Shorts (1)
- Nike shorts (thrifted)
Sports Bras
Socks (3)
- REI Darn Tough Bear Town crew socks (so cute)
- Nike calf socks (honestly I got these in high school, so no link)
- Alo knee-high throwback socks (great for slight shin compression)
Hiking Boots
Gloves
Scarves/Buffs (5)
- I get all my buffs at buff.com. They’re all pretty similar with varying patterns and designs.
Ballcap and Beanie
- Both are thrifted/gifted from many years ago.
Water Bottles (2)
Trekking Poles
Traction Devices
- Hillsound Trail Crampons (absolute lifesavers)
Tripod
- UBeesize tripod for iphone
Laptop
Power Pack
- REI Goal Zero power bank
toiletries:
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Face Wash
Shampoo and Conditioner
skincare:
Sunscreen
Medicine
A quick post-Yosemite reflection:
Yosemite in April is utterly gorgeous. Although Tioga road is still closed due to the recent snowfall, most of the hikes in Yosemite Valley were still available. The trail to Upper Yosemite Falls was absolutely covered with multiple feet of snow and melting ice. If you bring along traction gear, however, you’ll do fine.
Because of the snowfall, all of the waterfalls are absolutely overflowing this year. Many of the casual hikes are also wet with water streaming down from the mountains. The weather is perfect, starting around 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.5C) in the morning and getting up to the upper 70s (~25C) later in the day. You will barely need the insulated jacket I included on this list. If you’re like me and heat up quickly on a hike, I would wear layers and bring a backpack to shove them into as you progress.
If you’re staying for a week (and can’t wash your clothes) I would pack more clothing than I include in the Yosemite packing list. However, if you’re camping or backpacking, go for it! It’s kind of awesome to be able to camp directly in Yosemite Valley. You’re incredibly close to amazing hikes and fantastic boulders.
This area of wilderness is well-known for the fantastic sequoias and other conifers, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be safe from the sun. Be better than me, use sunscreen, and reapply! There are many areas in the park where trees are either buried beneath the snow or granite boulders take charge of the landscape.
