Little Yosemite Valley Backpacking

Yosemite National Park

Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, California
Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, California

Little Yosemite Valley Backpacking

Yosemite National Park


Little Yosemite Valley

Yosemite National Park

The 4.8-mile trek from Yosemite Valley up to Little Yosemite Valley is among the most spectacular and popular adventures in the Sierra Nevada. Following the Mist Trail, hikers climb past Vernal and then Nevada falls before emerging into Little Yosemite Valley. Along the way they are treated to views of Half Dome, Liberty Cap, and the distant summit of Clouds Rest.

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Many who head to Little Yosemite Valley are thru-hikers, intent on making the full 211-mile trip to Mt. Whitney. Others have their eyes set on Half Dome. Hand-rail cables on the side of the dome guide adventurers safely to its summit. Permits are required both for overnight camping and for climbing Half Dome.

Vernal Fall, Yosemite National Park, California

Vernal Fall

Little Yosemite Valley - Key Facts 2


Location: Yosemite National Park
Trailhead: Happy Isles, Yosemite Valley, elevation 4,035 feet
Little Yosemite Valley elevation: 6,100 feet
Elevation Gain: 2,065 feet
Hiking Distance: 4.8 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous, steep uphill, many steps
Best seasons: Late spring through fall
Campsites: Designated camping area
Activities: Photography, hiking to summit of Half Dome or Clouds Rest, fishing


sign to Little Yosemite Valley, 4.3 miles


Wildlife

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. The use of bear canisters and bear boxes has changed that. Hanging food is no longer permitted in Yosemite. Although there are communal bear boxes available at the LYV camping area, the park requires backpackers to carry canisters anyway in case the boxes are full.

Coyotes are daring in Little Yosemite Valley. They will dash through the heavily occupied campground and snag unattended food. They also prowl the riverbank, looking for daypacks or sacks with food. They will usually retreat when confronted.

Rattlesnakes are rare along the trail, but hikers should always be vigilant. Rattlesnakes are found in Little Yosemite Valley.

Mosquitoes are heavy in early summer through about mid-August.



Liberty Cap, Yosemite National Park, California

Liberty Cap


Little Yosemite Valley - Key Facts


Location: Yosemite National Park
Trailhead: Happy Isles, Yosemite Valley, elevation 4,035 feet
Little Yosemite Valley elevation: 6,100 feet
Elevation Gain: 2,065 feet
Hiking Distance: 4.8 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous, steep uphill, many steps
Best seasons: Late spring through fall
Campsites: Designated camping area
Activities: Photography, hiking to summit of Half Dome or Clouds Rest, fishing


sign to Little Yosemite Valley, 4.3 miles

Little Yosemite Valley Trailhead:
Camp Curry & Happy Isles x

Yosemite Valley can be crowded, especially during the summer and on weekends. Arrive early to avoid delays at entrance stations. Consider using YARTS buses which connect to Sonora, Merced, Fresno, and Mammoth Lakes. In the valley use the free shuttle to get around. See Yosemite Transportation. Stores, restaurants, a visitor center, and other services are available.

Parking

Park at the Curry Village parking area while in the valley. On the day of your hike, park at the Trailhead Parking lot ½ mile closer to Happy Isles. Move food and scented items from your car to provided bear boxes. Leave no coolers visible, even if empty.



Nearby Day Hikes


Nearby Camping and Lodging


With your wilderness permit you can camp one night before and after your trip at the Backpackers' Campground across a foot bridge, north of North Pines Campground. There is a loading area in the North Pines Campground, but afterwards vehicles must be parked at the trailhead or at the Curry Village parking lot. Camping is $6 per person.

For more camping options in Yosemite, see California's Best Camping - Yosemite

Lodging is available in Yosemite Valley at a variety of venues, ranging from housekeeping cabins to the famous Ahwahnee Hotel. Reservations should be made well in advance.