Backpacker Magazine – September 2003

Secrets of Yosemite National Park

Sneak in the side door for a private viewing of the finest in California's High Sierra real estate.

by: Mike Lanza

Tags:
• Yosemite
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• California
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• Adventures
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• Weekends
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• Camping
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• Secret spots
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• Feature stories
|

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Expedition Planner Yosemite National Park, CA

Trailheads
The hikes described here are accessed by CA 41 (Southeast Yosemite), CA 120 (Lake Vernon), and US 395 (Kerrick-Matterhorn). Check in advance about road conditions.

Permits
Camping within the national park requires a permit. For all areas, a percentage of backcountry permits are offered through advance reservations, which are recommended to guarantee your itinerary.

Cautions
Campers should use bear canisters for food storage; bears routinely get food that's properly bear-bagged. Rent canisters for $5 per trip or purchase them at locations in the park. Never store food in your vehicle (this includes your trunk); bears will break in if they smell food. Season Creek crossings can be dangerous or impossible in early summer. The Southeast Yosemite and Kerrick-Matterhorn loops maynot be snow-free until July; the Lake Vernon-Tiltill Valley loop may be passable by June.

Guides
Yosemite National Park, by Jeffrey Schaffer ($19). Trails Illustrated #206 map ($10).

Contact
Yosemite National Park, (209) 372-0740; www.nps.gov/yose. Sierra National Forest, (559) 297-0706; USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region, (707) 562-8737; www.fs.fed.us/r5.

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