Eight Tips for Yosemite

• Bring It With You. Read and carry with you the map and all park information issued to you at the entrance station. They are free and useful tools, and have been designed to be easily "stuffable" into a daypack or purse. 

• Carry Water. No matter what season, it is strongly recommended to carry and drink plenty of water.

• Start Early -- or Late. During the busy summer months, arrive at popular destinations early, before 9:30 a.m. or come in the late afternoon. These are the best times to see wildlife, hear birds or waterfalls, and avoid crowds.

• Park and Ride. Make use of the free year-round shuttle system in Yosemite Valley, or in summer, at Wawona/Mariposa Grove and Tuolumne Meadows. Often a good strategy is to take a shuttle one way and walk back. Park tours are also an excellent way to see the sights while letting someone else drive.

• Carry a Flashlight. Yosemite's nightscape can be as spectacular as its sites by day, especially on the nights of a full moon. To preserve the beauty of the night sky, lighting in the park is kept to a minimum. Always carry a flashlight.

• Carry Rain Gear. Don't let sudden changes in weather catch you unprepared.

• Learn Something New. Yosemite has a number of excellent museums, visitor centers and trailside exhibits. And don't forget the rangers. Many programs are led by rangers dedicated to sharing their love of this park with you!

• Come Back! Yosemite is a place awaiting your return. Make it—and other national parks—a family tradition.