Yosemite Regulations

Visitors to Yosemite National Park are the park's most important guardians. With nearly 3.5 million visitors watching over its special plants, animals, historic and archeological sites, imagine how well-protected these park resources could be!

During your visit to Yosemite, be aware that there are people who either intentionally or unknowingly harm park resources. You can help us protect the park by contacting a park official if you see any of the following illegal acts:

•â€‚Feeding wildlife.

•â€‚Hunting animals.

•â€‚ Collecting park resources.

•â€‚ Picking up archeological items, such as arrowheads.

•â€‚ Using metal detectors to locate and collect historic objects.

•â€‚ Driving vehicles into sensitive meadows.

•â€‚ Camping outside of designated campgrounds.

•â€‚Possessing weapons.

If you see activities that could harm people or park resources, write down any descriptions or a vehicle license plate number and call 9-1-1 or contact the park dispatch office at (209) 379-1992.

Pets

Some visitors choose to bring pets along on their vacations. Kennels (open only in summer) are located at the Yosemite Valley Stable, should you need a place to board your dog (call (209) 372-8348). But keep in mind, in Yosemite, pets have a few rules to follow:

•â€‚ Pets are only allowed in developed areas and on roads and paved bike paths. They are not allowed on other trails or in wilderness areas.

•â€‚ Pets must be on a leash or otherwise physically restrained.

•â€‚ For the courtesy of others, human companions are responsible for cleaning up and depositing pet feces in trash receptacles. This protects pets and wildlife from disease.

•â€‚ Pets are not allowed in any accommodations within the park and are not allowed in some campgrounds.

•â€‚ Pets may not be tied to an object or left unattended.

Bicycles

Each season, plants are crushed from bicycle travel in meadows, campgrounds and picnic areas. Please respect park resources and keep yourself safe by following these rules:

•â€‚ California law mandates bicyclists under 18 years of age wear helmets.

•â€‚ Bikes are allowed only on paved bikeways and park roads (unless road is closed to bicycle use).

•â€‚ Bikes are not allowed off roads or on pedestrian and hiking trails.

•â€‚ Bicyclists must obey all posted traffic signs and travel with the flow of traffic when on roadways used by automobiles and shuttles.

•â€‚ Mountain biking opportunities are available outside of Yosemite National Park.

Campfires

In order to keep Yosemite's skies blue and improve air quality, the following regulations are in effect in the park:

•â€‚ In Yosemite Valley, campfires are permitted only between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m from May through October 15. There are no restrictions during the rest of the year.

•â€‚ Firewood collection is prohibited in Yosemite Valley and in sequoia groves. This includes "dead and downed" wood.

•â€‚ Please start campfires with newspaper. Do not burn pine needles or cones, as they create unnecessary smoke.

Spring Brings Ticks

Springtime in Yosemite means ticks are active. The western black-legged tick is known to transmit the bacteria that cause Lyme Disease. Ticks prefer cool, moist environments, such as shaded grasses, shrubs and leaves under oak trees. You can protect yourself by following these precautions: When hiking, regularly examine yourself for ticks and remove them promptly. Wear light colored clothing and tuck pants into boots or socks so that ticks will be more visible. Apply a tick repellent to clothing. For more information, call the park sanitarian at (209) 379-1033.

Pack Water

Avoid dehydration or heat exhaustion; carry and drink plenty of water.

WATER WAYS

Success! Not long ago, many areas along the Merced River showed signs of human trampling. Now, because of the careful actions of park staff and visitors, many of these areas have been restored to more natural conditions.

Please observe the following safety tips to protect Yosemite's rivers and lakeshore habitats and to enjoy water activities throughout the park…safely!

Swimming

•â€‚ Supervise children closely around any body of water.

•â€‚ Choose swimming areas carefully and swim only during low water conditions. Avoid areas of "white-water" where streams flow briskly over rocks.

•â€‚ Never swim or wade upstream from the brink of a waterfall, even if the water appears shallow and calm. Each year, unsuspecting visitors are swept over waterfalls to their deaths. In 2005, three such tragedies occurred.

•â€‚ No swimming is permitted in the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.

Stream Crossing

In spring and summer, rivers and creeks swollen by runoff from snow-melt are dangerous. Powerful current, icy water and trees and logs can trap or kill the unwary.

•â€‚ Stay away from river and creek banks during high water conditions and avoid "rock hopping." Stream- polished rocks along the water's edge may be slippery when wet or dry.

•â€‚ If you choose to cross a stream without a bridge, avoid places where the water is either swift or over your knees. Crossing a natural bridge of rocks or logs can be slippery. Never cross above rapids or waterfalls.

Water Quality

•â€‚ To protect yourself from disease, treat water before drinking. Treatment methods include boiling for five minutes, use of a Giardia-rated filter or iodine-based purifier.

•â€‚ To prevent the spread of Giardia and other water-borne disease organisms, use restroom facilities and always wash hands with soap and water. If facilities are not available, bury human waste (six inches deep in biologically active soil) at least 100 feet away from any water source or trail.

Rafting Regulations

•â€‚ Rafting, conditions permitting, on the Merced River in Yosemite Valley (Stoneman Bridge to Sentinel Beach) and the South Fork of the Merced River in Wawona is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily to nonmotorized vessels or other flotation devices.

•â€‚ The entire length of the Merced River in Yosemite Valley is closed to all flotation devices whenever the river gauge at Sentinel Bridge reads 6.5 feet or higher.

•â€‚ Enter and exit the river at designated points, sandy beaches or "point bars."

•â€‚ Everyone must wear or have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device immediately available.

•â€‚ No rafting is permitted on the O'Shaughnessy Reservoir at Hetch Hetchy or on the Tuolumne River.

Fishing Regulations

•â€‚ Fishing in Yosemite is regulated under State law. A valid California sport fishing license is required for persons age 16 years and older. When fishing, the license must be plainly visible by attaching it to an outer layer of clothing above the waistline. Visit the website at www.dfg.ca.gov/fishing.

•â€‚ Trout season opens on the last Saturday in April and continues through November 15 (except Frog Creek near Lake Eleanor which opens June 15). All lakes and reservoirs may be fished year-round.

•â€‚ Special fishing regulations apply on the Merced River from Happy Isles downstream to the Foresta Bridge in El Portal. It is catch-and-release only for rainbow trout. Brown trout limits are five fish per day. Only artificial lures or flies with barbless hooks may be used.

•â€‚ The use of live or dead minnows, bait fish or amphibians, nonpreserved fish eggs or roe is prohibited.