wilderness INformation
Explore links to hiking areas, wilderness permit information, permit station locations, general wilderness conditions update, NPS short videos of moderate and strenuous hikes in Yosemite Valley, and a hiking index of trails: distance, elevation gain, crowd factor, scenery factor, and difficulty.
Saddlebag Lakes- Directions: Take Highway 120, Tioga Pass Road, about 12 miles from the junction of Highway 395 to Saddlebag Lake Road. Follow the road for approximately three miles to the lake.
hiking in yosemite
Check out the resources below for information about hiking in Yosemite.
Yosemite Hiking Tips:
Stay on trails: taking shortcuts causes trail erosion--and is both dangerous and illegal.
Carry (and drink) plenty of water: a leading cause of injuries on the trail is dehydration. Be sure to treat river, stream, lake, or spring water.
Pets and bicycles are only permitted on bike paths.
Horses and mules have the right of way on trails.
Pack out what you pack in.
Trails are not maintained nor are they regularly patrolled: travel carefully and at your own risk.
Smoking while traveling on trails is prohibited, though you may smoke while stopped except when fire restrictions are in effect. (Crush out and dispose of cigarette butts in a trash receptacle.)
Wilderness Permits
wilderness permits are required for overnight stays in Yosemite Wilderness.
Methods of obtaining a wilderness permit vary throughout the year and often require lots of planning ahead. Of each daily quote for a trailhead in 2022, 60% of permits were available by lottery 24 weeks in advance, with the remaining 40% released on a first-come, first-served basis online seven days in advance. Wilderness permits will be distributed in a similar fashion in 2023, with some updates made throughout the season.
Make sure you explore all of the information online to make sure you get the correct permit for your trip. Here are some resources to help you plan your trip:
Yosemite Wilderness Center is located in Yosemite Village.
Moderate Day Hikes in Yosemite Valley, with Ranger Vickie Mates
For an audio described version of this video, go to https://youtu.be/SitfvicT62Q
Strenuous Hikes in Yosemite Valley, with ranger vickie mates
For an audio described version of this video, go to https://youtu.be/b15ZUfdAWls