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My Yosemite Park: What to Pack for Your Yosemite National Park Vacation

Bring these things along on your Yosemite vacation.

My Yosemite Park: What to Pack for Your Yosemite National Park Vacation

Last updated:
March 13, 2025
|  5 min read

My Yosemite Park: What to Pack for Your Yosemite National Park Vacation

My Yosemite Park: What to Pack for Your Yosemite National Park Vacation

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Bring these things along on your Yosemite vacation.

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My Yosemite Park: What to Pack for Your Yosemite National Park Vacation

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What to Pack for Your Yosemite National Park Vacation

You’re headed to Yosemite National Park where you’ll find yourself in Ansel Adams country amid beautiful waterfalls, outstanding views of the iconic Half Dome and ancient giant sequoia groves. But how do you pack for Yosemite, a place where valley temperatures can soar while alpine campsites can be cool? Here are the top 15 items to put in your suitcase and one item to leave at home.

1. Sturdy Water Shoes for Playing in Rivers and Waterfalls
If you plan on river rafting, canoeing, kayaking or just playing in the Merced River, or rivers near the park, you will want a good pair of water shoes. Flip-flops are not recommended for water activities as they will get stuck in the mud and either break or get swallowed down river. A covered rubber-toed shoe can help you avoid getting bruised toes from river rocks or cuts from stray logs. (Read more about water safety in Yosemite)

Continue reading to learn more, written by Tori Peglar.

My Yosemite Park: What to Pack for Your Yosemite National Park Vacation

What to Pack for Your Yosemite National Park Vacation

You’re headed to Yosemite National Park where you’ll find yourself in Ansel Adams country amid beautiful waterfalls, outstanding views of the iconic Half Dome and ancient giant sequoia groves. But how do you pack for Yosemite, a place where valley temperatures can soar while alpine campsites can be cool? Here are the top 15 items to put in your suitcase and one item to leave at home.

1. Sturdy Water Shoes for Playing in Rivers and Waterfalls
If you plan on river rafting, canoeing, kayaking or just playing in the Merced River, or rivers near the park, you will want a good pair of water shoes. Flip-flops are not recommended for water activities as they will get stuck in the mud and either break or get swallowed down river. A covered rubber-toed shoe can help you avoid getting bruised toes from river rocks or cuts from stray logs. (Read more about water safety in Yosemite)

Continue reading to learn more, written by Tori Peglar.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Writer
Tori Peglar
In 2018, Tori was recognized for her work with National Park Journal, winning three first-place awards for the Grand Canyon edition of the magazine.
Media Mentions

My Yosemite Park: What to Pack for Your Yosemite National Park Vacation

What to Pack for Your Yosemite National Park Vacation

You’re headed to Yosemite National Park where you’ll find yourself in Ansel Adams country amid beautiful waterfalls, outstanding views of the iconic Half Dome and ancient giant sequoia groves. But how do you pack for Yosemite, a place where valley temperatures can soar while alpine campsites can be cool? Here are the top 15 items to put in your suitcase and one item to leave at home.

1. Sturdy Water Shoes for Playing in Rivers and Waterfalls
If you plan on river rafting, canoeing, kayaking or just playing in the Merced River, or rivers near the park, you will want a good pair of water shoes. Flip-flops are not recommended for water activities as they will get stuck in the mud and either break or get swallowed down river. A covered rubber-toed shoe can help you avoid getting bruised toes from river rocks or cuts from stray logs. (Read more about water safety in Yosemite)

Continue reading to learn more, written by Tori Peglar.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Writer
Tori Peglar
In 2018, Tori was recognized for her work with National Park Journal, winning three first-place awards for the Grand Canyon edition of the magazine.
Media Mentions
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