How to Enjoy and Hike Yosemite National Park

Whether your an outdoorsy type, seeking the ultra climb experience, or just enjoy a little nature now and then Yosemite has it all. With over 400 trails to walk, hike even drive through there's a level for everyone. Bring your camera, your kids or relax with romantic hike for two or enjoy the ultra climb of your life on Half Dome.Unlike some national parks, Yosemite is open 365 days a year and requires no reservations to enter. However the park did introduce a climbing permit in the summer of 2010 for Half Dome which is still in effect while they assess its effectiveness in keeping track of climbers (for safety) etc..

Rules you need to know:

• Stay on the trails (its illegal and punishable by fine if you stray and also dangerous)
  
• Mules and horses have the right of way on the trail so let them pass you
  
• Keep in mind that whatever you bring, you have to take it with you. Park rangers take littering very seriously (so all those bottles of vitamin water, gum wrappers, cans etc well the trash comes back with you, plan accordingly) Think packing light like freeze dried food, granola, energy bars, beef jerky, trail mix, save the bulk for carrying water, one of your important assets on a hike.
  
• Don't be surprised if you see dogs and bikes on some of the trails it is legal where posted.
• Smoking is legal at stopping points where there are notices permitting and trash bins for but smoking is NOT permitted on the trails,
  
• NEW rule if you're a climber - If you plan to climb Half Dome make sure you get the required permit. The Park initiated a by permit only climbing pass program in the summer of 2010 and as of this writing remains in effect.
• Stop by the ranger station for the latest happenings.
  

• Hydrate before you walk and take plenty of water with you. Dehydration is serious so plan to drink several ounces every hour (Don't worry about having to take lots of nature breaks the active exercise and sweating will take care of that even in cool weather)
• Wear layers even in warmer weather wear a few layers. You can peel off shirts and light jackets and put around your waist or put in your backpack. This is mountain country the temperature can rise and fall 40-60 degrees during a day and catch you off guard.
  
• Keep in mind the air is thinner at higher elevations so even if you're not on serious hiking trail you can become winded. Even if you're in great physical shape you can become winded! Slow down and breathe. Get oxygen in your lungs. Don't over do it if you're not used to the elevation or thin air - you're there to enjoy nature so slow down.
• If you're an extreme sports type and been there done you'll still want to carry a first aid kit and some LED flashlights with the red "flare" in case. (This gal discovered some great flashlights with 400 hour LEDs they're lightweight you can use the flashlight to see or turn it to the red flare or flashing LED if there's an injury you want to attract attention!)
• Wildlife encounters If you encounter nature in its purest form as in bear, mountain line, coyote etc., keep in mind that you are prey when you run so running is not a good idea its not easy to imagine facing off a mountain lion. If you use keys for noise and your bag either as a weapon or a protection and a jacket to make yourself look imposingly big it may scare them off. Talk with the ranger before you start hiking to see what kinds of wildlife encounters have occurred in the last several weeks and be prepared.
  
• If camping overnight use Food Lockers to put food, cosmetics anything that has a smell in at night. You can rent or buy the special lockers. Again talk to the rangers. Bears are pretty aggressive and they've become accustomed to what people bring. Food doesn't necessarily mean things we would eat they can also be attracted to the smell of other non foods (cosmetics, sunblock etc) and crumbs on car seats in cars and on blankets don't take anything with food into your tent if you stay over night and don't leave it in your car.