This is my current Yosemite backpacking plan for August. I went through as much info as I could on permits, routes, and regulations, but I’d really appreciate feedback from people who know the area well.

Mainly I’m wondering:

Does the itinerary make sense logistically?

Am I missing anything important from a permit/regulations perspective?

How reliable is YARTS in practice, especially on Day 1 with the Mariposa Grove connection? Is it safe to rely on that timing or should I build in a buffer / alternative plan?

I’d especially appreciate critique from experienced hikers familiar with Yosemite’s backcountry rules and summer conditions.

Itinerary:

Part 0: Arrival & Prep

Day 1: Fresno YARTS -> Mariposa Grove -> YART to Yosemite Valley -> Backpackers Campground (night before permit)

The first YART arrives Mariposa at 09:40, and the second leaves at 12:10 toward Yosemite Valley, leaving about 1 hour to see Mariposa Grove (not counting shuttle time).

Part 1: Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point - 3 days hike

Day 2: Happy Isles -> Lower Illilouette Creek (permit)

Day 3: Little Yosemite Valley

Day 4: Glacier Point -> Exit to Valley -> Backpackers Campground (night after permit)

Part 2: Valley to Tuolumne Meadows - 5 days hike

Day 5: Rest Day in Yosemite Valley -> Backpackers Campground (night before permit)

Day 6: Yosemite Falls -> Lower Yosemite Creek (permit)

Day 7: May Lake

Day 8: Upper Sunrise Lake

Day 9: Lower Cathedral Lake

Day 10: Tuolumne Meadows (Exit) -> YARTS to Mammoth Lakes

My friend and I are thinking about spending around a month in Yosemite National Park this August without a car. Our idea is to do a series of 3–5 day backpacking trips with wilderness camping, then come back for a couple of recovery days to rest, resupply food, shower, do laundry, etc. before heading out again.

We’ve both done a lot of hiking in Europe, but this would be our first backpacking trip in the US, so I wanted to ask whether this sounds realistic in practice — especially without a car.

We also haven’t booked permits yet. From what we understand, because we’re doing multi-day trips and not just day hikes to the most famous spots, it may still be possible to get permits through less popular trailheads and then connect into some of the more interesting areas/routes from there.

Does that strategy actually work well in Yosemite, or are we underestimating the permit/logistics situation for August? How difficult is getting between trailheads and resupplying without a car?

Hi everyone,

My friend and I are planning to spend some time in Yellowstone this August. We currently have a 3-day point-to-point trek around Shoshone Lake booked, but we want to stay in the area longer and remain spontaneous. We are experienced hikers, but this is our first time in the US and we won't have a rental car.

A few questions for the experts:

Permit Bureaucracy: Is a pre-booked permit strictly mandatory for backcountry camping? We’d love to leave some days open for spontaneous hiking. Is it realistic to rely on "walk-in" permits in late August, or will we be stuck?

No Car Logistics: How realistic is it to rely on shuttles or hitching from BZN to the park and between trailheads?

Spontaneous Stays: Since we’re planning to spend some time in the park, we were wondering if there are any opportunities to volunteer on a ranch or take part in interesting local activities in the area.

Non-Permit Alternatives: If we can't secure a permit for certain nights, what are our best options for staying active in the park without breaking the law?

Thanks for any help!