Resources for Yosemite Visitors

Planning Your Yosemite Trip

Local advice on conditions, permits, and what to do before you drive in.

If you realize you're missing something, we're in Mariposa on Highway 140—the last practical gear stop before the park.

Current Conditions Permits Pre-Trip Checklist Staying in Mariposa

Current Conditions

Conditions in the Sierra can change quickly. Before you leave Mariposa, check the official sources below to know what to expect on the road and in the park.

Yosemite Webcams

Live views of snow levels, waterfall flow, and valley conditions from cameras throughout the park.

Yosemite.org

Weather Forecast

Valley and high country temperatures can differ by 30 degrees or more. Check the forecast before you dress and pack.

NPS.gov

Yosemite National Park Homepage

The central hub for current alerts, road closures, fire restrictions, and all official park updates.

NPS.gov

Local Tip: Take Highway 140

Highway 140 is Yosemite's All-Weather Highway — the lowest elevation entrance and the least likely route to require chains in winter. The drive follows the Merced River Canyon into the park, about an hour from Mariposa to Yosemite Valley.

Need gear for your trip? See what we carry →

NPS Resources & Permits

Official information and reservations—some activities require advance planning.

Permits & Reservations

Park Entry

Peak Season

During April–October, you may need a reservation to enter the park.

Half Dome Cables

Required

Preseason lottery in March, daily lottery 2 days before.

Wilderness Permits

Overnight

Required for backcountry camping. Book up to 24 weeks ahead.

Things to Do in Yosemite

Official overview of major park activities and attractions, from scenic drives to guided programs.

Heading out for a day hike? See our local packing checklist →

Staying in Mariposa

Our little Gold Rush town is a great basecamp—quieter and often more affordable than staying inside the park.

Why Stay in Mariposa?

About an hour to Yosemite Valley via the All-Weather Highway through the Merced River Canyon
More affordable lodging with a wider range of hotels, cabins, and B&Bs than inside the park — many of them pet-friendly
A real town with real restaurants — Gold Rush history, local dining, and shops in a walkable downtown
Stock up before you go — gas, groceries, ice, and outdoor gear are all easier to find here than inside the park

Visit The Approach

Before You Drive Into the Park

A quick pre-trip checklist to save you headaches later.

Prepare your gear Know what to bring — see our Yosemite day hike checklist →

Check trail and road conditions Seasonal closures like Tioga Pass or Glacier Point Road can change your plans without warning.

Save your maps and permits offline Cell service disappears in the canyon and stays spotty in the Valley. Download, screenshot, or print anything you'll need.

Fill your gas tank in Mariposa Park fuel is limited and pricey.

Buy food and drinks in town In-park options are limited and overpriced. Mariposa has grocery stores and restaurants where you can stock up for the day.

Store food and scented items properly Food may stay in your car during the day if out of sight, but must go in a food locker after dark. Bears can smell it either way.

Need Gear Before You Go?

We stock day-hike essentials, bear cans, water treatment, layers, maps, and practical gear for Yosemite conditions. Stop in on your way into the park—we're right on Highway 140 in Mariposa.

What to Bring Used Gear Exchange

5081 CA-140, Mariposa • Open Tue–Sat