- Yosemite campgrounds are in the middle of a natural wilderness. Naturally some of that wildness sometimes wanders through the camps. When bears are that nature they can cause problems. Bears sometimes enter the campgrounds in search of easy food. “Bear boxes”, strong metal boxes for storing food, are located at each campsite. Campers are required to store all food in these boxes and throw any food scraps in bear-proof garbage cans. Any food left out causes a number of problems. If bears become accustomed to feeding amongst the campers then they will continue to do so. Confrontations between campers and bears are rare but are inevitable if foraging in the campgrounds becomes a habit. Secondly, bears are extremely powerful and can be very determined when following the scent of food. Consequently, they have torn apart cars that they smelled food in. This is not an exaggeration. There are photographs on the Yosemite website showing cars that have been peeled open like tin cans. In my recent trip a bear climbed inside a van through its open window in search of food.
- Getting to the some of the spots discussed in this site requires long hikes. Before starting out on any hike it is important to take along sufficient water. The amount of water a person can lose through perspiration and respiration is surprising. The body’s internal use of water is also increased. These two factors make carrying enough water to replenish one’s body essential.
- One final tip I’ll include concerns avoiding crowds. There are certain times when the few roads at the exits of the valley become crowded. Some the times of heaviest traffic are Friday afternoon, Saturday morning, and Sunday afternoon. These are the times most convenient for most people to begin and end their Yosemite experience. If possible, entering or leaving at another time goes a long way in reducing the stress and frustration of waiting for long periods of time in traffic.
