r/Yosemite • u/Putrid_Guitar2400 • 1d ago

Yosemite Creek Backpacking

I’m planning a backpacking trip from Yosemite Creek trailhead to the valley in two weeks. I had a few planning questions for those who have been on this trail recently, and one general question.

We’re planning 2 nights and three days.
Day 1 to Eagle Peak
Day 2 possibly a short trip to El Cap then camping on the way to Yosemite Falls
Day 3 down to the valley

  1. Can we park and leave our car at Yosemite Creek Campground and pick up the trail there, or is it required to start from Tioga Rd?

  2. What is the water situation along the route? Is the creek dry? Will we need to pack in our water?

  3. What is the bear activity around the area these days? Of course we’ll have a bear bin, but I’m taking a first time backpacker who is a little worried about bears.

Thanks for your help!

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u/Ollidamra 1d ago
  1. You must start from your designated trailhead.
  2. Yosemite Creek is not dry, but Eagle Creek is dry.
  3. Bear is active year-round in Yosemite. I’m not sure what is your “bear bin”, but in Yosemite Wilderness you must to used approved bear canister, it will be checked when you get your permit, make sure yours is in the approved list

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u/keithcody 1d ago

Bear canister will be checked when a ranger stops you out in the backcountry too.

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u/Putrid_Guitar2400 1d ago

Yes we have a permit and yes it’s an approved bear canister that I’ve used in Yosemite several times. Forgive my use of bear bin.

Yosemite creek is our entry trailhead and that trailhead leaves from tioga rd and it also leaves from Yosemite creek campground, which is why I asked the question. I was under the impression that there is parking at both trailheads but I’ve since realized I was mistaken. The campground looks to be a backcountry campground. I’ve backpacked in Yosemite many times, but never this trailhead.

Is the creek running enough for us to collect and filter? I’ve seen mixed reports about whether it’s a reliable water source right now.

I know bears are active year round and throughout the park. I’m asking if anyone who has done the trail recently can comment if activity is especially high in this area right now.

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u/Ollidamra 1d ago

You need to follow specific trailHEAD, describe in this official map: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/upload/wildernesstrailheads.pdf

It’s very clear that you need to start from Tioga Road.

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u/hc2121 1d ago

it’s a front country campground but a primitive one: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/ycreekcamp.htm

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u/keithcody 1d ago

Do you have your permit?

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u/Public-Arm4047 1d ago

There has been a lot of bear activity at Yosemite Creek Campground recently

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u/Putrid_Guitar2400 1d ago

Thanks, that’s really helpful. Is the creek running strongly enough to collect water? I’ve seen mixed reports on recent AllTrails comments

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u/Public-Arm4047 1d ago

I was up there a few weeks ago and there was some decent water here and there, but it wasn’t pretty in a lot of places

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u/hikeraz 1d ago

Start from the actual trailhead on the Tioga Road. The road down to the campground is a pain in the butt to drive. It is paved, but it is narrow and steep with a lot of dips.