Laws & Policies - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (2024)

FAQs

What are some rules in Yosemite National Park? ›

Do not follow, feed or approach wildlife in the park – keep your distance. If camping, be bear aware; use the bear locker or a canister to store your food away from your tent, especially in the backcountry. Use a bell on trails, so bears know you are approaching and aren't startled.

The specific laws can vary, but some common ones include the National Park Service Organic Act, the Wilderness Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act. Additionally, specific regulations may be in place for each individual park or forest.

President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Valley Grant Act, Senate Bill 203, on June 30, 1864. The legislation gave California the Yosemite Valley and the nearby Mariposa Big Tree Grove “upon the express conditions that the premises shall be held for public use, resort, and recreation.”

On June 30, 1864 Congress passed the Yosemite Act, which placed Yosemite Valley, and a nearby grove of sequoias, under the protection of California. California managed the park until 1906 when it was merged with the Yosemite National Park. S. 203, introduced March 28, 1864; Records of the U.S. Senate, RG 46.

As of February 22, 2010, a federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park.

Within Yosemite National Park, you may not sleep in your car or RV except in a campsite that you're registered to stay in (except at Camp 4, where sleeping in cars is not allowed because it's a walk-in campground). Sleeping in your car along the side of the road is not allowed.

Preservation of natural, cultural and archeological resources. Wildlife protection. Fishing. Weapons, traps and nets.

The service thus established shall promote and regulate the use of the Federal areas known as national parks, monuments, and reservations hereinafter specified by such means and measures as conform to the fundamental purpose of the said parks, monuments, and reservations, which purpose is to conserve the scenery and ...

Pets disturb wildlife and are not allowed on trails.

Wood and charcoal fires are strictly prohibited due to generally dry weather conditions and intermittent high winds. Certain activities require a special use permit, including groups of over twenty persons hiking in the park. Practice Leave No Trace principles.

First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.

Is Yosemite a state or federal? ›

Yosemite was established as a national park in 1890. Its history as a protected area dates to 1864, when the Federal government granted Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Big Tree Grove to the State of California, which later returned those areas to the Federal government.

The conservation ethics and policies rooted at Yosemite National Park were central to the development of the national park idea. First, Galen Clark and others lobbied to protect Yosemite Valley from development, ultimately leading to President Abraham Lincoln's signing the Yosemite Grant in 1864.

Mariposa County Sheriff's Office provides the primary services for Coroner, Civil Service and Animal Control inside Yosemite National Park. The California Highway Patrol is responsible for traffic enforcement and accident investigation along roadways in the County.

There is a 30-night camping limit within Yosemite National Park in a calendar year; however, May 1 to September 15, the camping limit in Yosemite is 14 nights, and only seven of those nights can be in Yosemite Valley or Wawona.

The State of California receded Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove to the federal government June 11, 1906.

Check regulations before you go and know that drones can frighten wildlife, damage habitat and even hurt other visitors. Get A Handle On Vandalism. If you're reading this, you probably aren't the culprit, but never graffiti, carve initials or tag our parks & wilderness.

Yosemite National Park offers a range of swimming opportunities—from rivers and lakes to our family-friendly pools, which are the only swimming places in Yosemite with lifeguards. River and lake swimming is at-your-own-risk. Life jackets are strongly recommended—especially for children.

31. Are there alcohol or marijuana restrictions? Alcoholic beverages are not provided, however some adults bring beer or wine to share with the group in the evenings. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted for those under 21 years of age.

Keep wildlife wild: do not approach or feed animals. Drive responsibly: observe posted speed limits and use pullouts to take pictures and let other cars pass. Protect Yosemite's bears: always practice proper food storage and follow speed limits. Staying connected: cellular service is limited.