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Little Yosemite Valley

Mariposa · Managed by Yosemite National Park (NPS) · Region: Yosemite National Park
Difficulty 24/100 · Moderateout and back#river#waterfalls#half-dome-basecamp#classic
Distance
9.6 mi
Total gain
2,150 ft
Net gain
2,150 ft
Net loss
2,150 ft
Days
2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Stoves only

Overview

Little Yosemite Valley is the backcountry camp below Half Dome: a 4.8-mile, 2,150-foot climb from Happy Isles past Vernal and Nevada Falls to a designated river camp beneath the dome's north face. It is Yosemite's most requested backpacking destination and the launch point for summit attempts.

Highlights

  • The Merced River flowing through a forested valley at 6,100 feet
  • Half Dome's massive north face rising directly above camp
  • Vernal and Nevada Falls on the way up
  • A dawn start up subdome for the ambitious

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Happy Isles Trailhead (Yosemite Valley) · parking: Yosemite Valley trailhead parking; shuttle from Curry Village
  • Water: The Merced River at Little Yosemite Valley; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Valley stores at the start.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Stove required: yes — no fires possible on this route
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Yosemite National Park (NPS)
  • Reserve or apply on nps.gov
  • Quota: Happy Isles trailhead quota applies; 60% reservable 24 weeks out, 40% seven days out.
  • Reservation window: Lottery-based advance reservations; remaining quota releases weekly.

Campfires & stove regulations

Stoves only. Camping at Little Yosemite Valley allows fires only in the communal rings provided. Stoves are the reliable option. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: June, July, August, September.

Snow: Usually snow-free by early June.

Heat: Warm on the lower trail.

Bugs: Moderate near the river.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • The most competitive trailhead permit in the park — reserve exactly 24 weeks out
  • Camping is restricted to the designated backpackers campground
  • Bears are active; canisters are required
  • The trail is crowded year-round — go midweek if you can

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. Yosemite Valley Trails — Little Yosemite Valley. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/yosemite-valley-trails.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Distance (9.6 mi round trip) and elevation gain (2,150 ft) from the Happy Isles trailhead.
  2. Wilderness Permits. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Permit requirement, quotas, and reservation windows.
  3. Wilderness Regulations. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildregs.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Camping restrictions at Little Yosemite Valley, fire rules, and bear canister requirement.