What to Wear in Yosemite: Mist Trail Rain Gear, Grippy Granite Shoes & High-Country Layers

In Yosemite, what you wear on your feet and in your daypack is determined by two forces of nature: glacially polished Sierra granite (which is slick when wet or dusted with pine needles) and thundering spring waterfall spray.

Five Practical Packing Rules for Yosemite

1. Pack a Hooded Waterproof Rain Jacket & Quick-Dry Shorts or Trousers for the 'Mist Trail' (April to July): on a cloudless 26°C (78°F) May or June day, the 600 granite steps climbing beside Vernal Fall on the Mist Trail, as well as the footbridge at Bridalveil Fall and Lower Yosemite Fall, are blasted by a continuous, soaking curtain of cold glacial waterfall spray. Wear a hooded waterproof shell and quick-dry nylon shorts or hiking trousers (never heavy cotton jeans), and put a waterproof cover over your rucksack.
2. Broken-In Trail Runners or Hiking Boots with Sticky Rubber Grip: whether you are climbing the wet steps of the Mist Trail, walking out onto the smooth granite dome of Sentinel Dome or Olmsted Point, or ascending the sub-dome of Half Dome, smooth-soled fashion trainers slip dangerously whenever granite has a dusting of sand or pine needles.

3. Dress in Layers for the 1,800-Metre Elevation Jump to Glacier Point & Tioga Pass: while Yosemite Valley sits at 1,200m, driving up to Glacier Point (2,199m) or Tioga Pass (3,031m) lifts you nearly 2,000 metres higher, where the air is 10°C to 14°C cooler and windy. Keep a warm fleece pullover and windbreaker in the car for sunset at Glacier Point or Taft Point.
4. Swimsuit & Water Sandals (For the Merced River & Tenaya Lake in Summer) + A Headlamp: in July and August, keep a swimsuit and strapped water sandals in your bag for dipping into Sentinel Beach or Tenaya Lake, and carry a small LED headlamp if watching sunset at Taft Point or Tunnel View.
5. Visiting Between November and March? Bring Microspikes + Tyre Chains in the Boot: in winter, shady trails on the south side of Yosemite Valley stay covered in ice; pack slip-on microspikes for your boots and legally required tyre chains for your car. Check seasonal weather.