Plan Carefully Use topographic maps and guidebooks to plan your trip. Allow plenty of time for rest, food storage, and campsite selection. You must be four miles from any populated area and one mile from any road before camping. Check current weather conditions and forecasts prior to your trip. Maximum group size is 15 people for trail travel and 8 people for off-trail travel.
Proper equipment is vital.
Carry sufficient food and water. Plan to pack out all trash. They are not required for day hikes. Yosemite uses a trailhead quota system which limits the number of people who may begin overnight hikes from each trailhead, each day. This system is designed to avoid overcrowding and to reduce impacts to wilderness areas.