Picnicking

Picnic areas are available throughout Yosemite on a first-come, first-served basis (reservations are not available) from dawn to dusk.Unless otherwise noted, all picnic areas in Yosemite have picnic tables, vault toilets, and trash and recycling receptacles.

Grills: All picnic areas have grills except Lower Yosemite Fall, Yosemite Creek, and Lembert Dome.

Potable water: Picnic areas do not have potable water, except Lower Yosemite Fall and Church Bowl (which have both potable water and flush toilets).

Wawona

Mariposa Grove Road (limited to vehicles displaying a disability placard)
Pioneer Yosemite History Center (across from the Wawona Store)
South of Wawona Campground

Yosemite Valley

The Cascades
Cathedral Beach
Sentinel Beach
Swinging Bridge
Church Bowl (potable water)
Lower Yosemite Fall (potable water; no grills)
El Capitan

Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadows

Yosemite Creek (no grills)
Tenaya Lake
Lembert Dome (no grills)

Keep Wildlife Wild

Yosemite is home to black bears, mule deer, mountain lions, and hundreds of other species. Bears are quick learners, have a powerful sense of smell, and seek out food where it can easily be found. If a bear obtains human food, it may learn to return for more.

For your safety and that of wildlife:

• Keep your distance from animals, even if they approach you.
• Never feed wild animals.
• Dispose of trash in bear-proof trash cans or dumpsters.
• While enjoying your picnic, keep your food, trash, and other scented items within arm’s reach.
• If a bear approaches, yell as loudly as possible to scare the bear away.