Yosemite Wilderness Center — Attraction in Oakhurst

I have to say I was very disappointed with the Yosemite Valley Wilderness Center I rented a bicycle to check out there location I realized that I couldn't pick up my Permit because it was a day too early.according to the instructions. I just wanted to see were the locations was so it wasn't a giant scramble before my start date of my hike. I have to say that one of the Rangers Administrator offered no assistance. I was also looking for the trail head that I would be starting on as well. The day I did pick up the permit and the Bear canister there was two Rangers administrators that were working seemed to be very busy, and still gave proper thorough briefing and was helpful and friendly. The day I returned the bear canister back to the wilderness center the Yosemite Valley park Ranger Administrator worker was very rude and seemed to be put off that I was asking a question. I just wanted to say that to me the rangers are invaluable resources to the average person like myself who is trying to get an understanding and relay on their professional knowledge of the park that they work in. I'm not looking for them to plan my Backpacking trip either I was just asking a question. Let's face it the park is extremely big and it's not easy to get all the information needed in a matter of a few day's visit especially trying to do a backpacking trip. I hope that the unhappy park administrator rangers finds peace or another line of work. Bye the way she was rude to the woman in front of me too. I overheard the woman (the customer) says so you won't offer any assistance to me. I don't even want to call her a Ranger because I know that they are usually helpful and friendly. This Park Administrator was snarky and condescending with her nasty smirk on her face. I'm sure that the Yosemite Park Rangers seemed to short handed. I saw quite a few Park Rangers on the Trail looking for a missing hikers, I have the up most respect for them I too was in Search and Rescue for...

Rangers Alex, PJ, and Chad were all very helpful in the walk-in wilderness permit process. I was able to get a next-day Half Dome permit with 3 days in the backcountry on a Thursday in July with their help. All the rangers are happy to answer your questions, but come ready with a route and realistic expectations of your own hiking abilities before you show up. Yosemite is huge and full of different experiences for different levels of backcountry hiking. It isn’t fair to the rangers or anyone else waiting in line to have no idea what you want, then ask, “what hike should I do?”

Bear canisters are available for rental here at $5/week with a $95 deposit.

As others have noted, show up as early as you can the day of or day before your hike starts. For day of permits, you have a small chance for Half Dome permits depending on the day and if you’re one of the first in line (recommend 7am). For next day permits, be in line by 7:30 for the best chance at a Half Dome permit. Your name will be added to a list, then you are helped in the list order at 11am for permit issuing. It’s kind of a pain waiting all morning for a permit, but the hike is absolutely worth it if you have the...

On Friday September 23rd around 2pm my wife and I where at the center. I work at a winery so I am always looking to see how staff treat customers/patrons. Two ranger were working and we were the only people in the place. The ranges were having a wonderful discussion and never seem to notice us. At some point I left and later to return to see if my coming back would be noticed. I am 6:1 and was wearing a bright pink T-shirt. Nothing from the rangers, they were really enjoying there discussion. I think the person that needs to work on this is the supervisor. PS - on the way out my wife did say bye and she...