Don't Forget Your "Pic-A-Nic" Basket! ~ Part 1
- Yosemite Me
- Apr 30
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 14
Of all the activities available to visitors in Yosemite National Park, one, in particular, stands out as producing a high rate of return with only a little planning. Part of the planning includes what Yogi Bear could never seem to secure enough of: a “pic-a-nic” basket filled with enjoyable edibles.
Just about anywhere you can travel to in the Park can be a picnicking destination, especially during the summer. This could be true even if it means sitting in your car at a shaded turn-off or a peaceful parking area surrounded by impressive views. One visitor, enjoying a lunch with five others at a picnic table draped in a table cloth and shaded by towering pine trees near the Wawona Hotel, said to me after taking a sip of wine from his wine glass, “It doesn’t get any better than this!”
Indeed! Being in Yosemite alone captivates and inspires in many different ways. Add a relaxing place to stop to eat a prepared lunch or dinner and few experiences can exceed this in relaxation!
Nevertheless, some may need more amenities while picnicking such as a restroom, trash/recycling disposal, picnic tables, and water. Consequently, within Yosemite National Park, 13 designated picnic areas can be used to make picnicking more accommodating to the needs of those seeking greater convenience.
Six sites can be found in Yosemite Valley, three sites off of Tioga Road, three sites off of Wawona Road, and one site near the El Portal entrance (Highway 140). All picnic sites are on a first-come, first-served basis. Some have grills, all have picnic tables, and all have toilets (flush or pit). Only Yosemite Fall and Church Bowl have potable water. The popular sites have swimming areas along the Merced in Yosemite Valley while some stand out due to their isolation.
I will review the 13 designated picnic sites and provide “Highlights” and “Lowlights” regarding the visitor experience. As noted, Yosemite’s vast acreage offers many places to picnic. With that in mind, I will rank the 13 designated sites according to seven features that contribute to an overall enhanced experience. The features ranked from 1 to 5 with 5 being the highest include: 1. Isolation, 2. Convenience, 3. Restrooms/water, 4. Swimming, 5. Scenic, 6. Road Noise, and 7. Bicycle Access.
The picnic areas in highlighted in bold are discussed in this months article and the rest will be shared for June.
The Swinging Bridge (4.3)
Cathedral Beach (4.3)
Yosemite Creek (4.2)
Lower Yosemite Fall (4.1)
Tenaya Lake (4.1)
Sentinel Beach
Church Bowl
Cascades
Wawona History Center
Wawona Campground South
El Capitan
Mariposa Grove
Lembert Dome
SWINGING BRIDGE (Ranking = 4.3)
Highlights: The Swinging Bridge Picnic Area ranks as the most popular of all of Yosemite’s picnic areas and is the third one in on Southside Drive while driving toward Yosemite Village. It accommodates more people with 14 grills matched with 14 tables all adequately separated from one another and shaded from the conifers. It contains 35+ parking spots. Its nearness to the Merced River provides for a popular spot to swim although access to most of the sandy beaches require crossing over the Bridge (the Bridge is stationery but it once swung suspended on cables before the current version). A stunning view of Upper Yosemite Fall, especially from the Bridge, adds to the charm of this spot and its popularity.
Lowlights: The parking area and restroom can be seen from the road and coupled with the reputation for having the view of Upper Yosemite Fall, it can get crowded, really crowded. In fact, getting into the parking lot may be impossible if arriving at lunchtime during the summer. In late August 2024 at 2:30 pm, four cars were waiting for parking spots that did not exist. Parking in the Yosemite Lodge overflow lot on Northside Drive and walking across the Swinging Bridge to the picnic area may produce a better experience.
SWINGING BRIDGE SWIM AREA
CATHEDRAL BEACH (Ranking = 4.3)
Highlights: Cathedral Beach can be reached off of Southside Drive in Yosemite Valley shortly after passing Bridalveil Fall viewing area. Dramatic views of El Capitan make this an iconic spot to photograph this famous granite monolith. Situated along the Merced River, the sandy shoreline provides ample spots to lay down a blanket and to use that as a home base for swimming activities. Most of the picnic tables are shaded providing a relief from the summer heat. This tranquil spot especially inspires during the evening when sunsets bring a glow to El Capitan amidst striking shadows from the surrounding trees.
Lowlights: Its popularity may produce crowds and it accommodates fewer picnickers (although, as mentioned above, a blanket can serve as a resting spot on the sandy shore of the Merced). Still, being the first picnic area available while driving into the Valley, it may be bypassed by those seeking to be near the heart of Yosemite Village Welcome Center. Consequently, sites may be found more easily here than in other picnic areas.
YOSEMITE CREEK (Ranking = 4.2)
Highlights: Yosemite Creek sits at the 7,491-foot elevation level. Its location off of Tioga Road (between May Lake and Tenaya Lake) makes it remote enough to provide a very private and quiet experience. Using Yosemite Creek as a stop-off point on the way to Tuolumne Meadows acts as a good introduction to the scenery to come. Picnicking can be enjoyed near the creek and some isolated picnic tables can be found by hiking downstream along the creek. The alpine air mixed with the quietude and lack of crowds makes this a lovely setting for a relaxing picnic at any time of day. Being mindful that Yosemite Creek eventually becomes Yosemite Falls gives much to contemplate.
Lowlights: The road to the Yosemite Creek picnic area descends from Tioga Road and the site does not offer any significant views. This site closes during the winter due to heavy snowfall. Road noise is slight at the parking area.
LOWER YOSEMITE FALL (Ranking = 4.1)
Highlights: Yosemite Fall picnic area is conveniently located across the street from the Yosemite Lodge and near the trailhead to the popular Lower Yosemite Fall viewing area. To get there, one would either walk, ride a bicycle, or drive (parking can be found in the day use parking lot past Yosemite Lodge). A shuttle bus stops nearby making easy access from anywhere in Yosemite Valley. Drinking fountains and flush toilets make this a popular stopping point, especially for bicyclists.
It sits amidst a hubbub of activity, but the setting allows for a quick recharge of energy so visitors can continue seeking memorable experiences in Yosemite Valley. As noted, it is easily accessible by bicycle and the bike stands get good use from those wishing to stop here and lock bikes while picnicking.
Lowlights: Given its proximity to Northside Drive, the shuttle stop, the large restroom, Yosemite Lodge, and the trailhead to Lower Yosemite Fall, the noise and people can intrude on the experience. It becomes calmer during the evening but still acts a convenient spot to fuel up and move on to the next activity.
TENAYA LAKE (Ranking = 4.1)
Highlights: Tenaya Lake is also a must-see alpine stopping-point on the way to Tuolumne Meadows. Its main parking lot can get crowded during the summer lunch hour, but someone is usually leaving so be patient. Wilderness trailheads can be found near the lake including a fairly level 2.5-mile loop trail that skirts the lake’s shoreline.
Swimming, wading, and kayaking are possible water activities and can lure the visitor into staying more than a few hours at this destination. Picnic tables are located under the trees at the east end of the lake. If none are available then sunbathing on the vast sandy eastern shoreline serves as a perfect location to enjoy a bite to eat while taking in the pure beauty of this renowned mountain lake.
If you decide to take the loop trail around the lake, yosemitehikes.com can provide you with more details on this fairly level trail.
Although parking can be found along the northern shore just off Tioga Road prior to reaching the designated picnic area, the restrooms are located by the primary parking lot after you pass the lake going east.
Lowlights: As noted, popular spots in Yosemite bring crowds and Tenaya Lake is no exception. Arriving before noon should allow for a parking site to be found. Additionally, the lake can get windy and since the elevation is 8,191 feet, some days can be cooler than expected and mid-summer rains are possible.
THE MAIN PICNIC AREA WITH RESTROOMS CAN BE SEEN IN UPPER RIGHT HAND CORNER
PART 2 CONTINUED IN JUNE 2025
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