Valley Trailhead Parking

Last year I sort of freaked out when I saw that. Then I talked to someone at an information kiosk who said it's not always full, but they'll put that up so that those with backcountry permits have a place to park. I just went past the sign and noticed that half the lot was empty.

It may very well fill up on a weekend. However - it may be OK on a weekday.

I went past the sign as well. It was late enough in the day that I knew there had to be some space. Good thing there was--I was meeting a friend that I'd dropped off on Tioga Road earlier that day.

eeek wrote:

> I went past the sign as well. It was late enough in the day
> that I knew there had to be some space. Good thing there was--I
> was meeting a friend that I'd dropped off on Tioga Road earlier
> that day.

I saw the sign, turned back, and parked at the Valley day parking area near Yosemite Village. There's an information kiosk there, and I asked about where I should go with my backcountry parking permit with the full sign up. The volunteer told me that the issuing ranger should have mentioned that the sign may say it's full when it's not. I don't know exactly when they decide to put the sign up, but it seems to be semi-random.

Most people don't know about this, and I don't think sharing it here is going to affect how it's used. For the most part, I'd think most visitors to the Valley would rather be closer to Curry Village, Yosemite Lodge, or the Ahwahnee.