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Expect? Crowds and traffic. It's a wonder of the world, and somewhat unbearable in the valley.
Pick a hike and shuttle away as quickly as you can!
Why did you pick a weekend? I'd go mid week if you can!
The Panoramic trail is a favorite. 9 miles down hill, amazing valley views, not that crowded.
I only have weekends off 🥲
I went 2 weekends ago, and honestly the traffic/crowds were fine. Yes it’s busy. Yes ppl everywhere, but it’s STUNNING, awe inspiring and worth having to be a bit patient.
Rent a bike to ride around the park! Enjoy the big waterfalls this time of year! Any hike longer than 1 mile will get you away from crowds!
Warm bedding, swimming stuff, make sure to lock the bear box. If it is a sketchy lock, tell someone right away. My last time there I woke up to a little tinging sound. When it got close, I could hear my box open up, heard the cooler slide out and open up and a bear had my bacon in his mouth. Our box didn’t clasp correctly and he was just moving through checking all the boxes to see what idiot left the bear box ajar. It was me. I scared him off, waking everyone in the vicinity up. The bear mosied on and rangers were right behind him tracking his collar. Nice 3 am wake up.
Bring a bike. The shuttles get crowded/full. Have fun! It is so great
My advice is get a wilderness permit next time. It’s totally worth the crowds to see the valley but it’s also really great to hike away from the crowds with a wilderness permit.
It’s a bit cold right now so I’d recommend base layers, beanie, and wool socks. Also, hand warmers were a life saver for the night/morning when I was there 2 weeks ago.
Make sure your sleeping bag is warm enough for the night since the temperature does drop.
Water is freezing so skip anything swimming related unless you’re trying to take a polar plunge but the water was too high and quick to get in safely for a swim.
Best to ask this question in /r/Yosemite . That sub also has a lot of historical posts regarding Housekeeping Camp.