The Complete Yosemite Guide For An Awesome Seasonal Job

How Did I End Up Working at Yosemite?

Halfway through my final year of university, my roommate at the time (Misha!) mentioned wanting to work at Yosemite National Park for the upcoming summer.

Having no idea where it was or what it looked like, I said I’d join him.

A quick google search was all I needed to double down on my decision.

This was the place for me. 

We both applied to various job, but due to some Visa issues Misha couldn’t go. He ended up working at Banff anyways.

Thankfully, my US passport meant I could avoid the bureaucratic bullshit.

One flight to Sacramento, an Amtrak train and a YARTS bus later, I arrived in a cold and snowy Yosemite on May 10th, just 2 weeks after finishing university.

95 awesome days after, I left a place I now consider home and would return to in a heartbeat.

I decided to write this guide because when I tried researching work in Yosemite, I found next to nothing that was useful.

Don’t feel like you have to read everything here, rather jump ahead to whatever interests you.

With that being said, let’s get into it !!

Work

When applying for jobs, my friend gave the same warning I now pass on to you.

Expect shit work and minimum wage.

Oh and definitely prepare for moments of profound life introspection and contemplation.

40 hours a week is standard, and getting time off is near impossible. 

While some jobs are better than others, the vast majority are in food service, housekeeping, and customer service as a cashier or front desk staff.

You might be good at or even well suited to one of these jobs, but the odds are it’ll be far from your dream career. 

Accept it and move forward.

Employment is simply your golden ticket to this sweet place. 

Whether you’re here to climb El Capitan or vibe in nature and meet fun humans, it helps having a reason for being there.

It’s what gets you through those tough days.

Because the fact is, once you’re clocked out and on your free time, you have the gnarliest fucking backyard in the whole world.

Housekeeper

Cleaning rooms at the various accommodations in the valley. 

Pros

• Tips from rooms you clean
• Goodies to take home (Snacks, drinks, etc)
• Zero social interaction required, can put in earbuds and vibe to music / podcasts / etc
• No constant supervision, go at your own pace
• Show up in any condition (just show up lol)

Potential Cons 

• Clean toilets, change bedsheets, vacuum floor, more – if any of this more than mildly bothers you I’d recommend a different job

You score the biggest tips at the Awahnee hotel, followed by the Lodge, then Curry Village and Housekeeping Camp.

If you’d prefer chilling over extra money, housekeeping camp is the way to go.

Here’s a short list of things my friends have done on the clock at housekeeping camp

• Walk their cat (KITTY CHICKEN)
• Drink beers on the beach
• Swim in the river
• Play volleyball on the beach

Need I say more?

The Kitchen

Probably the most coworker interactive place, as you’re sharing a space and heavily relying on each other.

In the kitchen you can be a dishwasher or a cook. Neither are easy jobs by any means, but there are some pros:

• Both will receive free meals on shift and sometimes enough to bring home. 
• Don’t have to talk to tourists
• Potentially super fun environment

Few have the job as busser or server at one of the real restaurants, as these are the highest earning jobs thanks to the tips.

Aim for it anyways, but know that most in the job have spent years there.

Cashier

As a cashier you’re either in food service, gift shops, or the village store.

Dealing with hangry tourists isn’t as fun as hanging out in the gift shop or mountain shop (outdoor gear), but you do earn tips and free food if you’re at one of the restaurants.

The village store can be super chill or have a line out the doors with a total of 4 cashiers. Perks include free groceries and meeting lots of fellow employees along with travelers.

Crane flats gas station is a hidden gem, but you’ll have to ask me in person why that is. I’m not willing to jeopardize such a glorious position by releasing highly classified information.

Bike Stand

Another certified gem of a job, you rent out bikes and help with all bike related needs. 

Once every bike is rented out you can just chill. Read a book, vibe to music, hang with coworkers. 

Plus you grind 4 days of 10 hours… No need to explain how beautiful those words are. 

Rafting 

The Holy Grail of Yosemite jobs, its power comes at a price.

The price is that the job exists from May until the river is too shallow.

Once rafting is stopped, you’re placed wherever they need help in the valley. 

Is it worth it?

Absolutely without a doubt.

Your tasks consist of blowing up rafts, putting people in rafts, and collecting rafts.

Your day is spent outside in shorts and sandals, knee deep in the refreshing merced river, music blasting, and unbelievable views everywhere you look. 

What a time to be alive. 

Porter

If you’re cool with cleaning bathrooms and dealing with garbage, you land a job with no direct supervisor, can listen to music, ignore tourists, and get tips for helping guests with luggage.

Shoutout Trevor and Ali. All time legendary porters in their prime.

Other

There are a bunch of other jobs that are skill specific with fewer openings, but are possibilities.

• Labour Crew / Maintenance
• Gardener
• Shuttle drivers
• Supervisor / Manager

I would never go the corporate route, be that as a supervisor or manager, even if I wanted to stay long term. 

But hey if that’s the life you want then by all means go for it.

My Job

I worked at the front desk of the Valley Lodge, basically the motel 6 of Yosemite. 

I didn’t love my job. 

It was far from the worst job I’ve had (Dishwashing with no music), but I would never do it again.

There were aspects of the job I did enjoy though.

Talking with folks coming from all over the world to experience a unique place was a lot of fun. 

Meeting first time tourists from faraway places like South Korea and Spain, families with tradition to gather annually in Yosemite, and past workers from a time they described as “before I was a twinkle in my father’s eyes”.

My coworkers were an eclectic mix of relaxed, entertaining, apathetic and odd. 

Some were there seasonally like me, and others had spent the past 30 years in the park.

What caught me off guard was how draining the job was on my social battery. 

I know how bullshit it sounds, but if you’ve been in customer service you know what I mean.

Meeting new people and hanging out with friends is usually a dope time.

Sadly, after 8 hours of continuously checking guests into their room, directing lost tourists, and answering the question of “Where are the falls?” 70 times a day, the last thing I want to do is talk to any living creature.

Here’s a quick summary of the ups and downs.

Pros:

• World travelers to talk to
• Not physically demanding
• Occasional tips for helping out
• Could stretch on the job
• Built mental resilience to stupidity
• Learned a lot about the States (except Arkansas, if it even exists)

Cons:

• Social battery drained
• Often feel like a robot 
• Indoors
• Not physically or mentally rewarding
• The Bucket (If you know, you know)

In the future I’d like a job that is more outdoors, seeing as I’m surrounded by incredible nature, and with a better balance of social interactions. 

Right now my eyes are set on being a hiking guide, taking small groups on gorgeous hikes and backpacking trips. 

To make a living doing what I love would be the dream!

Hiking guides need experience exploring the park in addition to a WFR (Wilderness First Responder) certification, a 10 day course on how to survive and be a responsible guide.

Who can work?

US Citizens 

No problem at all, just apply online https://careers.aramarkdestinations.com/search/?distance=25&property=Yosemite+National+Park#results 

International Students 

You need a J1 student-work visa, then you can apply no problem. 

There were tons of J1’s from all over – Thailand, Jamaica, Colombia, Lithuania, the list goes on.

Anyone else

A work visa is needed just like if you wanted employment anywhere else in the US as a non citizen. 

Living Situation

Tents

If you’re in the valley there are several options for housing. 

Where you live highly depends on how long you’ve stayed there and what job you have.

If you’re a first timer like I was, odds are you’re put in a 2 or 3 person white canvas tent. 

I spent the whole summer in a 3 person tent, starting off with a cool roommate from Riverside, California, and my 3rd roommate arriving about a month in all the way from Lithuania (Shoutout Justin and Grant).

The tent is what you make of it. Each person gets a storage locker to put clothes, valuables, etc, and a twin size mattress to sleep on. Bear boxes outside the tent are provided to store groceries and scented items so that animals won’t enter your tent.

I’ve seen a squirrel gnaw through one of these thick canvas tents to acquire what I can only assume is this squirrel’s favorite snack. That’s why we have bear boxes.

Warning: If you’re not an international worker they do not provide bedsheets or pillows for you. 

This means you need to bring your own, buy once you’re there, or do what I did and ask friends in housekeeping to bring you supplies.

That being said, my first month I slept in my sleeping bag and used my hammock as a pillow. I eventually got bedsheets and a pillow, but kept using my sleeping bag as a blanket because why not.

Even with 3 in the tent it didn’t feel crowded. The only time I spent there was to sleep, cause why hang out inside when you’re in nature?

There’s a heater for those cold mountain nights, but I’d recommend deciding with your roommates on when to use it. When it’s cold, it’s cold. But when the heater is on blast it feels like a sauna. 

Decorate and renovate your tent however you like (Don’t break shit of course).

Bean bags, sofas, tv’s, hangboards, video games, and the legendary Gabe and Jackson bunk bed tent extravaganza (Certified legends).

WOB

The next step up is a wood sided cabin commonly known as a WOB. 

You have to request these WOBs but they’re given out based on seniority and medical needs, plus couples are way more likely to secure them.

Perks of a WOB include greater privacy, less noise, can keep food and fridge in the cabin, and feels more like a real room than the tents.

That being said I loved my tent and the whole experience that came with it.

New Housing Dorms

Those staying well past seasonal length can choose to live in a building with dorms inside and all the facilities you need. I wouldn’t live there because it’s not the experience I’m looking for, but it’s definitely quieter.

Real Houses

I think only managers or real corporate crowds have houses. Not worth it in my opinion. Live the bum life like the rest of us.

Laundry

There are several places to do laundry throughout employee housing. The trick is finding a machine that functions and isn’t in use. 

It’s common for others to move your laundry to the dryer for you cause they need to wash clothes too. If you don’t want that, keep a tight schedule on when you start and when you should take it out.

There are 3-5 machines per 30-60 people, which is pretty solid if the machines aren’t broken, just figure out what time is best for you.

Kitchen

One of the best places to connect with others, share meals, and wind down after a big day.

I loved running into friends, catching up and telling stories of recent adventures.

Some liked to party in the kitchens, which made no sense to me when there are way cooler spots in the valley.

Each kitchen has 4-5 stovetop ovens, one fridge, one freezer, and a couple tables to sit at.

It gets crowded between 6-10pm, and the rest of the day it’s pretty quiet. 

The biggest downside is definitely fridge space. 

It’s the most crammed fridge I’ve ever seen, and you’re bound to find open take out containers and leaks from unknown liquids.

Good luck finding a spot for your stuff.

The kitchen closest to me (Huff 2 ) had no AC so it was bloody hot, but the vibes were immaculate, and no other kitchen had the roster we did. So that was my go to place to cook.

Mil gracias a Jose Luis que trabajaba tan fuerte para que todo estuviera limpio y cómodo estar en! Nos veremos en México amigo!

Bathroom

Not a whole lot to discuss, but understand these are SHARED bathrooms. 

The upside is that running into new and old faces is a constant, unexpectedly turning a quick trip to piss into hiking plans for the day. 

The only downside is it just takes one asshole stealing a stall door to close the entire bathroom for a month. Yes. This happened.

As long as you’re comfortable with this or willing to suffer through it, have absolutely no worries.

Wellness Center

The first place you go to check into housing, this single story building has amenities for any employee to use, including:

• Gym + Yoga studio space
• Free Wifi
• Book and movie library
• Bathroom + Showers

Food

Thanks to corporate America you can eat fast food every meal of the day even in Yosemite. 

I limited the number of meals I ate out, but when you’re hungry on the clock and free hamburgers are right around the corner it can be tempting.

Groceries

Close to Huff there was the curry village gift shop that sold alcohol, milk, eggs, snacks and at most (apples, onions, potatoes, bananas, avocado, garlic) some other refrigerated / frozen bites. 

Convenience is the name and while it doesn’t have the most to offer, you can definitely scramble together a meal, especially between friends on a BBQ.

The village store is truly the best and only place for groceries. The greatest selection of items for fruits, vegetables, pre-cooked meals, chicken, beef and everything else you’ll find in a small-medium sized store.

Prices are marked up due to location, but you get 15% off as an employee, plus the cheap rent offsets the cost.

If your friend is the cashier, you might only pay for 3 bananas and milk, as they conveniently “forget” to scan the $15 steak you also have in your cart.

Pizza Deck (The Goat)

Hands down the best cuisine, it’s the only place that serves pizza and thankfully they do a damn good job at it.

After a big hike through the mountains I’d always come back and split some pizzas between friends, washing down each glorious slice with a Sierra Nevada beer. 

Just about all the pizzas are great and they’re generous with toppings.

However, do not order the dessert pizza.

As tempting as a sweet apple cinnamon pizza sounds, don’t do it. 

Disappointment is what awaits you. You have been warned.

But seriously it was awesome to finish a long shift and come back to huff, only to receive free pizza from homies at the Deck. Y’all know who you are, thank you.

Basecamp

Had subpar burgers, standard chicken fingers, decent poke bowls (if you trust the fish) and when the Mediterranean menu was offered it was actually solid. 

Getting loaded up on couscous, tomato salad, falafel, lamb meatballs and grilled chicken mixed into one messy bowl was my protein lifesaver in the valley. 

By far the healthiest and best tasting option, they sadly had a few problems over the summer preventing it from being served. They’re constantly changing recipes though, so who knows how it’ll taste next year.

The Bar

I never ate at the bar, but I heard it was actually great. Of course you’ll be paying for the quality but expect bar prices.

Awahnee Hotel

High society type of place to eat. I wouldn’t ball out on it. That being said, my roommate dishwashed there and brought back roast beef, peppers, and desserts. Overall pretty delicious. 

Mountain Room Restaurant

Many have said they have the best cooking in the valley, and actually I did eat there once with my coworkers as a perk of employment at the Lodge.

The most expensive item was the ribeye steak at $60, so obviously that’s what I ordered.

Free food is the best food. 

Degnan’s Deli

The Degnan family would be proud.

Not because of the coffee, or pre-made sandwiches or tasty muffins. 

Not because they have the fastest wifi available to the public. 

And definitely not because a small fruit cup costs $7 USD.

The Degnans would be proud because absolute legends run the place. 

Dealing with hangry customers is something I greatly respect all food service workers for.

But dealing with Yosemite tourists that need their morning coffee, getting asked the stupidest of questions, and still rockin through the day while management is somehow adding to the chaos is a thing of beauty.

I still remember waiting in line for a coffee and seeing their supervisor stop, look around, and proclaim “I’m so confused right now”. Aren’t we all…

The workers stay sane by dancing around and crouching behind the counter to hide from customers. 

Fuck it why not?

So stop by Deeegans Kitchen today.. I mean Dagmans.. No..  Degnen? Whatever, you’ll get your coffee even if you butcher the family name.

Finances

Wage

California minimum wage = 15 USD / hour ($20 CAD)

Rent

Tents run at $17 USD per week ($93 CAD / month)

Cabins at about $21 USD per week ($115 CAD / month)

You will save so much fucking money.

Union Fees

Definitely the most braindead idiotic fee, you’re forced to pay $12 a week to a union you’re not a part of until 90 days of employment have passed. Free money for them to not do jack shit for you.

You could decide at staff orientation to not pay union fees, but they make your life way harder than the $12 is worth.

Think of it as added rent or payment to the mafia for protection against them.

General Cost

The valley is a few hours away from any real city and it’s one of the most visited national parks in the US, so prices will be more expensive. 

Employees receive 15% discount at retail stores, and 50% off eateries like Pizza Deck, The Grill, and Basecamp eatery. 

This somewhat evens out the higher cost of items.

Another huge money saver that Aramark has tried to crack down on is the sharing of leftovers.

For example, if you work at Pizza Deck and are left with 10 large pizzas at the end of the night, workers will take them home to share with friends or keep for future meals.

Some managers try to limit this, opting for the corporate route of throwing away the pizza so the company gets credit (Basically money back for the amount of waste), which is completely moronic.

You might also have cashier friends at restaurants, resulting in free burgers, pizzas, coffee and much more. 

Aramark makes billions of dollars a year and runs privately owned prisons. I think they can spare a few dollars worth of food for their hard working employees making minimum wage.

Park Visitors

Love em or hate em, they’re in the valley year round. 

Here are some tips and warnings from my experience with tourists

1. Don’t trust their driving 
   1. I dont know if they’re distracted by the kids screaming in the car, the beauty around them, or simply dont give a single fuck about us peasant pedestrians, but these are the worst drivers I’ve seen in my life. Stay cautious.
2. They will feed the animals
   1. Yes. Yosemite has the fattest squirrels. Absolute fact.
   2. Their diet of pizza, fries, spicy cheetos and beer makes them the chunkiest drunkiest animals in the valley, and will snatch anything edible right out of your hands.
3. Photos. Everywhere
   1. Selfies in front of the Lower Falls, Half Dome and any meadow will certify you as an accomplished Yosemite tourist. You can now go home happy that you have cool photos for instagram
4. Complaints
   1. Having dealt with tourists non-stop in my job, I’m impressed by the variety of complaints they have
   2. It’s ok. Take a deep breath and ignore the bullshit. Some people will never be happy. 

With that being said, “the squeaky wheel gets the grease”. 

The majority of visitors come to relax and appreciate the mountain life with friends and family.

Wholesome moments are found everywhere.

Kids running around and climbing trees, 20 floating rafts held together by arms and legs, and old timers soaking it all in.

Even us workers can become jaded, as some refer to the deer as “big dogs” because they’re everywhere and “not that special”. 

Meanwhile that same deer will stun some 10 year old who’s never seen one before. 

I guess what I’m saying is don’t hate the tourists, or you’ll end up just like them.

Wi-fi and cell reception

If you’re not with Verizon expect minimal to absolutely zero cell reception. 

The only reason Verizon functions is because they partnered with Yosemite SAR (Search and Rescue).

Wellness center Wi-fi is unreliable at best, and barely at that. But it is the closest place for employees living in Huff.

Degnan’s Deli has decent connection, but don’t expect to stream or watch movies.

Your best bet is setting up your own router or befriending someone with access to one.

Personally I enjoyed not having wi-fi, since I had no need for it other than to contact friends and family. 

It enhances the experience and is genuinely unnecessary in a place with so much to do.

Getting around

Walking 

Truly a classic and timeless method of travel, you can reach just about anywhere you wish by foot. Food, work, river, waterfalls, hikes, entirely within a 30-40 minute walk at the very most.

Biking 

The big brain way to move around with speed. I used a rental bike cruiser most of the summer which was great other than having to backpedal break and no gears.

A mountain bike opens up a whole new world of fun, with the ability to power through the rocky trails.

A lock is recommended because free shit will be stolen. That is a guarantee.

Shuttle Bus 

Sub tier locomotion. If you want the feel of a city inside a national park just go home. It’s unreliable, packed, and a dumb fucking electric bus.

Skateboard / Longboard / Rollerblades

Big Vibes. Can only go on paved trails but that will take you almost anywhere.

The Community

Any attempt to describe how uniquely awesome the people I met are, will result in definite failure. 

The best I can do is have gratitude and appreciation for you if we…

• Hiked, biked or climbed together
• Taught each other something (Slacklining, Climbing)
• Shared a meal together
• Lived together or close by 
• Indulged in the Devil’s Lettuce
• Went rafting or swam in the Merced river
• Simply Vibed

We will meet again someday, be it in Yosemite, your hometown, or other cool spots on earth.

Your Free Time

You might be wondering, how does one keep busy in Yosemite?

Here’s how I spent most of my time.

Hiking

Whether it’s a 45 minute hike or a 45 mile hike, the trails became well acquainted with my feet this summer. 

Exercise surrounded by beauty, but more than that it’s the exhilaration of exploration.

Looking at a mountain and wondering what I can see from there? 

Here’s a list of every hike I’ve done, including backpacking trips:

• Mist Trail
• Upper Falls
• Four Mile Trail
• Panorama Trail
• Mirror Lake
• Cloud’s Rest
• May Lake → Snow creek Trail
• Half Dome
• Cathedral Peak
• May Lake → Mount Hoffman
• Ten Lakes
• Tuolumne Meadows → Mammoth (PCT South)

This encapsulates the majority of hikes available in the valley, with lots more to explore in the high country.

I’ll be writing more in the future about my experiences on trail, so you can decide what to do when visiting.

This list doesn’t include trails which shall not be discussed on the internet.

As a resident of the park you will be introduced to the places worth hiding. 

Climbing

When I arrived I had no clue that I would leave with a passion for climbing.

One of the first questions people asked when we met was “Do you climb or boulder?”

I went from not knowing what bouldering is, to spending hours climbing big rocks, barefoot, with some GNARLY humans. 

(( Sebastian and Kenya, you are GNARLY humans I’m honored to call my friends.

Bouldering sessions were awesome, and thanks for providing chalk, crash pads, vibes, and letting me use your climbing shoes with my dirty feet!

I still don’t have shoes, but I finally got a chalk bag and a hangboard, so I guess it’s progress.

Can’t wait to touch more rocks and cook together! ))

The accessibility of having world famous bouldering problems minutes away and needing nothing more than my feet and some willpower is incredible.

People are always bouldering so just walk around some rocks and ask to join in.

Climbing with gear is harder to start as a beginner with no equipment, but many will offer to take you out if you’re a positive human being. 

In my last week some friends brought me climbing and completed my first ever top rope climb on Grant’s Crack (5.9). Not to be confused with my tent roommate, Grant, from riverside California with the dope band Grandpa Ted!! 

You don’t have to be the best, just have fun and aim to improve on who you were yesterday!

In conclusion: 

Go Climb a Rock.

Slacklining

Another hobby I never thought I’d pick up.

As it turns out, if you climb there’s a good chance you walk the lines too.

The goal is to walk across a 1 or 2 inch line, kind of like a tightrope but uses different material and is bouncier like a trampoline.

I went from not being able to step onto it, to walking halfway across a 2 inch line. Progress feels amazing.

Luckily there were several slacklines set up 2 minutes from the Lodge, so I often spent lunches practicing as much as possible in the 30 minutes I had.

Huge shoutout to Brian, Lucia, and Ryan for introducing me to it and helping me out.

You’re crushers and incredible humans doing incredible shit.

I’ll see you guys soon enough!

Merced River

The one and only, this beautiful body of water is perfect for swimming, rafting / tubing, SUP’ing, fishing, skipping rocks, or just vibing on the beach. 

Really nothing else to say.

Biking

Tons of trails to bike, both paved and dirt.

Will not be disappointed. 

Enjoy the ride.

Volleyball

Every Thursday and Sunday the employees set up volleyball nets at housekeeping camp beach, and anyone can join in.

Even if it’s not your sport, you might as well show up and enjoy the vibes.

Drugs

Yes they’re illegal in the park.

Yes they’re a lot of fun when used wisely (and unwisely).

Don’t do them where NPS will find you:

Your Tent. 

Parking Lots.

Anywhere in Housing.

A simple trick is to do your drugs in awesome places.

Go on a hike.

Visit a cave.

Sit by the river.

Climb a rock.

Law enforcement isn’t allowed anywhere that’s even mildly fun.

Feel free to keep your drugs in your tent as long as it’s locked in your cabinet.

Hell you could dig a hole in the forest and bury ‘em there.

Map out where you hid your treasure and live like a pirate.

Do not stash a quarter pound of weed and an ounce of mushrooms in your car, then get caught hitting a bong in there by federal officers 

Now all that’s left is to enjoy your drugs to your mind’s content!!

Do What You Love

You can do whatever makes you happy.

Play the guitar.

Paint the mountain views.

Knit sweaters.

Talk with the chipmunks.

It doesn’t matter, use your time off the internet to live.

Is this for you?

You are ok with…

• Crammed fridge space
• Shitty work
• Shared Tents + Bathrooms + Kitchen 
• Being in Nature

You want…

• Nature!!!
• Rocks to climb
• Trees to hug
• Mountains to hike
• Rivers to swim in 
• Misty Waterfalls!!
• Friends to vibe with
• Animals to vibe with
• More Rocks
• Pizza 
• Slacklines
• To scream animal sounds at 2 am and have someone howl back from far away
• Dirt
• Beaches to chill on
• Rafting !!
• To live in one of the most beautiful places on Earth

Conclusion

I’m not through with Yosemite yet. 

There are so many trails unexplored, rocks untouched, and lakes to not drown in, that I want to truly know.

New humans to meet and old friends to monkey around with.

I hope this guide helps you decide if living in Yosemite National Park is right for you.

Or maybe you’re a fellow Huffian and friend, remembering a few of those magical moments.

Those granite walls won’t disappear anytime soon, I’ll see them again when the time is right.