Restaurants

There are plenty of dining possibilities in and near the park, so you certainly won't go hungry. However, you won't find many bargains, so be sure to bring a full wallet with your empty stomach.

Outside the Park -- To sip a cup of coffee, buy a book, shop for gear, check your e-mail, and relax in a hammock all in one place, visit the Mountain Sage, 18653 Main St., Groveland (tel. 209/962-4686; www.mtnsage.com).

Picnic & Camping Supplies

If you forget something, chances are you'll be able to get it in the national park's bustling Yosemite Valley, though elsewhere in the park it's tough to find equipment. In the valley, the best place to pick up supplies and camping equipment is the Yosemite Village Store, which stocks groceries, film, and maps; it also has an ATM. Nearby, the Village Sport Shop carries fishing, camping, and other outdoor gear; plus it sells fishing licenses. The Yosemite Lodge Gift Shop and Curry Village Gift & Grocery stock some supplies. The Mountain Shop in Curry Village sells clothing and equipment for rock climbs, day hikes, and backcountry excursions, while the Tuolumne Meadows Gift & Mountain Shop also carries backpacking supplies, including maps and dehydrated food. The Badger Pass Sport Shop (open only during the snow season) stocks ski clothing and other winter supplies. There are also several small convenience stores located throughout the park.

In Mariposa, you'll find a good selection of groceries plus a deli at Pioneer Market, 5034 Coakley Circle (tel. 209/742-6100), behind the town rest area. In Oakhurst, our choice for a grocery store is Raley's, 40041 CA 41 (tel. 559/683-8300). In El Portal, just outside the park's Arch Rock Entrance, you'll find the well-stocked El Portal Food Market, on CA 140 (tel. 209/379-2632). On the east side of the park in Lee Vining, the upscale Mono Market (tel. 760/647-1010) can't be beat if you're in search of natural and organic foods.

For better prices, you can stop at the major supermarket and discount chains in Merced or Fresno, the largest cities in the park's vicinity.