Is it safe to store food in the car considering bears? We were notified from recreation.gov that we need to bring appropriate containers for food and garbage. What does that exactly mean?

Most people did not have their food in bear boxes when we went last year. We just kept our food in the car.

The boxes are new, so far they are not so strict on putting all foods in the bear bins. You can still leave foods out and feel safe.

The sites have food storage container. I'd still recommend putting your food especially sweet and greasy foods into the car at night. It's a good practice for more animals than just bears. That being said I've only seen two bears in over 11 years of going, both getting a meal at the trashcans.

I believe they haven't had a bear there in a couple of years.

Personally, we never take any chances and keep all food and waste in the bear boxes they provide. We keep food in a cooler or sealed container, and garbage in bags.