sign in sign up
<<
Home , Badger Pass Ski Area, Glacier Point, Ostrander Lake

Yosemite Guide Yosemite

February 11, 2015 - April 7, 2015 7, April - 2015 11, February

Photo Courtesy of Parks in Focus in Parks of Courtesy Photo experience/ Yosemite first their enjoy Peninsula the of Clubs Girls & Boys the from Youth

Volume 40, issue 2 issue 40, Volume America Your Experience Park National Yosemite Yosemite, CA 95389 BoxPO 577 the of InteriorUS Department

Experience Your America Yosemite Guide February 11, 2015 - April 7, 2015

Year-round Route: Valley Visitor Center, Shuttle Bookstore, and Theater Yosemite Valley Upper Yosemite Shuttle System Fall

Lower Yosemite The Ansel Fall Yosemite Adams Gallery il Museum Medical Church Bowl Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System a Tr Clinic Picnic Area ll Fa e 5 t Campground i 4 m e 9 os Mirror Parking r Y 3 Uppe 6 10 2 Lake Picnic Area seasonal The Ahwahnee 11 1 Restroom North Yosemite Housekeeping Pines 8 Lodge Lower 7 Chapel Camp Walk-In Pines Campground LeConte 18 Memorial 12 21 19 Lodge 17 13a 20 14 Swinging Campground Service to stops Bridge Recreation 13b Reservations 15, 16, 17, and 18 Rentals Curry 15 may stop after a Visitor Parking Village Upper Sentinel Pines major snowfall. Beach il Trailhead a r r T te Parking le in i w M n r i u d 16 o e Nature Center F s lo c at Picnic Area no shuttle service closed in winter Vernal 72I4 ft Fall 2I99 m

rail l Mist T Cathedral Trai op h Beach Lo o M y rse er lle s on ced Va ly R

Shuttles run daily every 10-20 minutes depending on the time of day. The Valley Visitor Shuttle operates from 7:00am - 10:00pm and serves stops in numerical order.

US Department of the of US Department Interior Stop # Location 1 Visitor Parking 8 Yosemite Lodge 16 Happy Isles 2 10 Yosemite Village 11 Sentinel Bridge 17 MirrorIllilouette Lake Trailhead Fall 3 The Ahwahnee 12 LeConte / 18 Stable Postage and Fee Paid

4 Degnan’s Deli 13a 21 Recreation Rentals 19 Pines Campgrounds Third Class Mail 5 9 Valley Visitor Center 13b 6 Lower Yosemite Fall 14 20 Curry Village Parking 7 Camp 4 15 Upper Pines Campground G 83 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Yosemite Guide February 11, 2015 - April 7, 2015 Seasonal Highlights

Keep this Guide with you to get the most out of your visit

hat can you do with Tour The Ahwahnee... your time in Yosemite Step back to an earlier era of history as during late winter and you explore this National Historic early spring? Check out Landmark that opened in 1927. Notable theW following seasonal highlights for a for its architecture and artful décor, the great list of ideas. hotel provides a cozy atmosphere to relax and enjoy a warm drink in. Ski Badger Pass Conditions Permitting ... or Curl Up in Front of a ’s original ski resort, Badger Fireplace! Pass Ski Area is a perfect place for visitors The Ahwahnee has three grand fireplaces of all ages and skill levels to play in the that have always provided heat to offset snow. Learn to ski with one of our lessons, the year’s most frigid temperatures. get some practice in on 10 runs, or catch Bring a book and a warm drink and find a some air in one of two terrain parks. cozy niche in front of the fire, the perfect You can also set-out on an easy, guided place to warm your hands and toes. snowshoe hike or embark on a cross- country skiing adventure from the Nordic center. Badger Pass is scheduled to close Fee Changes on March 29, conditions permitting. As of March 1, 2015, a new fee Downhill ski lifts operate from 9am to structure will be implemented for 4pm. Call 209/372- 1000 for current snow Yosemite National Park. Entrance conditions. Equipment rentals and lift fees will be as follows: tickets are available from 8:30am to 4pm. Entrance Fee (Passes good for 7 days) Visit the Ice Rink at Curry Vehicle Village • March 2015 = $25 Take the shuttle to Curry Village for a Reflection/ Photo by Dee Shorter • April 2015 – October 2015 = $30 • November 2015 – March 2016 = one-of-a-kind ice skating experience Late winter and early spring are great times to visit. with a spectacular view of Half Dome. $25 Four sessions are available on weekends Yosemite’s waterfalls boom in early spring, and lower • April 2016 – October 2016 = $30 and holidays: 8:30am to 11am, noon elevation wildflowers are a riot of color. • November 2016 – March 2017 = to 2:30 pm, 3:30pm to 6pm, and 7pm $25 • April 2017 = $30 year round to 9:30pm. Monday through Friday, two you every step of the way. Looking for a Enjoy Winter on Snowshoes Motorcycle (as of March 1) = $15 sessions are available from 3:30pm to custom Yosemite experience? Contact us to Join a naturalist for a guided hike or Covers one or two people on 6:00pm and 7:00pm to 9:30pm. Closes plan a Custom Adventure for your family rent or bring your own equipment for a single motorcycle; valid for for the season on March 1, conditions or group. Visit yosemiteconservancy. a fantastic winter experience. Be sure seven days permitting. . org/adventures or 209/379-2317 to check weather and snow conditions Individual (as of March 1) = $15 x10 to find your adventure today. Take the Bus before you go. Snowshoe rentals are In a bus, on a bicycle, horse, on available at . The Free shuttles, which are environment- foot Yosemite Art Center Rental Shop is open from 8:30am to friendly, electric/diesel hybrids, are Campground Fees*: (As of Workshops 4pm. For weather conditions, please available in Yosemite Valley year-round. March 1) Yosemite Conservancy invites you to call 209/372-0200 or check at any visitor Park your car and let an expert drive you • 6 person site (fully staffed, water, participate in one of our enriching and fun center. (See page 5 for guided hike to some of the most scenic and historic flush toilets) $20 fees all change art workshops. The Art Center will open schedule.) points in the park. Not only will you be to $26 for the season Sunday, March 29. There doing your part to cut down on traffic • 6 person site (non staffed, water, is a registration fee of $10 per visitor. For Lose something in Yosemite? congestion and vehicle pollutants, you’ll flush toilets) $14 increase to $18 more information about out programs call File a lost report by sending an email to also have your hands free and able to • 6 person site (non-staffed primitive, 209/372-1442. Workshops take place at [email protected]. To inquire capture that perfect photo of Half Dome. no water, vault toilets) $10 increase the Yosemite Art Center located next to about items lost or found at one of to $12 the Village Store. Art supplies, gifts and Yosemite’s restaurants, hotels, lounges, Take a Photography Class • Group Sites $40 fees all increase original art are available for purchase. shuttle buses or tour services, call Learn how to best capture the landscape to $50 Open 9am to 4:30pm (closed at 12pm for 209/372-4357. For items lost or found in of Yosemite by joining a photography • Horse Sites $25 fees all increase to lunch). See page 6 for details. other areas of the park, email expert from The Ansel Adams Gallery. $30 [email protected]. Several classes are offered each week. • Camp 4 and Backpackers Camps Some have fees, some are free. Learn $5/person increase to $6/person Want the Guide on your Apple or Android device? more and sign up at the Ansel Adams For more information on fee Gallery in Yosemite Village. Shuttle changes, please visit our website stops #5 and #9. (See pages 5 and 6.) Get the App! Search NPS-Yosemite in app stores or at nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit to download the at nps.gov/yose/ planyourvisit/fees. offi cial park app for up-to-date listings of programs, services, an interactive map, and more! htm Get Outdoors with Yosemite Conservancy *Interagency Senior/ Interagency Yosemite Conservancy is passionate about Access Pass holders receive a 50% sharing Yosemite’s wonders. Spend a discount on all sites (except group weekend observing the lives of birds or sites) summit Half Dome with an expert leading iPhone/iPad Android

Where to Go and What to Do in Yosemite National Park 1 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Village/ Visitor Center Stanislaus Yosemite Lodge The National Ahwahnee Forest To To El Curry Discover YosemiteManteca 120 Capitan Village Valley Day View Parking To 140 Bridalveil Tunnel Fall Let your curiosity guide you to new places View To To To Yosemite Valley Merced 41 Fresno (Elevation 4,000 feet/1,220 meters)

Entrance Fees* The Tioga, Glacier Point, and *Effective March 1, 2015, entrance fees will change in Yosemite National Park. Roads are closed through winter. Overnight Please visit our website at nps.gov/ parking on these roads is not permitted. For To 395 yose/planyourvisit/fees.htm for more Lake & Eleanor current road and weather information, please call Lee Vining information. O’Shaughnessy Dam 209/372-0200. 120 Vehicle Valid for 7 days 6 iver Hetch e R Through February 28, 2015 $20 n Tioga d Hetchy um oa ol R Tu Pass y Backpackers' March 1-31, 2015 $25 h c t Campground Entrance Hetch e

H (Wilderness April-October 2015 $30 Hetchy etch H Permit Required) Tuolumne Entrance 5 Motorcycle Valid for 7 days Meadows

Through February 28 $10/person

E

v White

e r

After March 1, 2015 $15/motorcycle g r e Wolf e n d R a o o Individual Valid for 7 days Big a R d ad a o g Oak R io a T Through February 28 $10 og Flat Ti Yosemite After March 1, 2015 $15 Entrance Creek Porcupine Lake In a bus, on foot, bicycle, or horse. Flat 120 Tioga Road closed to vehicles To Manteca in winter Yosemite Pass Hodgdon Through February 28 $40 Meadow Tuolumne After March 1, 2015 $60 Grove 4 Tamarack Valley Flat Visitor Valid for one year in Yosemite. Center Crane B ig Yosemite Merced Flat r Oa F ive k l R Grove a t Valley d R ce Interagency Annual Pass $80 Trailhead o r a Me d 1 Glacier Valid for one year at all federal Point 2 Foresta recreation sites. El Interagency Senior Pass $10 Portal

(Lifetime) For U.S. citizens or To r Glac Rd e ier P int Glacier Point Road closed to Merced iv o Me R Arch Rock Inyo permanent residents 62 and over. rced Entrance vehicles (after Badger Pass Ski National 140 Bridalveil Forest

Interagency Access Pass (Free) West Area) in winter W

(Lifetime) For permanently disabled a

w o

n U.S. citizens or permanent residents. a R o

a

d

Interagency Military Pass (Free) (Annual) For active duty U.S. military and dependents Ranger Station Food Service & Lodging Wawona Wawona 3 Campground Reservations Campground Campground Reservations Gas Station Pioneer 877/444-6777 Sierra Yosemite History National Mariposa Sierra www.recreation.gov Forest Center Grove Mariposa Grove RoadNational closed to 0 5 km 5 miles Forest Lodging Reservations South vehicles in winter Entrance 41 To 801/559-5000 Fresno www.yosemitepark.com Regional Info Yosemite Valley Yosemite Area Regional Yosemite Valley is world-famous for its impressive waterfalls, cliffs, and unusual rock formations. It is open year round and may Transportation System (YARTS) 1 www.yarts.com be reached via Highway 41 from Fresno, Highway 140 from Merced, Highway 120 West from Manteca, and via the Tioga Road Highway 120 West (Highway 120 East) from Lee Vining. The Valley is known for massive cliff faces like El Capitan and Half Dome, its plunging waterfalls Yosemite Chamber of Commerce 800/449-9120 or 209/962-0429 including the tallest in North America, and its attractive meadows. While Yosemite Falls will be dry until rain and snow recharge it, a

Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau moderate hike will take you to Vernal and Nevada Falls. Yosemite’s meadows are great places to see wildlife and to photograph fall 800/446-1333 colors. Admire El Capitan, the massive granite monolith that stands 3,593 feet from base to summit. Whether you explore the Valley www.tcvb.comHighway 41 by foot, bike, car or with a tour, the scenery will leave you in awe and eager to see what’s around the next corner. Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau 559/683-4636 www.yosemitethisyear.com

Highway 132/49 Coulterville Visitor Center 209/878-3074

Highway 140/49 Calif. Welcome Center, Merced 800/446-5353 or 209/724-8104 www.yosemite-gateway.org

Mariposa County Visitor Center 866/425-3366 or 209/966-7081

Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau 209/742-4567 www.homeofyosemite.com

Highway 120 East Lee Vining Chamber of Commerce and Mono Lake Visitor Center, 760/647-6629 www.leevining.com Granite, the , trees, and meadows compose the Valley’s unique blend. Photo by Christine White Loberg

2 Yosemite Guide February 11, 2015 - April 7, 2015

Glacier Point Road Glacier Point, an overlook with a commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Half 2 Dome, and Yosemite’s high country, is located 30 miles (a one-hour drive) from Yosemite Valley. The road stays open as weather permits, however, overnight parking along it ends October 15. When the road is snow-covered and conditions permit, a system of cross-country ski tracks are maintained on it. From Yosemite Valley, take the Wawona Road (Highway 41), then turn left onto Glacier Point Road. At Glacier Point, a short, paved, and wheelchair-accessible trail takes you to an exhilarating viewlooking down 3,214 feet into Yosemite Valley.

Wawona and Mariposa Grove The view from Glacier Point. Photo by Jessica Cole The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is located 36 miles (1 ¼ hours) south of 3 Yosemite Valley via the Wawona Road (Highway 41), two miles from the park’s south entrance station. When weather permits, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is a short drive from Wawona. The grove road is closed to vehicles after the first big snowstorm, making it a peaceful hike or snowshoe for winter adventurers. S The nearby Pioneer Yosemite History Center in Wawona is a collection of historic buildings associated with people and events that shaped the national park idea in Yosemite.

Crane Flat and Tuolumne Grove Crane Flat is located 16 miles from Yosemite Valley at the junction of the Big Oak 4 Flat and Tioga Roads. A number of hikes through pleasant meadows are available— Snow at Wawona’s covered bridge. Photo by Christine White Loberg when snow covers the ground these turn into delightful ski and snowshoe tracks. To see giant sequoias, park at the Tuolumne Grove parking (see page 7 for parking lot closure dates) area located on the Tioga Road, and walk one steep mile down to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. Or, park at Merced Grove trailhead and walk two steep miles down to this small grove. These groves north of Yosemite Valley are smaller than the more-famous Mariposa Grove, but are quieter and off limits to vehicles. Remember that the walk down is easier than the walk back up.

Tuolumne Meadows and Tioga Road The Tioga Road offers a 39-mile scenic drive past forests, meadows, lakes, and 5 granite domes. The road closes after the first big snowfall, and overnight deep freeze. Photo by Wendy Malone parking ends on October 15. The road’s elevation ranges from 6,200 to just under 10,000 feet. Tuolumne Meadows embodies the high-country of the . The Wild and Scenic Tuolumne River winds through broad sub-alpine meadows surrounded by granite domes and peaks. It is the jumping off place for countless hikes, whether you venture out for a day or a week. In winter, Tuolumne Meadows is often reached by skiers via the Snow Creek Trail from the Mirror Lake trailhead, a short distance east of Yosemite Valley. Hetch Hetchy Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, a source of drinking water and hydroelectric power for 6 the City of San Francisco, is home to spectacular scenery and the starting point for Cathedral Peak. Photo by Christine White Loberg many wilderness trails. The area’s low elevation makes it a good place to hike in autumn and winter. The Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is located 40 miles (1 hour 15 minutes) from Yosemite Valley via the Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120W) and the Evergreen Road. The Hetch Hetchy Road is open from 8am to 7pm through October 31, then 8am to 5pm through March 31. Vehicles and/or trailers over 25 feet long, and RVs and other vehicles over 8 feet wide are not permitted on the narrow, winding Hetch Hetchy Road.

Did You Know? Yosemite National Park features an amazing array of youth and education

programs designed to meet the learning objectives of educators, inspire Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. NPS photo by Erik Skindrud participants, and create meaningful connections to national parks and all public lands while supporting the development of a life-long stewardship ethic. Yosemite features programs for youth beginning at age 4 and continuing up to young adults, age 25.

For more information on youth and education programs offered within Yosemite National Park, as well as other inspiring ways for youth to connect Parks in Focus® is to the park lease contact the Education Branch at 209/375-9503 or email a program of the Udall Foundation yose_education@ nps.gov. that connects youth to nature through photography. For more information, visit http:// Photo (right) by: Josue (age 12), Sequoia YMCA, Courtesy of Parks in Focus pif.udall.gov.

3 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Yosemite Valley

Spectacular vistas in the heart of the park

Valley Visitor Center and Bookstore The Yosemite Valley Visitor Center and bookstore are open from 9am to 5pm. They are located west of the main post office, near shuttle stops #5 and #9. The facility offers information, maps, and books. Explore the exhibits and learn how Yosemite’s landscape formed and how people interact with it.

YOSEMITE FILMS Two films are shown daily, every half hour beginning at 9:30am (except on Sundays, when the first showing is at noon). The last film is at 4:30pm. “Ken Burns’ Yosemite - A Gathering of Spirit” plays on the hour and “The Spirit of Yosemite” plays on the half hour, in the Valley Visitor Center Theater.

Wilderness Permits Wilderness permits are required year- round. Permits and bear canisters are available at the Valley Visitor Center daily from 9am to 5pm Penny Otwell, Spring Storm, Mt. Dana/ from Yosemite Renaissance XXX Exhibit For more information on wilderness travel and safety please see page 8 of Experience the Incomparable Yosemite Valley POST OFFICE this Guide. Yosemite Village Yosemite Valley embraces one of the world’s most outstanding Main Office Monday - Friday: 8:30am to 5pm Yosemite Museum concentrations of waterfalls, granite walls, meadows, wildflowers, and Saturday: 10am to noon Located in Yosemite Village next to the Yosemite Lodge trees. The Valley also harbors a rich collection of human stories, from Post Office Valley Visitor Center. The museum is open American Indian lore to the birth of the National Park movement. Monday - Friday: 12:30pm to 2:45pm daily from 9am to 5pm El Portal Post Office (may close for lunch). Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 1pm & YOSEMITE MUSEUM GALLERY For this year’s competitive exhibit there 1:30pm - 3pm

EXHIBIT were approximately 750 entries, resulting Saturday-Sunday: Closed INDIAN CULTURAL EXHIBIT Wawona Post Office Yosemite Renaissance XXX in an exhibit of 49 paintings, graphics, Monday - Friday: 9am to 5pm Interprets the cultural history of Saturday: 9am to noon Art Exhibition photographs and 3-dimensional pieces by Yosemite’s Miwok and Paiute people Yosemite Renaissance XXX opens on artists throughout the country. BOOKS, GIFTS, & APPAREL from 1850 to the present. The Indian February 28 at the Yosemite Museum Cultural Museum is open from 9am to Yosemite Village Gallery. This art exhibit continues through The Ansel Adams Gallery 5pm (may close for lunch). The Ansel Adams Gallery 10am to 5pm May 10. The official opening will be The Ansel Adams Gallery is rehabilitating Yosemite Bookstore preceded by a reception and awards Inside Yosemite Visitor Center YOSEMITE MUSEUM STORE our facilities this winter, and during this 9am to 5pm ceremony from 5:30 to 7:30pm on Friday, The store offers books and traditional construction period will be operating out Yosemite Museum Store Feb. 27 at the Gallery. The public is 9am to 5pm, may close for lunch American Indian arts, crafts and jewelry. of the Wilderness Center next door. We Village Store 8am to 8pm cordially invited to attend this reception. Open daily from 9am to 5pm (may close will move back into our historic facility Habitat Yosemite 11am to 4pm Opens Yosemite Renaissance is an annual exhibit, March 27 for lunch). upon completion of the rehabilitation Yosemite Village Sport Shop now in its thirtieth year, which encourages project. Check local listings for hours 10am to 4pm, Opens March 27 diverse interpretations of Yosemite and The Ahwahnee of operation. For more information call The Ahwahnee Gift Shop the environment of the Sierra Nevada. 8am to 8pm 209/372-4211 or visit www.anseladams. The Ahwahnee Sweet Shop Its goals are to bring together the com. 7am to 10pm works of serious contemporary Yosemite Lodge Gift/Grocery 8am to 7pm artists that do not simply duplicate Nature Shop 11am to 6pm traditional representations; to Curry Village Mountain Shop 9am to 4pm establish a continuum with past Curry Village Gift/Grocery generations of Yosemite artists; 9am to 7pm Wawona Area and to help re-establish visual art Wawona Store and Pioneer Gift as a major interpretive medium of Shop 8am to 5pm Crane Flat Area the landscape and a stimulus to Crane Flat Grocery 10am to 4pm, the protection of the environment. Opens March 27

4 Yosemite Guide February 11, 2015 - April 7, 2015 Events and Programs

Where to go and what to do

8:30am Beginner Backcountry Lesson- Ski to Tempo Dome 5 hrs. Badger Pass Nordic Center, tickets/info at any tour and activity desk. (YMS) $ 9:00am Adventure Hike-Snowshoe to Dewey Point 6½ hrs. Badger Pass Nordic Center, tickets/Info at any tour and activity desk. (YMS) $ 9:00am A Walk with : Mysteries of Yosemite Valley’s West End (March 29 Only) 7 hrs. Explore the Valley’s secrets on this 5-mile hike on the bridle trail, west of El Capitan Bridge. Camping is included, if needed. Lodging reserved for an extra fee, if needed. Requires advanced reservation, please call 209/379-2317 x10 (YC) $ 10:00am JUNIOR RANGER TALK 15 mins. Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, near shuttle stop #5/9. (NPS) 10:30am Snowshoe Walk – Explore the Forest in Winter (Except April 5) Conditions permitting, 2 hrs. Meet at Badger Pass office A-frame for naturalist tour of winter landscape. Bring warm clothing; Snowshoes provided. (NPS)

Sunday 1:00pm Discovery Snowshoe Hike 3 hrs. Badger Pass Nordic Center, tickets/info at any tour and activity desk (YMS) $ 2:00pm Ranger Walk-Bears 1.5 hrs. Shuttle stop #6. (NPS) 6:30pm Full Moon Snowshoe Walk (March 1 Only) 2 hrs. No experience required. Tickets and info at any tour desk. (DN) $ 7:00pm Evening Program 1 hr. Check local listings for topic & venue. Yosemite Lodge at the Falls. (DN) 8:30pm Starry Skies over Yosemite (Begins March 8) 1 hr. Tickets and info at any tour desk. (DN) $

9:00am Camera Walk - Sign up in advance at The Ansel Adams Gallery and meet at the 1.5 hrs. (TAAG) 10:00am Art Workshop (April 6 Only) 4 hrs. Yosemite Art Center (YC) $ For more information see page 6. 10:30am Snowshoe Walk – Explore the Forest in Winter (Except March 30 and April 6) Conditions permitting, 2 hrs. Meet at Badger Pass office A-frame for naturalist tour of winter landscape. Bring warm clothing; Snowshoes provided. (NPS) 2:00pm Ranger Walk-Yosemite’s First People 1.5 hrs. Front of Yosemite Museum, near shuttle stop #5/9. (NPS) 2:30pm WEE WILD ONES (Except March 23) 45 mins. Stories and activities for kids 6 & under. The Ahwahnee Great Lounge. (DN) 4:00pm Naturalist Stroll (Except March 2) 1 hr. Check local listings for topic. The Ahwahnee back lawn. (DN) Monday Programs printed in ALL CAPS AND 6:30pm Full Moon Snowshoe Walk (March 2 Only) 2 hrs. No experience required. Tickets and info at any tour desk. (DN) $ 7:00pm Evening Program 1 hr. Check local listings for topic & venue. Yosemite Lodge at the Falls. (NPS) COLOR are especially for children and 8:30pm Starry Skies over Yosemite (Begins March 9) 1 hr. Tickets and info at any tour desk. (DN) $ their families.

9:00am Camera Walk Sign up in advance and meet at The Ansel Adams Gallery 1.5 hrs. (TAAG) 10:00am Art Workshop (April 7 Only) 4 hrs. Yosemite Art Center (YC) $ For more information see page 6 10:30am Snowshoe Walk – Explore the Forest in Winter (Except March 31 and April 7) Conditions permitting, 2 hrs. Meet at Badger Pass office A-frame for naturalist tour of winter landscape. Bring warm clothing; Snowshoes provided. (NPS) 12:30pm In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams photography class 4 hrs. Sign up and meet at The Ansel Adams Gallery (TAAG) $

Tuesday 2:00pm Ranger Walk-Geology 1.5 hrs. Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, near shuttle stop #5/9. (NPS) 6:30pm Full Moon Snowshoe Walk (March 3 Only) 2 hrs. No experience required. Tickets and info at any tour desk. (DN) $ 7:00pm Evening Program 1 hr. Check local listings for topic & venue. Yosemite Lodge at the Falls. (NPS)

9:00am Adventure Hike- Snowshoe to Dewey Point 6.5 hrs. Badger Pass Nordic Center, Tickets/info at any tour and activity desk (YMS) $ 10:30am Snowshoe Walk – Explore the Forest in Winter (Except April 1) Conditions permitting, 2 hrs. Meet at Badger Pass office A-frame for naturalist tour of winter landscape. Bring warm clothing; Snowshoes provided. (NPS) 2:00pm Ranger Walk – Inspiring Generations 1.5 hrs. Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, near shuttle stop #5/9. (NPS) 6:30pm Full Moon Snowshoe Walk (March 4 Only) 2 hrs. No experience required. Tickets and info at any tour desk. (DN) $ 7:00pm Evening Program 1 hr. Check local listings for topic & venue. Yosemite Lodge at the Falls. (NPS) Wednesday

9:00am Camera Walk Sign up in advance and meet at The Ansel Adams Gallery 1.5 hrs. (TAAG) 10:30am Snowshoe Walk – Explore the Forest in Winter (Except April 2) Conditions permitting, 2 hrs. Meet at Badger Pass office A-frame for naturalist tour of winter landscape. Bring warm clothing; Snowshoes provided. (NPS) 12:30pm Using Your Digital Camera 4 hrs. Sign up and meet at The Ansel Adams Gallery (TAAG) $ 2:00pm Ranger Walk-Trees 1.5 hrs. The Ahwahnee shuttle stop #3 (NPS) 6:30pm Full Moon Snowshoe Walk (March 5 Only) 2 hrs. No experience required. Tickets and info at any tour desk. (DN) $ Thursday 7:00pm FIRESIDE STORYTELLING (February 12, 19, March 5 & April 2 Only) 1 hr. For children and adults. The Ahwahnee Great Lounge. (DN) 7:00pm Evening Program 1 hr. Check local listings for topic & venue. Yosemite Lodge at the Falls. (DN)

9:00am Day Hike through Spring Canyon Wildflowers (March 27 Only) 7 hrs. Hike through hills of wildflowers with an expert guide in the Merced River Canyon west of Yosemite Valley. Camping is included, if needed. Lodging reserved for an extra fee, if needed. Requires advanced reservation, please call 209/379-2317 x10 (YC) $ 10:30am Snowshoe Walk – Explore the Forest in Winter (Except April 3) Conditions permitting, 2 hrs. Meet at Badger Pass office A-frame for naturalist tour of winter landscape. Bring warm clothing; Snowshoes provided. (NPS) 2:00pm Ranger Walk-Wild About Wildlife 1.5 hrs. Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, near shuttle stop #5/9. (NPS)

Friday 7:00pm Film - Ansel Adams 1hr. Check local listing for venue (TAAG) 7:30pm Yosemite Photography: Magic of the “Moonbow” (April 3 Only) 4 hrs. Join us for an adventurous nighttime pursuit of Yosemite’s famous moonbows. Camping is included if needed. Lodging reserved for an extra fee if needed. Requires advanced reservation, please call 209/379-2317 x10 (YC) $ 8:30pm Starry Skies over Yosemite 1 hr. Tickets and info at any tour desk. (DN) $ 8:00am Snowshoe Yosemite: Vistas Atop Dewey Point (March 7 & 21 Only) 8 hrs. Snowshoe from Badger Pass to Dewey Point for a dramatic view from on the rim of Yosemite Valley’s west end. Camping is included, if needed. Lodging reserved for an extra fee, if needed. Requires advanced reservation, please call 209/379-2317 x10 (YC) $ 8:30am Adventure Hike- Snowshoe in Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias 5 hrs. Meet at Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, Badger Pass Nordic Center Tickets/info at any tour and activity desk (YMS) $ 9:00am Camera Walk - Sign up in advance and meet at The Ansel Adams Gallery 1.5 hrs. (TAAG) 10:00am JUNIOR RANGER TALK 15 mins. Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, near shuttle stop #5/9. (NPS) 10:30am Snowshoe Walk – Explore the Forest in Winter (Except April 4) Conditions permitting, 2 hrs. Meet at Badger Pass office A-frame for naturalist tour of winter landscape. Bring warm clothing; Snowshoes provided. (NPS) 12:30pm In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams photography class 4 hrs. Sign up and meet at The Ansel Adams Gallery (TAAG) $ 1:00pm Discovery Snowshoe Hike 3 hrs. Badger Pass Nordic Center, Tickets/info at any tour and activity desk (YMS)$ Saturday 2:00pm Ranger Walk-Ahwahneechee Stories and Games 1.5 hrs. Front of Yosemite Museum, near shuttle stop #5/9. (NPS) 2:30pm WEE WILD ONES (Except Feb 14, 21, & 28) 45 mins. Stories and activities for kids 6 & under. The Ahwahnee Great Lounge. (DN) 4:00pm Naturalist Stroll 1 hr. Check local listings for topic. The Ahwahnee back lawn. (DN) 7:00pm Evening Program 1 hr. Check local listings for topic & venue. Yosemite Lodge at the Falls. (DN) 8:30pm Night Prowl 1 hr. Explore Yosemite at night! Tickets and info at any tour desk. (DN) $

Access for People with Disabilities NPS National Park Service Accessible parking, lodging, tours, and activities are available throughout the park. DN Delaware North For a complete list of accessible services, recreational opportunities, and exhibits, pick up an updated Yosemite Accessibility Guide which is available at park entrance stations, visitor centers, and online at www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/accessibility. TAAG The Ansel Adams htm, or call a park Accessibility Coordinator at 209/379-1035 for more information. Gallery Accessible parking spaces are available just west of the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. To reach these, enter the Valley on Southside Drive. Turn left on Sentinel Drive. Turn left on Northside Drive, and follow the blue and white signs. YC Yosemite Conservancy

Sign Language interpreting is available upon request. Contact Deaf Services at 209/379-5250 (v/txt). Two weeks advance $ Programs offered for a notice is requested. Assistive Listening Devices are available upon advance request, inquire at a visitor center. fee Audio tours are available for the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Refer to the Accessibility Guide, or contact an Accessibility Coordinator for more information.

5 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park

Things to Do Yosemite Valley and Beyond

Great Blue Heron/ Photo by Cindy Jacoby

Yosemite in Winter and climbers come from all over the globe Yosemite Outdoor Yosemite Art Center (YC) to scale El Capitan. Early Spring Adventures (YC) Yosemite Conservancy invites you to enjoy Note: Please stay on foot paths to avoid a hands-on art experience in Yosemite An unlimited array of possibilities await you Yosemite Conservancy is passionate about damaging delicate meadows. Valley. Celebrated artists lead workshops in Yosemite National Park. Most involve sharing the wonders of Yosemite through • Half Dome, Yosemite’s most from 10am to 2pm, starting April 6 and sightseeing and learning about the scenery. our Outdoor Adventures program. Join distinctive monument dominates continuing through October. There is a See page 6 for more information on park one of the many year-round programs most views in Yosemite Valley. Forces registration fee of $10 per visitor, supplies programs and visitor services available. available and explore everything Yosemite of uplift, erosion from rivers and has to offer. are available for purchase. Naturalist Programs glaciers, and rockfall all shaped this Feb 19-22 April 6-11 Naturalists give walks and talks every day iconic feature into what we see today. Yosemite Photography: Horsetail Fall & Catch Yosemite’s Light in Watercolor about Yosemite’s natural and cultural Cook’s Meadow, Sentinel Bridge and Winter Landscapes Steve Curl history. See pages 6 and 7 for scheduled Glacier Point all provide stunning March 7 walks, talks, and evening programs. views of Half Dome. Snowshoe Yosemite: Valley Vistas atop Bike Rentals Walking and Hiking • Happy Isles is easily reached Dewey Point – Trip 1 See the Valley by bike. Bring your own or Yosemite Valley has a wide range of by the free shuttle bus at stop #16. March 21 rent one from the Yosemite Lodge Bike walking and hiking possibilities. Stop by a Cross the footbridges onto the Isles Snowshoe Yosemite: Vistas atop Dewey Rental Stand. Opens March 27, conditions visitor center for a trail map and the most or wander through outdoor exhibits Point – Trip 2 permitting. current trail conditions, or see page 9 for detailing Yosemite’s geologic story. March 27 a list of popular Valley day hikes. Shuttle buses may not go to stop #16 when Day Hike through Spring Canyon Winter Sports Sightseeing road is snow-covered or icy. Wildflowers Badger Pass Ski Area opens on December Some of the famous landmarks in Yosemite • Tunnel View, along the Wawona March 29 12, conditions permitting, and the ice rink Valley include: Road (Hwy 41), provides a view that A Walk with Galen Clark: Mysteries of at Curry Village is open through March, • Lower Yosemite Fall is an easy showcases Yosemite Valley. Capture Yosemite Valley’s West End conditions permitting. Live information 30-minute loop trail starting from breathtaking views of El Capitan, April 3 on winter sports is available by calling shuttle stop #6. (Both Upper and Lower and Half Dome. It is Yosemite Photography: Magic of the 209/372-8340, or recorded information Yosemite Falls will be dry until rain particularly spectacular at sunset or “Moonbow” – Trip 1 is available at 209/372-1000. and snow return.) This hike features after the clearing of a storm. Find more information about these educational exhibits and a picnic Tours Badger Pass A-Frame area, and is accessible to the mobility Tours listed depart from Yosemite programs at www.yosemiteconservancy. Open 9:00am to 4:00pm 7 days a week impaired. Lodge, weather permitting. Check org/outdoor-adventures or call 209/379- when Badger Ski Area is open. Wilderness 2317 x10. Camping (if needed) and park • Bridalveil Fall is a year-round Tour and Activity Desk for times. permits, Ostrander Ski Hut check-in entry are included, additional lodging waterfall that can be visited on your way The Valley Floor Tour is a 26-mile, and cross-country ski trail information options available. Custom adventures into or out of the Valley. Winds swirling two-hour, guided tour of Yosemite available. Starting point for ranger led can also be arranged for individuals, about the cliff blow the wispy water into Valley. It departs several times daily. snowshoe walks. families and groups. Proceeds support a delicate free-fall. Call 209/372-1240 for reservations or Yosemite Conservancy’s work in the park; • El Capitan is a massive granite inquire at the Tour and Activity Desk in preserving and protecting Yosemite for monolith that stands 3,593 feet from the Yosemite Lodge, 7:30am to 7pm. generations to come. base to summit. From spring to fall,

6 Yosemite Guide February 11, 2015 - April 7, 2015

Hours listed are core hours for facilities and may be extended during periods of peak visitation. Check local postings for changes to hours of operation. FOOD & BEVERAGE Visitor Services Yosemite Village Degnan’s Delicatessen 7am to 5pm The Ahwahnee Dining Room Beyond Yosemite Valley Breakfast: 7am to 10am Lunch: 11:30am to 2pm Dinner: 5:30pm to 8:30pm Sunday Brunch: 7am to 2pm Appropriate attire required for dinner. Reservations recommended for dinner and Sunday Brunch. 209/372-1489. The Coffee Bar 7am to 10:30am The Ahwahnee Bar 2pm to 10pm, Open 11:30am to 11pm Feb 14-16 Yosemite Lodge Food Court Breakfast: 6:30am to 10:30am Lunch: 11:30am to 2pm Dinner: 5pm to 8pm *last 30 minutes are grab and go only Mountain Room Lounge Monday - Friday, 4:30pm to 11pm Saturday - Sunday, noon to 11pm Mountain Room Restaurant 5pm -8pm Reservations taken for 8 or more. 209/372-1281 Curry Village Pavilion Breakfast: 7am to 10am beginning March 28 Dinner: 5:30pm to 8pm Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias/ NPS Photo beginning March 27 Pizza Deck Fri 5pm to 9pm and Sat 12pm to 9pm GETTING TO MARIPOSA GROVE Merced Grove (and Feb 16), Wawona & Allow 1½ hours driving time to reach Mon - Fri 5pm to 9pm, Sat & Sun 12pm Yosemite’s quietest stand of sequoias is the to 9pm beginning March 21 Mariposa Grove the grove from the Valley. Cars are Merced Grove, a group of approximately Coffee Corner prohibited beyond the grove parking lot. 20 big trees accessible only on foot. It’s Sat & Sun (and Feb 16) 7am - 11am; Wilderness Permits daily 7am - 11am beginning March 21 The access road to the grove may close a three-mile round-trip hike, ski, or Wilderness permits are available by self- Curry Village Bar intermittently due to limited parking. snowshoe into the grove. The trail drops 5pm to 9pm Mon thru Fri and 12pm to registration on the front porch of Hill’s Trailers are prohibited on the Mariposa 9pm on Sat and Sun beginning March down 1.5 miles, making this a moderately Studio. Please come prepared with your Grove Road. Private vehicles longer than 21 strenuous hike on the uphill portion. Wawona own bear canister. 25 feet are not permitted. There is no potable water in the area so be Dining Room Breakfast: (opens April 3) 7:30am to WALKING THROUGH THE GROVE sure to bring drinking water with you. The 10am Pioneer Yosemite History Trails into the grove extend uphill from grove is located 3½ miles north of Crane Lunch: (opens April 3)11:30am to Center the trailhead at the far end of the parking 1:30pm Flat and 4½ miles south of the Big Oak Go back to a time of horse-drawn Dinner: (opens April 2) 5:30pm to 9pm area. Interpretive signs between the Flat Entrance along the Big Oak Flat Road wagons, a covered bridge, and log cabins. Reservations taken for 6 or more, trailhead and the California Tree provide (Highway 120 West). The trail is marked by 209/375-1425 A visit to the Pioneer Yosemite History Lounge Service: (opens April 2) 5pm to a self-guiding tour. Written translations a sign and a post labeled B-10. 9:30pm Center explores Yosemite’s history are available at the trailhead in Spanish, and explains how Yosemite was the German, French, and Japanese. When the Tuolumne Grove GROCERIES inspiration for national parks across ground is snow- covered, access is limited The trailhead for this grove of Yosemite Lodge America and around the world. The to foot, snowshoe, or ski. approximately 25 sequoias is near the Gift/Grocery center is open throughout year. 8am to 7pm Dogs and bikes are not permitted intersection of the Big Oak Flat and Tioga Yosemite Village anywhere in the Mariposa Grove. roads at Crane Flat. The moderately Village Store Mariposa Grove 8am to 8pm strenuous trail leads downhill from the Located near Yosemite’s South Entrance, Curry Village Big Oak Flat *parking area into the grove and drops Gift/Grocery the Mariposa Grove is the park’s largest Big Oak Flat Information 500 feet (150 meters) in one mile. Within 9am to 7pm stand of giant sequoias, with about 500 Wawona the Tuolumne Grove there is an easy, trees. A few of these giants are visible Station Wawona Store & Pioneer Gift Shop half-mile, self-guided nature trail. There 8am to 5pm in the parking area. Information about Wilderness permits are available by self- is no potable water in the area so be access for disabled people is available registration on the front porch of the GAS STATIONS sure to bring drinking water with you. at the tram boarding area. The road to information station.Please come prepared Gas outside Yosemite Valley El Portal the Grove typically closes in November with your own bear canister. Diesel available or December.Visitors can walk, ski, or Pay 24 hours with credit or debit card Wawona snowshoe when the road is closed to 8am to 6pm. Diesel & propane. vehicles. Pay 24 hours with credit or debit card. Crane Flat GENERAL SERVICES EASTER WEEK-April 2-5 ROMAN CATHOLIC MAUNDY THURSDAY Service, April 2 - 7pm SUNDAY MASS CELEBRATIONS: Diesel available. Pay 24 hours with credit VILLAGE GARAGE Sunday, 10am, Theater behind Yosemite Valley or debit card 8am to 5pm Towing 24 hours. Propane GOOD FRIDAY Service, April 3 - 12:15pm-1pm Visitor Center, 209/372-4729 available until 4:30pm. 209/372-1160 and 7pm-8pm SHOWERS AND LAUNDRY CHURCH OF CHRIST (NONDENOMINATIONAL) EASTER SUNDAY Curry Village Showers YOSEMITE MEDICAL CLINIC El Portal Chapel / Worship: Sunday 11am 7am Upper Pines Amphitheater Info: 209/379-2100 Open 24 hours The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 9am 9:15am and 11am Chapel Service to 5pm and is closed on Saturday and Sunday. 24- Housekeeping Camp Laundromat SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS hour emergency ambulance service continues to be SUNDAY SERVICES 8am to 10pm available. For emergency care after 5pm, call 9-1-1. 9:15am (Sunday School available). For more information call 209/372-4637. 6:30pm Sunday Evening Service/Bible Study ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS 7:30pm Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday RELIGIOUS SERVICES TUESDAY BIBLE STUDIES DNC General Office Building Women’s and Men’s Bible Studies, 7pm call for (Employee Training Center) Yosemite Village location YOSEMITE COMMUNITY CHURCH (YOSEMITE LIONS CLUB CHAPEL) THURSDAY EVENING SERVICE 7PM Meets the first and third Thursdays of each month Pastor Brent Moore Resident Minister, 209/372-4831 Various Bible Studies during the week call for times at noon, The Ahwahnee. 209/372-4475. www.yosemitevalleychapel.org and locations.

7 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Protecting yourself...

Eleven-year-old skier Sylvie on the way to / Photo by Karen Amstutz Keep yourself safe while exploring your park. There are many ways to experience the wildness of Yosemite. While the forces of nature can create unexpected hazardous conditions, with a little common sense and some pre-planning, you can minimize the risks associated with many activities.

Around Ice and Water Traffic Safety waterways where rocks have been polished. (HPS) is a rare but serious disease spread to Stay off of frozen lakes, rivers and streams Roads leading to the park are two-lane, arrow, Scrambling on boulders, wading across humans via the droppings, urine, or saliva of and away from swift waters. Keep children and winding. When traveling on park roads streams or rivers, and traveling beyond infected rodents. Not all rodents are infected from wandering near these natural hazards. you can protect yourself, other visitors, and railings or other barriers may put with hantavirus, but infected rodents have been Never swim or wade upstream from park wildlife by obeying posted speed limits. you one slip away from a fatal accident. found throughout the US. In California, deer a waterfall, even if the water appears Yosemite’s roads are used by both visitors and Avoid shortcuts. Visitors commonly get mice are the primary carrier of the virus that shallow and calm. Each year, unsuspecting park wildlife. Use turnouts to pull completely “ledged out” after cutting across trails. causes HPS. You may come into close proximity visitors are swept over waterfalls to their out of the road, to take photos, consult the Wilderness Permit Details to rodents during your visit, so it is important you take steps to protect yourself from HPS. deaths when swimming in these areas. park map, or simply enjoy the park’s scenery Wilderness permits are required for all HPS risk is greater inside of buildings or other Mountain water is very cold, no matter what and wildlife. overnight trips into the Yosemite Wilderness. enclosures where deer mice are present. time of year it is. Yosemite’s rivers are fed by Hiking, Backpacking, Backcountry Please see pages 6 and 7 of this Guide for melted snow, and even expert swimmers can more information about obtaining wilderness If staying in guest lodging, please tell the Snow Travel, and Rock Climbing quickly lose their strength in the icy water. permits.For summer trips, reservations housekeeping staff if you see evidence of It is starting to get dark early, which means Swimming is not permitted in the Hetch are taken from 24 weeks to two days in mice in your accommodations. Do not clean temperatures will drop fast. Prepare yourself Hetchy reservoir or in Emerald Pool above advance of the start of your trip. A processing up the area yourself. Keep doors to guest with a headlamp and extra layers, even on . fee of $5 per permit plus $5 per person is lodging shut and do not bring food into your day hikes. Also, trails may be closed after the charged to each confirmed reservation. cabin that is not in a sealed container. If you Avoid Hypothermia first winter storm, due to either ice or rockfall Go to www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/ are camping and backpacking, do not pitch Sierra winters are comparatively mild, but hazards. For your safety, please respect these wildpermits for trailhead availability and more tents near rodent burrows or droppings. temperatures can drop into dangerous closures and do not bypass them. Here are a information on how to make a reservation. HPS often begins with flu-like symptoms territory with little warning. Winter sports few more reminders before you hit the trails. Reservations can be made by fax, phone or mail such as aches, fever, and chills one to seven require a high degree of preparation and •Tell someone your plan and when you starting December 1. To make a reservation by weeks after exposure, progressing to cough training. hope to return. phone, call (209) 372-0740 Mon-Fri from 8:30 and difficulty in breathing. Seek medical • Be prepared to set up emergency shelter •Be prepared for icy travel before am to 4:30 pm. Information about Half Dome attention immediately if you experience even when out just for the day. conditions arise. Bring crampons, ice axe, permits is available on our website at www.nps. these symptoms, and mention any potential • Know how to use your gear and carry climbing skins, and other traction devices. gov/yose/planyourvisit/hdpermits. rodent exposures to your physician. basic repair materials. • Carry a map and compass and know For more information on hantavirus and other • Avoid the combination of wetness, wind, where you are at all times, with a planned More Information environmental safety hazards visit: http://www. and cold. route. •www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/ nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/yoursafety.htm • Know symptoms of hypothermia. • Altitude sickness can develop at altitudes backpacking.htm • Carry emergency fire-starting materials as low as 8,000 feet. Descend to a lower •Leave No Trace www.lnt.org Avoid contact with wildlife and • Avoid dehydration; carry and drink elevation should it develop. •Friends of Yosemite Search and Rescue keep food and trash stored plenty of water at least three liters of water www.friendofyosar.org • Know the weather and prepare for properly. per person, and bring high-energy food. changes. Snow can occur with little Half Dome Permit Information Wild animals in Yosemite can transmit warning, and can make route finding very Water Quality The Half Dome Cables are down for the numerous diseases, including plague, rabies, difficult. To protect yourself from disease, treat any season. They will be put back up May 22, 2015 and hantavirus. Keeping your distance and • Avoid dehydration; carry and drink surface water before drinking. Treatment conditions permitting. Permits are required your food from wildlife not only protects them, plenty of water and bring high-energy methods include boiling for five minutes, use 7 days a week when the cables are up. The it also protects you from injury and exposure food. of a Giardia-rated water filter, or iodine-based pre-season lottery application period for to diseases. purifier. To prevent the spread of Giardia and • Be prepared to set up emergency shelter 2015 permits begins March 1, 2015 and ends If you encounter a mammal, particularly a other water-borne disease organisms, use even when out just for the day. March 31, 2015. To apply for permits visit raccoon, skunk, fox, coyote, or bat, that is restroom facilities where available, and always • Bring a flashlight in case you need to stay recreation.gov or call 877/444-6777. More behaving erratically, don’t touch the animal. wash hands afterwards with soap and water. In on the trail longer than expected. information about the Half Dome permit Instead, report the sick animal to a park natural areas where facilities are not available, • Admire wildlife from a distance to process is available at: http://www.nps.gov/ employee. In addition to keeping bears away, wash, camp, and bury human waste at least prevent injury to you or animals. yose/planyourvisit/hdpermits.htm. storing your food properly also reduces your 100 feet away from any water source or trail, Stay Safe Hantavirus Information exposure to rodents and their fleas, which may burying human waste six inches deep and pack Many accidents occur because visitors leave Mice are an important part of the ecosystem, carry plague. out any toilet paper. a trail or pathway. Off trail travel can be but can carry diseases that are harmful to extremely dangerous, especially next to humans. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

8 Yosemite Guide February 11, 2015 - April 7, 2015 ...and Yosemite

Coyote in snow/Photo by Caitlin Lee-Roney Keeping Bears Wild Yosemite Guardians Keep Yosemite’s Black Bears Wild and Alive, while protecting yourself and your property. Visitors to Yosemite National Park are the Store Your Food Properly. If you see a bear, scare it away or the bear become used to being around park’s most important guardians. With keep your distance. 4,000 to 20,000 calories worth of grasses, people. Bears that become comfortable nearly 4 million people watching over berries, acorns, and grubs—that’s the You may not see a bear during your visit around humans lose their natural fear of its special plants, animals, historic, and typical daily diet of most bears. It’s a lot because they naturally avoid people. us and may become too aggressive. When archeological sites, imagine how well- easier for a bear to eat the thousands of However, if you see one in a developed that happens, they sometimes have to be protected these park resources could be! calories of food in an ice chest than it is area (like a campground or parking lot), killed. During your visit to Yosemite be aware that to spend all day nibbling at grasses. Their act immediately to scare it away: Make Drive the speed limit. there are people who either unknowingly incredible sense of smell allows them noise and yell as loud as possible. If there The most common human-related cause or intentionally harm park resources. to detect things we can’t, which helps is more than one person, stand together of death for a black bear in Yosemite is Please contact a park official if you see them find food—a black bear can smell to present a more intimidating figure, being hit by a car. Slow down! Driving any of the following illegal acts: a dead deer three miles away. To top it but do not surround the bear. If you see too fast is almost always the cause of off, bears have excellent vision and can a bear anywhere else, consider yourself these accidental deaths. • Feeding or approaching wildlife see in color, so they recognize ice chests, lucky—but keep your distance (at least • Collecting plants grocery bags, and other food containers 50 yards, or about the distance made by Please report bear sightings by calling • Hunting animals as potential food sources. four shuttle buses parked end to end). 209/372-0322. If you get too close, you will be helping • Collecting reptiles and butterflies How to Store Food • Picking up archeological items, such “Food” includes any item with a scent, regardless of packaging. This may include items that you do not consider food, such as canned goods, as arrowheads bottles, drinks, soap, cosmetics, toiletries, trash, ice chests (even when empty), and unwashed items used for preparing or eating meals. • Using metal detectors • Driving vehicles into meadows LOCATION FOOD STORAGE WHY? • Biking off of paved roads Your Vehicle You may store food in your car (with windows closed) only Bears can smell food, even if it’s sealed in the trunk or glove during daylight hours. Do not store food in your car after dark: compartment, and they recognize boxes and bags as potential • Camping outside of designated use a food locker. Remember to clear your car of food food sources. They can easily and quickly break into all kinds wrappers, baby wipes, and crumbs in baby seats. of vehicles! campgrounds Your Campsite You must store all your food in food lockers—not in your tent Bears may enter campsites when people are present, and some or Tent Cabin or tent cabin. A food locker is available at each campsite and will even check food lockers to see if they’re secured. Keep food • Possession of weapons inside tent cabin. Food may be stored out of sight in hard-sided RVs lockers closed and latched at all times, even when you are in with windows closed. your campsite or tent cabin. federal facilities Picnic Areas & Do not leave food unattended. Always keep food within arm’s Bears may investigate picnic areas or backpacks for food even If you see activities that could harm on the Trails reach. Don’t turn your back to your food. when people are present, so be alert. people or park resources, jot down any Backpacking in the Bear resistant food containers are required throughout the In Yosemite and the southern Sierra, bear canisters are the only descriptions or a vehicle license plate Wilderness Yosemite Wilderness. Hanging food is prohibited in Yosemite. effective and proven method of preventing bears from getting human food. number and call the park dispatch office at 209/379-1992.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Yosemite Valley Day Hikes To find out more about Yosemite TRAIL / DESTINATION STARTING POINT DISTANCE / TIME DIFFICULTY / ELEVATION National Park regulations visit www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/ Bridalveil Fall Bridalveil Fall Parking Area 0.5 mile round-trip, 20 minutes Easy yoursafety.htm and find a copy of the Lower Yosemite Fall Lower Yosemite Fall Shuttle Stop #6 1.0 mile round-trip, 20 minutes Easy Superintendent’s Compendium. This

Upper Yosemite Fall Trail to Columbia Rock Camp 4 Near Shuttle Stop #7 2 miles round-trip, 2–3 hours Strenuous 1,000-foot gain document is a compilation of designations, closures, permit requirements, and other Top of Upper Yosemite Fall Same as above 7.2 miles round-trip, 6–8 hours Very Strenuous 2,700-foot gain restrictions made by the superintendent, Mirror Lake (A seasonal lake) Mirror Lake Shuttle Stop #17 2 miles round-trip, 1 hour Easy in addition to what is contained in Title Vernal Fall Footbridge Happy Isles Shuttle Stop #16 1.4 miles round-trip, 1–2 hours Moderate, 400-foot gain 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations (Chapter 1, Parts 1 through 7 and 34), Top of Vernal Fall Happy Isles Shuttle Stop #16 3 miles round-trip, 2–4 hours Strenuous 1,000-foot gain and other applicable federal statutes and Top of same as above 5 miles round-trip, 5–6 hours Strenuous 1,900-foot gain regulations. to Glacier Point Southside Drive 4.8 miles one-way, 3–4 hours Very Strenuous, 3,200-foot gain (Closed in winter) one-way Valley Floor Loop Lower Yosemite Fall Shuttle Stop #6 13 miles full loop, 5–7 hours full loop Moderate

9 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Youth in Yosemite By Shauna Potocky

One of Yosemite’s youth programs, Parks In Focus, uses photography as a teaching tool to connect participants to nature./ Parks in Focus

osemite changes lives. geology, wildlife biology, natural and “Education rangers have Skyped with development of the Yosemite Leadership cultural history to art, literacy, and schools in California, and across the Program, which provides U.C. Merced It does not take long to realize leadership. United States, answering questions about students with the opportunity to develop Ythat the amazing array of youth leadership skills through on-campus and and education programs in Yosemite Youth and education programs connect students to the in-park programs that include outdoor National Park have great potential to environment, stewardship and public lands in deep and education, stewardship projects, and change lives. In fact, there is no shortage professional development. Participants of transformational stories when you talk profound ways that are also exciting and transformational. build valuable skills that serve both their to students and teachers who participate From innovative programs such as wildlife, land management, and careers. academic and professional careers. In in Yosemite’s programs. Adventure Risk Challenge, a rigorous It’s exciting to see students making addition, some students participate in “Yosemite helped me experience a academic program that focuses on positive connections with a place they’ve a 12- week internship in which they live whole new world I was not aware of. literacy and leadership, to Parks in Focus, never stepped foot in.” and work in Yosemite National Park. Yosemite allowed me to reflect and write a program that utilizes photography as a And the opportunities do not end there! With a wide variety of programs serving in a journal, and helped me experience teaching tool for learning natural history, various ages and learning objectives, who I really am.” Jesus Angel Dolores, NatureBridge, one of the parks’ ecology, stewardship, and the legacy there is something for just about a University of California Merced education partners, offers an exciting of public lands there are great ways to everyone and the best way to experience student and participant in the Yosemite array of programs for students including connect youth to Yosemite. what Yosemite has to offer is to explore Leadership Program Summer Internship. 2 to 5 day residential programs and For those seeking ranger-led curriculum summer field courses. Students hike the options or get involved. Start now The park is well known for its inspiring based programs, Parks As Classrooms, through the dramatic landscapes of and explore some of the opportunities geology, waterfalls, and wildlife. What are designed for visiting youth and school Yosemite, explore ancient groves of giant in Yosemite for the youth in your life and is less known is that Yosemite, with all groups from kindergarten through sequoias, ski across snowy meadows, help them become connected to their of its incomparable features, also serves college. Topics include climate change, and challenge themselves to reach national park—Yosemite, because when as the ultimate classroom to thousands park management, watershed science, the tops of waterfalls. Through active you learn in the ultimate classroom, it of students and young adults. Nearly wildlife, Indian Cultural Programs, student engagement, NatureBridge just might be life-changing. thirty different youth programs serve and much more. These programs allow instructors teach science, history, and For a full list of Youth In Yosemite participants from age 4 to 25 through a students to have a hands-on learning the arts that give these subjects context programs and contact information, variety of engaging opportunities from experience right here in the park. For through personal experience. For youth please contact the Yosemite National Junior Ranger programs, environmental groups who cannot travel to the park, interested in obtaining an internship, Park Education Office at (209) 375-9505 education, and field opportunities, the Yosemite National Park education the Student Conservation Association or via email at [email protected]. to college internships, professional team has a solution: Parks As Classrooms commonly features internship We look forward to helping connect you development, and the California programs can be delivered via Skype opportunities in Yosemite and for to an array of inspiring programs! Conservation Corps. right into a classroom or youth program some college students; some schools, Each year the park serves over 26,000 meeting! including Stanford University and the The Yosemite Conservancy is a generous students through education programs “Students all over the country read about University of California Merced, may supporter of many Youth in Yosemite and more than 24,000 youth in Junior and study National Parks for classroom have an already established a connection programs. Ranger and other field based programs. projects, and Skype gives Yosemite the with the park.For example, a dynamic It is no wonder the opportunities are so chance to make student studies come diverse, since nearly every subject can collaboration between U.C. Merced alive,” shares ranger Sharon Miyako. be taught in Yosemite—from ecology, and Yosemite National Park led to the

10 Yosemite Guide February 11, 2015 - April 7, 2015 Supporting Your Park

Providing for Yosemite’s Future

Enhance the Visitor Experience It takes a legion of people working together to protect this special park for you and future generations of visitors. You too can extend your connection to Yosemite well after you return home by getting involved with the organizations that partner to preserve Yosemite.

This publication was made possible by the Yosemite Park Partners listed on this page. Read more below or visit www.yosemitepartners.org to learn more about helping these organizations provide for the future of Yosemite National Park.

The Ansel Adams Delaware North NatureBridge Gallery Delaware North (DN) operates NatureBridge provides residential Yosemite Conservancy The Ansel Adams Gallery, owned by the hotels, restaurants, sightseeing tours, field science programs for youth in the Through the support of donors, Yosemite family of photographer Ansel Adams recreational activities, interpretive world’s most spectacular classroom- Conservancy provides grants and since 1902, is a center that celebrates programs, stores, shuttles and service Yosemite National Park. Through support to Yosemite National Park to the arts and the natural grandeur of our stations in the park under contract with active student engagement, our faculty help preserve and protect Yosemite environment. It cultivates an aesthetic the U.S. Department of the Interior. DN teaches science, history, and the arts today and for future generations. The appreciation and concern for our world encourages its employees to develop a and gives these subjects context through work funded by Yosemite Conservancy by offering visitors a unique variety of strong relationship with the park during personal experience. A NatureBridge is visible throughout the park, from trail literature and art, as well as programs their tenure. learning adventure strives to foster a rehabilitation to wildlife protection and that inspire creativity. Visit online at: life-long connection to the natural world For more information and employment habitat restoration. The Conservancy www.anseladams.com. and responsible actions to sustain it. Find opportunities with Delaware North visit is dedicated to enhancing the visitor out more about our year-round programs online at www.YosemitePark.com experience and providing a deeper for schools and summer programs for connection to the park through outdoor individual teens at www.naturebridge. programs, volunteering and wilderness org/yosemite services. Thanks to dedicated supporters, the Conservancy has provided more than $92 million in grants to Yosemite National Park. Donate now or learn more at www. Contact Us yosemiteconservancy.org or call 800/469- Yosemite National Park 7275. PO Box 577 9039 Village Drive Yosemite, CA 95389 209/372-0200 http://www.nps.gov/yose/contacts. Celebrating Yosemite’s 125th Anniversary! htm On October 1, 2015, the park will commemorate The Ansel Adams Gallery the 125th anniversary of the establishment of PO Box 455 Yosemite National Park. President Benjamin Yosemite, CA 95389 Harrison signed the legislation, thereby creating 209/372-4413 209/372-4714 fax the nation’s third National Park. The establishment www.anseladams.com of Yosemite National Park preserved over 1,500 square miles of land including Tuolumne Meadows, Delaware North PO Box 578 the park’s high country, Hetch Hetchy and lands Yosemite, CA 95389 surrounding Yosemite Valley. 801/559-5000 www.yosemitepark.com

Yosemite Conservancy 101 Montgomery Street, Suite 1700 San Francisco, CA 94104 800/469-7275 415/434-0745 fax www.yosemiteconservancy.org

NatureBridge PO Box 487 Yosemite, CA 95389 209/379-9511 209/379-9510 fax www.yni.org

Lower right: Raven, Karen Kroner Amstutz; Top right: Half Dome,Christine White Loberg

11