17 08 16 10 05 02 01 Yosemite Guide Where toGo and What toDoin May-June 2010 Experience Your AmericaYosemite NationalPark

Hiking Camping Meadows Tuolumne Wawona, GlacierPt. Yosemite Valley Park Overview Things toDo Inside:

A portion of the trailMirror past Lake is closedto rockfall.due Please observeposted signs. Yosemite Guide May 26 - June 29, 2010 Yosemite Note: Service to stops 15, 16, 17, and 18 may stop after a major snowfall. Clark Range,from GlacierPoint.

May26- June 29,2010 Vol. 35,IssueNo.4 Photo byChristineWhiteLoberg Yosemite National Park America Yosemite Experience Your

US Department of the Interior Third Class Mail National Park Service Postage and Fee Paid PO Box 577 US Department of the Interior Yosemite, CA 95389 G 83 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Yosemite Guide May 26 - June 29, 2010 Things to Do

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

hat do you want to do with Valley” for a wild ride through your special time in the universe to learn about stars, WYosemite? The choice is constellations, planets, meteors, and yours, but to give you some ideas, park other night sky features, all from the rangers made a list of possibilities for comfort of Yosemite Valley. Sign up at adventure. In no particular order, here any tour desk. (See page 4 for tour desk are 12 popular activities for a day in locations.) Yosemite National Park. Go to the Theater Walk to a Waterfall Yosemite Theatre LIVE offers Yosemite Valley is famous for its awe- entertainment and inspiration through a inspiring waterfalls; each as distinct as variety of live theater performances that the granite cliffs they dive over. While bring Yosemite’s history to life. Discover Yosemite Falls may be dry by August, the world of and other Bridalveil, Vernal, and Nevada Falls characters from the park’s rich history. flow all year. (See page 17 for hiking (See page 7 for shows and starting information.) times.)

Explore a Sequoia Grove Have Fun with the Family Meet the most massive trees on Learn about Yosemite, meet a park earth as you explore a giant sequoia ranger, and have a blast by becoming grove. Yosemite is home to three a Yosemite Junior Ranger or Yosemite groves—the Mariposa Grove, which Little Cub. Check in with any visitor contains hundreds of sequoias, and the center to find out how. Stop by the Tuolumne and Merced Groves, which You can bring your own bike or rent in the Valley. See the bottom of pages 4 and 15 for bicycle rental Nature Center at Happy Isles for information. NPS photo by Erik Skindrud each hold dozens. (See page 2 for a map another great place to explore with the of the park.) family. (See page 12 for the Jr. Ranger Bring Your Yosemite Guide With You! Page.) See Sunset from Glacier Point Glacier Point provides a superb view of The list on this page offers 12 popular things to do. The Visit the Yosemite Museum Half Dome, towering more than 3,000 table of contents (“What’s Inside...”) at lower right shows Learn about Yosemite Indians by feet above Yosemite Valley. Witness where you can turn for more information. Program listings exploring a museum collection that the sunset, as it lights up the cliff face, (by area) are on pages 6, 7, 9, and 11. includes remarkable woven baskets from Glacier Point or other points in and traditional dress. Tour the outdoor Yosemite Valley. Listen in on a sunset Indian Village or talk with an Indian talk with a ranger at Glacier Point. and domes, and Tenaya Lake with Mt. offered daily throughout the park on a cultural demonstrator. The Yosemite Expect a half-hour delay on the Glacier Conness in the background. (See page variety of topics including waterfalls, Museum is located in Yosemite Village Point Road Monday through Friday. 2 for a park map and area information. trees, bears, geology, Yosemite Indians at shuttle stops #5 and #9. (See page 5 The Tioga Road usually opens in late and more. (See area program grids on for museum hours and a list of gallery Visit the other valley, Hetch Hetchy May or June.) pages 6, 7, 9, and 11.) events and features.) “Almost an exact counterpart of the Yosemite…a visit to its counterpart may Travel Back in Time Take a Photography Class be recommended, if it be only to see how Visit Wawona’s Pioneer Yosemite Learn how to best capture the landscape curiously nature has repeated herself.” History Center and join “Buckshot” of Yosemite by joining a photography -Josiah D. Whitney. for a horse-drawn stage ride! These expert from the Ansel Adams Gallery. 10-minute rides introduce you to an Several classes are offered each week. Hetch Hetchy provides spectacular early chapter in Yosemite’s history. Fun Learn more and sign up at the Ansel vistas, waterfalls, and early season for the whole family. (See pages 8 and Adams Gallery located in Yosemite hiking. (See page 2 for a park map and 9 for history center and other program Village at shuttle stops #5 and #9. (See area information.) information.) pages 6 and 7 for times and meeting places.) Drive to Olmsted Point Stroll with a Ranger Take in the spectacular panoramic view Learn about the wonders of the park Discover the Night Sky from this scenic turnout on the Tioga on a ranger-guided stroll. Programs are Attend the “Starry Skies Over Yosemite Western tanager. By Lauren Hamilton Road: Tenaya Canyon, granite peaks

Emergency: Dial 911 Access for People With Disabilities The Yosemite Accessibility Guide is 9 Wawona Programs Road, Weather, and Park Information: available at park entrance stations, visitor What’s Inside: www.nps.gov/yose or 209/372-0200 centers, and online at www.nps.gov/yose/ 10 , Sudden changes in weather are common in the planyourvisit/accessibility.htm. Accessible parking White Wolf, Hetch 2 Discover Yosemite . Call the number above or check spaces are available just west of the Yosemite Hetchy at a visitor center for the most recent weather Valley Visitor Center. To reach these, enter the 3 Exploring the Park forecast. Valley on Southside Drive. Turn left on Sentinel 11 Tuolumne Programs Drive. Turn left on Northside Drive, and follow 4 Yosemite Valley 12 Jr. Ranger Activities the blue-and-white signs. Lost and Found 5 Valley Store, Restaurant, A sign language interpreter may be available for 14 All About Bears To inquire about items lost or found at one of Medical, and Service Info deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors. Call Yosemite’s restaurants, hotels, lounges, shuttle 16 Camping 209/372-0296 to request an interpreter. 6-7 Yosemite Valley buses, or tour services, call 209/372-4357. For Advance notice of at least 2 days is requested. Program Listings 17 Hiking items lost or found in other areas of the park, Assistive Listening Devices are available upon call 209/379-1001. 8 Wawona, Glacier Point 18 Feature Article: Fishers advance request. Inquire at a visitor center.

Where to Go and What to Do in Yosemite National Park Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Yosemite Village/ Yosemite Falls Visitor Center Stanislaus Yosemite Lodge The National Ahwahnee Forest To To El Curry Manteca 120 Capitan Village Valley Day Discover Yosemite View Parking To 140 Bridalveil Tunnel Fall View To To To Yosemite Valley Merced 41 Fresno Let your curiosity guide you to new places (Elevation 4,000 feet/1,220 meters)

Entrance Fees

To 395 Reservations are NOT required Lake & Eleanor Lee Hetch Hetchy Vining to enter Yosemite. The park is O’Shaughnessy open year-round, 24 hours/day. Dam 6 120

iver Hetch e R n Tioga d Hetchy um Vehicle $20 oa ol R Tu Pass y Backpackers' h c t Campground Entrance Valid for 7 days Hetch e

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Individual $10 Meadows

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e r cycle, or horse. Valid for 7 days. g r e Wolf e n d R a o o Big a R d ad a o g Oak R io Yosemite Pass $40 a T og Flat Ti Yosemite Valid for one year in Yosemite. Entrance Creek Tenaya Porcupine Lake Flat Interagency Annual Pass $80 120 To Valid for one year at all federal Manteca Hodgdon recreation sites. Meadow 4 Tuolumne Grove Tamarack Valley Flat Visitor Interagency Senior Pass $10 Center Crane B ig Yosemite Merced Flat r (Lifetime) Oa F 1 ive k l R Grove a t Valley d R 2 ce Trailhead o r For U.S. citizens or permanent a Me d Glacier residents 62 and over. Point Foresta Tunnel View Interagency Access Pass (Free) El Portal (Lifetime)

To r Glac Rd e ier nt For permanently disabled U.S. iv Poi Merced M R Arch Rock Inyo erced citizens or permanent residents. Entrance National 140 Bridalveil Forest Yosemite Creek

West

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Reservations w o

n Expect delays along the Wawona Road, a Campground Reservations R o Sunday 11 pm through through Friday a d 877/444-6777 4:30 pm. Delays will be 30 minutes www.recreation.gov during the day (up to 60 minutes from 11 pm to 6 am). 3 Ranger Station

Lodging Reservations Food Service & Lodging 801/559-5000 Wawona Wawona Campground www.yosemitepark.com Campground Gas Station Pioneer Sierra Yosemite Regional Info National History Mariposa Center Grove Sierra Forest National 0 5 km 5 miles Yosemite Area Regional Forest South Transportation System Entrance 41 To Fresno (YARTS) www.yarts.com

Highway 120 West Yosemite Chamber of Commerce Yosemite Valley 800/449-9120 or 209/962-0429 Yosemite Valley, open all year, is world-famous for its impressive waterfalls, cliffs, and unusual rock formations. You 1 Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau can get there via Highway 41/Wawona Roadfrom Fresno, Highway 140/El Portal Road from Merced, Highway 120 800/446-1333 west/Big Oak Flat Road from Manteca, and (during summer) via the Tioga Road/Highway 120 east from Lee Vining. Yosemite www.thegreatunfenced.com Valley is home to massive cliff faces like El Capitan and Half Dome, plunging waterfalls including the tallest in North America,

Highway 41 and attractive meadows. While Yosemite Falls slows to trickle by August, a moderate hike will bring you to impressive Vernal Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau and Nevada Falls. Walk to Mirror Lake, where you will see reflections of Half Dome. Gaze up at El Capitan, a massive granite 559/683-4636 monolith that stands 3,593 feet from base to summit. Whether you explore the valley by foot, bike, car, on horseback, raft, or www.yosemitethisyear.com tour, you will behold scenery that will leave you breathless and eager to see what’s around the next corner. Highway 132/49 Coulterville Visitor Center 209/878-3074

Highway 140/49 Yosemite Mariposa Tourism Bureau 866/425-3366 or 209/966-7081 www.homeofyosemite.com

Highway 120 East Lee Vining Chamber of Commerce and Mono Lake Visitor Center, 760/647-6629 www.leevining.com

Calif. Welcome Center, Merced 800/446-5353 or 209/384-2791 www.yosemite-gateway.org

Mirror Lake and Mount Watkins. Photo by Christine White Loberg

2 Yosemite Guide May 26 - June 29, 2010

Glacier Point Glacier Point, an overlook with a commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Half 2 Dome, and the Yosemite’s high country, is located 30 miles (a one-hour drive) from Yosemite Valley or Wawona. To get there from either of these places, take the Wawona Road (Highway 41), to Chinquapin, then turn onto Glacier Point Road. Glacier Point Road is usually open from late May through sometime in November. Be prepared for 30-minute construction delays (60 minutes at night) on the Wawona Road Sunday evening through Friday evening. At Glacier Point, a short, paved, and wheelchair-accessible trail takes you to an exhilarating—some might say unnerving— view 3,214 feet down to Yosemite Valley below. View from Glacier Point at sunset. Photo by Christine White Loberg Wawona and Mariposa Grove The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is located 36 miles (1 ¼ hours) south 3 of Yosemite Valley via the Wawona Road (Highway 41), two miles from the park’s South Entrance. Be prepared for 30-minute construction delays (60 minutes at night) on the Wawona Road Sunday evening through Friday evening. 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. Enjoy a horse-drawn stage ride, watch blacksmiths at work at the blacksmith shop, or hike one of the scenic trails. For more information, visit the Wawona Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio, adjacent to the historic Wawona Hotel. This was once a painting studio for the 19th-century artist Thomas Hill. The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is a short drive or help reduce congestion by taking the free shuttle from the Wawona Store. The Mariposa Grove Museum. Photo by Pam Meierding Tioga Road and Tuolumne Grove Tioga Road offers a 39-mile scenic drive past forests, meadows, lakes, and 4 granite domes. It is usually open from late May or early June through sometime in November. The road’s elevation ranges from 6,200 to nearly 10,000 feet, so it offers an opportunity to experience many of Yosemite’s habitats. The White Wolf area, midway across the park, is the starting point for day hikes to Lukens Lake and Harden Lake. To see giant sequoias, park at the Tuolumne Grove parking area on the Tioga Road, and walk one steep mile down to the grove. Or park at Merced Grove trailhead on Big Oak Flat Road and walk 1.5 steep miles down to the grove. These groves are smaller than the more-famous Mariposa Grove, but are quieter and off-limits to vehicles. Remember: walking down is easier than walking back up. Clouds Rest and Half Dome as seen from the Tioga Road at Olmsted Point. Photo by Victoria Mates Tuolumne Meadows Tuolumne Meadows provides a glimpse of the High Sierra. The Wild and 5 Scenic Tuolumne River winds through broad sub-alpine meadows surrounded by even higher granite domes and peaks. It is the jumping off place for countless hikes, whether you venture out for a day or a week. Stop at the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center for information about hiking to Cathedral Lakes, Elizabeth Lake, Dog Lake, Lembert Dome, or along the Tuolumne River through Lyell Canyon. Take advantage of the free shuttle service in Tuolumne Meadows or the Tuolumne Meadows Tour and Hikers’ Bus from Yosemite Valley. Bridge over the Tuolumne River at Tuolumne Meadows. Photo by John Sun Hetch Hetchy Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, a source of drinking water and hydroelectric power 6 for the city of San Francisco, is also home to spectacular scenery and the starting point for many wilderness trails. Due to its importance as a municipal water supply, no fishing or swimming is permitted, however. Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is located 40 miles from Yosemite Valley. The Hetch Hetchy Road is open 7 am to 9 pm May 1 through Labor Day, with reduced hours during the rest of the year. Hetch Hetchy Road is accessible via the Big Oak Flat Road and Evergreen Road and is approximately a 1 ¼-hour drive from Yosemite Valley. Trailers, vehicles over 25 feet long, and RVs and other vehicles over 8 feet wide are not allowed on the narrow, winding Hetch Hetchy Road.

Hetch Hetchy. Photo by Erik Skindrud

Wilderness Travel Basics Yosemite’s Wilderness provides outstanding opportunities for solitude in a beautiful setting. In order to avoid overcrowding and reduce impacts, a trailhead quota system limits the number of backpackers entering a trailhead on a given day. Of each daily quota for a trailhead, 60 percent can be reserved ahead of time, while the remaining 40 percent is available on a first-come, first- served basis one day prior to, or the same day as, the beginning of your hike. See page 14 for more information about wilderness permits and wilderness permit reservations.

3 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Yosemite Valley

Spectacular vistas and the heart of the park

VAlley SERVICES

post offices Yosemite Village Main Office Monday-Friday: 8:30am to 5pm Saturday: 10am to noon Yosemite Lodge Post Office Monday-Friday: 12:30pm to 2:45pm

Grocery, books, & gifts

Yosemite Village The Ansel Adams Gallery 9am to 6pm Yosemite Art & Education Center 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4:30pm, Yosemite Bookstore - Visitor Center 9am to 7:30pm Yosemite Museum Store 9am to 5pm (May close for lunch) Village Store Gift/Grocery 8am to 10pm Habitat Yosemite (opens May 28) 10am to 5pm Sport Shop 9am to 6pm Tour Desk - Village Store 7:30am to 3pm The Incomparable Yosemite Valley The Ahwahnee Yosemite Valley embraces one of the world’s most outstanding concentrations of waterfalls, The Ahwahnee Gift Shop 8am to 10pm granite walls, meadows, wildflowers, and trees. The Valley also harbors a rich collection of The Ahwahnee Sweet Shop 7am to 10pm human stories, from American Indian lore to the birth of the national park movement. Yosemite Lodge Gift/Grocery 8am to 10pm Nature Shop • The Valley Floor Tour is a 26-mile, with spring runoff. You can walk to 10am to 7pm Yosemite Valley two-hour open-air tram tour its base or take the strenuous trail to Tour Desk 7:30am to 7pm An unlimited array of possibilities await narrated by a park ranger (weather its top (see page 17). Curry Village you in Yosemite Valley. Most involve permitting). The tour departs Mountain Shop , Yosemite’s most 8am to 8pm sightseeing and learning about the Yosemite Lodge several times daily. • Half Dome distinctive monument, dominates Gift/Grocery scenery. See pages 5, 6, and 7 for more • The Glacier Point Tour leaves 8am to 9pm information on program topics and most views in Yosemite Valley. Tour Desk Yosemite Lodge at 8:30 am, 10 am, 7:30am to 3pm visitor services available. Forces of uplift, erosion from rivers and 1:30 pm daily when the Glacier and glaciers, and rockfall all shaped Housekeeping Camp Point Road is open. One-way tickets Gift/Grocery Ranger Programs this famous feature into what we 8am to 8pm are available for those who want to see today. Cook’s Meadow, Sentinel Rangers give walks and talks every day hike down from Glacier Point. Bridge, Tunnel View, and Glacier about Yosemite’s natural and cultural • The Grand Tour includes the Point, are just a few locations with history. See pages 6 and 7 for scheduled Valley, Glacier Point, and the stunning views of Half Dome. strolls, talks, and evening programs. Mariposa Grove. An experienced , a massive granite guide narrates each tour. The tour • El Capitan Walking and Hiking monolith, stands 3,593 feet from departs Yosemite Lodge at 8:45 am From easy walks to Lower Yosemite Fall, base to summit. From spring to fall, daily. Cook’s Meadow, and Mirror Lake to climbers come from all over the strenuous hikes to the top of Yosemite globe to scale El Capitan. Falls or Nevada Fall, Yosemite Valley Call 209/372-4386 for reservations or inquire at the tour desks at Yosemite has a wide range of walking and hiking • Happy Isles is a place to see Lodge, Yosemite Village, Curry Village, possibilities. See page 17 for a list of dramatic natural processes at work. and The Ahwahnee. hikes. It is easily reached by shuttle at stop #16 or by walking from Curry Mule & Horseback Rides Bicycling Village. Cross the footbridges onto Horse or mule rides begin at the stable Several miles of bicycle paths wind the isles or wander through outdoor near North Pines Campground. Stable through Yosemite Valley. You can use and indoor exhibits detailing hours are 7:30 am to 5 pm daily. your own bicycle or rent one from Yosemite’s geologic story. Information: 209/372-8348 Yosemite Lodge or Curry Village. Bikes (reservations strongly recommended). • Tunnel View, along Wawona Road are only allowed on paved bicycle paths. (Hwy 41) provides a classic view of Sightseeing Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Half Tours Some of the famous landmarks in Dome, Sentinel Rock, Cathedral (Tours listed below depart from Yosemite Valley include: Rocks, and Bridalveil Fall. It is Yosemite Lodge.) spectacular at sunset or after the • Yosemite Falls gives the Valley an Top: Upper Yosemite Fall and Half Dome as seen from the clearing of a storm. Yosemite Falls Trail. Photo by Christine White Loberg extra touch of life when it’s flowing Above: Valley Floor Tour. Photo by Pam Meierding

4 Yosemite Guide May 26 - June 29, 2010

Yosemite Valley

Where to Go & What to Do

The Heart of Yosemite National Park Food & beverage The height of summer offers special opportunities for learning and adventure. Services are Yosemite Village open longer and additional lectures, classes, and programs are available. Degnan’s Loft 5pm to 9pm on Mon.-Fri. noon to 9 pm on Sat. & Sun. Degnan’s Delicatessen 7am to 5pm the wilderness center to learn about Degnan’s Cafe wilderness safety, plan trips, obtain 11am to 6pm (opens May 28) Yosemite Village Grill wilderness permits and maps, and rent 11am to 5pm bear canisters. Valley The Ahwahnee Yosemite Art & Dining Room Valley Visitor Center Breakfast: 7am to 10:30am Education Center Lunch: 11:30am to 3pm and Bookstore Dinner: 5:30pm to 9pm The Yosemite Art & Education Center Sunday Brunch: 7am to 3pm Visitor center and bookstore hours are offers a selection of original art and Reservations recommended for 9 am to 7:30 pm. The visitor center is art supplies, as well as a four-hour art all meals, required for dinner. just west of the main post office (shuttle 209/372-1489 workshops Tuesday through Saturday The Ahwahnee Bar stops #5 and #9). The facility offers (see pg. 6). Located south of the Village 11am to 11pm information, maps, and books. Explore Store, the Center is open 9 am to noon Yosemite Lodge the exhibits and learn how Yosemite’s and 1 pm to 4:30 pm daily. landscape formed and how people Food Court Daily 6:30am to 8:00pm interact with it. Visitor Parking Mountain Room Lounge 4:30pm to 11pm Mon.-Fri. Film: Spirit of Yosemite Information Station Noon to 11pm Sat.-Sun. This inspiring visitor-orientation Indian Cultural Exhibit Mountain Room Restaurant film provides a stunning overview of Open 9 am to 5 pm. Interprets the Located in a yurt at the Yosemite Village 5:30pm to 9:00pm Reservations cultural history of Yosemite’s Miwok Visitor Parking (see map on back of this for 8 or more: 209/372-1281 Yosemite’s splendor. It is shown every Guide), this information station is open 30 minutes, Monday through Saturday and Paiute people from 1850 to the Curry Village between 9:30 am and 5:30 pm, and present. 10 am to 4 pm daily. Guest Lounge Sunday between noon to 5:30 pm in the 8am to 10pm Yosemite Museum Store Coffee Corner Valley Visitor Center Theater. Nature Center at Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. The store 6am to 10pm Happy Isles Curry Village Bar offers books and traditional American Noon to 10pm Yosemite Museum Indian arts, crafts, jewelry, and books. Open 9:30 am to 5 pm daily. Designed Pavilion Buffet Located in Yosemite Village next to the for nature-exploring children and Breakfast: 7am to 10am Dinner: 5:30pm to 8pm Valley Visitor Center. Ansel Adams Gallery theirfamilies, the nature center offers Pizza Deck natural-history exhibits and a bookstore. Noon to 10pm Views & Visitors: the Yosemite In Yosemite Village next to the Valley The nature center is a short walk from Taqueria experience in the 19th century 11am to 5pm Visitor Center, the gallery is open shuttle stop # 16. Happy Isles Snack Stand This exhibit features paintings, prints, daily from 9 am to 6 pm. The gallery artifacts and ephemera from Yosemite’s 11am to 7pm offers the work of Ansel Adams, other Internet Access early years. Historic hotel registers and photographers and artists, camera Medical & Dental the Grand Register of the Cosmopolitan walks, workshops, and classes. Activities Fee-based terminals are available Yosemite Medical Clinic will also be on view. The exhibit are listed on the front porch. Call at Degnan’s Deli. Wireless access is Emergency care: 24 hours daily. includes an interactive kiosk related to Drop-in and urgent care: 8am to 209/372-4413, or visit offered at Yosemite Lodge (for a fee). the Grand Register and a digital slide 7pm. Appointments: 8am to 5pm, www.anseladams.com. Free access is available at the Mariposa M-F. (Also: Mountain Crisis Services show of historic visitors and hotels. All County library, south of the Yosemite for victims of domestic violence.) are welcome to the opening reception Located on Ahwahnee Drive. Wilderness Center Cemetery at Yosemite Village (hours are 209/372-4637. on June 15 from 5-6:30 pm. limited). The Valley Wilderness Center is located Dental Services This exhibit will be open daily from June Top right: Rangers with visitors. NPS photo by Erik Skindrud Located next to the Medical Clinic in Yosemite Village adjacent to the post Top center: Pine flower. 16 through October 31, from 10 am to 209/372-4200 or 209/372-4637. office. Hours are 8 am to 5 pm. Visit Top left: Summer fun along the Merced. 4 pm. Photos by Bethany Gediman

6 5 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park

morning

Scheduled Events 8:30am Photo Walk (except May 30 & June 6) 1½ hrs. Sign up in advance and meet at The Ansel Adams Gallery (APN/Canon) in Yosemite Valley 9:00am CHILDREN’S THEATRE LIVE: RANGER NED’S BIG ADVENTURE! May 26 – June 29, 2010 1 hr. Curry Village Amphitheater (DNC) Free Discovery Hike – Vernal Fall Bridge 3½ hrs. Tickets/info. at any tour desk. Curry Village Mountaineering School (YMS) $ 10:00am JUNIOR RANGER WALK 1 hr. Nature Center at Happy Isles, near shuttle stop #16 (NPS) Sunday 11:30am Photo Walk (except May 30 & June 6) 1½ hrs. Sign up in advance and meet at The Ansel Adams Gallery (APN/Canon)

8:30am Photo Walk (except May 31) 1½ hrs. Sign up in advance at The Ansel Adams Gallery Meet at The Ahwahnee (APN/Canon) 9:00am CHILDREN’S THEATRE LIVE: RANGER NED’S BIG ADVENTURE! 1 hr. Curry Village Amphitheater (DNC) Free Bike to Hike Tour 2½ hrs. Tickets/info at any tour desk. Curry Village bike stand (YMS) $ Monday 10:00am Ranger Stroll – Yosemite’s First People 1½ hrs. Front of Yosemite Museum (NPS)

8:30am Photo Walk (except June 1 & 29) A DNC Interpreter engages young park visitors during a Wee Wild Ones program. 1½ hrs. Sign up in advance and meet at The Ansel Adams Gallery (APN/Canon) Photo courtesy of DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite. 9:30am Adventure Hike – Vernal/Nevada Falls 6 hrs. Tickets/info. at any tour desk. Curry Village Mountaineering School (YMS) $ 10:00am JUNIOR RANGER WALK Outdoor Adventures and Custom Adventures 1 hr. Nature Center at Happy Isles, near shuttle stop #16 (NPS)

For more on Yosemite Association’s field seminars, pick up a catalog at any park visitor center, call Tuesday Art Workshop 209/379-2321, or visit www.yosemite.org. The Yosemite Association also offers individualized 4 hrs. See page 6 for details. Yosemite Art and Education Center (YA) $ Custom Adventures for groups and families. Call ahead at least two weeks to arrange your own 11:00am CHILDREN’S PHOTO WALK 1 hr. Sign up in advance and meet at The Ansel Adams Gallery (AAG) naturalist guide who will meet your interests and schedule. May 26 Moonbow Photography – Capture a June 13 Foresta Birding – Michael Ross shares 8:30am Photo Walk (except June 2) 1½ hrs. Sign up in advance and meet at The Ansel Adams Gallery (APN/Canon) lunar spectral arc with John Senser. a special hotspot for diversity. 9:00am HABITAT PROTECTORS OF YOSEMITE (HAPY) (Starts in June) June 4-6 Miwok-Paiute Basketry 1 – The Parker June 18-20 Waterwheel Photography Backpack 3 hrs. Volunteer project. Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center (NPS) women share an ancient tradition. – Find an astonishing aquatic display. Bike to Hike Tour June 5-6 The Hidden History of the Chinese in June 20 Buffalo Soldiers on Patrol – How 2½ hrs. Tickets/info. at any tour desk. Curry Village bike stand (YMS) $ Yosemite – Yenyen Chan reveals secrets. African-Americans have protected Yosemite. 10:00am Art Workshop Wednesday 4 hrs. See page 6 for details. Yosemite Art and Education Center (YA) $ June 12 Birding Yosemite Valley – Michael June 23-25 North Dome Moonrise Photography 11:30am Photo Walk (except May 26 & June 2) Ross, great habitats and a lively bird study. Backpack – A unique time and place. 1½ hrs. Sign up in advance and meet at The Ansel Adams Gallery (APN/Canon) 8:30am Photo Walk (except June 3) Habitat Protectors of Yosemite 1½ hrs. Sign up in advance and meet at The Ansel Adams Gallery (AAG) 9:00am Discovery Hike – Vernal Fall Bridge Wednesdays, 9 am to noon, Yosemite Valley Visitor Center 3½ hrs. Tickets/info. at any tour desk. Curry Village Mountaineering School (YMS) $ Join Yosemite Resources Management & Science staff for a stewardship project. Help preserve and CHILDREN’S THEATRE LIVE: RANGER NED’S BIG ADVENTURE! (except May 27) protect native habitat in Yosemite Valley and learn about the park’s resources management 1 hr. Curry Village Amphitheater (DNC) Free 10:00am JUNIOR RANGER WALK program. Help keep Yosemite’s ecosystem healthy and intact for the enjoyment of future 1 hr. Nature Center at Happy Isles, near shuttle stop #16 (NPS) generations! Volunteers must wear long-sleeves, long pants, and sturdy shoes or boots. Gloves and Art Workshop tools will be provided. Meet in front of the Valley Visitor Center at 9:00 am. 4 hrs. See page 6 for details. Yosemite Art and Education Center (YA) $ Thursday 11:00am CHILDREN’S PHOTO WALK Yosemite Mountaineering School 1 hr. Sign up in advance and meet at The Ansel Adams Gallery (AAG) YMS offers rock climbing classes, guided climbs, custom backcountry trips, and daily hikes. Experience the park with a professional guide: 209/372-8344.

Art Workshops 8:30am Photo Walk (except June 4) The Yosemite Art & Education Center offers art workshops from 10 am to 2 pm Tuesday through 1½ hrs. Sign up in advance and meet at The Ansel Adams Gallery (APN/Canon) Saturday. Register for classes in advance: 209/372-1442 (suggested donation of $5, supplies extra). 9:00am CHILDREN’S THEATRE LIVE: RANGER NED’S BIG ADVENTURE! (except May 28) Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Be prepared to work outdoors. 1 hr. Curry Village Amphitheater (DNC) Free 9:30am Adventure Hike – Yosemite Falls May 23 – May 29 Linda Nadel, Watercolor Basics 6 hrs. Tickets/info. at any tour desk. Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater (YMS) $ May 30 – June 5 Roger Folk, Waterfalls and Streams of Yosemite 10:00am Art Workshop

June 6 – June 12 Robert Dvorak, Painting Yosemite From the Heart: Watercolor Friday 4 hrs. See page 6 for details. Yosemite Art and Education Center (YA) $ June 13 – June 19 Tom Fong, Spontaneous Watercolor – Bold and Free 11:30am Photo Walk (except May 28 & June 4) 1½ hrs. Sign up in advance and meet at The Ansel Adams Gallery (APN/Canon) June 20 – June 26 Don Fay, Watercolor for Landscape June 27 – July 3 Chris Van Winkle, Watercolor on Location

LeConte Memorial Lodge 8:30am Photo Walk (except June 5) LeConte Memorial Lodge is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, with evening 1½ hrs. Sign up in advance and meet at The Ansel Adams Gallery (AAG) 9:00am Bike to Hike Tour programs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, and some Thursday evenings. Evening programs are 2½ hrs. Tickets/info. at any tour desk. Curry Village bike stand (YMS) $ scheduled for 8:00 pm and are free. The Lodge has a library, children’s corner, and a new climate CHILDREN’S THEATRE LIVE: RANGER NED’S BIG ADVENTURE! change exhibit. The Lodge is located at shuttle stop #12. 1 hr. Curry Village Amphitheater (DNC) Free 10:00am Art Workshop 4 hrs. See page 6 for details. Yosemite Art and Education Center (YA) $ 11:30am Photo Walk (June 26 only) religious services Latter-day saints 1½ hrs. Sign up in advance and meet at The Ansel Adams Gallery (APN/Canon) Saturday Sacrament meetings. Sunday 1pm. yosemite community CHURCH Memorial Day - Labor Day. Yosemite Chapel. Programs printed in ALL CAPS & COLOR are especially for Valley Chapel, Sunday 9:15am, 11am, & Children and their Families 6:30pm; Thursday 7pm; Tuesday Bible studies A Christian Ministry in the National Parks 9am Sunday at Lower Pines, Wawona, and Info: 209/372-4831 Tuolumne Meadows campgrounds.

ROMAN CATHOLIC Mass: Saturday, 6 pm at Lower Pines service organizations NPS National Park Service Indicates facilities accessible to visitors in Amphitheater; Sunday, 10am at Valley Visitor DNC DNC Parks & Resorts wheelchairs. Short, steep inclines may be Alcoholics Anonymous Center Wednesday & Friday, 6:30 pm, 9006 at Yosemite, Inc. encountered. 7:30pm Sunday, Tuesday, & Thursday Cedar Ct. in Yosemite Village, 209/372-4729. DNC General Office Bldg. Yosemite Village. AAG The Ansel Adams Gallery A sign language interpreter may be available AAC American Alpine Club for deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors. Contact CHURCH OF CHRIST Lions Club 209/372-4726 (TTY) or 209/ 372-0296 to El Portal Chapel / Worship: Sunday 11am First and third Thursday of each month at APN American Park Network Info: 209/379-2100 request an interpreter. Advance notice of 2 noon, The Ahwahnee. Call 209/372-4475. SC days is requested. YA Yosemite Association Seventh-Day Adventist Rotary International Lower River Amphitheater, Saturday Assistive Listening Devices are Thursday at noon at The Ahwahnee. YMS Yosemite Mountaineering 9:45 am Music/Sabbath School, 11 am. School available upon advanced request. Inquire at a Reservations / information: 209/372-8459. visitor center. Worship, 12:30 pm potluck. 209/586-4325 $ Programs offered for a fee

68 YosemiteYosemite GuideGuide MayJuly 126 - August- June 29, 4, 20102009

afternoon Evening

1:30pm JUNIOR RANGER WALK – BEARS 1½ hrs. Recommended ages 7-13. 6:00pm Twilight Stroll (June 20 & 27 only)1 hr. The Ahwahnee back lawn (DNC) Nature Center at Happy Isles, near shuttle stop #16 (NPS) WEE WILD ONES (except June 6) 2:00pm Meet Your Yosemite 45 min. Stories & activities for kids 6 and under. Curry Village Amphitheater (DNC) 15 min. Short talk about a Yosemite topic. WEE WILD ONES (except June 6 & 27) Front of Valley Visitor Center (NPS) 45 min. Stories & activities for kids 6 and under. Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater (DNC) SOLSTICE WRITING WORKSHOP (June 27 only) 7:00pm Yosemite Theatre LIVE: This is America - 1½ hrs. A Film by Ken Burns about diverse national 2 hrs. Limited space available. LeConte Memorial Lodge, shuttle stop #12 (SC) park pioneers. Followed by a discussion with Ranger Shelton Johnson. Tickets in advance at the Valley Visitor Center or any tour desk. Valley Visitor Center Theater (YA) $ If These Granite Walls Could Talk 8:00 pm LeConte Memorial Lodge 1 hr. Shuttle stop #12 (SC) 2½ hrs. Tickets/info. at any tour desk. Curry Village Mountaineering School (YMS) $ June 6: Birding Through Time in Yosemite June 13: The Mail Must Go Through Yosemite Sunday 3:00pm Ranger Stroll – Rivers and Waterfalls June 20: Yosemite’s Botanical Treasures: Where did they come from & where are they going 1½ hrs. Shuttle stop #11 (NPS) June 27: Yosemite Sister Parks in China 4:00pm Meet Your Yosemite 8:30pm Ranger Program 1 hr. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater, near shuttle stop #19 (NPS) 15 min. Short talk about a Yosemite topic. Evening Program 1 hr. Curry Village Amphitheater (DNC/APN) Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center (NPS) Evening Program 1 hr. Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater (DNC/APN) CHILDREN’S THEATRE LIVE: RANGER NED’S BIG ADVENTURE! 9:00pm STARRY SKIES OVER YOSEMITE VALLEY (except May 30 & June 6) 1 hr. Curry Village area, see local listings for location (DNC) Free 1-1½ hrs. Tickets/info. at any tour desk (DNC) $

1:00pm Discovery Hike – Columbia Rock 6:00pm Twilight Stroll (except May 31) 1 hr. The Ahwahnee back lawn (DNC) 3½ hrs. Tickets/info. at any tour desk. Curry Village Mountaineering School (YMS) $ WEE WILD ONES 45 min. Stories & activities for kids 6 and under. 1:30pm JUNIOR RANGER WALK – GEOLOGY 1½ hrs. Recommended ages 7-13. Curry Village Amphitheater (DNC) Nature Center at Happy Isles, near shuttle stop #16 (NPS) FAMILY STROLL 1 hr. Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater (DNC) 2:00pm Meet Your Yosemite 15 min. Short talk about a Yosemite topic. 7:00pm Yosemite Theatre LIVE: Vintage Songs of Yosemite Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center (NPS) 1½ hrs. Yosemite entertainer Tom Bopp performs live to historic images and films. 3:00pm Ranger Stroll – Bears Tickets in advance at the Valley Visitor Center or any tour desk. Valley Visitor Center Theater (YA) $

Monday 1½ hrs. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater, near shuttle stop #19 (NPS) 8:30pm Ranger Program 1 hr. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater, near shuttle stop #19 (NPS) 4:00pm Meet Your Yosemite 15 min. Short talk about a Yosemite topic. Evening Program 1 hr. Curry Village Amphitheater (DNC/APN) Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center (NPS) Evening Program 1 hr. Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater (DNC/APN) CHILDREN’S THEATRE LIVE: RANGER NED’S BIG ADVENTURE! 9:00pm STARRY SKIES OVER YOSEMITE VALLEY (except May 31) 1 hr. Curry Village area, see local listings for location (DNC) Free 1-1½ hrs. Tickets/info. at any tour desk (DNC) $ 12:00pm Yosemite Forum – Carl Inn: An Early 20th Century Auto Camp on the 6:00pm Twilight Stroll (except June 1 & 8) Way to Yosemite (June 8 only) 1 hr. Presented by Mark Giambastiani and Leslie 1 hr. The Ahwahnee back lawn (DNC) Fryman, ASM Affiliates, Inc. Valley Visitor Center Auditorium (NPS) WEE WILD ONES (except June 1 & 8) LOWER YOSEMITE FALL FAMILY ACTIVITIES/ ACTIVIDADES DE FAMILIA DE 1:00pm 45 min. Stories & activities for kids 6 and under. Curry Village Amphitheater (DNC) CASCADA BAJA DE YOSEMITE (except June 1 & 8/excepto el 1 y 8 del Junio) WEE WILD ONES (except June 1 & 8) 2 hrs. Informal learning activities in English & Spanish for kids & adults / 2 horas. 45 min. Stories & activities for kids 6 and under. Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater (DNC) actividades de aprendizaje informales en Ingles y Espanol para los ninos y los 7:00pm Yosemite Theatre LIVE: Conversations With a Tramp – An Evening With John Muir adultos, en el rastro de Cascada Baja de Yosemite (DNC) (except June 8) 1½ hrs. A live performance featuring Lee Stetson. 1:30pm JUNIOR RANGER WALK – WATER 1½ hrs. Recommended ages 7-13. Nature Center at Happy Isles, near shuttle stop #16 (NPS) Tickets in advance at the Valley Visitor Center or any tour desk. Valley Visitor Center Theater (YA) $ 2:00pm Meet Your Yosemite 15 min. Short talk about a Yosemite topic. 8:30pm Ranger Program 1 hr. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater, near shuttle stop #19 (NPS) Evening Program 1 hr. Curry Village Amphitheater (DNC/APN) Tuesday Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center (NPS) Using Your Digital Camera Class Evening Program 1 hr. Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater (DNC/APN) 4 hrs. Sign up in advance and meet at The Ansel Adams Gallery (AAG) $ 9:00pm STARRY SKIES OVER YOSEMITE VALLEY (except June 1 & 8) 3:00pm Ranger Stroll – Geology Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center (NPS) 1-1½ hrs. Tickets/info. at any tour desk (DNC) $ 4:00pm Meet Your Yosemite 15 min. Short talk about a Yosemite topic. Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center (NPS)

1:00pm Discovery Hike – Vernal Fall Bridge 6:00pm Twilight Stroll (June 16 & 23 only) 1 hr. The Ahwahnee back lawn (DNC) 3½ hrs. Tickets/info. at any tour desk. Curry Village Mountaineering School (YMS) $ WEE WILD ONES 45 min. Stories & activities for kids 6 and under. Curry Village Amphitheater (DNC) Open House (May 26 only) 3 hrs. Come learn about park improvement efforts. WEE WILD ONES (except May 26 & June 2) 45 min. Valley Visitor Center Auditorium (NPS) Stories & activities for kids 6 and under. Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater (DNC) 1:30pm JUNIOR RANGER WALK –TREES 1½ hrs. Recommended ages 7-13. 7:00pm Yosemite Theatre LIVE: John Muir Among the Animals Nature Center at Happy Isles, near shuttle stop #16 (NPS) 1½ hrs. A live performance featuring Lee Stetson. 2:00pm Meet Your Yosemite 15 min. Short talk about a Yosemite topic. Tickets in advance at the Valley Visitor Center or any tour desk. Valley Visitor Center Theater (YA) $ Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center (NPS) 8:30pm Ranger Program 1 hr. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater, near shuttle stop #19 (NPS) 3:00pm Ranger Stroll – Bears Evening Program 1 hr. Curry Village Amphitheater (DNC/APN) Wednesday 1½ hrs. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater, near shuttle stop #19 (NPS) Evening Program1 hr. Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater (DNC/APN) Fine Print Tour 1 hr. Limited space. Sign up at The Ansel Adams Gallery (AAG) 9:00pm STARRY SKIES OVER YOSEMITE VALLEY (June 16 & 23 only) 4:00pm Meet Your Yosemite 15 min. Short talk about a Yosemite topic. 1-1½ hrs. Tickets/info. at any tour desk (DNC) $ Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center (NPS)

1:00pm LOWER YOSEMITE FALL FAMILY ACTIVITIES/ 6:00pm Twilight Stroll 1 hr. The Ahwahnee back lawn (DNC) ACTIVIDADES DE FAMILIA DE CASCADA BAJA DE YOSEMITE WEE WILD ONES 45 min. Stories & activities for kids 6 and under. Curry Village Amphitheater (DNC) (except May 27 & June 3/excepto el 27 del Mayo y el 3 del Junio) FAMILY STROLL 1 hr. Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater (DNC) 2 hrs. Informal learning activities in English & Spanish for kids & adults / 2 horas. 7:00pm Yosemite Theatre LIVE: The Spirit of John Muir actividades de aprendizaje informales en Ingles y Espanol para los ninos y los 1 ½ hrs. A live performance featuring Lee Stetson. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the Valley adultos, en el rastro de Cascada Baja de Yosemite (DNC) Visitor Center or any tour desk. Valley Visitor Center Theater (YA) $ 1:30pm JUNIOR RANGER WALK – CLIMATE CHANGE 1½ hrs. Recommended ages 7-13. 8:00 pm LeConte Memorial Lodge 1 hr. Shuttle stop #12 (SC) Nature Center at Happy Isles, near shuttle stop #16 (NPS) June 17: WAYS VISITORS EXPERIENCE ASTRONOMY IN YOSEMITE 2:00pm Meet Your Yosemite 15 min. Short talk about a Yosemite topic. June 24: HIKING HALF DOME Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center (NPS) 8:30pm Ranger Program 1 hr. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater, near shuttle stop #19 (NPS) If These Granite Walls Could Talk 2½ hrs. Tickets/info. at any tour desk. Evening Program 1 hr. Curry Village Amphitheater (DNC/APN) Thursday Curry Village Mountaineering School (YMS) $ Evening Program 1 hr. Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater (DNC/APN) In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams: Seeing Artistically with your Camera 9:00pm STARRY SKIES OVER YOSEMITE VALLEY (except May 27 & June 3) 4 hrs. Sign up in advance and meet at The Ansel Adams Gallery. (AAG) $ 1-1½ hrs. Tickets/info. at any tour desk (DNC) $ 3:00pm Ranger Stroll – Trees The Ahwahnee, shuttle stop #3 (NPS) 4:00pm Meet Your Yosemite 15 min. Short talk about a Yosemite topic. Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center (NPS) CHILDREN’S THEATRE LIVE: RANGER NED’S BIG ADVENTURE! (except May 27) 1 hr. Curry Village area, see local listings for location (DNC) Free

1:30pm JUNIOR RANGER WALK – WILDLIFE 1½ hrs. Recommended ages 7-13. 6:00pm Twilight Stroll (June 18 & 25 only) 1 hr. The Ahwahnee back lawn (DNC) Nature Center at Happy Isles, near shuttle stop #16 (NPS) WEE WILD ONES (except May 28) 45 min. Stories & activities for kids 6 and under. 2:00pm Meet Your Yosemite Curry Village Amphitheater (DNC) 15 min. Short talk about a Yosemite topic. FAMILY STROLL (except May 28) 1 hr. Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater (DNC) Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center (NPS) 7:00pm Yosemite Theatre LIVE: Return to Balance: A Climber’s Journey 3:00pm Ranger Stroll – Bears 1½ hrs. Followed by a discussion with climber Ron Kauk, featured in the film. Tickets in advance at the Valley Visitor Center or any tour desk. Valley Visitor Center Theater (YA) $ 1½ hrs. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater, near shuttle stop #19 (NPS) 8:00 pm LeConte Memorial Lodge 1 hr. Shuttle stop #12 (SC) 4:00pm Meet Your Yosemite May 28: John Muir’s Phenomical Science June 4: AMERICAN INDIAN STORYTELLING & FLUTE

Friday 15 min. Short talk about a Yosemite topic. June 11: PREVENTATIVE SEARCH & RESCUE IN YOSEMITE Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center (NPS) June 18: ALONG THE JOHN MUIR TRAIL – HIKING VIDEO June 25: CLIMBING YOSEMITE’S WALLS CHILDREN’S THEATRE LIVE: RANGER NED’S BIG ADVENTURE! (except May 28) 8:30pm Ranger Program 1 hr. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater, near shuttle stop #19 (NPS) 1 hr. Curry Village area, see local listings for location (DNC) Free Evening Program 1 hr. Curry Village Amphitheater (DNC/APN) Film: Ansel Adams 1 hr. Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater (AAG) 9:00pm STARRY SKIES OVER YOSEMITE VALLEY (except May 28) 1-1½ hrs. Tickets/info. at any tour desk (DNC) $

1:00pm Discovery Hike – Four Mile Trail to Union Point 6:00pm Twilight Stroll (except May 29 & June 5)1 hr. The Ahwahnee back lawn (DNC) 3½ hrs. Tickets/info. at any tour desk. Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater (YMS) $ WEE WILD ONES (except May 29) 45 min. Stories & activities for kids 6 and under. 1:30pm JUNIOR RANGER WALK – AHWAHNEECHEE 1½ hrs. Recommended ages 7-13. Curry Village Amphitheater AND Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater (DNC) Nature Center at Happy Isles, near shuttle stop #16 (NPS) 7:00pm Yosemite Theatre LIVE: Return to Balance: A Climber’s Journey (except June 18) 2:00pm Meet Your Yosemite 15 min. Short talk about a Yosemite topic. 1½ hrs. Followed by a discussion with climber Ron Kauk, featured in the film. Tickets in advance at the Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center (NPS) Valley Visitor Center or any tour desk. Valley Visitor Center Theater (YA) $ Using Your Digital Camera Class 7:30pm OPEN HOUSE (May 29 only) 1½ hrs. LeConte Memorial Lodge, shuttle stop #12 (SC) 4 hrs. Sign up in advance and meet at The Ansel Adams Gallery (AAG) $ 8:00 pm LeConte Memorial Lodge 1 hr. Shuttle stop #12 (SC) June 5: John Muir: Alive! June 12: Tree-mendous! Tribute to the Poetry & Music of Yosemite Trees 3:00pm Ranger Stroll – Bears June 19: ACROSS THE RANGE: HIKE FROM SEQUOIA TO MT. WHITNEY – HIKING VIDEO 1½ hrs. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater, near shuttle stop #19 (NPS) Saturday June 26: TRANSPORTATION IN YOSEMITE: STAGECOACHES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES 4:00pm Meet Your Yosemite 15 min. Short talk about a Yosemite topic. THROUGH THE YEARS Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center (NPS) 8:30pm Ranger Program 1 hr. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater, near shuttle stop #19 (NPS) CHILDREN’S THEATRE LIVE: RANGER NED’S BIG ADVENTURE! Evening Program 1 hr. Curry Village Amphitheater (DNC/APN) 1 hr. Curry Village area, see local listings for location (DNC) Free Evening Program 1 hr. Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater (DNC/AAC) 9:00pm STARRY SKIES OVER YOSEMITE VALLEY (except May 29) 1-1½ hrs. Tickets/info. at any tour desk (DNC) $

79 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Wawona, Mariposa Grove, and Glacier Point

To Chilnualna Falls Trailhead and The Redwoods in Yosemite Trail to Alder Creek Alder Creek Trailhead

Campground Reservation Stable Wawona Office Glacier Point d oa Mariposa Grove R Pioneer Yosemite lls Fa History Center lna ua iln To Wawona Ch Campground & Yosemite ive Covered Bridge t Dr Valley res Fo

r ve Ri d Wawona South Fork Merce Visitor Center Horse-drawn stage ride. NPS photo by Susan Michael at Hill's Studio Trail to Store Mariposa Wawona Hotel Grove Parking Gift Shop (6 miles) Explore History Accessible Park Post Office ATM Discover Giant Trees Visitor Information Find Amazing Vistas PAD Program (Public Access Defibrillation) These park areas offer unique W Golf Shop Restrooms aw ona opportunities to visit historic Hiking Trail Road (Hwy. 41) To South Entrance Road and natural landmarks. Wawona & Mariposa Grove

Meadow Loop Trail Wawona & the he will present an hour-long interpretive Mariposa Grove Big Trees Tram Tour Mariposa Grove program on the vintage songs of Located near Yosemite’s South A 1 ¼-hr. tram tour of the grove is Yosemite, or on the history of Wawona, Entrance, the Mariposa Grove is the available 9 am to 5 pm. This audio tour Wawona Visitor Center with slide or music accompaniment. park’s largest stand of giant sequoias, is available in five languages and for the at Hill’s Studio withabout 500 large mature sequoias. visually impaired. Call 209/375-1621 or Open 8:30 am to 5 pm, the visitor center Pioneer Yosemite A few of these giants are visible in the stop at a tour desk for more information. offers information about park activities, History Center parking area. Information about access wilderness permits, trail information, for people with disabilities is available at Mariposa Grove Museum & Trails Go back to a time of horse-drawn books, bear canister rentals, and maps. the tram boarding area. Open 10 am to 4 pm daily. Located in wagons, a covered bridge, and log Located on the grounds of the Wawona the Upper Mariposa Grove, the museum cabins. A visit to the Pioneer Yosemite Hotel, Hill’s Studio was the gallery Getting to Mariposa Grove offers information, displays on giant History Center explores Yosemite’s and art studio of famous 19th-century Allow 1 ¼ hours driving time to reach sequoias, and a small bookstore. history and explains how Yosemite landscape painter, Thomas Hill. Walk the grove from the Valley. Cars are was the inspiration for national parks The trail to the Grizzly giant has from the hotel or park at the Wawona prohibited beyond the grove parking lot. across America and around the world. interpretive signs that provide a self- Store parking area and follow the path The road may close due to limited The history center is always open, and guiding tour. Translations are available up the hill. 209/375-9531. parking, so use the free shuttle. interpretive signs and brochures are in Spanish, German, French and Trailers are prohibited on the Mariposa Grove available. Japanese. Coffee with a Ranger Road. Private vehicles longer than 25 feet are not permitted on this road. Grab your mug and join a ranger in the Live Demonstrations Dogs or bikes are not allowed on trails and roads in the Mariposa Grove. Wawona Campground Amphitheater for See page 9, at right, for dates and times. Free Mariposa Grove & coffee, tea, and hot cocoa. Use this time Wawona Shuttle Experience Horse-Drawn Travel Shuttle Service to to plan your day or get other questions A shuttle stops at the Wawona Store, Travel into history by taking a 10-minute Yosemite Valley answered. See page 9, at right, for dates South Entrance, and Mariposa Grove. horse-drawn stage ride. Tickets may be and times. Visitors may park at the Wawona Store Free SHUTTLE SERVICE BETWEEN purchased at the Stage Office in the to board the bus. Shuttles operate WAWONA AND YOSEMITE VALLEY Pioneer Yosemite History Center. $4/ Ranger Evening Programs beginning at 9 am, and the last shuttle The bus departs daily from the Wawona adults and $3/child (ages 3-12). Hotel at 8:30 am and from the Wawona Join a ranger around a campfire for an leaves the grove at 6 pm, or after the last hour of nature, history, and insight into Blacksmith Shop tour. Store at 8:35 am. The return trip departs Yosemite. Topics vary nightly. See page 9, Smell the burning coal, hear the ring Please use this free shuttle service to help from Yosemite Lodge at 3:30 pm. at right, for dates, times, and locations. of the hammer on the anvil, and watch reduce congestion and parking delays. a demonstration of the ancient art of Mule & Horseback Evening Programs at Mariposa Grove Ranger Walks the Wawona Hotel blacksmithing. Rides Rangers lead walks among the giant Join pianist/singer Tom Bopp in the old-fashioned Wet-Plate Photography Mule or horse rides begin at the sequoias, explaing their natural history Wawona Hotel lobby from 5:30 pm to Demonstration Wawona Stable (see map at left). Open and historical importance. (See page 9 9:30 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, See the equipment and chat with a 7 am to 5 pm daily beginning June 11, for schedule.) as he performs songs and stories from photographer about this 150-year-old- conditions permitting. 209/375-6502. Yosemite’s past. Once or twice a week, method (June 16 -20 only)

108 YosemiteYosemite GuideGuide MayJuly 126 - August- June 29, 4, 20102009

Wawona & Mariposa Grove Glacier Point

8:00am Coffee with a Ranger (canceled May 30 if campground is closed) 11:00am Hike to the Hidden ¾ hr. Bring a mug. Wawona Campground Amphitheater (NPS) Illilouette Fall 3½ hrs. 10:00am Nature Walk in the Mariposa Grove 1½ hrs. Lower Grove trailhead (NPS) Moderately difficult. Meet at 10:00am – Noon / 2:00pm – 4:00pm Horse-Drawn Stage Rides (except June 13 & 27) Glacier Point Gift Shop (NPS) 10 min. each Purchase tickets from Stage Office in the Pioneer Yosemite History Center (NPS) $ 7:00pm GLACIER POINT 10:00am – 1:00pm / 2:00pm – 5:00pm STARGAZING TOUR Blacksmithing Demonstration (June 13, 20 & 27 only) (except May 30) Pioneer Yosemite History Center (NPS) 4½ hrs. Tickets/info. at any tour Sunday Wet-Plate Photography Demonstration (June 20 only) desk. (DNC) $ Pioneer Yosemite History Center (NPS) 7:45pm Sunset Ranger Talk 2:00pm Nature Walk in the Mariposa Grove 1½ hrs. Lower Grove trailhead (NPS) ½ hr. Glacier Point railing, 3:00pm Wawona History Stroll (June 13, 20 & 27 only) 1 hr. Wawona Hotel Fountain (NPS) overlooking the Valley (NPS) 8:00pm Campfire Talk with a Ranger (June 20 & 27 only) 1 hr. Topics vary nightly. Wawona Campground Amphitheater (NPS) 8:00am Coffee with a Ranger (June 21 & 28 only) 2:00pm Ranger Walk—Cliffs and Geology Hut. Photo courtesy Yosemite Research Library ¾ hr. Bring a mug. Wawona Campground Amphitheater (NPS) Domes 2 hrs. Meet at Taft Point/ 10:00am Nature Walk in the Mariposa Grove Sentinel Dome parking area on Glacier Point Road (NPS) (June 21 & 28 only) 1½ hrs. Lower Grove trailhead (NPS) Glacier Point 3:00pm Photo Walk (except May 31) 10:00am – Noon / 2:00pm – 4:00pm Horse-Drawn Stage Rides (May 31 only) 1½ hrs. Glacier Point Gift Shop 10 min. each. Purchase tickets from Stage Office in the Pioneer Yosemite History Center (NPS) $ (APN/Canon) Evening Programs 2:00pm Nature Walk in the Mariposa Grove (June 21 & 28 only) 7:00pm GLACIER POINT 1½ hrs. Lower Grove trailhead (NPS) STARGAZING TOUR Meet a ranger to enjoy the lengthening Monday 5:30pm WAWONA HOTEL FAMILY ACTIVITIES (June 21 & 28 only) 2 hrs. Informal learning activities for kids and adults. Wawona Hotel lobby (DNC) (except May 31) 4½ hrs. Tickets/ shadows in Yosemite Valley and the info. at any tour desk (DNC) $ 8:00pm Campfire Talk with a Ranger (June 21 & June 28 only) 1 hr. Topics vary nightly. alpenglow (or moonrise) on the Sierra Wawona Campground Amphitheater (NPS) 7:45pm Sunset Ranger Talk high country. Stargazing programs are 9:00pm STARRY SKIES OVER WAWONA (June 21 & 28 only) ½ hr. Glacier Point railing, 1-1½ hrs. Tickets/info. at any tour desk (DNC) $ overlooking the Valley (NPS) offered, as well. Details at right. 8:00am Coffee with a Ranger (June 22 & 29 only) 2:00pm A Short Walk to a Great ¾ hr. Bring a mug. Wawona Campground Amphitheater (NPS) View of El Capitan 10:00am Nature Walk in the Mariposa Grove 1½ hrs. Easy. Meet in front of the Glacier Point Gift Shop (NPS) (June 22 & 29 only) 1½ hrs. Lower Grove trailhead (NPS) 3:00pm Photo Walk (except June 1 & 29) 5:30pm Vintage Music Of Yosemite Hours listed are core hours for facilities and 1½ hrs. Glacier Point Gift Shop 4 hrs. Live music & historical programs with pianist/singer Tom Bopp. may be extended during periods of peak (APN/Canon) Programs are available by request, usually given at 8:30pm. visitation. Check local postings for changes 7:00pm GLACIER POINT Ask Tom for details. Wawona Hotel lounge (DNC) to hours of operation. STARGAZING TOUR Tuesday 8:00pm Campfire Talk with a Ranger 4½ hrs. Tickets/info. at any tour Food & beverage (June 22 & June 29 only) desk (DNC) $ 1 hr. Topics vary nightly. Wawona Campground Amphitheater (NPS) 7:45pm Sunset Ranger Talk Wawona (except June 8) ½ hr. Glacier Point Wawona Hotel Dining Room railing, overlooking the Valley. Breakfast: 7:30am to 10am (NPS) Lunch: 11:30am to 1:30pm 8:00am Coffee with a Ranger (June 23 only) 7:00pm GLACIER POINT Dinner: 5:30pm to 9pm ¾ hr. Bring a mug. Wawona Campground Amphitheater (NPS) STARGAZING TOUR Saturday BBQ: 5-7pm 9:00am Wawona History Stroll (June 16 & 23 only) 1 hr. Wawona Hotel Fountain (NPS) (except May 26) Golf Shop & Snack Stand 10:00am Nature Walk in the Mariposa Grove (June 23 only) 1½ hrs. Lower Grove trailhead (NPS) 4½ hrs. Tickets/info. at any tour 9am to 5pm 2:00pm Nature Walk in the Mariposa Grove (June 23 only) 1½ hrs. Lower Grove trailhead (NPS) desk. (DNC) $ when golf course is open 2:00pm – 4:00pm Horse-Drawn Stage Rides (June 23 only) Glacier Point 10 min. each. Purchase tickets from Stage Office in the Pioneer Yosemite History Center (NPS) $ Snack Stand 2:00pm – 5:00pm Programs in 9am to 4pm (opens June 4) Blacksmithing Demonstration (except May 26 & June 2) Pioneer Yosemite History Center (NPS) CAPS & COLOR Wednesday Wet-Plate Photography Demonstration (June 16 only) are for Children & groceries Pioneer Yosemite History Center (NPS) Wawona Store & Pioneer Gift Shop 5:30pm Vintage Music Of Yosemite Their Families 8am to 8pm beginning 4 hrs. Live music & historical programs with pianist/singer Tom Bopp. Programs are available by request, usually given at 8:30pm. Ask Tom for details. Wawona Hotel lounge (DNC) 8:00pm Campfire Talk with a Ranger (June 23 only) gifts & apparel 1 hr. Topics vary nightly. Wawona Campground Amphitheater (NPS) Wawona 8:00am Coffee with a Ranger (June 24 only) 2:00pm Ranger Walk— Wawona Store & Pioneer Shop ¾ hr. Bring a mug. Wawona Campground Amphitheater (NPS) Cliffs and Domes 2 hrs. Meet at Taft Point/Sentinel 8am to 8pm 10:00am Nature Walk in the Mariposa Grove (June 24 only) 1½ hrs. Lower Grove trailhead (NPS) 10:00am – Noon / 2:00pm – 4:00pm Dome parking area on Glacier Wawona Visitor Center at Hill’s Point Road. (NPS) Horse-Drawn Stage Rides (June 17 & 24 only) 10 min. each. Studio (Information and Books) Purchase tickets from Stage Office in the Pioneer Yosemite History Center (NPS) $ 3:00pm Photo Walk (June 10 & 24 only) 8:30am to 5pm 10:00am – 1:00pm / 2:00pm – 5:00pm 1½ hrs. Glacier Point Gift Shop Glacier Point Blacksmithing Demonstration (except May 27 & June 3) (APN/Canon) Gift Shop Pioneer Yosemite History Center (NPS) 7:00pm GLACIER POINT STARGAZING TOUR 9am to 6pm Wet-Plate Photography Demonstration (June 17 only) Thursday Pioneer Yosemite History Center (NPS) (except May 27) Mariposa Grove 2:00pm Nature Walk in the Mariposa Grove (June 24 only) 1½ hrs. Lower Grove trailhead (NPS) 4½ hrs. Tickets/info. at any tour Mariposa Grove Museum 5:30pm Vintage Music Of Yosemite 4 hrs. Live music & historical programs with pianist/singer desk (DNC) $ 10am to 4pm Tom Bopp. Programs are available by request, usually given at 8:30pm. Ask Tom for details. 7:45pm Sunset Ranger Talk Big Trees Gift Shop Wawona Hotel lounge (DNC) ½ hr. Glacier Point railing, 9am to 5 pm through May 27 8:00pm Campfire Talk with a Ranger (June 24 only) overlooking the Valley. (NPS) 9am to 6pm beginning May 28 1 hr. Topics vary nightly. Wawona Campground Amphitheater (NPS) 8:00am Coffee with a Ranger (June 25 only) 2:00pm A Short Walk to a Great ¾ hr. Bring a mug. Wawona Campground Amphitheater (NPS) View of El Capitan post office 10:00am Nature Walk in the Mariposa Grove (June 25 only) 1½ hrs. Lower Grove trailhead (NPS) 1½ hrs. Easy. Meet in front of the Wawona Post Office 10:00am – Noon / 2:00pm – 4:00pm Glacier Point Gift Shop (NPS) 7:00pm Full Moon Hike to Sentinel Monday-Friday: 9am to 5pm Horse-Drawn Stage Rides (June 18 & 25 only) 10 min. each. Purchase tickets from Stage Office in the Pioneer Yosemite History Center (NPS) $ Dome (June 25 only) Saturday: 9am to noon 10:00am – 1:00pm / 2:00pm – 5:00pm 2 hrs. Dress warmly. Meet at Blacksmithing Demonstration (except May 28 & June 4) Sentinel Dome parking area (NPS) Gas Station Pioneer Yosemite History Center (NPS) 7:45pm Sunset Ranger Talk

Friday Wet-Plate Photography Demonstration (June 18 only) (except May 28 and June 25) ½ hr. Wawona Gas Station Pioneer Yosemite History Center (NPS) Glacier Point railing, overlooking 8am to 6pm Diesel & propane 2:00pm Nature Walk in the Mariposa Grove 1½ hrs. Lower Grove trailhead (NPS) the Valley. (NPS) available. Pay at the pump 24 hours 5:30pm Vintage Music Of Yosemite 4 hrs. Live music & historical programs with pianist/singer 8:30pm Stars Over Yosemite Tom Bopp. Programs are available by request, usually given at 8:30pm. Ask Tom for details. (except May 28 and June 25) with credit or debit card. Wawona Hotel lounge (DNC) Glacier Point amphitheater. 8:00pm Campfire Talk with a Ranger (June 25 only) Canceled if overcast. (NPS) GOLF 1 hr. Topics vary nightly. Wawona Campground Amphitheater (NPS) 8:00am Coffee with a Ranger (canceled May 29 if campground is closed) 3:00pm Photo Walk Wawona Hotel Golf Course ¾ hr. Bring a mug. Wawona Campground Amphitheater (NPS) (June 12 & 19 only) 9am to 5pm Weather and 10:00am Nature Walk in the Mariposa Grove 1½ hrs. Lower Grove trailhead (NPS) 1½ hrs. Glacier Point Gift Shop conditions permitting. Nine-hole, 10:00am – Noon / 2:00pm – 4:00pm (APN/Canon) par-35 course. Horse-Drawn Stage Rides (except June 12) 10 min. each. 7:45pm Sunset Ranger Talk Purchase tickets from Stage Office in the Pioneer Yosemite History Center (NPS) $ ½ hr. Glacier Point railing, 10:00am – 1:00pm / 2:00pm – 5:00pm overlooking the Valley (NPS) Blacksmithing Demonstration (except May 29 & June 5)

Pioneer Yosemite History Center (NPS) 8:30pm Stars Over Yosemite Wet-Plate Photography Demonstration (June 19 only) (except May 29 and June 26) Pioneer Yosemite History Center (NPS) Glacier Point amphitheater.

Saturday 1:00pm A Glimpse of the Wawona Miwok Indians (June 19 only) Canceled if overcast (NPS) 1 hr. Meet at Mountaineer’s Cabin, Pioneer Yosemite History Center (NPS) 2:00pm Nature Walk in the Mariposa Grove 1½ hrs. Lower Grove trailhead (NPS) 5:30pm Vintage Music Of Yosemite 4 hrs. Live music & historical programs with pianist/singer Tom Bopp. Programs are available by request, usually given at 8:30pm. Ask Tom for details. Wawona Hotel lounge (DNC) 8:00pm Campfire Talk with a Ranger (June 26 only) 1 hr. Topics vary nightly. Wawona Campground Amphitheater (NPS)

119 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Tuolumne Meadows, White Wolf, and Crane Flat

Parking Trail to P Trails to: acif Young Lakes Trails to: Accessible Parking ic C Dog Lake rest T Dog Lake Young Lakes ATM Trail to rail Young Lakes To Glen Aulin Visitor Information Stable Tioga Pass 7 miles PAD Program Parsons Lodge Soda & Hwy 120 (Public Access Defibrillation) Springs Restrooms McCauley Cabin Lembert Dome d Roa oga Tuolumne Hiking Trail Ti Lodge Road Campground P a Reservations c if ic C m Da res Trail to Tuolu n Store, Grill, Post Office na Wilderness t e R Fork Gaylor ive Center N r a t Lakes Mountaineering School i o

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Trail to Elizabeth Lake Trail to Lyell Canyon High Sierra Peaks and & Vogelsang Quiet Corners of the Park Tuolumne Meadows These areas offer amazing vistas and opportunities for solitude. Hiking, backpacking, and ranger-led programs are popular activities. Big Oak Flat

Big Oak Flat Information Station Open 8 am to 5 pm. The information station offers general park information, books, and maps. It also provides wilderness permits, bear canister rentals, and backpacking information. Merced Grove Yosemite’s quietest stand of sequoias is the Merced Grove, a group of about 20 Tioga Road, along the road to Tuolumne Evening Activities trees accessible only on foot. It’s a three- Tuolumne Meadows mile round-trip hike (about three hours) Meadows Lodge, at shuttle stop #3. Come to a traditional, ranger-led into the grove from Big Oak Flat Road Tuolumne Meadows campfire program for stories, songs, and The wilderness center offers maps, (Highway 120 West). Located 3½ miles Visitor Center insight into Yosemite. Program topics wilderness permits, bear canister rental, north of Crane Flat and 4½ miles south Opening date depends on conditions. vary, and are posted at the campground, and guidebooks. of the Big Oak Flat Entrance, the trail is Once open for the season, hours are Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, and marked by a sign and post labeled B-10. 9 am to 5 pm through June 18; 9 am to Just for Kids Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center. End 6 pm beginning June 19. Park your day with a star program (bring a Programs for children include Junior orientation, trail information, books, pad to sit on and dress warmly). Check Tuolumne Grove Rangers, a two-hour, ranger-led maps, and displays available. local postings for program schedule program for children (ages 7–12), This cluster of about 25 sequoias is near 209/372-0263. possibly beginning June 19. and Campfire for Kids.Check local Crane Flat at the intersection of Big Oak postings for program schedule Flat and Tioga Roads. The former route Parsons Memorial Lodge, Mule and Horseback Rides of the Big Oak Flat Road leads downhill McCauley Cabin, and possibly beginning June 19. Horse or mule rides begin at the Soda Springs from Crane Flat into the grove. The Ranger Walks Tuolumne Meadows stable. Stable path drops 500 feet (150 meters) in one Two trails, both flat and ¾-mile long, hours are 7 am to 5 pm once open mile. The way down can seem much lead to this historic area accessible Join a ranger to explore new areas and for the season (June 11, conditions easier than the return to the parking lot. only by walking. Parsons Memorial learn about geology, birds, flowers, permitting). Information: 209/372-8427. The trip is moderately strenuous on the Lodge may be open from 10 am to 4 history, the Tuolumne River, and more. uphill portion. Within the Tuolumne pm beginning in late June. Soda Springs These walks range from one to eight Grove there is an easy, half-mile, self- are small, naturally-carbonated springs hours and, except for the long walks, are guiding nature trail. that attract birds and deer, especially at fairly easy. On Friday, you can end your sunrise and sunset. day with a Music Walk. This easy stroll will inspire and delight. Check local Tuolumne Meadows postings for program schedule Wilderness Center possibly beginning June 19. Hours are 8 am to 4:30 pm once the Tioga Road opens for the season. The wilderness center is located just south of Cathedral Peak and Fairview Dome, near Tuolumne Meadows. Photo by John Sun

1210 YosemiteYosemite GuideGuide MayJuly 126 - August- June 29, 4, 20102009

*Facilities will open in early tuolumne Meadows White Wolf Crane Flat / Hodgdon Meadow / Hetch Hetchy to mid June, depending on conditions. Check local postings for changes to hours of Programs may begin late June depending Programs may begin late 2:00pm Giant Sequoias operation. upon opening date. June depending upon 2 hrs. Meet a ranger in the Tuolumne Grove for opening date. answers to your questions (NPS) Check local postings for program schedule. 8:30pm Ranger Campfire Program Check local postings (Except May 30) Food & beverage for program schedule. 1 hr. Hodgdon Meadow Meadow Campground (check at kiosk for location) (NPS)

Tuolumne Meadows Tuolumne Meadows Grill *

8am to 5pm Sunday Tuolumne Meadows Lodge Dining Room Breakfast: 7am to 9am* Dinner: 5:50pm to 8pm* Meals are served family style, and reservations are required. Call 209/372-8413 Programs may begin late June depending Programs may begin late 9:30am Ranger Hike – Hetch Hetchy White Wolf upon opening date. June depending upon (except June 7) White Wolf Lodge opening date. 2 hrs. Bring water. O’Shaughnessy Dam (NPS) Breakfast: 7:30am to 9:30am* Check local postings for program schedule. 8:30pm Ranger Campfire Program Check local postings Take-out Lunch: noon to 2pm* 1 hr. Hodgdon Meadow Campground for program schedule. Dinner: 6pm to 8pm* (check at kiosk for location) (NPS) Reservations recommended. Call 209/372-8416. Monday groceries

Tuolumne Meadows Programs may begin late June depending Programs may begin late 7:00pm Twilight Stroll Store upon opening date. June depending upon 1½ hrs. Hodgdon Meadow Group Campground (NPS) 8am to 5pm* opening date. 9:30pm Starry, Starry Night Crane Flat Check local postings for program schedule. (except June 8) 1¼ hrs. Crane Flat area. Limited to 30 people. Store Check local postings Sign-up required; Call 209/379-1899 (NPS) 9am to 7pm* for program schedule. Tuesday gifts & apparel

Tuolumne Meadows Mountaineering School Programs may begin late June depending Programs may begin late 7:30am Birding with a Ranger upon opening date. June depending upon (June 23 only) and Sport Shop opening date. 2 hrs. Hodgdon Meadow Campground kiosk. 9am to 4pm* Check local postings for program schedule. Binoculars available (NPS) Tuolumne Meadows Bookstore Check local postings 9:00am JUNIOR RANGERS (June 23 only) Inside the Visitor Center for program schedule. 9am to 5pm* 1½ hrs. Hodgdon Meadow Group Campground (NPS) 2:30pm History & the Big Trees Tuolumne Meadows Store (except June 9 & 16) 8am to 5pm* Wednesday 1½ hrs. Meet a ranger in the Merced Grove of Giant (tentatively opens noon on June 4) Sequoias for answers to your questions (NPS) Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center 8am to 4:30pm daily* Programs may begin late June depending Programs may begin late 9:00am Ranger Walk – Bears and Other Wildlife post office upon opening date. June depending upon (June 24 only) opening date. 1½ hrs. Hodgdon Meadow Group Campground (NPS) Check local postings for program schedule. 1:30pm Meet Your Yosemite (except June 10 & 17) Tuolumne Meadows Check local postings 15 min. Short talk on a park topic. Post Office for program schedule. Big Oak Flat Information Station (NPS) Monday – Friday: 9am to 5pm* Saturday: 9am to 1pm*

Gas stations Thursday

Tuolumne Meadows Gas and propane available. Pay at the pump 24 hours with credit or debit card. Programs may begin late June depending Programs may begin late 2:00pm Giant Sequoias upon opening date. June depending upon (except June 11 & 18) Crane Flat opening date. 2 hrs. Meet a ranger in the Tuolumne Grove for * 9am to 7pm Check local postings for program schedule. answers to your questions (NPS) Diesel & propane available. Check local postings Pay at the pump 24 hours with for program schedule. credit or debit card. Friday free shuttle Bus Olmsted Pt. / Tuolumne / Tioga Pass Free shuttle service is available along the Tioga Road from Olmsted Point to Tioga Pass. Service begins June 11, Programs may begin late June depending Programs may begin late 9:30am Ranger Hike – Hetch Hetchy conditions permitting. upon opening date. June depending upon 2 hrs. Bring water.

opening date. *Campfire programs O’Shaughnessy begin June Dam 20 only(NPS if) campground is open. Shuttles travel between Tuolumne Check local postings for program schedule. 1:30pm Meet Your Yosemite Meadows Lodge and Olmsted Point Check local postings 15 min. Short talk on a park topic. with stops along the Tioga Road, for program schedule. Big Oak Flat Information Station (NPS) including Tuolumne Meadows Campground and the visitor center. The shuttle also makes morning and afternoon runs to Tioga Pass. Programs printed in

Service begins at the Lodge at 7 ALL CAPS AND COLOR

am. Shuttles arrive at approximately Saturday are designed especially for 30-minute intervals between 7 am and 7 pm. The last shuttle leaves CHILDREN & THEIR Olmsted Point at 6 pm. Schedules are FAMILIES subject to change. Please check route maps at the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center or shuttle stops for details.

1311 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Become a Junior Ranger

Ages 3 and up can earn a badge by exploring the park

Follow these steps to earn your Junior Ranger badge. Be a naturalist. Look for these With an adult, pick a trail to walk. See page 17 of this Guide or common Yosemite animals. If stop by a visitor center to choose your trail. As you go, walk you see one, make a note by quietly, watch, listen, and think. the animal's picture below. If you don't see the animal be- 1. Write the name of the trail you walked. ______low, try to draw it in the box

2. Explore with your senses! Record the following. on this page. Where did you see it? What was it doing? Also, remember never to feed or ap- I see: ______I hear: ______proach an animal.

I smell: ______I touch: ______

Draw a picture of something you saw along the trail. Marmot

Coyote

Clark's nutcracker

3. Learn to “leave no trace.” If you see trash or rubbish, please pick it up. Be sure to recycle any recyclable materials you pick up or bring along.

4. Learn more. Go to a ranger-led program or visit with an Indian Cultural Black bear Demonstrator. Have the ranger or demonstrator sign below.

Signed by: ______5. Write down something you learned from a ranger or Indian Cultural Demonstrator. Golden-mantled ground squirrel ______6. Think about this. Why do people work to protect national parks?

______7. When you complete this page, take it to a visitor center. There you will take your oath and receive your Junior Ranger badge.

Mule deer Illustrations by Tom Whitworth

12 Yosemite Guide May 26 - June 29, 2010 Bears and Wildlife

Enjoying wildlife safely and responsibly

Mountain Lions

Mountain lions are a normal and important part of the park ecosystem. They are attracted to areas with healthy deer and raccoon populations, which include many areas of the park. Although lion attacks on humans

Sow and Cub. Photo by Christine White Loberg are extremely rare, they are possible, just as is injury figure, but do not surround the bear. If Backpackers: Keeping Bears Wild from any wild animal. (While protecting yourself and you see a bear anywhere else, consider Save Your Food, Save A Bear yourself lucky—but keep your distance For your safety: your property) Bear resistant food canisters are (at least 50 yards, or about the distance Do not leave pets or pet food Top Three Ways to Keep 2.7-pound containers that can be used made by four shuttle buses parked end outside and unattended. Pets Yosemite’s Black Bears Wild to store five or more days of backpacker and Alive: to end). If you get too close, you will can attract mountain lions. food when meals are carefully planned. be helping the bear become used to 1. Store Your Food Properly. Canisters have an inset lid that bears are Avoid hiking alone. Watch being around people. Bears that become (See table below for details.) unable to open. When used correctly, children closely and never let Marmot comfortable around humans lose their bears learn that—although they smell them run ahead or lag behind 4,000 to 20,000 calories worth of natural fear of us and may become too like food—the canisters are not worth on the trail. Teach children what grasses, berries, acorns, and grubs— aggressive. When that happens, they to do if they see a lion. investigating. that’s the typical daily diet of most sometimes have to be killed. What should you do if you bears. It’s a lot easier for a bear to eat the Bear canisters are available for $5 per meet a mountain lion? thousands of calories of food in an ice 3. Drive the speed limit. trip at the Valley Wilderness Center, the Never approach one, especially if chest than it is to spend all day nibbling The most common human-related cause Wawona Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio, it is with kittens. Most lions will at grasses. Their incredible sense of of death for a black bear in Yosemite is Big Oak Flat Information Station, Coyote avoid confrontation. Always give smell allows them to detect things we being hit by a car. Slow down! Driving Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center, them a way to escape. can’t, which helps them find food—a too fast is almost always the cause of and the Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station. black bear can smell a dead deer three these accidental deaths. Canisters can be rented and retuned at Don’t run. Stay calm. Hold your miles away. To top it off, bears have any of these locations. ground, or back away slowly. Red Bear, Dead Bear excellent vision and can see in color, so Face the lion and stand upright. Did you notice the red bear markers Do all you can to appear larger. they recognize ice chests, grocery bags, Report Bear Sightings! as you drove through the park? Each Raise your arms. If you have and other food containers as potential To report bear sightings, improper of them mark a place where a bear was small children with you, pick food sources. food storage, trash problems, and recently hit. Every year bears, hundreds them up. other bear-related problems, leave a 2. If you see a bear, scare it away of deer, and countless other animals are message for the Bear Management If the lion behaves aggressively, or keep your distance. killed while trying to cross park roads. Team at 209/372-0322. Your call can be wave your arms, shout, and You may not see a bear during your visit Many of these deaths could have been made anonymously. throw objects at it. The goal because they naturally avoid people. avoided if drivers observed posted is to convince it that you may However, if you see one in a developed speed limits. For more information regarding bears be dangerous. If attacked, area (like a campground or parking lot), and proper food storage, visit the park’s fight back! Please remember that Yosemite National act immediately to scare it away: Make website (www.nps.gov/yose/bears). Park is a wildlife preserve: by driving the Mountain Lions are magnificent noise and yell as loud as possible. If speed limit you are helping to protect creatures and native to there is more than one person, stand the park and its wildlife. Yosemite. Generally, they are Black bear together to present a more intimidating calm, quiet, and elusive. Sight- ings are rare, so if you spot one, How to Store Food consider yourself privileged! “Food” includes any item with a scent, regardless of packaging. This may include items that you do not consider food, such as canned goods, bottles, drinks, soap, cosmetics, toiletries, trash, ice chests (even when empty), and unwashed items used for preparing or eating meals.

location food storage why?

Your Vehicle You may store food inside your car (with windows closed) Bears can smell food, even if it’s sealed in the trunk or glove only during daylight hours. Do not store food in your car after compartment, and they recognize boxes and bags as potential dark: use a food locker. Remember to clear your car of food food sources. They can easily and quickly break into all kinds of wrappers, baby wipes, and crumbs in baby seats. vehicles! 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 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. Picnic Areas & Do not leave food unattended. Always keep food within arm’s Bears may investigate picnic areas or backpacks for food even on the Trails reach. Don’t turn your back to your food. when people are present, so be alert.

Backpacking in the Bear resistant food containers are required throughout the In Yosemite and the southern Sierra, bear canisters are the only Wilderness Yosemite Wilderness. Hanging food is prohibited in Yosemite. effective and proven method of preventing bears from getting human food.

Note: Improper food storage may result in impoundment of your food or vehicle, a fine of up to $5,000, and/or revocation of camping permit. Following these regulations and precautions decreases the chance of personal injury or property damage. However, bear damage and confrontations are still possible, even when Illustrations by Tom Whitworth all the regulations and guidelines are followed.

1513 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Protect Yourself and Yosemite

Keep safety in mind as you explore the park

Permit Required to Hike Half Dome

To address safety concerns related to increased crowding on the Half Dome cables, the National Park Service has instituted an interim permit system in 2010 and 2011. The system limits the number of people using the cables to about 400 people per day and is in effect on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays when the cables are up (until October 11 in 2010). A permit is not required to day-hike to Half Dome on other days.

Backpackers with an appropriate wilderness permit can receive a Half Dome permit when they pick up their wilderness permit. Rock climbers who reach the top of Half Dome without entering the subdome area can descend on the Half Dome Trail without a permit.

No more permits are available for May or June 2010. Permits are also not available in the park or on a first- come, first-served basis.

You can find more information at www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hdpermits.htm.

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.

Traffic Safety • Avoid scrambling in steep from any road. Roads leading to the park are terrain or off-trail. If new to • To minimize trampling of two-lane, narrow, and winding. climbing, take a class to learn vegetation, bring a container When traveling on park roads critical safety and protection to carry water to your camp you can protect yourself, other techniques. Never climb alone. from lakes or streams. visitors, and park wildlife by • Check weather forecasts. • Maximum group is 15 people observing the following simple Storms can occur with little for on-trail and eight for off- rules: Please obey posted speed warning. Snow is possible trail travel. limits. Yosemite’s roads are used year-round at higher elevations, by both visitors and park wildlife. and can make route finding Use turnouts to pull difficult. Temperature shifts are Wilderness Permits completely out of traffic lanes, common. Free permits are required for to take photos, consult the park • Avoid dehydration or heat overnight trips. Permits are map, or simply enjoy the park’s exhaustion; carry and drink issued at Yosemite Valley, Big scenery and wildlife. plenty of water, and bring high- Oak Flat, Wawona, Tuolumne energy food. Meadows, and the Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station (opening times • Be prepared to set up Bring Water vary). You can reserve permits, emergency shelter even when but they must be picked up in Avoid dehydration and heat out just for the day. person. Check the park’s website exhaustion by carrying and • Don’t depend on cell phone or for trailhead availability and call drinking plenty of water. Filters GPS reception for your safety. 209/372-0740 to reserve a permit. or other treatment methods are essential. (See “Water Quality” at right.) Protect Yosemite’s More Information Wilderness www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/ • Free wilderness permits are backpacking.htm Hiking, Backpacking, Rock Climbing, and Scrambling required for all wilderness Leave No Trace: trips. • Be honest about your abilities www.lnt.org and plan with the least • Pack out all trash and toilet Friends of Yosemite Search and experienced member of your paper/sanitary products. Rescue www.friendofyosar.org group in mind. Tell someone • Pack out all trash and toilet where you are going and when paper/sanitary products. you are due back. Carry a • Use gas stoves, not wood signal mirror and whistle. Solo fires. activities require increased precautions. • Camp in an existing campsite at least 100 feet from water • Stay on designated trails and and trail. You must camp routes. Carry and know how to four trail miles from any use a map and compass. populated area and one mile Top left: Half Dome cables. NPS Photo by Mark Fincher

14 Yosemite Guide May 26 - June 29, 2010

Water Safety

Protecting park resources, bicycling, and pets in the park

Help Guard Park The Water Ways Resources... Not long ago, many areas along the Merced River showed signs of human trampling. Visitors to Yosemite National Now, because of the careful actions of park staff and visitors, many of these areas have Park are the park’s most been restored to more natural conditions. The plants, birds, insects, and animals that important guardians. With depend on living in or near the water have been able to return to these once barren areas. nearly 4 million people watching You can help continue this progress by entering and exiting the river at designated launch over its special plants, animals, historic, and archeological sites, and removal points. Packing out what you pack in will also help keep the river free from imagine how well-protected trash and prevent animals from swallowing harmful plastic or aluminum. these park resources could be!

During your visit to Yosemite be aware that there are people who either unknowingly Please observe the following safety tips of rocks or logs can be surprisingly or intentionally harm park Fishing to protect Yosemite’s river and lakeshore slippery. Consider where you will land resources. Please contact a park habitats and to safely enjoy water if you fall. Never cross above rapids or Fishing in Yosemite is regulated by state official if you see any of the activities throughout the park. falls. To prevent being pulled under by law. A valid sport-fishing following illegal acts: the weight or your pack, unbuckle the license is required for those persons • Feeding or approaching wildlife Swimming waist strap so you can shed it if you age 16 years and older. When fishing, • Collecting plants Choose swimming areas carefully and fall in. Do not tie yourself into safety the license must be plainly visible by swim only during low water conditions. ropes—they can drown you. attaching it to an outer layer of clothing • Hunting animals above the waistline. • Collecting reptiles and • Always supervise children closely. Rafting butterflies • Avoid areas of whitewater, where Conditions permitting, rafting on • Trout season runs through November • Picking up archeological items, streams flow over rocky obstructions. the Merced River in Yosemite Valley 15 (except Frog Creek near Lake such as arrowheads (Stoneman Bridge to Sentinel Beach) Eleanor, which opens June 15). • Using metal detectors • Never swim or wade upstream from and the South Fork of the Merced River of a waterfall, even if the water • Special fishing regulations apply on • Driving vehicles into meadows in Wawona is open from 10 am to 6 appears shallow and calm. Each the Merced River in Yosemite Valley • Camping outside of designated pm daily to any type of non-motorized campgrounds year, unsuspecting visitors are swept from Happy Isles downstream to the vessel or other flotation device. over waterfalls to their deaths when Foresta Bridge in El Portal. Within • Possession of weapons inside federal facilities swimming in these areas. Raft Rentals these reaches of the river, it is catch- and-release only for rainbow trout. If you see activities that could • Swimming is not permitted in the Raft rentals will be available from 10 Brown trout limits are five fish per harm people or park resources, Hetch Hetchy reservoir or in Emerald am to 4 pm at Curry Village Recreation day. Only artificial lures or flies with jot down any descriptions or a Pool above Vernal Fall. Center when conditions allow. barbless hooks may be used. vehicle license plate number and call the park dispatch office at River Crossings • The entire length of the Merced River • The use of live or dead minnows, bait in Yosemite Valley is closed to all 209/379-1992. In summer, rivers and creeks swollen by fish or amphibians, non-preserved fish flotation devices whenever the river runoff from snowmelt are dangerous. eggs or roe is prohibited. For more information gauge at Sentinel Bridge reads 6.5 feet To find out more about Yosemite Water Quality • Stay away from river and creek banks or higher. Ask at a visitor center for National Park regulations visit during high water conditions and conditions and obey all posted signs. To protect yourself from disease, treat www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/ avoid rock hopping. Stream-polished • You must wear or have a U.S. Coast any surface water before drinking. yoursafety.htm and find a rocks along the water’s edge are Guard-approved personal flotation copy of the Superintendent’s • Treatment methods include boiling slippery when wet or dry. device immediately available. Compendium. This document is for three minutes, use of a Giardia- a compilation of designations, • If you choose to cross a stream • Fallen trees and other natural rated water filter, or iodine-based closures, permit requirements, without a bridge, avoid places where debris in the river create important purifier. and other restrictions made by the water is either swift or over your habitat for fish and other wildlife. Be the superintendent, in addition • To prevent the spread of Giardia and knees. Use a stick or pole for balance alert—they can also create hazards for to what is contained in Title other water-borne disease organisms, and try to cross where there is a gravel rafters. 36 of the Code of Federal use restroom facilities where available, bottom. Crossing on a natural bridge Regulations (Chapter 1, Parts 1 and wash hands with soap and water. . through 7 and 34), and other applicable federal statutes and regulations. Pets Bicycling

Kennel (open 8 am to 4 pm daily) is • Pets must be on a leash (6 feet or less) Bike rentals at Curry Village and Yosemite located at the Yosemite Valley Stable, or otherwise physically restrained. Lodge are open 9 am to 6 pm (8:30 am to should you need a place to board your 8 pm beginning June 18). • For the courtesy of others, human dog (call 209/372-8348). companions are responsible for Each season, plants are crushed from Keep in mind, in Yosemite, pet owners cleaning up and depositing pet feces in bicycle travel in meadows, campgrounds, have a few rules to follow: trash receptacles. and picnic areas. Please respect park • Pets are only allowed in developed • Pets are not allowed in any lodging resources and keep bicycles on paved areas and on roads and paved bike facilities or other buildings within roads and paved bicycle trails. paths. Pets are not allowed anywhere the park and are not allowed in some in the Mariposa, Tuolumne, or Merced campgrounds. Bikes are not allowed to travel off paved sequoia groves. They are not allowed trails. Mountain biking opportunities are • Pets may not be tied to an object and on trails, in wilderness areas, or where available in designated areas outside of left unattended. signs are posted prohibiting them. Yosemite. Upper Yosemite Fall in springtime. NPS Photo

15 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Camping

Planning your camping experience

A primitive overnight experience Yosemite National Park contains 13 popular campgrounds. Up to seven are on a reservation system, the rest are first-come, first-served. From April through September, reservations are essential and the first-come, first-served sites often fill by noon during these months.

Camping Reservations of the opening period. not wheelchair accessible. Sites are Reservations are required March available on a per-person basis, and six For campground reservations, visit Camping in Yosemite. Photo by Ray Santos through October for campsites in people will be placed in each campsite, www.recreation.gov (recommended) Yosemite Valley’s car campgrounds regardless of number of people in your or call 877/444-6777 or TDD 877/833- and summer through fall for Hodgdon party. Camp 4 often fills before 9 am 6777 or 518/885-3639 from outside the Meadow, Crane Flat, Wawona, and each day, May through September. General Info... US and Canada. half of Tuolumne Meadows. All other Camping in Areas To check same-day camping campgrounds (except group and stock Hours: Surrounding Yosemite availability, call 209/372-0266 campgrounds) are first-come, first- 7 am to 7 pm Pacific time served. Campground reservations are (November through February) The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) operates Services a variety of campgrounds on a seasonal available up to five months in advance, 7 am to 9 pm Pacific time • All sites include picnic tables, basis near Yosemite. For additional firepits with grills, and a food on the 15th of each month at 7 am (March through October) locker (33"d x 45"w x 18"h). Pacific time. Log onto the website information, contact Groveland Ranger See page 5 for food storage or call as soon as possible as some Reservation offices in the park are Station at 209/962-7825; Mariposa regulations. campgrounds fill within a few minutes located in the visitor parking area at Ranger Station at 209/966-3638; • Toilets are available in Curry Village (shuttle bus stop #14), Mono Lake Ranger Station at campgrounds; however, Arrival date First day to the Tuolumne Meadows Campground 760/647-3044; or Oakhurst Ranger Tamarack Flat, Yosemite Creek, make reservations (7 am PT) Station at 559/683-4636. For private and Porcupine Flat have non- entrance, in Wawona off Chilnualna campgrounds outside Yosemite, call flushing vault toilets only and Dec. 15 – Jan. 14 Aug. 15 Falls Road, and at Big Oak Flat no potable water. Jan. 15 – Feb. 14 Sept. 15 Information Station. the respective chamber of commerce or • Shower and laundry facilities Feb. 15 – Mar. 14 Oct. 15 visitor bureau listed on page 10. are available year-round in Mar. 15 – Apr. 14 Nov. 15 Yosemite Valley Yosemite Valley. Group Campgrounds Apr. 15 – May 14 Dec. 15 There is a 30-day camping limit within • RVs over 24 feet are not There are group campsites at Tuolumne May 15 – Jun. 14 Jan. 15 Yosemite National Park in a calendar recommended for Tamarack Meadows, Hodgdon Meadow, Wawona, Jun. 15 – Jul. 14 Feb. 15 year; however, May 1 to September 15, Flat, Yosemite Creek, and and Bridalveil Creek Campgrounds. Porcupine Flat campgrounds, Jul. 15 – Aug. 14 Mar. 15 the camping limit is 14 days and only and RVs are not permitted in seven of those days can be in Yosemite Reservations can be made the same way Aug. 15 – Sep. 14 Apr. 15 walk-in and group campsites. Valley or Wawona. as individual site reservations; 13 to There are no hookups in Sep. 15 – Oct. 14 May 15 30 people are allowed in each group Yosemite campgrounds, but Oct. 15 – Nov. 14 Jun. 15 Camp 4 is a walk-in campground campsite. Tent camping only. Pets, RVs, there are sanitary dump stations Nov. 15 – Dec. 14 Jul. 15 and is open all year on a first-come, and generators are not permitted in in Yosemite Valley (all year), and summer only in Wawona and first-served basis; these campsites are group sites. Tuolumne Meadows. Regulations Campgrounds in Yosemite National Park • Proper food storage is required 24 hours a day. campground Open 2010 max rv max trailer reservations daily fee # of sites pets water • A maximum of six people (approx) length length required? (including children) and two vehicles are allowed per Yosemite Valley campsite. Upper Pines All year 35 ft 24 ft March 15 - Nov 30 $20 238 Yes Tap • Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am. Lower Pines March 24 – Nov 2 40 ft 35 ft Yes $20 60 Yes Tap • Where permitted, pets must be North Pines March 26 – Oct 12 40 ft 35 ft Yes $20 81 Yes Tap on a leash and may not be left No Camp 4 All year n/a First-come, first-served $5/pers. 35 No Tap unattended. RVs/trailers

south of Yosemite Valley Campfires • In Yosemite Valley between Wawona All year 35 ft 35 ft June 20 – Sep 28 $20 93 Yes Tap May 1 and September 30, Bridalveil Creek July 1 – TBD 35 ft 24 ft First-come,first-served $14 110 Yes Tap campfires are permitted between 5 pm and 10 pm. At north of Yosemite Valley other times of the year and in out-of-Valley campgrounds, fires Hodgdon Meadow All year 35 ft 27 ft Apr 10 – Oct 13 $20 105 Yes Tap are permitted at any time, as Crane Flat July 1– Oct 12 35 ft 27 ft 50% $20 166 Yes Tap long as they are attended. Tamarack Flat July – Oct 15 No RVs/trailers First-come, first-served $10 52 No Creek (boil) • Firewood collection (including pine cones and pine needles) White Wolf July – Sep 13 27 ft 24 ft First-come, first-served $14 74 Yes Tap is not permitted in Yosemite Yosemite Creek July – TBD No RVs/trailers First-come, first-served $10 40 Yes Creek (boil) Valley; you may purchase firewood at stores near the Porcupine Flat July – Oct 15 24 ft (limited) 20 ft First-come, first-served $10 52 No Creek (boil) campgrounds. Tuolumne Meadows July 1 – Sep 27 35 ft 35 ft 50% $20 304 Yes Tap

1816 Yosemite Guide MayJuly 126 - August- June 29, 4, 20092010 Hiking

Discover an easy stroll or a challenging hike

Choose your adventure Self-Guiding Trails With over 800 miles of hiking trails, what better way to enjoy the beauty of Yosemite than A Changing Yosemite on foot? Ask a ranger at any visitor center for one of several free, day-hike handouts. This one-mile-long walk through Excellent maps and guidebooks are available at bookstores throughout the park. Cook’s Meadow explores both natural and cultural stories of Yosemite. Brochure available Yosemite Valley Day Hikes at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. Trail / destination Starting Point Distance / time Difficulty / elevation Giant Sequoias Bridalveil Fall Bridalveil Fall Parking Area 0.5 mile round-trip, 20 minutes Easy Two self-guiding trails in the Mariposa Grove, and one in the Lower Yosemite Fall Lower Yosemite Fall Shuttle Stop #6 1.0 mile round-trip, 20 minutes Easy Tuolumne Grove, interpret the 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 natural history and ecological Top of Upper Yosemite Fall Same as above 7.2 miles round-trip, 6–8 hours Very Strenuous 2,700-foot gain dynamics of the giant sequoia community. Mirror Lake ( a seasonal lake) Mirror Lake Shuttle Stop #17 2 miles round-trip, 1 hour Easy

Vernal Fall Footbridge Happy Isles Shuttle Stop #16 1.4 miles round-trip, 1–2 hours Moderate, 400-foot gain Mirror Lake Mirror Lake interpretive trail is Top of Vernal Fall Happy Isles Shuttle Stop #16 3 miles round-trip, 2–4 hours Strenuous 1,000-foot gain a short loop adjacent to Mirror Top of Nevada Fall same as above 5 miles round-trip, 5–6 hours Strenuous 1,900-foot gain Lake, a seasonal lake on Tenaya Creek. Exhibits focus on the Top of Half Dome same as above 14 mi (via Mist Trail) or 16.3 mi Extremely Strenuous, Permit required to hike to the top of Half Dome (via John Muir Trail) round-trip, 4,800-foot gain rich natural history of the area, Fridays-Sundays and holidays! 10–12 hours American Indian use, and history Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point Southside Drive 4.8 miles one-way, 3–4 hours Very Strenuous, 3,200-foot gain one-way of this popular destination. To Valley Floor Loop Lower Yosemite Fall Shuttle Stop #6 13 miles full loop, 5–7 hours full loop Moderate reach the start of the trail, walk one mile from shuttle stop #17 to the disabled parking spaces near Day Hikes Outside of Yosemite Valley the lake. The self-guiding trail begins here. Trail / destination Starting Point Distance / time Difficulty / elevation Indian Village Wawona This short loop winds through Wawona Meadow Loop Wawona Hotel 3.5 miles round-trip, 1.5 hours Easy the Indian Village of Ahwahnee, a reconstructed Miwok-Paiute Chilnualna Falls Trail Parking 2 mi. up Chilnualna Falls Rd. 8.2 miles round-trip, 5 hours Strenuous 2,400-foot gain village. A booklet is available at glacier Point Road the trailhead and in the Visitor Taft Point Sentinel Dome Parking Area 2.2 miles round-trip, 2 hours Easy to Moderate Center. The trail begins behind Sentinel Dome Sentinel Dome Parking Area 2.2 miles round-trip, 2 hours Moderate the Yosemite Museum.

Tuolumne Meadows area Curry Village Soda Springs / Parsons Lodge Lembert Dome Parking Area 1.5 miles round-trip, 1 hour Easy The Legacy of Curry Village is an Lembert Dome Lembert Dome Parking Area 4 miles round-trip, 3 to 4 hours Moderately Strenuous easy stroll commemorating the early days of Camp Curry. Pick up John Muir Trail through Lyell Canyon Dog Lake Parking Area 8 miles one-way, 3 to 4 hours Easy, 200-foot gain a map and guide at the Curry Tuolumne Meadows Elizabeth Lake 4.8 miles round trip, 4 to 5 hours Moderate Group Campground Village front desk or tour desk.

tioga road

Lukens Lake White Wolf1 5.4 miles round-trip, 3 to 4 hours Moderate

Moderate, 3,500- to Yosemite Valley via Porcupine Creek Porcupine Creek1 7 miles one-way, 4 to 6 hours 4,000-foot loss Moderately Strenuous Yosemite Valley via Yosemite Creek Lukens Lake Trailhead1 10.5 miles one-way, 5 to 9 hours 3,500- to 4,000-foot loss

Yosemite Valley via Clouds Rest Tenaya Lake1 19 miles one-way, 10 to 12 hours Strenuous Masthead: Hikers. Illustration by Lawrence W. Duke hetch hetchy

Wapama Falls O’Shaughnessy Dam 5 miles round-trip, 3 to 4 hours Easy to Moderate Top Left: Hikers. Photo by Bob Roney

Top Right: Hikers. Photo by Bob Roney 1These are drop-off points via the Tuolumne Meadows Hikers’ Bus. Additionally, the Tuolumne Meadows free shuttle serves all Tuolumne Meadows hikes listed above.

1917 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park

Finding the Pacific Fisher

Feature article

By Park Ranger Shauna Potocky

osemite National Park has amazing ecosystems Ythat support a diversity of plants and animals as dramatic as its scenery. Even more exciting, some of these habitats are home to rare and threatened species. Through newly developed partnerships with researchers, park managers, staff, students and volunteers, work is being done to understand the needs of some of the park’s more remarkable species, including the rarely seen Pacific fisher (Martes pennanti). Forest Predator

Considered one of the most elusive mammals of the mixed-conifer forest, the Pacific fisher lives in Yosemite and in suitable habitat south of the park. The fisher is a medium-sized carnivore that preys on squirrels, small mammals, birds and occasionally dines on fungi. Related to the mink and otter, fishers have thick, soft, brown fur that is commonly lighter along the head and chest and darker along the muzzle, legs, and tail. Pacific fisher.Photo by Eleanor Kee Wellman from the University of California, A Rare Sight This fisher population is isolated Berkeley to help verify the abundance “The fisher is a rare and increasingly with no new individuals moving into Generally associated with old-growth and distribution of fishers within the uncommon species in the Sierra the area, which leaves the remaining forest, the fisher was once abundant park. The project, which uses motion Nevada,” says Rick Sweitzer, a Research individuals to sustain or expand the throughout regions of Canada and activated cameras, began in late fall of Ecologist with UC Berkeley, “the population. Unfortunately, human and the United States, including the Sierra 2009, and will span two years. distribution of fishers in California has environmental pressures affect the fisher and in a critically small and isolated population, the loss of any individual “Anytime you lose any species from the ecosystem it is a tragedy. is significant. Within Yosemite, fisher Whether or not we can see measurable ecological effects, we want mortality is primarily due to vehicle collisions, while outside the park to have a full array of species to study—it is hard to express a challenges include loss of habitat and species’ aesthetic value.” –Steve Thompson, wildlife biologist exposure to disease.

Nevada. During the 1800s through the “Identifying the limiting factors for declined by over 50% since the early Chance For Survival early 1900s, extensive logging and fur population growth and distribution; 1900s. Fishers in the Sierra Nevada may trapping caused the fisher population especially understanding factors still be declining and we need to better Yosemite National Park and to decline dramatically. As a result, necessary for reoccupation of the understand how forest management collaborating partners are uniquely the fisher has disappeared from many species’ into its former range,” is one is affecting the population in order to positioned to help answer important areas of its historic range. Today, a small of Steve Thompson’s, greatest hopes evaluate the prospect for growth and questions about the Pacific fisher. These geographically isolated population, for this research. Thompson, Chief expansion, or eventual extinction.” studies will help inform forest managers estimated at between 260 and 320 of Wildlife Management for Yosemite about the habitat requirements of the individuals, remains in the southern National Park states, “If we understand fisher and answer questions regarding Sierra Nevada, including areas of fisher habitat needs, we can manage any potential expansion back into its When considering the potential Yosemite National Park. the forest ecosystem in ways that former range. Through this innovative extinction of the Pacific fisher, Sweitzer could restore forest attributes to help work, the fisher may have a better states, “It would certainly be a heritage the fisher in the re-colonization of chance at survival. loss and as a key forest predator, loss Innovative Collaboration their former range.” This is important of fishers would affect prey species and Together, we can all make a difference because the northern boundary of the Researchers in Sierra National Forest other predators.” Steve Thompson adds, for the fisher while visiting the park. Sierra population is within Yosemite are working diligently to determine the “Anytime you lose any species from the Driving posted speed limits and being National Park—exactly where remains abundance and distribution of fishers ecosystem it is a tragedy. Whether or not vigilant for wildlife crossing roads are to be determined. Thus, any northern in forest ecosystems located just south we can see measurable ecological effects, great ways to protect the wildlife we are expansion of the population would of Yosemite. Today, with support from we want to have a full array of species fortunate to have here in Yosemite. begin in the park. The Yosemite Fund, Yosemite National to study—it is hard to express a species’ Park wildlife biologists and field staff are aesthetic value.” working in partnership with scientists

18 Yosemite Guide May 26 - June 29, 2010 Supporting Your Park

Providing for Yosemite’s future

Enhancing 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 below to learn more about helping these organizations provide for the future of Yosemite National Park.

The Ansel Adams Gallery The Yosemite Fund and Yosemite Association have Merged! The Ansel Adams Gallery, owned by the We’re thrilled to announce a new era in support for Yosemite National Park! In Contact Us... family of photographer Ansel Adams December 2009, The Yosemite Fund and Yosemite Association agreed to form since 1902, is a center that celebrates a unified nonprofit organization. By combining the proud histories of the two The Ansel Adams Gallery the arts and the natural grandeur of our organizations, more programs and projects can be accomplished to protect Yosemite PO Box 455 environment. It cultivates an aesthetic and inspire enduring connections for current and future generations. While a Yosemite, CA 95389 appreciation and concern for our world transition to a consolidated organization occurs, the Fund and Association will 209/372-4413 by offering visitors a unique variety of outwardly operate as they do now. More information about the merger is located 209/372-4714 fax literature and art, as well as programs on each organization’s website. (yosemitefund. org and yosemite.org) www.anseladams.com that inspire creativity. Visit online at DNC Parks & Resorts www.anseladamsgallery.com. at Yosemite Yosemite Association The Yosemite Fund PO Box 578 DNC Parks & Resorts Yosemite, CA 95389 The Yosemite Association is a nonprofit The Fund provides broad-based at Yosemite 801/559-5000 membership organization that provides private funding from 27,000 DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite www.yosemitepark.com opportunities for people to learn members for projects that preserve, (DNC) operates hotels, restaurants, about, enjoy, and experience Yosemite protect, or enhance Yosemite Park. Yosemite Association sightseeing tours, recreational activities, National Park and the Sierra Nevada. Fund operations result in material PO Box 230 interpretive programs, stores, shuttles The Association celebrates the majesty improvement in the stewardship and El Portal, CA 95318 and service stations in the park under and grandeur of this region through its quality of Yosemite’s natural, cultural 209/379-2646 contract with the U.S. Department visitor services, publications, outdoor or historical resources or the visitor 209/379-2486 fax of the Interior. DNC encourages classroom, and membership activities, experience. Fund grants repair trails, www.yosemite.org its employees to develop a strong which give people of all ages the chance restore habitat, conduct scientific relationship with the park during The Yosemite Fund to forge an enduring and inspirational research, enhance visitor education, their tenure. For more information 155 Montgomery St. #1104 connection to Yosemite. This, in turn, preserve park history, and protect and employment opportunities with San Francisco, CA 94104 builds a commitment to the long-term wildlife. Since 1988 the Fund has 800/469-7275 or 415/434-1782 DNC at Yosemite, visit online at www. preservation and vitality of Yosemite provided over $50 million to complete www.yosemitefund.org YosemitePark.com. and our National Parks. Since 1923, more than 200 projects. Visit online at Yosemite Institute the Association has provided important www.yosemitefund.org. Yosemite Institute PO Box 487 services and financial support to the Since 1971, thousands of school-age Yosemite, CA 95389 National Park Service. Anyone who children have benefited from learning 209/379-9511 loves Yosemite and wishes to be become in “nature’s classroom” through the 209/379-9510 fax more closely involved and affiliated with residential field-science programs www.yni.org the park will enjoy membership in the offered by Yosemite Institute (YI). A YI Association. For more information, visit experience strives to foster a life-long park bookstores or www.yosemite.org. connection to the natural world— whether it is in Yosemite, on a city street or in our own backyards. YI also offers professional development for teachers, summer youth programs, backpacking adventures, community outreach programs and service learning projects. For more information, visit www.naturebridge.org/yi.

To Learn about park Planning and Improvement Efforts visit www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/ planning.htm

Above right: Half Dome. Photo: Christine White Loberg

19 17 08 16 10 05 02 01 Yosemite Guide Where toGoand WhattoDoinYosemite National Park May-June 2010 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park

Hiking Camping Meadows Tuolumne Wawona, GlacierPt. Yosemite Valley Park Overview Things to Do Inside:

A portion of the trailMirror past Lake is closedto rockfall.due Please observeposted signs. May 26 - June 29, 2010 26 - June May Guide Yosemite Note: Service to stops 15, 16, 17, and 18 may stop after a major snowfall. Clark Range,from GlacierPoint.

May26-June29,2010 Vol. 35, IssueNo.4 Photo byChristineWhiteLoberg Yosemite National Park National Yosemite America Your Experience

US Department of the Interior Third Class Mail National Park Service Postage and Fee Paid PO Box 577 US Department of the Interior Yosemite, CA 95389 G 83