Yosemite Guide Yosemite

Where to Go and What to Do in July 27, 2016 - August 30, 2016 30, August - 2016 27, July Park National Yosemite in Do to What and Go to Where

NPS Photo Photo NPS

Volume 41, Issue 7 Issue 41, Volume America Your Experience Yosemite, CA 95389 BoxPO 577 the of US Department Interior

Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Yosemite Guide July 27, 2016 - August 30, 2016

Yosemite Name Changes Be aware that the names of the following facilities have been changed, the new names include: • Village (formerly ) • Lodge (formerly Yosemite Lodge) • The Majestic Yosemite Hotel (formerly The Ahwahnee) Yosemite Valley • Big Trees Lodge (formerly ) Upper • Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area (formerly ) Yosemite Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, Shuttle System Fall Theater and Indian Cultural • Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center (formerly LeConte Museum Memorial Lodge) Lower Yosemite Yosemite Village The Ansel Fall Adams il ra Gallery Medical Church Bowl Year-round Route: l T al F Clinic Picnic Area e E1 5 P2 Valley t i 4 m The Majestic Yosemite Hotel Shuttle e 9 os Mirror r Y 3 Uppe 6 10 2 Lake Summer-only Routes: Village Day-use Parking seasonal Half Dome 11 P1 1 8836 ft Shuttle Yosemite North 2693 m E2 Valley Housekeeping Pines Express 8 Lower 7 Lodge Chapel Camp Shuttle Day-use Parking Pines

Yosemite 18 Conservation 12 21 19 Heritage 17 Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System 13a 20 14 Swinging Center Campground Bridge Half Dome 13b Reservations Village Campground 15 Upper Parking Sentinel Village Day-use Parking Pines Beach

E7 il Trailhead Picnic Area a r r T te Parking e n il i w M in Restroom r u d 16 o e Nature Center El Capitan F s lo c at Walk-In Picnic Area Campground E3 no shuttle service closed in winter Vernal 72I4 ft Fall 2I99 m

l E4 M Trai il ist Cathedral Tra op h Beach Lo or M ey ses erce all only d R V iver E6 Nevada To & Fall

E5 The Valley Visitor Shuttle operates from 7 am to 10 pm and serves stops in numerical order. Shuttles run daily every 10 to 20 minutes, depending on time of day. d oa R B The El Capitan Shuttle operates from 9 am to 6 pm. Shuttles run daily during summer every 30 minutes. a r n id wo a a lv W e The Express Shuttle operates from 9 am to 6 pm. Shuttles run daily during summer every 20 minutes. i l

US Department of the of US Department Interior C

r e e To k Stop # Location Illilouette 1 Visitor Parking 11 Sentinel Bridge 16 HappyFall Isles/ 2 10 Yosemite Village 12 Yosemite Conservation Heritage 17 Trailhead Postage and Fee Paid 3 The Majestic Yosemite Hotel Center/ 18 North Pines Campground

Third Class Mail 4 Degnan’s Deli 13a 21 Half Dome Village 19 Pines Campgrounds

5 9 E1 Valley Visitor Center 13b Half Dome Village E3 El Capitan Picnic Area 6 Lower Yosemite Fall 14 20 Half Dome Village Parking E4 E6 El Capitan Crossover 7 E2 Visitor Parking/Camp 4 15 Upper Pines Campground/ E5 Bridalveil Fall Trailhead Parking

G 83 8 Yosemite Valley Lodge E7

i Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Yosemite Guide July 27, 2016 - August 30, 2016

2016 Centennial Highlights

Celebrating 100 Years of Service! voucher for your free annual pass. You’ll he National Park Service turns have free access to any federal land or water T100-years-old on August 25, 2016! during the school year from September 1 to The Centennial will kick off a second August 30. Present the paper voucher at any century of stewardship of America’s park entrance to obtain the pass. national parks and engaging communities through recreation, conservation, and Yosemite National Park - historic preservation programs. Join the Zero Landfill Initiative celebration to explore, learn, discover, be Be a steward of Yosemite by helping make inspired, or simply have fun in over 400 Yosemite the first Zero Landfill park in national parks. Visit www.nps.gov/yose/ the country. Through the Zero Landfill anniversary or www.FindYourPark.com Initiative, we are reducing the amount of for more information about celebration trash that goes to the landfill every year. events happening in Yosemite this year. In partnership with Yosemite Hospitality, we are making it easier for visitors and staff Get Outdoors with Yosemite to participate by adding more recycling Conservancy containers with better labels. We are also Are you looking for a memorable way to working to reduce the amount of waste we explore Yosemite, tailored to your interests Yosemite Valley after a storm. Photo by Christine Loberg generate in park management operations. and abilities? Our expert naturalist-guides Here are 3 things you can do to help: will enhance your understanding of the • Get rid of excess packaging by repacking park as you walk among Yosemite’s famous food in reuseable containers before you cliffs, trees and waterfalls. Whether you leave home. want to explore flora and fauna while • Use refillables! Bring a refillable water taking a gentle saunter along the river Find Your Park Every Kid In A Park bottle and travel mug. Camping? Use or learn about natural history during an The National Park Service and the National The Every Kid In A Park initiative was refillable propane canisters. exhilarating hike, we’ll help you create the Park Foundation invite you to Find Your launched to help the next generation of • Put trash and recycling in the right perfect outdoor experience. Contact us to Park and discover the national parks and park stewards create positive attitudes containers. plan a Custom Adventure for your family programs in your own backyard. Visit towards public lands and to give every or group. Visit yosemiteconservancy.org/ www.FindYourPark.com to find more child the chance to explore America’s Be a “#yosemitezerohero” and adventures or call 209/379-2317 x10 to information about NPS Centennial events great outdoors and unique history. Visit “#dontfeedthelandfills”! find your adventure today. happening in a national park near you. www.everykidinapark.gov to download a

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CENTENNIAL SCHEDULE* - AUGUST 23-27, 2016

YOSEMITE VALLEY CRANE FLAT / WAWONA Tuesday, August 23 Thursday, August 25 Thursday, August 25 8:30pm Special Centennial Evening Program 5:00pm Hetch Hetchy – Where it all began! 1 hr. 9:00am Tour of Pioneer Yosemite History 1 hr. Half Dome Village Amphitheater. (YH) Celebrating 100 Years of the National Park Center 1 hr. Learn how Yosemite’s Service. O’Shaugnessy Dam. (NPS) pioneers were instrumental in the birth and Wednesday, August 24 development of the National Park idea.Meet 10:00am Ranger Walk - 100 Years of Rustic 8:00pm Campfire Program – Celebrating 100 at in Pioneer Join us in celebrating 100 years Architecture 1 hr. Yosemite Valley Visitor Years! 1 hr. Stephen T. Mather and the Yosemite History Center. (NPS) of the National Park Service! On Center, near shuttle stop #5/9. (NPS) National Park Service. Crane Flat Amphitheater. (NPS) 10:00am JUNIOR RANGER TALK 15 mins. Learn August 25, special Centennial 7:30pm Centennial Buffalo Soldier about what Park Rangers do in National Performance by Ranger Shelton 8:00pm 100 Years of Science in the National programs will be given in the Parks across America. Front of Wawona Johnson 1 hr. Bring a flashlight. Yosemite Parks! 2 hrs. Auditory Monitoring of bats at Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio. (NPS) Wawona, Glacier Point, Yosemite Pioneer Cemetery, by shuttle stop #5/9. (NPS) Crane Flat. Sign up in advance 209/379- 1899. (NPS) 10:00am - 2:00pm Horse-Drawn Stage Rides Valley, Hodgdon, and Tuolumne 8:30pm Special Centennial Evening Program 10 mins. ea. Free Horse-Drawn Stage rides in 1 hr. Half Dome Village Amphitheater. (YH) Meadows areas. Join a Centennial honor of the 100th Anniversary of the Junior Ranger Program, Ranger Thursday, August 25 Thursday, August 25 National Park Service. Obtain pass from Stage 9:30am Ranger Talk – NPS Centennial Talk, 10:00am Centennial Celebration Hike to the Office in Pioneer Yosemite History Center. (NPS) hike, or evening campfire to honor Why Yosemite Collects 1.5 hrs. Front Top of 3 hrs. Moderately 11:00am Tour of Pioneer Yosemite History of Yosemite Museum, near shuttle stop this special day. Instead of doing strenuous 3 miles. Dog Lake parking, shuttle Center 1 hr. Learn how Yosemite’s pioneers #5/9. (NPS) just one special event, we are stop #2. Bring snacks and water. (NPS) were instrumental in the birth and offering many Centennial programs 10:00am Ranger Walk - 100 Years of Rustic 2:00pm CELEBRATORY JUNIOR RANGER WALK development of the National Park idea. Architecture 1 hr. Yosemite Valley Visitor 2 hrs. Ages 7-12. Pothole Dome shuttle Meet at Wawona Covered Bridge in throughout the day so that all Center, near shuttle stop #5/9. (NPS) stop #8. (NPS) Pioneer Yosemite History Center. (NPS) visitors are able to join in on the fun! 1:00pm Ranger Talk - 100 years of the NPS 8:00pm Campfire - Celebrating the National 12:00pm JUNIOR RANGER TALK 15 mins. Learn *Programs printed in ALL CAPS and Uniform 15 mins. Yosemite Valley Indian Park Service Centennial: A Musical about what Park Rangers do in National Cultural museum, near shuttle stop #5/9. (NPS) Journey through Mountain Time 1 hr. Parks across America. Front of Wawona in Color are especially for children Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio. (NPS) 8:00pm Ranger Program - Stephen T. Mather Dana Circle in Tuolumne Meadows and their families. and the Founding of the National Campground. (NPS) 1:00pm Tour of Pioneer Yosemite History Park Service. 1 hr. Lower Pines Center 1 hr. Learn how Yosemite’s Campground Amphitheater, near shuttle GLACIER POINT pioneers were instrumental in the birth and stop #19. (NPS) Tuesday, August 23 development of the National Park idea.Meet at Wawona Covered Bridge in Pioneer Friday, August 26 2:00pm Ranger Walk – Cliffs and Domes Yosemite History Center. (NPS) 8:30pm Special Centennial Evening Program Centennial Celebration 2 hrs. Meet at 1 hr. Half Dome Village Amphitheater. (YH) / parking area on 2:00pm JUNIOR RANGER TALK 15 mins. Learn Glacier Point Road. (NPS) about what Park Rangers do in National Saturday, August 27 Parks across America. Front of Wawona 8:30pm Special Centennial Evening Program Thursday, August 25 Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio. (NPS) 1 hr. Half Dome Village Amphitheater. (YH) 7:45pm Sunset Centennial Celebration Talk 30 mins. Glacier Point Railing, overlooking 4:00pm JUNIOR RANGER TALK 15 mins. Learn the Valley. (NPS) about what Park Rangers do in National Parks across America. Front of Wawona *Programs are subject to change, please check local postings for updated information. Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio. (NPS)

Where to Go and What to Do in Yosemite National Park 1 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 View Parking To 140 Discover Yosemite Bridalveil Tunnel Fall View To To To Yosemite Valley Merced 41 Fresno (Elevation 4,000 feet/1,220 meters) Let your curiosity guide you to new places

Entrance Fees To 395 Non-commercial car, pickup Lake & Eleanor Lee truck, RV, or van with 15 or fewer Hetch Hetchy 6 Vining O’Shaughnessy passenger seats Valid for 7 days Dam 120

(No per-person fee) iver Hetch e R n Tioga d Hetchy um oa ol $30/vehicle April through October R Tu Pass y Backpackers' h c t Campground Entrance $25/vehicle November through March Hetch e

H (Wilderness t h Hetchy He c Permit Required) Entrance Tuolumne Motorcycle Valid for 7 days Meadows 5

$20/motorcycle

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r g Individual Valid for 7 days r e Wolf e n d R a o o $15 (In a bus, on foot, bicycle, or horse) Big a R d ad a o g Oak R io ga T Flat io Yosemite Yosemite Park Pass $60 T Entrance Creek Valid for one year in Yosemite. Porcupine Lake Flat 120 Interagency Annual Pass $80 To Manteca Valid for 1 year at all federal recreation sites. Hodgdon Meadow Tuolumne 4 Interagency Senior Pass $10 Grove Tamarack Valley Flat Visitor (Lifetime) For U.S. citizens or permanent Center Crane B ig Yosemite Merced Flat r residents 62 and over. Oa F ive k l R Grove a t Valley 1 d R ce Trailhead o r a Me d Interagency Access Pass (Free) Glacier Point 2 (Lifetime) For permanently disabled U.S. Foresta citizens or permanent residents. El Portal Interagency Military Pass (Free) To r Gla e cier Po Merced iv int Rd (Annual) For active duty U.S. military and Me R Arch Rock Inyo rced Entrance National dependents. 140 Bridalveil Forest

Interagency 4th Pass (Free) West

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(Annual) For fourth graders and their o

n a R families. Must present paper voucher. o

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Reservations Campground Reservations Ranger Station 877/444-6777 3 Food Service & Lodging www.recreation.gov Wawona Wawona Campground Campground Road CLOSED for Lodging Reservations Gas Station Pioneer Mariposa Grove Restoration. 888/413-8869 Sierra Yosemite National History Mariposa www.travelyosemite.com Center Grove Sierra Forest National 0 5 km 5 miles Group Sales Office: 888/339-3481 Forest South Entrance 41 To Regional Info Fresno Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) Yosemite Valley www.yarts.com Yosemite Valley, open all year, is world-famous for its impressive waterfalls, cliffs, and unusual rock formations. You can 1 Highway 120 West get there via Highway 41/Wawona Road from Fresno, Highway 140/El Portal Road from Merced, Highway 120 west/Big Yosemite Chamber of Commerce 800/449-9120 or 209/962-0429 Oak Flat Road from Manteca, and (during summer) via the Tioga Road/Highway 120 east from Lee Vining. Yosemite Valley is home to massive cliff faces like El Capitan and Half Dome, plunging waterfalls including the tallest in North America, and attractive Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau 800/446-1333 meadows. While Yosemite Falls slows to trickle by August, a moderate hike will bring you to impressive Vernal and Nevada Falls. www.tcvb.com Walk to Mirror Lake, where you will see reflections of Half Dome. Gaze up at El Capitan, a massive granite monolith that stands Highway 41 3,593 feet from base to summit. Whether you explore the valley by foot, bike, car, on horseback, raft, or tour, you will behold Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau 559/683-4636 scenery that will leave you breathless and eager to see what’s around the next corner. www.yosemitethisyear.com

Highway 132/49 Coulterville Visitor Center 209/878-3329

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

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

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

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

El Capitan and the Cathedral Rocks from Valley View. NPS Photo

2 Yosemite Guide July 27, 2016 - August 30, 2016

Glacier Point Glacier Point, an overlook with a commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, 2 and 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. At Glacier Point, a short, paved, and wheelchair-accessible trail takes you to an exhilarating view, looking 3,214 feet down to Yosemite Valley below. *There is a free shuttle service that runs from Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area (YSSA) to Glacier Point. The shuttle will be required when the Glacier Point parking lot is full; however, visitors with accessibility placards, valid wilderness permits for trailheads along Glacier Point Road, or camping at Bridalveil Creek Campground will be allowed to continue. The Glacier Point shuttle will begin running at 10am. The last shuttle from Glacier Point leaves at 5:30pm, and from YSSA at 4:30pm. There is no free shuttle available for hikers from Glacier Point or YSSA to Yosemite Valley. View from Glacier Point. Photo by Christine White Loberg Wawona and Mariposa Grove The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is located 36 miles (1 ¼ hours) south of 3 Yosemite Valley via the Wawona Road (Highway 41), two miles from the park’s South Entrance. As of July 6, 2015, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is closed for restoration, see page 8 for details. 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 Big Trees Lodge. This was once a painting studio for the 19th-century artist Thomas Hill. Tioga Road and Tuolumne Grove Tioga Road offers a 39-mile scenic drive past forests, meadows, lakes, and granite 4 domes. It is usually open from late May or early June through sometime in The Mariposa Grove Museum. Photo by Pam Meierding November. The road’s elevation ranges from 6,200 feet to nearly 10,000 feet. 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. Tuolumne Meadows Tuolumne Meadows provides a glimpse of the High Sierra. The Wild and Scenic 5 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, Cathedral Peak. Photo by Christine White Loberg or along the Tuolumne River through Lyell Canyon. Take advantage of the shuttle service in Tuolumne Meadows or the Tuolumne Meadows Hikers’ Bus from Yosemite Valley. Hetch Hetchy Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, a source of drinking water and hydroelectric power for 6 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 swimming is permitted. Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is located 40 miles from Yosemite Valley. The Hetch Hetchy Road is open 7am to 9pm, May 1 through Labor Day. Wilderness permits and bear canisters are available while the road is open. 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, RVs and other vehicles over 8 ft. wide are not allowed on the narrow, winding Hetch Hetchy Road. Hetch Hetchy. Photo by Clarisa Flores Access for People with Disabilities Accessible parking, lodging, tours, and activities are available throughout the park. For a complete list of accessible services, recreational opportunities, and exhibits, pick up an Emergency Information updated Yosemite Accessibility Guide which is available at park entrance stations, visitor centers, Emergency Dial 911 and online at www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm, or call a park Accessibility Coordinator at 209/379-1035 for more information. Yosemite Village Garage offers 24-hour emergency roadside assistance Sign Language interpreting is available upon request. Contact Deaf Services at 209/379- For up-to-date road, weather, and park information: 5250 (v/txt) or at [email protected]. Two weeks advance notice is preferred. 209/372-0200 Assistive Listening Devices are available upon advance request, inquire at a visitor center. Medical Clinic (in Yosemite Valley) Open 7 days per week from Audio tours are available for the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. Refer to the Accessibility 9am to 7pm for primary and urgent care needs. Ambulance available 24 hrs. by calling 9-1-1. Guide, or contact an Accessibility Coordinator for more information. Medical Clinic Phone: 209/372-4637 Accessible parking spaces are available just west of the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. To Lost and Found reach these, enter the Valley on Southside Drive. Turn left on Sentinel Drive. Turn left on To inquire about items lost or found at one of Yosemite’s restaurants, hotels, lounges, shuttle Northside Drive, and follow the blue and white signs. buses or tour services, call 209/372-4357. For items lost or found in other areas of the park, email [email protected]

3 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Yosemite Valley

Spectacular vistas and the heart of the park

Hours listed are core hours for facilities and may be extended during periods of peak visitation. Check local postings for changes to hours of operation. FOOD & BEVERAGE Yosemite Village Degnan’s Loft, 12pm to 9pm Degnan’s Delicatessen 7am to 6pm Degnan’s Cafe 7am to 5pm Village Grill 11am to 6pm

The Majestic Yosemite Hotel Dining Room Breakfast: 7am to 10am Lunch: 11:30am to 3pm Dinner: 5:30pm to 9pm Sunday Brunch: 7am to 3pm Appropriate attire respectfully required for dinner. Reservations strongly recommended for dinner and Sunday Brunch. 209/372-1489 The Majestic Bar Closed for renovation, scheduled to re-open in late July or early August Morning Coffee Bar: 7am to 10:30am, inside the Dining Room. Cocktail Service: 11:30am to 11pm, available throughout the Great Lounge and on the East Terrace. Thunderstorms in the high country, beyond Half Dome. Photo by Armand Williams Yosemite Valley Lodge Food Court Breakfast: 6:30am to 11am The Incomparable Yosemite Valley Lunch: 11am to 4:30pm Dinner: 4:30pm to 10pm Yosemite Valley embraces one of the world’s most outstanding concentrations of waterfalls, Mountain Room Lounge Monday - Friday granite walls, meadows, wildflowers, and trees. The Valley also harbors a rich collection of 4:30pm to 11pm Saturday & Sunday human stories, from American Indian lore to the birth of the national park movement. Noon to 11pm Mountain Room Restaurant 5pm to 10pm Glacier Point Starry Nights Bus Tours as well! • El Capitan, a massive granite monolith, Reservations taken for 8 or more. Yosemite Valley The Glacier Point Tour leaves Yosemite Valley stands 3,593 feet from base to summit. From 209/372-1281 or 209/372-1403 Lodge at 8:30 am, 10 am, and 1:30 pm daily when spring to fall, climbers come from all over An unlimited array of possibilities await you in Half Dome Village Yosemite Valley. Most involve sightseeing and the Glacier Point Road is open. One-way tickets the globe to scale El Capitan. Coffee Corner/Ice Cream learning about the scenery. See pages 5, 6, and are available for those who want to hike down 6am to 10pm • Happy Isles is a place to see dramatic natural Village Bar 7 for more information on program topics and from Glacier Point. 11am to 10pm visitor services available. processes at work. It is easily reached by Pavilion Call 209/372-1240 for reservations or inquire shuttle at stop #16 or by walking from Half Breakfast: 7am to 10am at the tour desks at Yosemite Valley Lodge, Dome Village. Cross the footbridges onto the Dinner: 5:30pm to 8:30pm NATURALIST PROGRAMS Pizza Deck Naturalists give walks and talks every day Yosemite Village, Half Dome Village, and The isles or wander through outdoor and indoor 11am to 10pm about Yosemite’s natural and cultural history. Majestic Yosemite Hotel. exhibits detailing Yosemite’s geologic story. Meadow Grill 11am to 8pm See pages 6 and 7 for scheduled walks, talks, and evening programs. RAFTING • Tunnel View, along Wawona Road (Hwy 41) BOOKS, GIFTS, & APPAREL Rafting is a great way to see Yosemite Valley. provides a classic view of Yosemite Valley, El Yosemite Village WALKING AND HIKING Rafts can be rented at Half Dome Village Capitan, Half Dome, Sentinel Rock, Cathedral The Gallery (open 10am to 4pm, conditions permitting). Rocks, and Bridalveil Fall. It is spectacular at 9am to 6pm From easy walks to Lower Yosemite Fall, Yosemite Art Center Cook’s Meadow, and Mirror Lake to strenuous If you plan to bring your own raft, please see sunset or after the clearing of a storm. 9am to 4pm hikes to the top of Yosemite Falls or Nevada page 15 for important safety and regulatory Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore information. ADVENTURE OUT WITH THE YOSEMITE Inside Yosemite Valley Visitor Center Fall, Yosemite Valley has a wide range of 9am to 5:30pm MOUNTAINEERING SCHOOL walking and hiking possibilities. See page 17 Yosemite Museum Store for a list of hikes. SIGHTSEEING Yosemite Mountaineering School provides 9am to 5pm Some of the famous landmarks in Yosemite outdoor adventures for people of all experience Valley Wilderness Center 8am to 5pm BICYCLING Valley include: levels. We are here to help you learn how to Village Store Several miles of bicycle paths wind through enjoy Yosemite safely and responsibly. Give us a 8am to 10pm • Yosemite Falls gives the Valley an extra touch call to join one of our group classes or schedule Yosemite Valley. You can use your own bicycle The Majestic Yosemite Hotel or rent one from Yosemite Valley Lodge or of life when it’s flowing with spring runoff. a custom outing designed specifically for your The Gift Shop Half Dome Village (open 9am to 7pm). Bikes You can walk to its base or take the strenuous group. We offer professional guides for hiking, 8am to 10pm trail to its top (see page 17). The Sweet Shop are only allowed on paved bicycle paths. backpacking and . Reservations 7am to 10pm required. Call 209/372-8344 or email yms@ • Half Dome, Yosemite’s most distinctive TOURS aramark.com. Yosemite Valley Lodge monument, dominates most views in Gift/Grocery Tours listed below depart fromYosemite Valley 8am to 10pm Lodge. Tours may be weather dependent. Yosemite Valley. Forces of uplift, erosion Take a Photography Class from rivers and glaciers, and rockfall all Learn how to best capture the landscape of Half Dome Village Mountain Shop The Valley Floor Tour is a 26-mile, two- shaped this feature into what we see today. Yosemite by joining a photography expert from 8am to 8pm hour open-air tram tour narrated by a park Cook’s Meadow, Sentinel Bridge, Tunnel The Ansel Adams Gallery. Several classes are Gift/Grocery 8am to 10pm ranger (weather permitting). The tour departs View, and Glacier Point, are just a few offered each week. Some require fees. Learn locations with stunning views of Half Dome. Yosemite Valley Lodge several times daily. more and sign up at the Ansel Adams Gallery in Nature Center at Happy Isles Check any Tour and Activity Desk for times. Yosemite Village, located at shuttle stops #5 and Happy Isles Nature Center Bookstore 9:30am to 5pm Be sure to ask about Moonlight Tours and #9. Also, see page 6 and 7 for schedule.

4 Yosemite Guide July 27, 2016 - August 30, 2016 Yosemite Valley

Where to go and what to do

GO TO THE THEATER! After a day filled with exploring, relax and enjoy a show at the Yosemite Theater. Yosemite Conservancy’s theater program presents a variety of experiences, including plays based on some of the park’s most colorful characters, inspiring films, and celebrations of Yosemite’s culture and history. This summer, watch the past come to life on stage in the “ Series,” see the park through a Buffalo Soldier’s eyes, hear tales from the Search and Rescue team, and more. See pg. 6 for show descriptions and schedule.

VOLUNTEER DROP-IN PROGRAM Be part of the solution and keep your park beautiful! Join park staff to help protect Yosemite’s habitat through ecological restoration and litter cleanup projects. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to work one to three hours. Volunteers must wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. A hat and sun protection are recommended, and we encourage volunteers to bring water and Half Dome. NPS Photo snacks. All tools will be provided. Groups VALLEY VISITOR CENTER AND WILDERNESS CENTER NEW EXHIBIT larger than 10 should contact the volunteer BOOKSTORE Open 8am to 5pm. Visit the wilderness center The Great Certainty program in advance: yose_volunteers@nps. gov or 209/379-1850. The Yosemite Valley Visitor Center and to learn about wilderness safety, plan trips, August 5, 2016 - September 10, 2016 Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore (inside obtain wilderness permits and maps, and rent Following the inception of the park ideal Visitor Center) are open from 9am to 5:30pm. bear canisters. The Valley Wilderness Center is in the 19th Century (thanks in part to The visitor center is west of the main post office located in Yosemite Village in between the post photography) and after decades of turnstile (shuttle stops #5 and #9). The facility offers office and the Ansel Adams Gallery. administration, The National Park Service information, maps, and books. Explore the was created in 1916 to secure and ensure the THE YOSEMITE CONSERVATION exhibits and learn how Yosemite’s landscape survival of these lands that today we hold as VALLEY SERVICES HERITAGE CENTER formed and how people interact with it. necessary crossings in life. As part of the 100th The Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center Anniversary of the formation of The National GARAGE YOSEMITE FILMS (formerly LeConte Memorial Lodge) is open Park Service, The Ansel Adams Gallery is Yosemite Village Wednesday through Sunday from 10am until 8am to 5pm / 24 hour AAA towing available Two films are shown daily, every half hour hosting the exhibition, “The Great Certainty” Propane service available until 4:30pm. beginning at 9:30am (except on Sundays, when 4pm. Free evening programs are scheduled for in celebration of this important and long 209/372-1060 the first showing is at noon). The last film is Friday and Saturday evenings at 8pm. Seating lasting institution. Works featuring a wide POST OFFICES at 4:30pm. Ken Burns’ Yosemite--A Gathering is available for 50 guests. The Center, located at variety of National Parks, Monuments and shuttle stop #12, has a natural history library, Yosemite Village of Spirit plays on the hour and The Spirit of protected lands will be displayed including Main Office Yosemite plays on the half hour. Valley Visitor a children’s corner and library, and historical those made by Ansel Adams, William Neill, Monday-Friday: 8:30am to 5pm Center Theater. exhibits. Call 209/372-4542 for program details. Keith S. Walklet, Charles Cramer and more. Saturday: 10am to noon Yosemite Valley Lodge This exhibition will begin on August 5 and THE ANSEL ADAMS GALLERY Post Office YOSEMITE MUSEUM run through September 10th. We hope you Monday-Friday: 12:30pm to 2:45pm Located in Yosemite Village next to the In Yosemite Village next to the Yosemite Valley have an opportunity to stop by The Ansel GROCERIES AND TOURS Valley Visitor Center. Visitor Center, the gallery is open daily from Adams Gallery during your visit to see all of 9am to 6pm. The gallery offers the works of Yosemite Village this great art in person. Village Store Gift/Grocery INDIAN CULTURAL EXHIBIT Ansel Adams, contemporary photographers, 8am to 10pm Open 9am to 5pm. Interprets the cultural and other artists. See page 6 for photo walk YOSEMITE RENAISSANCE 32 - Tour Desk - Village Store history of Yosemite’s Miwok and Paiute people times. For more information, call 209/372- CALL FOR ENTRIES 7:30am to 3:30pm Yosemite Valley Lodge from 1850 to the present. 4413, or visit www.anseladams.com. Yosemite Renaissance is an annual juried Gift/Grocery competition/exhibition intended to encourage 8am to 10pm YOSEMITE MUSEUM GALLERY EXHIBITS diverse artistic interpretations of Yosemite. Tour Desk 7:30am to 7pm Why Yosemite Collects: Michael Fry: Elements Historically, the arts have played a very Bike Rentals June 5, 2016 - July 31, 2016 90 years, 90 objects, 90 stories important role in the establishment of our 9am to 7pm This exhibit celebrates the 90th anniversary Photographer Michael Frye has been working State and National Parks. It is our hope that Half Dome Village Gift/Grocery of the opening of the Yosemite Museum and in and around Yosemite National Park for they can be just as important in future efforts 8am to 10pm features a display of the wide variety of artifacts, nearly 30 years. He is known for his meticulous to preserve and protect that heritage. Entries Tour Desk documents and specimens that the museum calculations of light and unique compositions. should be recent works of the landscape, 7:30am to 3:30pm preserves. Why do parks have collections? During his career, the arc of creative environment, wildlife, and people of Yosemite Bike Rentals What does the museum have to do with the photography has grown broad, while at the 9am to 7pm or the . Both representational and Raft Rentals beginnings of philanthropy in National Parks, same time, Yosemite National Park has become non-representational submissions are accepted. 10am to 4pm, conditions permitting the development of interpretive programs or more iconic than ever - a concept in 2016 which Entries may be in any fine art medium including Housekeeping Camp scientific research? Stop by and see, and vote highlights the importance of conservation Gift/Grocery painting, photography, drawing, printmaking, 8am to 9pm for your favorite artifact while you are visiting. as the National Park Service celebrates their textile and sculpture. Cash awards. Works SHOWERS, LAUNDRY, AND INTERNET This special summer exhibit was made possible 100th anniversary. The Ansel Adams Gallery is accepted will be displayed at the Museum through the generous support of Yosemite therefore thrilled to host our new exhibition, Gallery in Yosemite Valley during a two-month Housekeeping Camp Conservancy donors. Join us on Thursdays for Elements: Photographs by Michael Frye, which Showers 7am to 10pm, for a fee exhibition beginning the end of February 2017. Laundry 8am to 10pm, for a fee a ranger stroll highlighting this special exhibit. showcases the result of an artist’s dedication to For more information please visit our website, Half Dome Village vision, craft and place. “Elements” will open on www.yosemiterenaissance.org. showers open 24 hours, for a fee June 5 and run through July 31. We invite you to visit The Gallery during your stay in Yosemite.

5 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park

SCHEDULED EVENTS MORNING 9:00am JUNIOR RANGER WALK 1 hr. The Nature Center at Happy Isles, near shuttle stop #16. (NPS) 9:30am Ranger Walk - NPS Centennial Stroll, Rivers and Waterfalls 1.5 hrs. Front of IN YOSEMITE VALLEY Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, near shuttle stop #5/#9. (NPS) July 27, 2016 - August 30, 2016 9:30am Adventure Hike - Vernal/Nevada Falls 6 hrs. Tickets/info at any tour desk. Reservations required. Half Dome Village Mountaineering School. (YH) $ 11:00am WEE WILD ONES 45 mins. Stories and activities for kids 10 & under. Half Dome Village

Yosemite Art Center (YC) Sunday Amphitheater. (YH) Yosemite Conservancy invites you to join one of our celebrated artists for a hands-on art experience in Yosemite Valley. Art workshops are offered Monday - Saturday, starting at 9:45am 9:00am JUNIOR RANGER WALK 1 hr. The Nature Center at Happy Isles, near shuttle stop #16. (NPS) and ending at 2pm. 9:00am Bike to Hike Tour 2.5 hrs. Tickets/info at any tour desk. Reservations required. Half Dome Village Bike Stand. (YH) $ All workshops meet at the Yosemite Art Center, 9:00am Camera Walk 1.5 hrs. Sign up in advance at The Ansel Adams Gallery and meet at the located next to the Village Store in Yosemite Majestic Yosemite Hotel. (TAAG) 9:30am Centennial Ranger Hike (Except Aug 15) 3 hrs. Easy to moderate hike on Valley Floor Village. The registration fee is $10 per participant Loop, shuttle stop #7. (NPS) per day, and art supplies are available for purchase. 9:45am Guest Artist Workshop 4 hrs. Yosemite Art Center. See page 6 for more information. (YC) $ Workshops are typically held outside (weather Monday 11:00am CHILDREN’S ART WORKSHOP 1 hr. Yosemite Art Center. Ages 6-10. (YC) $ and media permitting). For more information, 11:00am WEE WILD ONES 45 mins. Stories and activities for kids 10 & under. Half Dome Village call 209/372-4207 or visit yosemiteconservancy. Amphitheater. (YH) Yosemite Conservancy Photo org/yosemite-art-center.

July 27 - 30 Ease of Pastel for Landscape with Tsungwei (Molly) Moo 8:15am Adventure Hike - With One-Way Glacier Point Bus Ride 8 hrs. Aug 1 - 6 Portraits of Yosemite: Watercolor with Juan Peña Reservations required. Yosemite Valley Lodge Tour Desk. Tickets/info at any tour desk. (YH) $ Aug 8 - 13 Fast and Loose Watercolor with David Peterson 9:00am JUNIOR RANGER WALK 1 hr. The Nature Center at Happy Isles, near shuttle stop #16. (NPS) Aug 15 - 20 Creating Colorful Compositions in Acrylic Paint with Edie Christensen 9:00am Camera Walk 1.5 hrs. Sign up in advance and meet at The Ansel Adams Gallery. (TAAG) 9:30am Ranger Walk - NPS Centennial Stroll, Geology 1.5 hrs. Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Aug 22 - 27 Capturing Yosemite Memories: Ink and Watercolor with Barbara Rosenthal Center, near shuttle stop #5/#9. (NPS) Aug 29 - Sep 3 Conquering Your Creative Fears: Mixed Media with Trowzers Akimbo 9:45am Guest Artist Workshop 4 hrs. Yosemite Art Center. See page 6 for more information. (YC) $ Tuesday 11:00am CHILDREN’S ART WORKSHOP 1 hr. Yosemite Art Center. Ages 6-10. (YC) $ Yosemite Theater (YC) Yosemite Conservancy’s theater program offers entertainment and inspiration through a variety of live theater performances, educational presentations and beautiful films. Head to the Yosemite Theater to revel as actors, rock climbers and rangers bring the park’s adventures, culture, nature 9:00am JUNIOR RANGER WALK (Except July 27) 1 hr. The Nature Center at Happy Isles, near and history to life! Tickets $10 adults (FREE admission tickets for children under age 12), available shuttle stop #16. (NPS) 9:00am Bike to Hike Tour 2.5 hrs. Reservations required. Half Dome Village Bike Stand. Tickets/info at Yosemite Valley Visitor Center Bookstore. All shows start at 7pm. at any tour desk. (YH) $ 9:30am Ranger Walk - NPS Centennial Stroll, Inspiring Generations (Except July 27) 1.5 hrs. Yosemite Through the Eyes of a Buffalo Soldier (Sundays). Film and performance by Ranger Shelton Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, near shuttle stop #5/#9. (NPS) Johnson. Join one of Yosemite’s most well-known park rangers to hear about the history and role of 9:30am VOLUNTEER DROP IN PROGRAM Meet in front of the Valley Visitor Center. See program the Buffalo Soldiers in Yosemite and our national parks. NPS Centennial Celebration Show. description on page 5. (NPS) 9:45am Guest Artist Workshop 4 hrs. Yosemite Art Center. See page 6 for more information. (YC) $ Yosemite Search and Rescue (Tuesdays). Join veteran Yosemite Search and Rescue Ranger John 10:00am Ranger Walk - 100 Years of Rustic Architecture (Aug 24 Only) 1 hr. Yosemite Valley

Dill for lively stories about emergency response missions in Yosemite, and cautionary tales sprinkled Wednesday Visitor Center, near shuttle stop #5/9. (NPS) with solid advice to help you be safe in the wilderness. 11:00am CHILDREN’S ART WORKSHOP 1 hr. Yosemite Art Center. Ages 6-10. (YC) $ 11:00am WEE WILD ONES 45 mins. Stories and activities for kids 10 & under. Half Dome Village John Muir Series: Conversation with a Tramp (Wednesdays, Except Aug 24). Enjoy stories of Amphitheater. (YH) John Muir’s childhood and nature discoveries, while he awaits news on the fate of Hetch Hetchy Valley. Live stage performance starring actor Lee Stetson.

John Muir Series: The Spirit of John Muir (Thursdays, Except Aug 25). Hear John Muir’s most 9:00am JUNIOR RANGER WALK (Except Aug 18) 1 hr. The Nature Center at Happy Isles, near shuttle stop #16. (NPS) popular stories about his adventures in the wild and the people and animals he encountered. Live 9:00am Discovery Hike - Vernal Falls Bridge 3.5 hrs. Reservations required. Half Dome Village stage performance starring actor Lee Shelton. NPS Centennial Celebration Show. Mountaineering School. Tickets/info at any tour desk. (YH) $ 9:00am Camera Walk 1.5 hrs. Sign up in advance and meet at The Ansel Adams Gallery. (TAAG) Return to Balance: A Climber’s Journey (Fridays). See the beauty of Yosemite in all four seasons 9:30am Ranger Talk - NPS Centennial Talk, Yosemite’s Treasures (Except Aug 18) 1 hr. with inspiring narrative in this stirring film, which is followed by a discussion with renowned Front of the Yosemite Museum, near shuttle stop #5/#9. (NPS) rock-climber Ron Kauk. 9:45am Guest Artist Workshop 4 hrs. Yosemite Art Center. See page 6 for more information. (YC) $

Thursday 10:00am Ranger Walk - 100 Years of Rustic Architecture (Aug 25 Only) 1 hr. Yosemite Valley Yosemite Conservancy Outdoor Adventures (YC) Visitor Center, near shuttle stop #5/9. (NPS) Yosemite Conservancy is passionate about sharing the wonders of Yosemite through our year- 11:00am CHILDREN’S ART WORKSHOP 1 hr. Yosemite Art Center. Ages 6-10. (YC) $ round Outdoor Adventures. From backpacking to botany and birding, our wide range of programs offers something for every Yosemite adventurer. Proceeds from all Yosemite Conservancy programs help preserve and protect the park. 9:00am JUNIOR RANGER WALK 1 hr. The Nature Center at Happy Isles, near shuttle stop #16. (NPS) July 29 - Aug 1: Family Camping Jamboree: Tuolumne Meadows 9:30am Ranger Walk - NPS Centennial Stroll, Wildlife 1.5 hrs. Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, near shuttle stop #5/#9 (NPS) Aug 6: Survival Scavenger Hunt: Tuolumne Meadows 9:30am Adventure Hike – Vernal/Nevada Falls 6 hrs. Reservations required. Half Dome Village Aug 13 - 14: Yosemite’s Alpine Ecology: In the Spirit of Sharsmith Mountaineering School. Tickets/info at any tour desk. (YH) $ Aug 18-21 High Country Campout for Grown-ups: Tuolumne Meadows 9:45am Guest Artist Workshop 4 hrs. Yosemite Art Center. See page 6 for more information. (YC) $

Aug 27: Yosemite Day Hike: Pika Romp Friday 11:00am WEE WILD ONES 45 mins. Stories and activities for kids 10 & under. Half Dome Village Aug 28: Yosemite Day Hike: Mysteries of the Meadows Amphitheater. (YH)

Find details and register at yosemiteconservancy.org/adventures or call 209/379-3217 x10. Experience packages include park entry (as needed) and camping; additional lodging options 9:00am JUNIOR RANGER WALK 1 hr. The Nature Center at Happy Isles, near shuttle stop #16. (NPS) are available. Custom Adventures can be arranged for individuals, families and groups. 9:00am Camera Walk 1.5 hrs. Sign up in advance and meet at The Ansel Adams Gallery. (TAAG) 9:00am Bike to Hike Tour 2.5 hrs. Reservations required. Half Dome Village Bike Stand. Tickets/ ROMAN CATHOLIC MASS RELIGIOUS SERVICES info at any tour desk. (YH) $ OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS 9:30am Ranger Walk - NPS Centennial Stroll, Ahwahneechee Games and Stories 1.5 hrs. YOSEMITE COMMUNITY CHURCH Sunday, 10am at East Auditorium behind Yosemite Front of Yosemite Museum, near shuttle stop #5/#9. (NPS) Pastor Brent Moore - Resident Minister Valley Visitor Center, shuttle stops #5/#9 9:30am Centennial Ranger Hike 3 hrs. Easy to moderate hike on Valley Floor Loop, shuttle 209/372-4831 • www.YosemiteValleyChapel.org Saturday, 6pm, Lower Pines Amphitheater, shuttle stop #7. (NPS) www.YosemiteValleyChapelWeddings.org stop #19 (Memorial Day to Labor Day)

Saturday 9:45am Guest Artist Workshop 4 hrs. Yosemite Art Center. See page 6 for more information. (YC) $ SUNDAYS SERVICES IN THE YOSEMITE CHAPEL: Rectory Phone: 209/372-4729 11:00am WEE WILD ONES 45 mins. Stories and activities for kids 10 & under. Half Dome Village 9:15am - Sunday School available Amphitheater. (YH) 11am - (no Sunday School) CHURCH OF CHRIST 6:30pm - Evening Service/Bible Study in Chapel El Portal Chapel / Worship: Sunday 11am Info: 209/379-2100 TUESDAY WOMEN’S AND MEN’S BIBLE STUDIES, 7pm, call chapel for location SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST WEDNESDAY MIDWEEK SERVICE Christian Sabbath Worship at Lower River 7pm, at the Chapel Amphitheater, Saturday May 23-Sep 5 AAC American Alpine Club Indicates facilities accessible to visitors 9:45am - Music/Sabbath School in wheelchairs. Short, steep inclines VARIOUS BIBLE STUDIES IN THE PARK YH Yosemite Hospitality LLC may be encountered. Call for times and locations. 11am - Worship, 12:30pm Potluck NPS National Park Service www.facebook.com/YosemiteSDAChurch A sign language interpreter may be A CHRISTIAN MINISTRY IN THE NATIONAL SC available for deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors. Contact 209/379-5250 (v/txt) PARKS - WORSHIP SERVICES SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS TAAG The Ansel Adams Gallery or [email protected] to 9am - Sunday, at Lower Pines/Wawona Campgrounds ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS YC Yosemite Conservancy request an interpreter. Advance notice 10am - Sunday, at Tuolumne Campground. Sundays: 8pm to 9pm, Yosemite Chapel of 2 weeks is preferred. YMS Yosemite Mountaineering Tuesdays and Thursdays: 7:30pm to 8:30pm LATTER-DAY SAINTS School Assistive Listening Devices are Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints available upon advanced request. $ Programs offered for a fee Inquire at a visitor center. Sacrament Meeting, Sundays 1pm to 1:45pm LIONS CLUB May 29th to Labor Day, Yosemite Valley Chapel First and third Thursday of each month at noon, The Majestic Yosemite Hotel. Call 209/372-4475.

6 Yosemite Guide July 27, 2016 - August 30, 2016

AFTERNOON EVENING

12:30pm Ask A Climber 4 hrs. Join a ranger at the El Capitan Bridge for this informal program. Use telescopes 6:00pm Naturalist Stroll 1 hr. Uncover Yosemite’s natural and cultural history on a guided hike! Meet on the Majestic to observe climbers on El Capitan and learn about climbing in Yosemite. (NPS) Yosemite Hotel back lawn. (YH) 1:30pm Beginner Art Workshop 2 hrs. Yosemite Art Center. Ages 8 and up. (YC) $ 6:15pm JUNIOR RANGER DROP-IN 45 mins. Lower Pines Amphitheater (adult attendance with Jr. Ranger required, 2:30pm Ranger Walk-Wild About Bears 1.5 hrs. Lower Pines Amphitheater, near shuttle stop #19. (NPS) drop in any time), near shuttle stop #19. (NPS) 3:30pm MEET YOUR YOSEMITE 15 mins. Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, near shuttle stop #5/9. (NPS) 7:00pm Yosemite Theater – Yosemite Through the Eyes of a Buffalo Solider 1.5 hrs. Film and 4:00pm MEET YOUR YOSEMITE 15 mins. Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, near shuttle stop #5/9. (NPS) performance by ranger . Purchase tickets at Valley Visitor Center Bookstore. (YC) $ 7:00pm WEE WILD ONES 45 mins. Stories and activities for kids 10 & under. Half Dome Village Amphitheater. (YH) 8:30pm Ranger Program (Except Aug 14) 1 hr. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater, near shuttle stop #19.(NPS) 8:30pm Evening Program: A Century of Climbing in Yosemite (Aug 7 and 21 Only) 1 hr. American Alpine

Sunday Club members present historic Yosemite climbing films and discuss the importance of this special history of Programs printed in ALL CAPS AND Yosemite with the audience before and after the presentation. Yosemite Valley Lodge Amphitheatre. (AAC) COLOR are especially for children and 9:00pm NIGHT PROWL 1 hr. Explore the night on a hike with a trained Naturalist! Advanced registration required, tickets and information are available at any tour and activity desk. (YH) $ their families. 9:00pm STARRY NIGHT SKIES OVER YOSEMITE 1 hr. Discover the stories of the night sky! Advanced registration required, tickets and information are available at any tour and activity desk. (YH) $

12:30pm Ask A Climber 4 hrs. Join a ranger at the El Capitan Bridge for this informal program. Use telescopes 6:15pm JUNIOR RANGER DROP-IN 45 mins. Lower Pines Amphitheater (adult attendance with Jr. Ranger required, to observe climbers on El Capitan and learn about climbing in Yosemite. (NPS) drop in any time), near shuttle stop #19. (NPS) 1:00pm Discovery Hike - Less Traveled Lower Valley Loop 4 hrs. Reservations required. Yosemite Valley 7:00pm WEE WILD ONES 45 mins. Stories and activities for kids 10 & under. Half Dome Village Amphitheater. (YH) Lodge Amphitheater. Tickets/info at any tour desk. (YH) $ 8:30pm Ranger Program (Except Aug 15) 1 hr. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater, near shuttle stop #19.(NPS) 1:00pm Ansel Adams’ Legacy and Your Digital Camera Photography Class 4 hrs. Sign up and meet 8:30pm Evening Program: A Century of Climbing in Yosemite (Aug 8 and 22 Only) 1 hr. American Alpine at The Ansel Adams Gallery. (TAAG) $ Club members present historic Yosemite climbing films and discuss the importance of this special history of 1:30pm CHILDREN’S ART WORKSHOP 90 mins. Yosemite Art Center. Ages 10 and up. (YC) $ Yosemite with the audience before and after the presentation. Yosemite Valley Lodge Amphitheatre. (AAC) 2:30pm Ranger Walk-Wild About Bears 1.5 hrs. Lower Pines Amphitheater, near shuttle stop #19. (NPS) 9:00pm NIGHT PROWL (Except Aug 15) 1 hr. Explore the night on a hike with a trained Naturalist! Advanced Monday 3:30pm MEET YOUR YOSEMITE 15 mins. Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, near shuttle stop #5/9. (NPS) registration required, tickets and information are available at any tour and activity desk. (YH) $ 4:00pm MEET YOUR YOSEMITE 15 mins. Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, near shuttle stop #5/9. (NPS) 9:00pm STARRY NIGHT SKIES OVER YOSEMITE 1 hr. Discover the stories of the night sky! Advanced registration required, tickets and information are available at any tour and activity desk. (YH) $

12:30pm Ask A Climber 4 hrs. Join a ranger at the El Capitan Bridge for this informal program. Use telescopes 6:15pm JUNIOR RANGER DROP-IN 45 mins. Lower Pines Amphitheater (adult attendance with Jr. Ranger required, to observe climbers on El Capitan and learn about climbing in Yosemite. (NPS) drop in any time), near shuttle stop #19. (NPS) 1:00pm In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams Photography Class 4 hrs. Sign up and meet at The Ansel 7:00pm Yosemite Theater – Yosemite Search and Rescue 1.5 hrs. Presentation by Ranger John Dill. Adams Gallery (TAAG) $ Purchase tickets at Valley Visitor Center Bookstore. (YC) $ 1:30pm CHILDREN’S ART WORKSHOP 90 mins. Yosemite Art Center. Ages 10 and up. (YC) $ 7:00pm WEE WILD ONES 45 mins. Stories and activities for kids 10 & under. Half Dome Village Amphitheater. (YH) 2:30pm Ranger Walk-Wild About Bears 1.5 hrs. Lower Pines Amphitheater, near shuttle stop #19. (NPS) 8:30pm Ranger Program (Except Aug 16) 1 hr. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater, near shuttle stop #19.(NPS) 3:30pm MEET YOUR YOSEMITE 15 mins. Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, near shuttle stop #5/9. (NPS) 8:30pm Evening Program (Except Aug 16) 1 hr. Half Dome Village Amphitheater. (YH) 4:00pm MEET YOUR YOSEMITE 15 mins. Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, near shuttle stop #5/9. (NPS) 9:00pm NIGHT PROWL 1 hr. Explore the night on a hike with a trained Naturalist! Advanced registration required, Tuesday tickets and information are available at any tour & activity desk. (YH) $ 9:00pm STARRY NIGHT SKIES OVER YOSEMITE (Except Aug 16) 1 hr. Discover the stories of the night sky! Advanced registration required, tickets and information are available at any tour & activity desk. (YH) $

12:30pm Ask A Climber 4 hrs. Join a ranger at the El Capitan Bridge for this informal program. Use telescopes 7:00pm JUNIOR RANGER CAMPFIRE (Except July 27 and Aug 17) 1 hr. Campfire ring, near shuttle stop #16, look for to observe climbers on El Capitan and learn about climbing in Yosemite. (NPS) temporary signs. (NPS) 1:00pm Discovery Hike - Vernal Falls Bridge 3.5 hrs. Reservations required. Half Dome Village 7:00pm WEE WILD ONES 45 mins. Stories and activities for kids 10 & under. Half Dome Village Amphitheater. (YH) Mountaineering School. Tickets/info at any tour desk. (YH) $ 7:00pm Yosemite Theater – John Muir: Conversation with a Tramp (Except Aug 24) 1.5 hrs. Live stage 1:00pm Ansel Adams’ Legacy and Your Digital Camera Photography Class 4 hrs. Sign up and meet performance starring Lee Stetson. Purchase tickets at Valley Visitor Center Bookstore. (YC) $ at The Ansel Adams Gallery (TAAG) $ 7:30pm Centennial Buffalo Soldier Performance by Ranger Shelton Johnson (Aug 24 Only) 1 hr. Bring a 1:30pm CHILDREN’S ART WORKSHOP 90 mins. Yosemite Art Center. Ages 10 and up. (YC) $ flashlight. Yosemite Pioneer Cemetery, near shuttle stop #5/9. (NPS) 2:30pm Ranger Walk-Wild About Bears (Except July 27) 1.5 hrs. Lower Pines Amphitheater, near shuttle 8:30pm Evening Program (Except Aug 17) 1 hr. Half Dome Village Amphitheater. (YH) stop #19. (NPS) 9:00pm NIGHT PROWL 1 hr. Explore the night on a hike with a trained Naturalist! Advanced registration required,

Wednesday 3:30pm MEET YOUR YOSEMITE (Except July 27) 15 mins. Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, near shuttle tickets and information are available at any tour & activity desk. (YH) $ stop #5/9. (NPS) 9:00pm STARRY NIGHT SKIES OVER YOSEMITE 1 hr. Discover the stories of the night sky! Advanced registration 4:00pm MEET YOUR YOSEMITE (Except July 27) 15 mins. Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, near shuttle required, tickets and information are available at any tour & activity desk. (YH) $ stop #5/9. (NPS)

12:30pm Ask A Climber 4 hrs. Join a ranger at the El Capitan Bridge for this informal program. Use telescopes 6:15pm JUNIOR RANGER DROP-IN (Except Aug 18) 45 mins. Lower Pines Amphitheater (adult attendance with Jr. to observe climbers on El Capitan and learn about climbing in Yosemite. (NPS) Ranger required, drop in any time), near shuttle stop #19 (NPS) 1:00pm Ranger Talk - 100 years of the NPS Uniform (Aug 25 Only) 15 mins. Yosemite Valley Indian 7:00pm Yosemite Theater – The Spirit of John Muir (Except Aug 25) 1.5 hrs. Live stage performance starring Cultural Museum, near shuttle stop #5/9. (NPS) Lee Stetson. Purchase tickets at Valley Visitor Center Bookstore. (YC) $ 1:00pm Using Your Digital Camera 4 hrs. Sign up and meet at The Ansel Adams Gallery. (TAAG) $ 7:00pm WEE WILD ONES 45 mins. Stories and activities for kids 10 & under. Half Dome Village Amphitheater. (YH) 1:30pm CHILDREN’S ART WORKSHOP 1.5 hrs. Yosemite Art Center. Ages 10 and up. (YC) $ 8:00pm Ranger Program - Stephen T. Mather and the Founding of the National Park Service. (Aug 25 Only) 2:00pm Bike to Hike Tour 2.5 hrs. Reservations required. Half dome village bike stand. Tickets/info at any tour 1 hr. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater, near shuttle stop #19. (NPS) desk. (YH) $ 8:30pm Ranger Program (Except Aug 18) 1 hr. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater, near shuttle stop #19.(NPS) 2:30pm Ranger Walk-Wild About Bears (Except Aug 18) 1.5 hrs. Lower Pines Amphitheater, near shuttle 8:30pm Evening Program 1 hr. Search and Rescue Rangers talk about safety in Yosemite! Half Dome Village stop #19. (NPS) Amphitheater. (NPS)

Thursday 3:30pm MEET YOUR YOSEMITE 15 mins. Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, near shuttle stop #5/9. (NPS) 9:00pm NIGHT PROWL 1 hr. Explore the night on a hike with a trained Naturalist! Advanced registration required, 4:00pm MEET YOUR YOSEMITE 15 mins. Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, near shuttle stop #5/9. (NPS) tickets and information are available at any tour & activity desk. (YH) $ 4:00pm Centennial Majestic Yosemite Hotel Tour (Aug 25 Only) 1 hr. Sign up in advance at Majestic 9:00pm STARRY NIGHT SKIES OVER YOSEMITE (Except Aug 18) 1 hr. Discover the stories of the night sky! Yosemite Hotel Concierge Desk. (YH) Advanced registration required, tickets and information are available at any tour & activity desk. (YH) $

12:30pm Ask A Climber 4 hrs. Join a ranger at the El Capitan Bridge for this informal program. Use telescopes 6:00pm Naturalist Stroll 1 hr. Uncover Yosemite’s natural and cultural history on a guided hike! Meet on the Majestic to observe climbers on El Capitan and learn about climbing in Yosemite. (NPS) Yosemite Hotel back lawn. (YH) 1:30pm FAMILY CRAFTS PROGRAM 2 hrs. Drop-in session at Yosemite Art Center. (YC) $ 7:00pm WEE WILD ONES 45 mins. Stories and activities for kids 10 & under. Half Dome Village Amphitheater. (YH) 2:30pm Ranger Walk-Wild About Bears 1.5 hrs. Lower Pines Amphitheater, near shuttle stop #19. (NPS) 7:00pm JUNIOR RANGER CAMPFIRE 1 hr. Campfire ring, near shuttle stop #16, look for temporary signs. (NPS) 3:30pm MEET YOUR YOSEMITE 15 mins. Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, near shuttle stop #5/9. (NPS) 7:00pm Yosemite Theater – Return to Balance: A Climber’s Journey 1.5 hrs. Film and presentation by Ron 4:00pm MEET YOUR YOSEMITE 15 mins. Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, near shuttle stop #5/9. (NPS) Kauk. Purchase tickets at Valley Visitor Center Bookstore. (YC) $ 8:00pm 147 Years of Yosemite Climbing (July 29 Only) 1 hr. Doug Robinson, Celebrated Yosemite Climber, Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center (formerly LeConte Memorial Lodge). Shuttle Stop #12. (SC) 8:00pm American Indian Flutes and Storytelling (Aug 5 Only) 1 hr. Ben Cunningham-Summerfield, California Tribal Member, Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center (Formerly LeConte Memorial Lodge). Shuttle Stop #12. (SC) 8:00pm Hike from Sequoia to Mt. Whitney (Aug 12 Only) 1 hr. Lee Terkelsen, Nature Film Maker, Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center (formerly LeConte Memorial Lodge). Shuttle Stop #12. (SC) 8:00pm Charles Kellogg: The Bird Singer, Friend of John Muir and John Burroughs (Aug 19 Only) 1 hr. Friday Mike Monroe, Director, Morgan Hill Historical Society, Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center (formerly LeConte Memorial Lodge). Shuttle Stop #12. (SC) 8:30pm Ranger Program 1 hr. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater, near shuttle stop #19. (NPS) 8:30pm Film - Ansel Adams 1 hr. Yosemite Valley Lodge, check local listing for venue. (TAAG) 8:30pm Evening Program 1 hr. Half Dome Village Amphitheater. (YH) 9:00pm NIGHT PROWL 1 hr. Explore the night on a hike with a trained Naturalist! Advanced registration required, tickets and information are available at any tour & activity desk. (YH) $ 9:00pm STARRY NIGHT SKIES OVER YOSEMITE 1 hr. Discover the stories of the night sky! Advanced registration required, tickets and information are available at any tour & activity desk. (YH) $

12:30pm Ask A Climber 4 hrs. Join a ranger at the El Capitan Bridge for this informal program. Use telescopes 6:00pm Naturalist Stroll 1 hr. Uncover Yosemite’s natural and cultural history on a guided hike! Meet on the Majestic to observe climbers on El Capitan and learn about climbing in Yosemite. (NPS) Yosemite Hotel back lawn. (YH) 1:00pm Discovery Hike - Less Traveled Lower Valley Loop 3.5 hrs. Reservations required. Yosemite 7:00pm JUNIOR RANGER CAMPFIRE 1 hr. Campfire ring, near shuttle stop #16, look for temporary signs. (NPS) Valley Lodge Amphitheater. Tickets/info at any tour desk. (YH) $ 7:00pm WEE WILD ONES 45 mins. Stories and activities for kids 10 & under. Half Dome Village Amphitheater. (YH) 1:00pm In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams Photography Class 4 hrs. Sign up and meet at The Ansel 8:00pm Search and Rescue in Yosemite (Aug 6 and 20 Only) 1 hr. Jack Hoeflich, YNP Valley Chief of Law Enforcement Adams Gallery. (TAAG) $ and SAR Ranger, Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center (formerly LeConte Memorial Lodge). Shuttle Stop #12. (SC) 1:30am FAMILY CRAFTS PROGRAM 2 hrs. Drop-in session at Yosemite Art Center. (YC) $ 8:00pm Along the : Whitney to Yosemite Valley (Aug 13 Only) 1 hr. Lee Terkelsen, Nature Film 2:30pm Ranger Walk-Wild About Bears 1.5 hrs. Lower Pines Amphitheater, near shuttle stop #19. (NPS) Maker, Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center (formerly LeConte Memorial Lodge). Shuttle Stop #12. (SC) 3:00pm Fine Print Viewing 1 hr. Sign up in advance. Meet at The Ansel Adams Gallery. Limited space. (TAAG) 8:00pm Going Batty! All About Bats (Aug 27 Only) 1 hr. Burleigh Lockwood, Wildlife Biologist, Fresno Chaffee 3:30pm MEET YOUR YOSEMITE 15 mins. Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, near shuttle stop #5/9. (NPS) Zoo, Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center (formerly LeConte Memorial Lodge). Shuttle Stop #12. (SC) 4:00pm MEET YOUR YOSEMITE 15 mins. Front of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, near shuttle stop #5/9. (NPS) 8:30pm Evening Program 1 hr. Half Dome Village Amphitheater. (YH) Saturday 9:00pm NIGHT PROWL 1 hr. Explore the night on a hike with a trained Naturalist! Advanced registration required, tickets and information are available at any tour & activity desk. (YH) $ 9:00pm STARRY NIGHT SKIES OVER YOSEMITE 1 hr. Discover the stories of the night sky! Advanced registration required, tickets and information are available at any tour & activity desk. (YH) $

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

Explore History, Discover Giant Trees, and Find Amazing Vistas These park areas offer endless opportunities for amazing experiences.

Wawona Located on the grounds of the Big Trees Great Things are Happening in the The Mariposa Grove Road is closed to Lodge, Hill’s Studio was the gallery and art Mariposa Grove! all public access, including bicycle and Coffee with a Ranger studio of famous 19th-century landscape The Restoration of the Mariposa Grove of pedestrian traffic. Hiking trails within Grab your mug and join a ranger in the painter, Thomas Hill. Walk from the hotel Giant Sequoias Project is now underway! the grove are also closed. Wawona Campground Amphitheater for or park at the Wawona store parking area On July 6, 2015, a temporary closure of coffee, tea, and hot cocoa. Use this time and follow the path up the hill. the grove for up to 24 months began. The to plan your day or to get other questions Glacier Point restoration project will improve the habitat answered. See page 9 for scheduled Evening Programs and restore the hydrology of the Mariposa Meet a ranger to enjoy the lengthening programs. Pioneer Yosemite History Center Grove and improve visitors’ experience shadows in Yosemite Valley and the and enjoyment of the grove. Trails will be alpenglow (or moonrise) on the Sierra Evening Programs Go back to a time of horse-drawn improved providing universal access along Join pianist/singer Tom Bopp in the wagons, a covered bridge, and log cabins. high country. Stargazing programs are with improved restrooms. Big Trees Lodge lobby from 5:30pm to A visit to the Pioneer Yosemite History offered, as well. Details on next page. 9:30pm, Tuesday through Saturday, as Center explores Yosemite’s history and he performs songs and tells stories from explains how Yosemite was the inspiration for national parks across America and Yosemite’s past. Historical programs are To Trailhead around the world. The center is always and The Redwoods in Yosemite available by request and are usually given Trail to Alder Creek at 8:30pm. For details or to request a open, and interpretive signs and brochures Alder Creek Trailhead program, drop by the piano early in the are available. evening when Tom’s performing. Experience Horse-Drawn Travel Campground Reservation Travel into history by taking a 10-minute Stable Office Wawona Visitor Center at Hill’s d oa R Pioneer Yosemite horse-drawn stage ride. Tickets may lls Studio Fa History Center lna ua Open 8:30am to 5pm. The visitor center be purchased at the Stage Office in the iln To Wawona Ch Campground offers information about park activities, Pioneer Yosemite History Center. See & Yosemite ive Covered Bridge t Dr Valley res wilderness permits, trail information, page 9 for dates, times, and locations. $5/ Fo

adults and $4/child (ages 3-12) r books, bear canister rentals, and maps. ve Ri d Wawona South Fork Merce Visitor Center at Hill's Studio Blacksmith Shop Trail to Store Mariposa Smell the burning coal, hear the ring Big Trees Lodge Grove Gift Shop (6 miles) of the hammer on the anvil, and watch Post Office a demonstration of the ancient art of blacksmithing. See page 9 for dates, times, and locations. W Golf Shop Parking awo na Road (Hwy. 41) Accessible Park To South Entrance Mariposa Grove ATM & Mariposa Grove Located near Yosemite’s South Entrance, Visitor Information the Mariposa Grove is the park’s largest PAD Program Meadow Loop Trail (Public Access Defibrillation) stand of giant sequoias, with about 500 Restrooms trees in the grove. Hiking Trail Road

8 Yosemite Guide July 27, 2016 - August 30, 2016

WAWONA GLACIER POINT

10:00am – 2:00pm Horse-Drawn Stage Rides 10 mins. each. Purchase tickets in Stage Office in 2:00pm Ranger Walk - Short Walk to a Pioneer Yosemite History Center, $5 adult / $4 child 3-12. (NPS) $ Great View of El Capitan 1.5 hrs. 10:00am – 1:00pm / 2:00pm to 5:00pm Blacksmithing Demonstration Pioneer Yosemite History Moderately difficult. Meet at Glacier Center. (NPS) Point Gift Shop. (NPS) 7:30pm Campfire Talk 1 hr. Wawona Campground Amphitheater. Topics vary nightly. (NPS) 7:30pm Campfire Program 1 hr. Bridalveil Campground, Loop C. (NPS) 9:00pm GLACIER POINT STARRY NIGHT SKIES OVER YOSEMITE 1 hr.

Sunday Discover the stories of the night sky at Glacier Point. Advanced registration required, tickets and information are available at any tour and activity desk. Shuttle services available. (YH) $

Geology Hut. Photo courtesy Yosemite Research Library 7:30pm Campfire Talk 1 hr. Wawona Campground Amphitheater. Topics vary nightly. (NPS) 10:00am Wildflowers and Historic People - Walk to McGurk Meadow 2 hrs. Meet at phone Hours listed are core hours for facilities and booth in Bridalveil Campground. (NPS) may be extended during periods of peak visitation. Check local postings for changes 7:15pm Sunset Ranger Talk 30 mins. to hours of operation. Programs printed in ALL CAPS Glacier Point railing, overlooking the Valley. (NPS) FOOD & BEVERAGE AND COLOR are especially for 9:00pm GLACIER POINT STARRY NIGHT SKIES OVER YOSEMITE 1 hr.

Monday children and their families. Wawona Discover the stories of the night sky at Big Trees Lodge Dining Room Glacier Point. Advanced registration Breakfast: 7am to 10am required, tickets and information are Lunch: 11am to 3pm available at any tour and activity desk. Lounge Service: 5pm to 9:30pm Shuttle services available. (YH) $ Dinner: 5pm to 9pm Reservations taken for 6 or more. 5:30pm Vintage Music of Yosemite 4 hrs. Big Trees Lodge Lobby. Live music and history with 2:00pm Ranger Walk - Cliffs and Domes Saturday BBQ: 5pm to 7pm pianist/singer Tom Bopp. History programs available upon request, usually given at 8:30pm. 2 hrs. Meet at Taft Point/Sentinel Golf Shop & Snack Stand To request a program, drop by the piano early in the evening and ask Tom. (YH) Dome parking area on Glacier Point 8am to 6pm, weather permitting 6:30pm Evening Ranger Program 1 hr. Meet at The Redwoods In Yosemite Vacation Home Road. (NPS) Glacier Point Rentals office on Chilnualna Falls Road. For questions please call 855/290-3499. (NPS) 9:00pm GLACIER POINT STARRY NIGHT Snack Stand 7:30pm Campfire Talk 1 hr. Wawona Campground Amphitheater. Topics vary nightly. (NPS) SKIES OVER YOSEMITE 1 hr. 9am to 7pm, weather permitting Discover the stories of the night sky at

Tuesday Glacier Point. Advanced registration required, tickets and information are GROCERIES available at any tour and activity desk. Big Trees Lodge Store and Shuttle services available. (YH) $ Pioneer Gift Shop 8am to 8pm 2:00pm - 4:00pm Horse-Drawn Stage Rides (Except July 27) 10 mins. each. Purchase tickets in 2:00pm Ranger Walk - Short Walk to a Stage Office in Pioneer Yosemite History Center, $5 adult / $4 child 3-12. (NPS) $ Great View of El Capitan (Except GIFTS & APPAREL 2:00pm - 5:00pm Blacksmithing Demonstration Pioneer Yosemite History Center. (NPS) July 27) 1.5 hrs. Moderately difficult. 5:30pm Vintage Music of Yosemite 4 hrs. Big Trees Lodge Lobby. Live music and history with Meet at Glacier Point Gift Shop. (NPS) Wawona pianist/singer Tom Bopp. History programs available upon request, usually given at 8:30pm. 5:30pm Full Moon Hike (Aug 17 Only) 2 hrs. Big Trees Lodge Store and To request a program, drop by the piano early in the evening and ask Tom. (YH) Meet at Sentinel Dome parking area. Pioneer Shop 7:30pm Campfire Talk (Except July 27 and Aug 3) 1 hr. Wawona Campground Amphitheater. Dress warm and bring flashlight. (NPS) Wednesday 8am to 8pm Topics vary nightly. (NPS) Wawona Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio 10:00am - 2:00pm Horse-Drawn Stage Rides 10 mins. each. Purchase tickets in Stage Office in 7:45pm Sunset Centennial Celebration 8:30am to 5pm Pioneer Yosemite History Center, $5 adult / $4 child 3-12. (NPS) $ Talk (Aug 25 Only) 30 mins. Glacier 9:00am Tour of Pioneer Yosemite History Center (Aug 25 Only) 1 hr. Learn how Yosemite’s Point Railing, overlooking the Valley. Glacier Point pioneers were instrumental in the birth and development of the National Park idea. Meet (NPS) Gift Shop at Wawona Covered Bridge in Pioneer Yosemite History Center. (NPS) 9:00pm GLACIER POINT STARRY NIGHT 9am to 7pm, weather permitting 10:00am JUNIOR RANGER TALK (Aug 25 Only) 15 mins. Learn about Park Rangers and what we SKIES OVER YOSEMITE 1 hr. do in National Parks across America. Front of Wawona Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio. (NPS) Discover the stories of the night sky at POST OFFICE 10:00am - 2:00pm Horse-Drawn Stage Rides 10 mins. each. (Free on Aug 25 Only) Horse-Drawn Glacier Point. Advanced registration Stage rides in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the establishment of the National Park required, tickets and information are Wawona Post Office Service. Obtain pass from the Stage Office in Pioneer Yosemite History Center (NPS) available at any tour and activity desk. Monday-Friday: 9am to 5pm 10:00am – 1:00pm / 2:00pm to 5:00pm Blacksmithing Demonstration Pioneer Yosemite History Shuttle services available. (YH) $ Saturday: 9am to noon Center. (NPS) & 11:00am Tour of Pioneer Yosemite History Center (Aug 25 Only) 1 hr. Learn how Yosemite’s GAS STATION pioneers were instrumental in the birth and development of the National Park idea. Meet at Wawona Covered Bridge in Pioneer Yosemite History Center. (NPS) Big Trees Lodge Service Station 12:00pm JUNIOR RANGER TALK (Aug 25 Only) 15 mins. Learn about Park Rangers and what we 8am to 5pm Diesel & propane Thursday do in National Parks across America. Front of Wawona Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio. (NPS) available. Pay at the pump 24 hours 1:00pm Tour of Pioneer Yosemite History Center (Aug 25 Only) 1 hr. Learn how Yosemite’s with credit or debit card. pioneers were instrumental in the birth and development of the National Park idea. Meet at Wawona Covered Bridge in Pioneer Yosemite History Center. (NPS) 2:00pm JUNIOR RANGER TALK (Aug 25 Only) 15 mins. Learn about Park Rangers and what we GOLF do in National Parks across America. Front of Wawona Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio. (NPS) 8am to 6pm, weather and 4:00pm JUNIOR RANGER TALK (Aug 25 Only) 15 mins. Learn about Park Rangers and what we conditions permitting. Nine-hole, do in National Parks across America. Front of Wawona Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio. (NPS) par-35 course. 5:30pm Vintage Music of Yosemite 4 hrs. Big Trees Lodge Lobby. Live music and history with pianist/singer Tom Bopp. History programs available upon request, usually given at 8:30pm. SHUTTLES To request a program, drop by the piano early in the evening and ask Tom. (YH) 7:30pm Campfire Talk 1 hr. Wawona Campground Amphitheater. Topics vary nightly. (NPS) Glacier Point Shuttle from Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area 10:00am – 2:00pm Horse-Drawn Stage Rides 10 mins. each. Purchase tickets in Stage Office in 2:00pm Ranger Walk - Cliffs and Domes This FREE shuttle service runs from Pioneer Yosemite History Center, $5 adult / $4 child 3-12. (NPS) $ 2 hrs. Meet at Taft Point/Sentinel Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area 10:00am – 1:00pm / 2:00pm to 5:00pm Blacksmithing Demonstration Pioneer Yosemite History Dome parking area on Glacier Point (YSSA) to Glacier Point beginning at Center. (NPS) Road. (NPS) 10am. The last shuttle from YSSA 5:30pm Vintage Music of Yosemite 4 hrs. Big Trees Lodge Lobby. Live music and history with 7:15pm Sunset Ranger Talk 30 mins. leaves at 4:30pm and from Glacier pianist/singer Tom Bopp. History programs available upon request, usually given at 8:30pm. Glacier Point railing, overlooking the Point at 5:30pm. This shuttle will Friday To request a program, drop by the piano early in the evening and ask Tom. (YH) Valley. (NPS) be required when the Glacier Point 7:30pm Campfire Talk 1 hr. Wawona Campground Amphitheater. Topics vary nightly. (NPS) 8:15pm Stars Over Yosemite (Except parking lot is full; however, visitors with Aug 19) Glacier Point amphitheater. Canceled if overcast. (NPS) accessibility placards, valid wilderness permits for trailheads along Glacier 8:00am Coffee with a Ranger (Hot Cocoa too!) 45 mins. Bring a mug if you have one. 2:00pm Ranger Walk - Cliffs and Domes Point Road, or are camping at Bridalveil Wawona Campground Amphitheater. (NPS) 2 hrs. Meet at Taft Point/Sentinel Creek Campground will be allowed 9:00am Nature Walk with a Ranger 2 hrs. Meet at The Redwoods In Yosemite Vacation Home Dome parking area on Glacier Point to continue. There is no free shuttle Rentals office on Chilnualna Falls Road. For questions please call 855/290-3499. (NPS) Road. (NPS) available for hikers from Glacier Point 9:00am JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM 1.5 hrs. Especially for ages 7-12. Meet at Wawona 7:15pm Sunset Ranger Talk 30 mins. or YSSA to Yosemite Valley. Campground Amphitheater (NPS) Glacier Point railing, overlooking the 10:00am – 2:00pm Horse-Drawn Stage Rides 10 mins. each. Purchase tickets in Stage Office in Valley. (NPS) Glacier Point Starry Nights Shuttle Pioneer Yosemite History Center, $5 adult / $4 child 3-12. (NPS) $ 8:15pm Stars Over Yosemite (Except Aug 20) from Yosemite Valley 10:00am – 1:00pm / 2:00pm to 5:00pm Blacksmithing Demonstration Pioneer Yosemite History Glacier Point amphitheater. Canceled Saturday Center. (NPS) if overcast. (NPS) Visit any Tour and Activity Desk for 5:30pm Vintage Music of Yosemite 4 hrs. Big Trees Lodge Lobby. Live music and history with times and information. pianist/singer Tom Bopp. History programs available upon request, usually given at 8:30pm. To request a program, drop by the piano early in the evening and ask Tom. (YH) 7:30pm Campfire Talk 1 hr. Wawona Campground Amphitheater. Topics vary nightly. (NPS)

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

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Tuolumne Meadows south of Tioga Road, along the road to Tuolumne Sunday, August 7 Saturday, August 27 Meadows Lodge, across from shuttle stop #3. 2pm to 3:30pm 2pm to 3:30pm •Please walk on official trails to protect fragile Beautiful World The Hour of Land: A Personal Topography of meadow ecosystems. - Performance by singer-songwriter Eliza America’s National Parks •Dogs, bicycles, and strollers are only allowed SUMMER SERIES Gilkyson with guitarist Nina Gerber. A conversation and reading by Terry Tempest on roads open to vehicles. Allow 30 minutes walking time to Parsons Williams, writer, activist, and author of The •Day-hikers and backpackers must go to the Memorial Lodge from either Lembert Dome Saturday, August 13 Hour of Land, with a special guest bathroom at least 100 feet away from water, trail, parking area or the Tuolumne Meadows Visi- 2pm to 3:30pm and camp areas; bury human waste six inches tor Center. Admission is free. Vanishing Ice, Vanishing History: Natural Big Oak Flat deep; pack out toilet paper and all other trash. and Cultural Implications of Glacier Loss in Saturday, July 30 BIG OAK FLAT INFORMATION STATION Yosemite National Park Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center 2pm to 3:30pm Open 8am to 5pm. Information about park Illustrated talk by Greg Stock, Park Geologist Open 9am to 6pm. Park orientation, maps, trail A Way Across the Mountain: activities, wilderness permits, trail information, information, books, and displays available. Joseph Walker’s 1833 Trans-Sierran Passage Sunday, August 14 books, bear canister rentals, and maps and the Myth of Yosemite’s Discovery 2pm to 3:30pm available. The center is located just inside the Parsons Memorial Lodge, Illustrated talk and reading by Scott Stine, The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History park entrance on Highway 120 West. McCauley Cabin, and Soda Springs scientist and professor, California State Illustrated talk and discussion with Elizabeth Two trails, both flat and 3/4-mile long, lead to University, East Bay, and author of A Way Kolbert, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Tuolumne Grove this historic area accessible only by walking. Across the Mountain journalist. The trailhead for this grove of approximately Parsons Memorial Lodge is open 10am to 4pm. 25 sequoias is near the intersection of the Big Soda Springs are small, naturally-carbonated 20th Annual Tuolumne Meadows Sunday, July 31 Oak Flat and Tioga roads at Crane Flat. The springs that attract birds and deer, especially 2pm to 5pm Poetry Festival* former route of the Big Oak Flat Road leads at sunrise and sunset. Meadows Symposium: Patterns of Saturday and Sunday, August 20 and 21 downhill from the parking area into the grove. Lodgepole Pine Encroachment into Subalpine Morning workshops and afternoon readings Just for Kids The trail drops 500 feet (150 meters) in one Meadows of the Central Sierra with music featuring poets Sherwin Bitsui, Programs for children include Junior Rangers, a mile. The way down can seem much easier than Illustrated talk by Kaitlin Lubetkin, Ph.D., Alison Hawthorne Deming, Kay Ryan, and two-hour ranger-led program for children (ages the uphill return to the parking lot. The trip is University of California, Merced, followed musician Shira Kammen 7-12), and Campfire for Kids. moderately strenuous. Within the Tuolumne by a series of talks and a panel discussion Saturday, August 20 Grove there is an easy, half-mile, self-guided Ranger Walks with Jim Roche, Park Hydrologist; Vicky 10am to 11:30am nature trail. There is no potable water at the Join a ranger to explore new areas and learn Hartman, Ecological Restoration Project The Song Within: Poetry as Landscape parking area or in the grove. Be sure to bring about geology, birds, flowers, history, the Manager; Matt Jones, Biologist; Connie Millar, Writing workshop with Sherwin Bitsui drinking water with you. Tuolumne River, and more. These walks range Senior Scientist, USFS; and Mark Fincher, from one to eight hours and, except for the Wilderness Specialist 2pm to 3:30pm Merced Grove long walks, are fairly easy. Featured poets and music Yosemite’s quietest stand of sequoias is the Saturday, August 6 Merced Grove, a group of approximately 20 Evening Activities 10am to 12 noon 7:30pm to 10pm big trees accessible only on foot. It’s a three- Come to a traditional, ranger-led campfire Mountain Inspiration Open reading and music mile round-trip hike (about three hours) into program for stories, songs, and insight into Writing and yoga en plein air with Heather Sunday, August 21 the grove. The trail drops down 1.5 miles Yosemite. Program topics vary and are posted Sullivan, Balanced Rock co-founder and 10am to 11:30am making this a moderately strenuous hike on at the campground, Tuolumne Meadows program director; bring a yoga mat or blanket, Singing the Animal World the uphill portion. There is no potable water at Lodge, and Tuolumne Meadows Visitor pen and paper, water, and appropriate layers Poetry workshop with Alison Hawthorne the parking area or down in the grove. Be sure Center. End your day with a star program— of clothing. Deming bring a pad to sit on and dress warmly. to bring drinking water with you. The grove 2pm to 3:30pm is located 3½ miles north of Crane Flat and 2pm to 3:30pm Tuolumne Wilderness Center Ooolation! Singers 4½ miles south of the Big Oak Flat Entrance Featured poets and music Open 8am to 5pm. Visit the wilderness center to A performance of nature-inspired music by along the Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120 learn about wilderness safety, plan trips, obtain young singers led by hammer dulcimer player *This event is supported in part by Poets & Writers West). The trail is marked by a sign and a post wilderness permits and maps, and rent bear Malcolm Dalglish, singers Joshua Stephen through grants it has received from The James labeled B-10. canisters. The wilderness center is located just Kartes, Naomi Dalglish, and Charlie Jesseph. Irvine Foundation and the Hearst Foundations.

10 Yosemite Guide July 27, 2016 - August 30, 2016

FOOD & BEVERAGE TUOLUMNE MEADOWS HETCH HETCHY, HODGDON MEAD- OWS, CRANE FLAT, WHITE WOLF Tuolumne Meadows Tuolumne Meadows Grill 8:00am Coffee with a Ranger 1 hr. Dana Circle in Tuolumne Meadows Campground. *See local postings for additional ranger programs: additional campfire 8am to 6pm Bring questions and a cup. (NPS) programs and other naturalist walks may be available. Tuolumne Meadows Lodge 8:00am Yosemite Day Hike: Mysteries of the Meadows (Aug 28 Only) 8 hrs. See Dining Room page 6 for more information. (YC) $ 9:00am Ranger on the Dam Drop-In 2 hrs. Meet at the 10:00am Ranger Walk - Sketching in Tuolumne 2 hrs. Lembert Dome picnic area. O’Shaugnessy dam. (NPS) Breakfast: 7am to 9am, Bring sunglasses, sketchbook/journal, pen, and pencil with an eraser. (NPS) 9:00am Plant Walk 1 hr. Meet in front of the White Wolf Lodge. (NPS) Reservations recommended. 10:00am Ranger Hike - Lembert Dome 3 hrs. Moderately strenuous 3 miles. Dog Lake parking, shuttle stop #2. Bring snacks and water. (NPS) Dinner: 5:30pm to 8pm, 10:00am Poetry Workshop - Singing the Animal World (Aug 21 Only) 1.5 hrs. Reservations Strongly recommended: Parsons Lodge. Bring pen and paper. (NPS) 209/372-8413 11:00am Cleanup and Conversation with climber Ron Kauk 1.5 hrs. Sunday East end of Tenaya Lake, shuttle stop #9. (NPS) 12:00pm Ranger Talk – Welcome to Tuolumne! 15 mins. Tuolumne Meadows Visitor White Wolf Center parking lot. (NPS) White Wolf Lodge Dining Room 2:00pm Parsons Summer Series (Except Aug 28) 1.5-3 hrs. See details on page 10. (NPS) 2:00pm Indians in the High Country (Aug 28 Only) 2 hrs. Lembert Dome picnic area. (NPS) Breakfast: 7:30am to 10am 3:00pm Ranger Talk - Welcome to Tuolumne! 15 mins. Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Take-out Lunch: Noon to 2pm Center parking lot. (NPS) Dinner: 5:30pm to 8pm 8:00pm Campfire 1 hr. Dana Circle in Tuolumne Meadows Campground. (NPS) 10:00am Ranger Walk - Maps: Exploring a Lost Art 2 hrs. Pothole Dome shuttle 8:00pm Ranger Campfire 1 hr. Crane Flat Campground stop #8. (NPS) Amphitheater. (NPS) GROCERIES 10:00am Ranger Hike - Disappearance… Reappearance? at Dog Lake 4 hrs. 8:00pm Bats! 1 hr. Be a Citizen Scientist for the night. Join a Ranger Moderately strenuous. 3 miles. Dog Lake parking, shuttle stop #2. Bring lunch, and assist with acoustical monitoring of bats. Meet at the fee water, and raingear. (NPS) deposit station at White Wolf Campground. (NPS) Tuolumne Meadows 12:00pm Ranger Talk - Welcome to Tuolumne! 15 mins. Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center parking lot. (NPS) Store 2:00pm Ranger Walk - From Bears to Butterflies: High Country Wildlife 2 hrs. 8am to 8pm Tuolumne Meadows Campground Reservation Office. (NPS) Monday Crane Flat 3:00pm Ranger Talk - Welcome to Tuolumne! 15 mins. Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center parking lot. (NPS) Store 8:00pm Campfire 1 hr. Dana Circle in Tuolumne Meadows Campground. (NPS) 8am to 8pm 8:00pm Stars Over Mono Lake 1.5 hrs. Meet at South Tufa in Mono Basin. Bring a pad 24 Hour Pay at the Pump available to sit on and dress warmly. (NPS) 9:30am Ranger Hike – Elizabeth Lake 5-6 hrs. Moderately strenuous. 5 miles. Meet at 9:00am Bears and other Wildlife 1.5 hrs. Meet at White Wolf Tuolumne Meadows Campground Reservation Office. Bring lunch, water, and Campfire Circle. (NPS) GIFTS & APPAREL raingear. (NPS) 8:00pm Bats! 1 hr. Be a Citizen Scientist for the night. Join a Ranger 10:00am Botanical Walk (NPS) and assist with acoustical monitoring of bats. Meet at the fee August 2 and 9: Dana Gardens 2 hrs. Meet just outside of Tioga Pass Entrance deposit station at Tamarack Flat Campground. (NPS) Tuolumne Meadows Station on north side of road. August 16 and 23: Gaylor Ridge 2 hrs. Meet just outside of Tioga Pass Tuolumne Meadows Bookstore Entrance Station on north side of road. Steep trail. Inside the Visitor Center August 30: Bennettville Mine 4 hrs. Meet at Tioga Lake turnout east of Tioga 9am to 6pm Pass. Bring lunch and raingear.

Tuesday 12:00pm Ranger Talk - Welcome to Tuolumne! 15 mins. Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Tuolumne Meadows Store Center parking lot. (NPS) 8am to 8pm 2:00pm JUNIOR RANGER WALK 2 hrs. Ages 7-12. Pothole Dome shuttle stop #8. (NPS) 3:00pm Ranger Talk - Welcome to Tuolumne! 15 mins. Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Big Oak Flat Center parking lot. (NPS) Big Oak Flat Bookstore 7:00pm Ranger Walk - Sunset 45 mins. Lembert Dome picnic area. (NPS). Inside the Information Staton 8:00pm Campfire 1 hr. Dana Circle in Tuolumne Meadows Campground. (NPS) 9am to 5pm 7:30am Ranger Walk - Birds (Except July 27) 3 hrs. Lembert Dome picnic area. Binoculars 1:00pm Ranger in the Grove Drop-In (Except July 27) 2 hrs. available. (NPS) A Ranger will be in the Tuolumne Grove of Sequoias, please join 8:00am Coffee with a Ranger (Except July 27) 1 hr. Dana Circle in Tuolumne Meadows us to learn more about these magnificent trees. (NPS) POST OFFICE Campground. Bring questions and a cup. (NPS) 8:00pm Bats! (Except July 27) 1 hr. Be a Citizen Scientist for the night. 8:30am Awakening to the Meadows: Stretching and Observation (Except July 27) Join a Ranger and assist with acoustical monitoring of bats at 1.5 hrs. Lembert Dome picnic area. Bring a mat, pad, or towel. (NPS) Hodgdon Meadows. Sign up at Big Oak Flat information Station Tuolumne Meadows 10:00am DISCOVERY WALK FOR LITTLE CUBS (Except July 27) 50 mins. Ages 4-6. or call 209/379-1899. Post Office Tuolumne Meadows Campground Reservation Office. (NPS) Monday – Friday: 9am to 5pm 10:00am Ranger Walk - Geology of Tuolumne Meadows (Except July 27) 2 hrs. Pothole Dome shuttle stop #8. (NPS) Saturday: 9am to 1pm 12:00pm Ranger Talk - Welcome to Tuolumne! (Except July 27) 15 mins. Tuolumne Programs printed in ALL CAPS Meadows Visitor Center parking lot. (NPS) 1:30pm Ranger Walk - The Wild and Scenic Tuolumne River (Except July 27) 2 hrs. AND COLOR are especially for GAS STATIONS Wednesday Lembert Dome picnic area. (NPS) 3:00pm Ranger Talk - Welcome to Tuolumne! (Except July 27) 15 mins. Tuolumne children and their families. Meadows Visitor Center parking lot. (NPS) Crane Flat 7:00pm CAMPFIRE FOR KIDS (Except July 27) 45 mins. Conness Circle, Loop C in Tuolumne Meadows Campground. (NPS) 8am to 8pm 8:00pm Campfire (Except July 27) 1 hr. Dana Circle in Tuolumne Meadows Campground. (NPS) Diesel & propane available. 9:30pm Ranger Talk – Stars (Except July 27) 1 hr. Lembert Dome picnic area. Bring a pad Pay at the pump 24 hours with to sit on and dress warmly. (NPS) credit or debit card. 10:00am Ranger Walk - Domes and Meadows (Except Aug 25) 2 hrs. Pothole Dome 8:00am Coffee with a Ranger Drop-In (Except Aug 25) 1 hr. Bring shuttle stop #8. (NPS) your own mug. White Wolf Campfire Circle. (NPS) 10:00am Centennial Celebration Hike to the Top of Lembert Dome (Aug 25 Only) 9:00am Ranger on the Dam Drop-In (Except Aug 25) 2 hrs. Meet at SHUTTLE BUS 3 hrs. Moderately strenuous 3 miles. Dog Lake parking, shuttle stop #2. Bring snacks the O’Shaugnessy dam. (NPS) and water. (NPS) 5:00pm Hetch Hetchy – Where it all began! (Aug 25 Only) 1 hr. Olmsted Pt. / Tuolumne / Tioga Pass 11:00am Ranger Hike - Tenaya Lake Exploration 3 hrs. Easy. 2 miles. East end of Celebrating 100 Years of the National Park Service. O’Shaugnessy Tenaya Lake, shuttle stop #9. Bring lunch, water, and raingear. (NPS) Dam. (NPS) Shuttle service is available along the 12:00pm Ranger Talk - Welcome to Tuolumne! 15 mins. Tuolumne Meadows Visitor 7:00pm The Black Bears of Yosemite 1 hr. Meet at the Crane Flat Tioga Road from to Tioga Center parking lot. (NPS) Campground entrance kiosk (NPS) Pass, for a fee, payable by cash only. See 2:00pm Ranger Walk - The Secret Life of Plants 2 hrs. Lembert Dome picnic area. (NPS) 8:00pm Campfire – Celebrating 100 Years!(Aug 25 Only) 1 hr.

Thursday 2:00pm CELEBRATORY JUNIOR RANGER WALK (Aug 25 Only) 2 hrs. Ages 7-12. Pothole Stephen T. Mather and the National Park Service. Crane Flat map on page 10. Dome shuttle stop #8 (NPS) Amphitheater. (NPS) 3:00pm Ranger Talk - Welcome to Tuolumne! 15 mins. Tuolumne Meadows Visitor 8:00pm Bats! 1 hr. Be a Citizen Scientist for the night. Join a Ranger Shuttle Service begins at the Lodge at Center parking lot. (NPS) and assist with acoustical monitoring of bats at Crane Flat. Sign 7:00pm Ranger Walk - Sunset 45 mins. Lembert Dome picnic area. (NPS) up at Big Oak Flat information Station or call 209/379-1899. 7am. The Shuttles arrive at approximately 8:00pm Campfire 1 hr. Dana Circle in Tuolumne Meadows Campground. (NPS) 8:00pm Yosemite’s Night Sky - Crane Flat 2 hrs. Sign up at the Big 30-minute intervals between 7am and Oak Flat Information Station or by calling 209/379-1899. (NPS) 7pm. Stop times are posted at bus stops. 8:00am Coffee with a Ranger 1 hr. Dana Circle in Tuolumne Meadows Campground. 7:00pm Twilight program - Owls 1 hr. Meet in front of the White Bring questions and a cup. (NPS) Wolf Lodge. (NPS) 9:30am VOLUNTEER DROP IN PROGRAM Meet in front of the Tuolumne Store, subject to 8:00pm Ranger Campfire 1 hr. Crane Flat Campground There are a number of different stops conditions and road closures. See program description on page 5. (NPS) Amphitheater (NPS) between Olmsted Point and Tioga 10:00am JUNIOR RANGER WALK 2 hrs. Ages 7-12. Dog Lake parking, shuttle stop #2. (NPS) Pass, with varying fees. A few of the 10:00am Ranger Walk - A Place Long Traveled: History of Tuolumne Meadows 2 hrs. Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center shuttle stop #6. (NPS) commonly asked about stops and fees 12:00pm Ranger Talk - Welcome to Tuolumne! 15 mins. Tuolumne Meadows Visitor are included below. Center parking lot. (NPS) Friday 1:00pm Ranger Walk - High Country Hawk Watch 3 hrs. Gaylor Lakes trailhead. Steep. 1 mile. Binoculars available. (NPS) TM Visitor Center to Tenaya Lake - $4 3:00pm Ranger Talk - Welcome to Tuolumne! 15 mins. Tuolumne Meadows Visitor TM Visitor Center to Olmsted Point - $6 Center parking lot. (NPS) 6:30pm Ranger Walk - Music and Mountains 75 mins. Lembert Dome picnic area. (NPS) TM Lodge to Tioga Pass - $8 8:00pm Campfire 1 hr. Dana Circle in Tuolumne Meadows Campground. (NPS)

For more information contact any tours 7:30am Ranger Walk - Birds 3 hrs. Lembert Dome picnic area. Binoculars available. (NPS) 1:00pm Ranger in the Grove Drop-In 2 hrs. A Ranger will be in and activity desk. 8:00am Yosemite Day Hike: Pika Romp (Aug 27 Only) 8 hrs. See page 6 for details. (YC) $ the Tuolumne Grove of Sequoias, please join us to learn more 9:00am Survival Scavenger Hunt: Tuolumne Meadows (Aug 6 Only) 8 hrs. See about these magnificent trees. (NPS) page 6 for more information. (YC) $ 8:00pm Ranger Campfire 1 hr. Crane Flat Campground Tuolumne Meadows Hiker’s Bus 9:15am Ranger Hike - Mono Pass (Except Aug 20 and 27) 6-8 hrs. Moderately strenuous. Amphitheater. (NPS) 8 miles. Meet at Mono Pass trailhead. Bring lunch, water, and raingear. (NPS) 8:00pm Ranger Campfire Program 1 hr. White Wolf Campfire Departs at 8am from Half Dome Village 10:00am JUNIOR RANGER WALK 2 hrs. Ages 7-12. Lembert Dome picnic area. (NPS) Circle (NPS) in Yosemite Valley with several stops 10:00am Parsons Summer Series Program (Aug 6 Only) 2 hrs. See details on preceding along the way. For a schedule and more page. (NPS) 10:00am Writing Workshop - The Song Within: Poetry as Landscape (Aug 20 Only) details, visit any Tours and Activity desk. 1.5 hrs. Parsons Lodge. Bring pen and paper. (NPS) 12:00pm Ranger Talk - Welcome to Tuolumne! 15 mins. Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center parking lot. (NPS)

Saturday 2:00pm Parsons Summer Series Program 1.5 hrs. See details on preceding page. (NPS) 3:00pm Ranger Talk - Welcome to Tuolumne! (Except Aug 27) 15 mins. Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center parking lot (NPS) 7:00pm CAMPFIRE FOR KIDS 45 mins. Conness Circle, Loop C in Tuolumne Meadows Campground. (NPS) 7:30pm Parsons Summer Series Program (Aug 20 Only) 2.5 hrs. See details on preceding page. (NPS) 8:00pm Campfire 1 hr. Dana Circle in Tuolumne Meadows Campground. (NPS) 9:30pm Ranger Talk - Stars 1 hr. Lembert Dome picnic area. Bring a pad to sit on and dress warmly. (NPS)

11 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Become a Junior Ranger

Follow these steps to earn your Junior Ranger badge.*

Yosemite National Park offers Follow these steps to earn your Junior Ranger badge.* a wide variety of programs and activities for kids of all ages! To Did you already finish this page and earn your Junior Ranger badge? Are you ready find kid-friendly programs, see for more Junior Ranger activities? Drop by a visitor center desk and pick up the free pages 6, 7, 9, and 11 of the Guide PSAR Junior Ranger booklet or Legacy Junior Ranger page to earn special patches! for program descriptions: 1. With an adult, pick a trail to walk. See page 17 of this Guide or stop by a visitor center to choose your trail. As you go, walk quietly, watch, listen, and Programs printed in think. ALL CAPS & COLOR are Write the name of the trail you walked. ______especially for Children and their Families 2. Explore with your senses! Record the following. I see: ______I hear: ______Be a naturalist. Look for these common Yosemite wild animals. If you see one, make a note by I smell: ______I touch: ______the animal’s picture below. If you don’t see any of these wild animals during your visit, choose one you did see and draw it in the box on this page. Where did you see it? What was it doing? Also, remember never to feed or approach an animal.

3. Leave no Trace! If you see trash or rubbish, pick it up. Junior Rangers learn to be good park stewards by bringing in a bag of trash. Recycle any recyclable Coyote materials you pick up or bring along. 4. Ask a Ranger! What President signed the Yosemite Grant Act on June 30, 1864, setting aside Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove for special protection?______5. Learn more. Go to a ranger-led program or visit with an Indian Cultural Demonstrator. What program did you attend? Have the ranger or demonstrator sign below. Signed by: ______6. Write down something you learned from a ranger or Indian Cultural Demonstrator. Black bear ______7. Think about this. Why do people work to protect national parks?

______8. When you complete this page, take it to a visitor center. Golden-mantled There you will take your oath and receive your Junior Ranger badge. ground squirrel

*Expanded Junior Ranger and Little Cub programs (and the chance to earn a patch) are available in the All issue illustrations by Tom Whitworth Junior Ranger or Little Cub Handbooks, which can be purchased at any Yosemite Conservancy bookstore.

12 Yosemite Guide July 27, 2016 - August 30, 2016 Bears and Wildlife

Enjoying wildlife safely and responsibly

Follow these steps to earn your Junior Ranger badge.* 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 Black bear “logging in.” Photo by Karen Amstutz attacks on humans are extremely rare, Keep Wildlife Wild! they are possible, just as is injury from any wild animal. Black bears, coyote, deer, and grey squirrels are just a few of the many animal species in the park that are active year round. Learn how to help protect Yosemite’s wildlife. For your safety: Do not leave pets or pet food Store Your Food Properly. Bears that become comfortable around open. When used correctly, bears learn outside and unattended. Pets can 4,000 to 20,000 calories worth of grasses, humans lose their natural fear of us and that—although they smell like food—the attract mountain lions. berries, acorns, and grubs—that’s the may become too aggressive. When that canisters are not worth investigating. Avoid hiking alone. Watch typical daily diet of most bears. It’s a lot happens, they sometimes have to be killed. children closely and never let easier for a bear to eat the thousands of Report Bear Sightings! them run ahead or lag behind on calories of food in an ice chest than it is Drive the speed limit. To report bear sightings, improper the trail. Teach children what to to spend all day nibbling at grasses. Their The most common human-related cause food storage, trash problems, and do if they see a lion. incredible sense of smell allows them of death for a black bear in Yosemite is other bear-related problems, leave a What should you do if you to detect things we can’t, which helps being hit by a car. Slow down! Driving message for the Bear Management meet a mountain lion? them find food—a black bear can smell too fast is almost always the cause of these Team at 209/372-0322. Your call can be Never approach one, especially if a dead deer three miles away. To top it accidental deaths. made anonymously. For more information it is with kittens. Most lions will off, bears have excellent vision and can regarding bears and proper food storage, avoid confrontation. Always give see in color, so they recognize ice chests, Red Bear, Dead Bear visit the park’s website (www.nps.gov/ them a way to escape. grocery bags, and other food containers Did you notice the red bear markers as yose/bears). as potential food sources. you drove through the park? Each of them Don’t run. Stay calm. Hold your mark a place where a bear was recently hit. Coyotes ground, or back away slowly. Face the lion and stand upright. If you see a bear, scare it away or Every year bears, hundreds of deer, and Watching a coyote hunting for mice in one Do all you can to appear larger. keep your distance. countless other animals are killed while of Yosemite’s many meadows can be an Raise your arms. If you have small You may not see a bear during your visit trying to cross park roads. Many of these amazing wildlife experience. Coyotes are children with you, pick them up. because they naturally avoid people. deaths could have been avoided if drivers opportunistic carnivores that primarily However, if you see one in a developed observed posted speed limits. prey on small mammals. Like bears, their If the lion behaves aggressively, area (like a campground or parking lot), diets change throughout the year with wave your arms, shout, and throw act immediately to scare it away: Make Please remember that Yosemite National food availability. objects at it. The goal is to convince noise and yell as loud as possible. If there Park is a wildlife preserve: by driving the it that you may be dangerous. If is more than one person, stand together speed limit you are helping to protect the Unfortunately, coyotes sometimes change attacked, fight back! to present a more intimidating figure, but park and its wildlife. their natural behavior to try to obtain Mountain lions are magnificent do not surround the bear. human food. Approaching, and/or feeding creatures and native to Yosemite. Backpackers: coyotes can cause them to lose their Generally, they are calm, quiet, If you see a bear anywhere else, consider Save Your Food, Save A Bear natural fear of humans. Please do not and elusive. Sightings are rare, so yourself lucky—but keep your distance (at Bear resistant food canisters are 2.7-pound stop to feed coyotes that you see along the if you spot one, consider yourself least 50 yards, or about the distance made containers that can be used to store five sides of the roads. This encourages them privileged! by four shuttle buses parked end to end). or more days of backpacker food when to frequent roadsides to beg for food, If you get too close, you will be helping the meals are carefully planned. Canisters endangering both coyotes and drivers. bear become used to being around people. have an inset lid that bears are unable to

How to Store Food “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 in your car (with windows closed) only Bears can smell food, even if it’s sealed in the trunk or glove during daylight hours. Do not store food in your car after dark: compartment, and they recognize boxes and bags as potential use a food locker. Remember to clear your car of food food sources. They can easily and quickly break into all kinds wrappers, baby wipes, and crumbs in baby seats. Never leave of vehicles! unattended food strapped to the outside of a vehicle or in a pickup truck bed. 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.

13 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Protect Yourself...

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.

Enjoying the Beauty of Yosemite distract drivers. If you cannot devote 100 HANTAVIRUS On August 25, 1916, a dream was finally percent of your attention to your driving, Mice are an important part of the realized when the National Park Service please pull completely off the road into ecosystem, but can carry diseases harmful became a reality to a small group of designated pull-off and parking areas. to humans. Hantavirus Pulmonary forward thinkers led by . Park rangers enforce California’s Motor Syndrome (HPS) is a rare but serious Their vision: to create a National Park Vehicle Code on park roads. Always disease spread to humans via the Service to protect our national parks “for buckle up. droppings, urine, or saliva of infected the enjoyment of future generations.” rodents. Not all rodents are infected with We are those future generations, now For all seasons... hantavirus, but infected rodents have been celebrating our centennial. In our early • Stay on established trails or in found throughout the US. years, many visitors simply enjoyed the developed areas – do not take trail parks for their sheer beauty but gradually shortcuts or approach the water. You may come into close proximity to rodents during your visit, so it is people began to appreciate the parks for Almost all of Yosemite’s non-traffic important you take steps to protect their numerous outdoor recreational related serious injuries occur off trail. yourself from HPS. HPS risk is greater opportunities. We have learned outdoor • Rock scrambling – leave this to the inside of buildings or other enclosures critters. activities have risks. Understanding these where deer mice are present. If staying in risks and proper planning will increase • Water and food – Carry more water guest lodging, please tell the housekeeping the probability that you will enjoy your than you need; stay hydrated and staff if you see evidence of mice in your park rather than recall your visit as a snack frequently – make sure you accommodations. Do not clean up the painful memory. Below are a few tips to have plenty of food and water. If you area yourself. Keep doors to guest lodging promote your enjoyment. are sweating, replace lost salts with shut and do not bring food into your cabin salty, easy-to-digest snacks. that is not in a sealed container. If you are Weather • “10 hiking essentials” – including a camping and backpacking, do not pitch The dogdays of summer are upon us and flashlight or headlamp, sunglasses, tents near rodent burrows or droppings. the heat is reaching all elevations. Prevent sunscreen, navigation, and a signaling HPS often begins with flu-like symptoms dehydration and heat related illnesses by method (mirror and whistle). such as aches, fever, and chills, one to sipping lots of water throughout the day • Let someone know – always leave seven weeks after exposure, progressing and frequently eating salty, easy-to-digest your travel and hiking plan, including to cough and difficulty in breathing. Seek your intended route and estimated snacks. Schedule physical activities before medical attention immediately if you the temperatures heat up. Hike and play time of return, with a trusted person. experience these symptoms and mention within your limits; do not let your brain If no one knows you are missing, no any potential rodent exposures to your write checks that your body cannot cash. one is going to be looking for you. physician. For more information on This is thunderstorm season. Remember, hantavirus and other environmental safety there is no safe place outside when thunder And remember this truism: you are the hazards visit: http://www.nps.gov/yose/ is audible. Follow the saying, “when one responsible for your safety. planyourvisit/yoursafety.htm. thunder roars, go indoors.” If you cannot reach a building or car (with a hard top), Avoid contact with wildlife and PLAGUE descend to lower elevations and away from keep food and trash stored properly. Plague is an infectious bacterial disease that is carried by squirrels, chipmunks ridges and outcroppings. Do not be the Wild animals in Yosemite can transmit and other wild rodents and their fleas. tallest object or near a tall object. numerous diseases, including plague, When an infected rodent becomes sick rabies, and hantavirus. Keeping your and dies, its fleas can carry the infection distance and your food from wildlife not Rivers and Streams to other warm-blooded animals including Yosemite’s streams present a temptation only protects them, it also protects you humans. for the curious, the photographer, and from injury and exposure to diseases. the overheated and weary hiker simply To protect yourself from plague, never wanting to cool tired feet. Hot weather If you encounter a mammal, particularly feed wildlife, avoid dropping food scraps only worsens this temptation but it does a raccoon, skunk, fox, coyote, or bat, that that attract rodents when eating outside, not reduce the danger of Yosemite’s swift is behaving erratically, don’t touch the avoid pitching a tent near or disturbing water. Yosemite’s water is deceptively animal. Instead, report the sick animal to rodent burrows, wear insect repellent dangerous and unforgiving. Visitors are a park employee. In addition to keeping with DEET, and tell a park ranger strongly urged to enjoy any moving or bears away, storing your food properly immediately if you see a dead animal. falling water from a safe distance. also reduces your exposure to rodents Early symptoms of plague may include PLEASE: Enjoy the water from the safety and their fleas, which may carry plague. high fever, chills, nausea, weakness, of the trail or in developed areas only! painful swelling at the site of an insect bite or lymph node, and other flu-like Yosemite’s Roads symptoms. If you develop any of these Traffic in Yosemite can be just as symptoms within 6 days of visiting an dangerous as it is in your home town area at risk for plague in the park, see along with additional hazards such as your doctor and inform them you may rock fall and abundant wildlife, including have been exposed. Plague is treatable deer and bear. Moreover, there are with antibiotics if given in time. plenty of scenic wonders that can easily

14 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park

...and Yosemite’s Wild Places

Protecting park resources

Protecting Yourself and the Park Yosemite Guardians Prepare yourself for a wild experience. Yosemite is a place where natural forces—such as rockfall, fire, and flood—are Visitors to Yosemite National Park are the constantly at work. Here, wildlife freely roams. This is a place where wilderness prevails. The National Park Service park’s most important guardians. With nearly 4 million people watching over recognizes the importance of Yosemite’s Wilderness and natural processes and is bound by its mission to protect them its special plants, animals, historic, and for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations. While you are enjoying your visit, be attentive to the special permit archeological sites, imagine how well- requirements and regulations in place to protect park resources and those designed for your safety. protected these park resources could be!

Wilderness Permit Information who reach the top of Half Dome without of the river, it is catch-and-release only During your visit to Yosemite be aware Wilderness permits are required year entering the subdome area may descend on for rainbow trout. Brown trout limits are that there are people who either round for all overnight trips into Yosemite’s the Half Dome Trail without a permit. More five fish per day. Only artificial lures or unknowingly or intentionally harm park Wilderness. Permits are issued and bear information is available at: http://www.nps. flies with barbless hooks may be used. resources. Please contact a park official if you see any of the following illegal acts: canisters are available for rent in Yosemite gov/yose/planyourvisit/hdpermits.htm. For • The use of live or dead minnows, bait backpackers, more information is available Valley (see page 5) and at the Hetch Hetchy fish or amphibians, non-preserved fish • Feeding or approaching wildlife Entrance Station during hours of operation. at: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/ eggs or roe is prohibited. Wilderness permits are also available at hdwildpermits.htm. • Collecting plants the Hill’s Studio in Wawona and at the Big • Hunting animals Pets Oak Flat Information Station (see pages 8 Rafting Keep in mind, daytime temperatures can • Collecting reptiles and butterflies and 10). Call the park’s main phone line at Conditions permitting, rafting on the reach above 100 degrees farenheit in the • Picking up archeological items, 209/372-0200, or check the web at www. in Yosemite Valley (Clark’s summer. Make sure to keep your pet such as arrowheads nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits. Bridge to El Capitan Bridge) and the South cool and well-hydrated. In Yosemite, pet htm, for additional information. For Fork of the Merced River in Wawona is • Using metal detectors owners have a few rules to follow: summer trips, reservations are taken from open from 10am to 6pm daily to any type • Driving vehicles into meadows 24 weeks to two days in advance of the of non-motorized vessel or other flotation • Pets are only allowed in developed • Biking off of paved roads start of your trip. A processing fee of $5 device. areas and on roads and paved bike paths. Pets are not allowed anywhere • Camping outside of designated per permit plus $5 per person is charged • The entire length of the Merced River in in the Mariposa or Merced sequoia campgrounds to each confirmed reservation. Check the Yosemite Valley is closed to all flotation groves. They are not allowed on trails, park’s website for trailhead availability and devices whenever the river gauge at • Possession of weapons inside in wilderness areas, or where signs are call 209/372-0740. Sentinel Bridge reads 6.5 feet or higher. federal facilities posted prohibiting them. Ask at a visitor center for conditions and • Possessing or using marijuana, Permit Required to Hike Half Dome obey all posted signs • Pets must be on a leash (6 feet or less) or including medical marijuana Permits to hike to the top of Half Dome otherwise physically restrained. • Operating an unmanned aircraft are required seven days a week when the • You must wear or have a U.S. Coast • For the courtesy of others, human system (“drone”) cables are up for 2016, May 27 through Guard-approved personal flotation companions are responsible for cleaning October 10, conditions permitting. A daily device immediately available. If you see activities that could harm up and depositing pet feces in trash total of 225 preseason lottery permits people or park resources, jot down any • Fallen trees and other natural debris in receptacles. have already been issued for 2016. In the river create important habitat for fish descriptions or a vehicle license plate • Pets are not allowed in any lodging addition, approximately 50 permits will and other wildlife. Be alert—they can number and call the park dispatch office facilities or other buildings within at 209/379-1992. be released by daily lottery throughout also create hazards for rafters. the season based on estimated under-use the park and are not allowed in some FOR MORE INFORMATION and cancellation rates (exact number campgrounds. Fishing To find out more about Yosemite may change throughout the summer). • Pets may not be tied to an object and left Fishing in Yosemite is regulated by state National Park regulations visit www.nps. Applications for daily lotteries will be unattended. law. A valid California sport-fishing license gov/yose/planyourvisit/yoursafety.htm accepted 2 days prior to the desired hiking is required for those persons age 16 years and find a copy of the Superintendent’s date between midnight and 1pm. To apply, and older. When fishing, the license must Bicycling Compendium. This document is a visit Recreation.gov or call 877/444-6777. be plainly visible by attaching it to an outer Each season, plants are crushed from compilation of designations, closures, A non-refundable application fee applies layer of clothing above the waistline. bicycle travel in meadows,campgrounds, permit requirements, and other to all submissions and a use fee applies to and picnic areas. Please respect park restrictions made by the superintendent, winning applicants. Finally, a daily quota • Trout season runs through November resources and keep bicycles on paved in addition to what is contained in Title of 75 Half Dome permits will be available 15 (except Frog Creek near Lake Eleanor, roads and paved bicycle trails. Bikes are not 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations to overnight users with an appropriate which opens June 15). allowed to travel off paved trails. Mountain (Chapter 1, Parts 1 through 7 and 34), wilderness permit (use fee applies). These • Special fishing regulations apply on the biking opportunities are available in and other applicable federal statutes and permits may be acquired through early Merced River in Yosemite Valley from designated areas outside of Yosemite. regulations. reservations (50 per day) or day before Happy Isles downstream to the Foresta walk-up (25 per day). Rock climbers Bridge in El Portal. Within these reaches

15 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Camping

An adventurous 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 For campground reservations, visit www. fills before 9am each day, May through Reservations are required March through recreation.gov (recommended) or call September. November for campsites in Yosemite 877/444-6777 or TDD 877/833-6777 or Camping in Yosemite. Photo by Ray Santos Valley’s car campgrounds and summer 518/885-3639 from outside the US and Camping in Areas through fall for Hodgdon Meadow, Crane Canada. Surrounding Yosemite Flat, Wawona, and half of Tuolumne The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) operates a General Info... Meadows. All other campgrounds (except Hours: variety of campgrounds on a seasonal basis group and stock campgrounds) are 7am to 7pm Pacific time near Yosemite. For additional information, To check same-day camping first-come, first-served. Campground (November through February) contact Groveland Ranger Station at availability, call 209/372-0266 reservations are available up to five 7am to 9pm Pacific time 209/962-7825; Mariposa Ranger Station at months in advance, on the 15th of each (March through October) 209/966-3638; Mono Lake Ranger Station Services month at 7am Pacific time. Log onto the Reservation offices in the park are located at 760/647-3044; or Oakhurst Ranger • Sites include picnic tables, firepits website or call as soon as possible as some in the visitor parking area at Half Dome Station at 559/683-4636. For private with grills, and a food locker (33"d x 45"w x 18"h). See page 5 for food campgrounds fill within a few minutes of Village (shuttle bus stop #14), the Tuolumne campgrounds outside Yosemite, call the storage regulations. the opening period. Meadows Campground entrance, in respective chamber of commerce or visitor • Toilets available in campgrounds; Wawona off Chilnualna Falls Road, and at bureau listed on page 10. however, Tamarack Flat, Yosemite Big Oak Flat Information Station. Creek, and Porcupine Flat have Group Campgrounds non-flushing vault toilets only ARRIVAL DATE FIRST DAY TO Yosemite Valley There are group campsites at Tuolumne and no potable water. MAKE RESERVATIONS (7AM PT) There is a 30-day camping limit within Meadows, Hodgdon Meadow, Wawona, • Shower and laundry facilities are Jan. 15 – Mar. 15 Sep. 15 Yosemite National Park in a calendar and Bridalveil Creek Campgrounds. available year-round in Yosemite Valley. Feb. 15 – Mar. 15 Oct. 15 year; however, May 1 to September 15, the Reservations can be made the same camping limit is 14 days and only seven way as individual site reservations; 13 to • RVs over 24ft. are not recommended Mar. 15 – Apr. 14 Nov. 15 for Tamarack Flat, Yosemite Creek, Apr. 15 – May 14 Dec. 15 of those days can be in Yosemite Valley 30 people are allowed in each group and Porcupine Flat campgrounds, or Wawona. campsite. Tent camping only. Pets, RVs, May 15 – Jun. 14 Jan. 15 and RVs are not permitted in and generators are not permitted in group Jun. 15 – Juj. 14 Feb. 15 Camp 4 is a walk-in campground and is walk-in and group campsites. sites. There are no hookups in Yosemite Jul. 15 – Aug. 14 Mar. 15 open all year on a first-come, first-served campgrounds, but there are Aug. 15 – Sep. 14 Apr. 15 basis; these campsites are not wheelchair sanitary dump stations in Yosemite accessible. Sites are available on a per- Sep. 15 – Oct. 14 May 15 Valley (all year), and summer person basis, and six people will be placed only in Wawona and Tuolumne Oct. 15 – Nov. 14 Jun. 15 in each campsite, regardless of number Meadows. Nov. 15 – Dec. 14 Jul. 15 of people in your party. Camp 4 often Regulations Dec. 15 – Jan. 14 Aug. 15 • Proper food storage is required 24 hours a day. • A maximum of six people (including Campgrounds in Yosemite National Park* children) and two vehicles are allowed per campsite. CAMPGROUND OPEN 2016 MAX RV MAX TRAILER RESERVATIONS DAILY FEE # OF SITES PETS WATER (APPROX) LENGTH LENGTH REQUIRED? • Quiet hours are from 10pm to 6am. • Where permitted, pets must be YOSEMITE VALLEY on a leash and may not be left Upper Pines All year 35 ft 24 ft Feb 11 - Nov 30 $26 238 Yes Tap unattended. Lower Pines Mar 28- Nov 1 40 ft 35 ft Yes $26 60 Yes Tap Campfires • In Yosemite Valley between May 1 North Pines Apr 4 - Nov 7 40 ft 35 ft Yes $26 81 Yes Tap No and September 30, campfires Camp 4 All year n/a First-come, first-served $6/person 35 No Tap are permitted between 5pm and RVs/trailers 10pm. At other times of the year SOUTH OF YOSEMITE VALLEY and in out-of-Valley campgrounds, Wawona All year 35 ft 35 ft April 11- Oct 10 $26 93 Yes Tap fires are permitted at any time, as long as they are attended. Bridalveil Creek July - Sep 19 35 ft 24 ft First-come,first-served $18 110 Yes Tap

• Firewood collection (including NORTH OF YOSEMITE VALLEY pine cones and pine needles) is not permitted in Yosemite Valley; Hodgdon Meadow All year 40 ft 30 ft Apr 11 – Oct 10 $26 105 Yes Tap you may purchase firewood at Crane Flat July - Oct 10 40 ft 30 ft Yes $26 166 Yes Tap stores near the campgrounds. Tamarack Flat May 27- Oct 15 No RVs/trailers First-come, first-served $12 52 Yes Creek (boil)

White Wolf July - Sep 26 27 ft 24 ft First-come, first-served $18 74 Yes Tap

Yosemite Creek July - Sep 5 No RVs/trailers First-come, first-served $12 75 Yes Creek (boil)

Porcupine Flat July – Oct 15 24 ft (limited) 20 ft First-come, first-served $12 52 Yes Creek (boil)

Tuolumne Meadows July 15 - Sep 26 35 ft 35 ft 50% $26 304 Yes Tap

* Exact campground opening and closing dates are subject to conditions.

16 Yosemite Guide July 27, 2016 - August 30, 2016 Hiking

Hikers on the Mist Trail, Yosemite National Park. Photo by Brian Ward FEATURED HIKE Choose your adventure With over 800 miles of hiking trails, what better way to enjoy the beauty of Yosemite than on foot? Ask a ranger Mirror Lake at any visitor center for one of several free, day-hike handouts. Excellent maps and guidebooks are available Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip at bookstores throughout the park. to the lake and back; 5 miles (8km) loop around the lake. Yosemite Valley Day Hikes Elevation Gain: 100 feet Difficulty: Easy to Moderate TRAIL / DESTINATION STARTING POINT DISTANCE / TIME DIFFICULTY / ELEVATION Time: 1 hour round-trip to the lake; 2-3 hours for the full loop. Bridalveil Fall Bridalveil Fall Parking Area 0.5 mile round-trip, 20 minutes Easy Begin at: Mirror Lake Trailhead (shuttle Lower Yosemite Fall Lower Yosemite Fall Shuttle Stop #6 1.0 mile round-trip, 20 minutes Easy stop #17) 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 Trail Description: Top of Upper Yosemite Fall Same as above 7.2 miles round-trip, 6–8 hours Very Strenuous 2,700-foot gain The first mile of this trail is a paved service Mirror Lake ( a seasonal lake) Mirror Lake Shuttle Stop #17 2 miles, 1 hour round-trip to Mirror Easy road that leads directly to Mirror Lake. You Lake, 5 miles, loop around lake may access the loop trail from the end of the Footbridge Happy Isles Shuttle Stop #16 1.4 miles round-trip, 1–2 hours Moderate, 400-foot gain paved path. The loop follows Tenaya Creek Top of Vernal Fall Happy Isles Shuttle Stop #16 3 miles round-trip, 2–4 hours Strenuous 1,000-foot gain beyond the lake, and crosses two bridges

Top of same as above 7 miles round-trip, 5–6 hours Strenuous 1,900-foot gain after the Snow Creek Trail junction before returning past Mirror Lake on the south side Top of Half Dome same as above 14 mi (via Mist Trail) or 16.3 mi Extremely Strenuous, (via John Muir Trail) round-trip, 4,800-foot gain of . (There is no safe access to 10–12 hours the north side of Mirror Lake directly from the Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point Southside Drive 4.8 miles one-way, 3–4 hours Very Strenuous, 3,200-foot gain one-way south side of the loop, except via bridges at Valley Floor Loop Lower Yosemite Fall Shuttle Stop #6 13 miles full loop, 5–7 hours full loop Moderate the west and east ends of the trail).

Day Hikes Outside of Yosemite Valley Mirror Lake has little water much of the year and, while pleasant at any time of TRAIL / DESTINATION STARTING POINT DISTIANCE / TIME DIFFICULTY / ELEVATION year, it is fullest in spring and early summer,

WAWONA when Tenaya Creek flows freely with fresh

Wawona Meadow Loop Big Trees Lodge 3.5 miles round-trip, 1.5 hours Easy snowmelt. When water is calm, the lake offers beautiful reflections of surrounding Wawona Store / Pioneer Yosemite Swinging Bridge Loop 4.75 miles round-trip, 2 hours Moderate Hist. Ctr. Parking Area cliffs. Exhibits along the trail tell the story of GLACIER POINT ROAD Mirror Lake’s lake-to-meadow succession, Taft Point Sentinel Dome Parking Area 2.2 miles round-trip, 2 hours Easy to Moderate and also highlight some of the cultural history

Sentinel Dome Sentinel Dome Parking Area 2.2 miles round-trip, 2 hours Moderate of the area. Mirror Lake is often referred to as Mirror Meadow in late summer due to the TUOLUMNE MEADOWS AREA lack of water and the influx of grasses and Soda Springs / Parsons Lodge Lembert Dome Parking Area 1.5 miles round-trip, 1 hour Easy sandy areas. Lembert Dome Lembert Dome Parking Area 4 miles round-trip, 3 to 4 hours Moderately Strenuous

John Muir Trail through Lyell Canyon Dog Lake Parking Area 8 miles one-way, 3 to 4 hours Easy, 200-foot gain Things to know before you go: Tuolumne Meadows Elizabeth Lake 4.8 miles round trip, 4 to 5 hours Moderate Group Campground •Stay away from swiftly-moving water.

TIOGA ROAD Keep children from wandering on or near these hazards. Choose swimming areas Lukens Lake White Wolf1 5.4 miles round-trip, 3 to 4 hours Moderate carefully and swim only during low water Moderate, 3,500- to Yosemite Valley via Porcupine Creek Porcupine Creek1 7 miles one-way, 4 to 6 hours 4,000-foot loss conditions. 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 •Always supervise children closely.

Yosemite Valley via Tenaya Lake1 19 miles one-way, 10 to 12 hours Strenuous •Avoid areas of whitewater, where streams

HETCH HETCHY flow over rocky obstructions.

Wapama Falls O’Shaughnessy Dam 5 miles round-trip, 3 to 4 hours Easy to Moderate

1These are drop-off points via the Tuolumne Meadows Hikers’ Bus.

17 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park

FeatureWhat A Story Worthy Investment by Park Ranger Moses Chun

The President and First Lady join a 4th grade Every Kid In a Park program and pose for a group photo. NPS Photo

n August 25th, 2016, we will serving as an inspiring backdrop. “So about the park. A major focus over the Whether you are a first time visitor or Ocommemorate 100 years of the as we look back over the last 100 years, past year has been President Obama’s a long-term supporter of Yosemite, we National Park Service! For the past two there’s plenty to celebrate about a national “Every Kid In a Park” (EKIP) initiative, need your help to protect these places for years, parks across the country, including parks system that is the envy of the world. which gives 4th graders across the country the next generation. Remember that our Yosemite, have been commemorating the But when we look to the next century, the a free annual pass to experience and learn country’s most beautiful places belong to NPS Centennial by inviting our visitors next 100 years, the task of protecting our about their public lands. During the First all people and it is our shared responsibility to “Find Your Park” through special sacred places is even more important. And Family’s visit, President Obama and First to preserve the natural beauty and history youth initiatives and outreach, programs, the biggest challenge we’re going to face Lady Michelle Obama surprised 4th that the parks hold. President Obama projects, and special events. Though the in protecting this place and places like it graders from underserved communities reminds us, “What an incredible idea. NPS 100th Anniversary occurs on August is climate change.” (a group from the Police Explorers What a worthy investment. What a 25th, the park was honored to celebrate Program in Livingston, CA and a group precious thing we have to pass on to the the NPS Centennial early with a historic In his remarks, President Obama noted from Miraloma Elementary School in next generation. Let’s make that happen.” visit by President Obama and the First that preserving the stories that have San Francisco with NatureBridge) at their Help us thrive for our next 100 years! Family. This was the first visit to Yosemite shaped this country and protecting ranger program to highlight the initiative. by a sitting president in over 50 years. the parks is a priority and a duty of all They interacted with the students and DID YOU KNOW... Yosemite National Park staff rose to the Americans. He urged the audience to step personally handed out passes to each 4th occasion and helped the First Family have up and take action in helping preserve the grader. The students were overjoyed to • The last sitting president to visit a spectacular visit. parks for future generations. “The idea meet the President and First Lady, and Yosemite was John F. Kennedy in that these places that sear themselves were thrilled to get the EKIP pass so 1962? During their visit, President Obama into your memory can be marred or lost they could return to the park with their • Yosemite brought over 1,200 fourth and the First Family greeted park staff to history, that’s to be taken seriously. We families. grade students to Yosemite through and thanked them for their service. The can’t treat these things as something that the Every Kid in a Park initiative Obamas were inspired and awed by we deal with later, that it’s somebody else’s Yosemite National Park was honored during the 2016 school year? Yosemite’s beauty throughout their three- problem... Because the parks belong to all to host the First Family and thankful • President Obama has designated day visit. In addition to taking in the iconic of us. This planet belongs to all of us....We for President Obama’s support of the over 265 million acres of public land sights and hiking throughout the park, have to have the foresight and the faith in National Park Service Centennial in and waters during his presidency? President Obama and First Lady Michelle the future to do what it takes to protect inspiring future generations of park • The National Parks were protected Obama made it a priority to celebrate the our parks and to protect this planet for stewards. President Obama said it best by the U.S. Army Calvary before the NPS Centennial and significance of our generations to come.” when he remarked, “It’s a park that creation of the National Park Service parks, while also addressing challenges the captures the wonder of the world; that in 1916? Units like the African- NPS will face in its second century, such The NPS Centennial is a celebration of changes you by being here. There’s American Buffalo Soldiers were the pioneers of public land protection, as climate change, diversity and continued stewardship and service, and a challenge to something sacred about this place. And I including here in Yosemite. protection of our national treasures. the next generation to join us in caring for suppose that’s why the walls of the valley these sacred places for future generations. were referred to as cathedral walls— • All 4th graders can receive a free pass to U.S. public lands and waters? President Obama addressed an audience As part of the Centennial goal, Yosemite because here at Yosemite, we connect That’s a lot of parks! Check out of 300 guests in Yosemite Valley, with has focused on inviting young people and not just with our own spirit, but with EveryKidInAPark.gov Cook’s Meadow and Yosemite Falls new audiences to experience and learn something greater.”

18 Yosemite Guide July 27, 2016 - August 30, 2016 Feature StorySupporting Your Park

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

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

The Ansel Adams Gallery Yosemite Hospitality LLC NatureBridge Yosemite Conservancy

The Ansel Adams Gallery, owned by the Yosemite Hospitality, a division of Aramark, NatureBridge provides residential Through the support of donors, Yosemite family of photographer Ansel Adams operates lodging, food and beverage, field science programs for youth in the Conservancy provides grants and support since 1902, is a center that celebrates retail, recreational activities, tours, world’s most spectacular classroom to Yosemite National Park to help preserve the arts and the natural grandeur of our interpretive programs, transportation, - Yosemite National Park. Through and protect Yosemite today and for environment. It cultivates an aesthetic and service stations under contract active student engagement, our faculty future generations. Work funded by appreciation and concern for our world with the U.S. Department of Interior teaches science, history, and the arts the Conservancy is visible throughout by offering visitors a unique variety of with a focus on delivering authentic and and gives these subjects context through the park, in trail rehabilitation, wildlife literature and art, as well as programs memorable guest experiences. Yosemite personal experience. A NatureBridge protection and habitat restoration. that inspire creativity. Visit online at: Hospitality encourages employees to learning adventure strives to foster a The Conservancy is also dedicated to www.anseladamsgallery.com. immerse themselves in the Park and all life-long connection to the natural world enhancing the visitor experience and of the experiences offered. and responsible actions to sustain it. Find providing a deeper connection to the park out more about our year-round programs through outdoor programs, volunteering, For more information on employment for schools and summer programs for wilderness services and its bookstores. Contact Us opportunities with Yosemite Hospitality Yosemite National Park individual teens at www.naturebridge. Thanks to dedicated supporters, the at Yosemite National Park visit www. PO Box 577 org/yosemite. Conservancy has provided more than $100 yosemitehospitalityjobs.com. 9039 Village Drive million in grants to Yosemite National Park. Yosemite, CA 95389 Learn more at www. yosemiteconservancy. 209/372-0200 org or call 415/434-1782. http://www.nps.gov/yose/contacts. htm Volunteering In Yosemite WILDERNESS STEWARDSHIP PLAN Over 10,800 volunteers donated more than 186,000 hours of The Ansel Adams Gallery The Yosemite Wilderness is one of service to Yosemite last year, restoring native habitat, working in PO Box 455 the most highly visited wilderness Yosemite, CA 95389 visitor centers, serving as camp hosts, studying wildlife, cleaning areas in the country. Currently 209/372-4413 up litter and more. Would you like to serve? We have group and managed under the Wilderness 209/372-4714 fax individual volunteer opportunities, both short term and long term. Management Plan of 1989, changing www.anseladams.com Learn more at: www.nps.gov/yose/getinvolved/volunteer.htm or levels and patterns of visitor use, Yosemite Hospitality L.L.C. call the volunteer office at 209/379-1850. as well as environmental stressors PO Box 307 such as climate change, warrant Yosemite, CA 95389 the park to develop an updated 888/304-8993 plan that will assist in monitoring www.aramarkleisure.com wilderness character while providing an adaptive management strategy as Yosemite Conservancy 101 Montgomery Street, we continue to preserve and protect Suite 1700 our natural and cultural resources. San Francisco, CA 94104 The park initiated public scoping 415/434-1782 for the plan in November 2015. This 415/434-0745 fax summer, the park will host public www.yosemiteconservancy.org webinars and workshops to help further define the issues and plan NatureBridge alternatives. For more information PO Box 487 on the Wilderness Stewardship Yosemite, CA 95389 209/379-9511 Plan and how to get involved, please 209/379-9510 fax visit www.parkplanning.nps.gov/ www.yni.org yosewild.

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