See Yosemite Today Yosemit e Guide for a complete calendar Your Key to Visiting the Park of what’s happening in the park. SUMMER/FALL 2003 25¢ VOLUME XXXII, NO. 1

A History Look for this logo. Support the park by supporting the Yosemite Remembered Association. by Ranger

Look Inside!

Valley Map ...... Back Panel ne day I wandered into Park Map Yosemite’s Research Library Planning Your Visit . . . . . 8 & 9 and was talking to the Yosemite News ...... 2 & 3 librarian when I noticed an Protect Your Park ...... 4 Oold photograph. I took a closer look Nature Notes ...... 5 at the picture and read the caption. It th Bears ...... 6 was a photograph of the 24 Mount- ed Infantry taken somewhere in Camping ...... 7 Yosemite in 1899. The 24th, along with the 25th Infantry and the 9th Explore Yosemite . . . . . 10 & 11 and 10th Cavalry, were African-American Army regiments that during Backpacking & the Indian War period became known as Buffalo Soldiers. In 1903, four Valley Day Hikes...... 12 troops of the 9th Cavalry became among the first “rangers” assigned to Just for Kids ...... 13 protect Yosemite and Sequoia & General Grant (Kings Canyon) General Information National Parks. For me, as an African-American , seeing this including  ...... 15 photograph was like stumbling into my own family while traveling in a foreign country. Continued on page 1 YOSEMITE GUIDE Your Key to Visiting the Park

SUMMER/FALL 2003 VOLUME XXXII, NO. 1 A History Remembered

Continued from front cover A LETTER TO DEAD SOLDIERS I had no idea that 100 years ago the Dear men, 24th Mounted Infantry and the 9th Cavalry Forgive me for not writing sooner, but I only recently discovered that the dead do not were entrusted with the protection of completely vanish from this earth. I realize now that death does not occur with the stop- . I had never read ping of the heart, but when we choose to forget. One hundred years after horses and the this information in any history or heard creaking of wagon wheels, your names are air, unseen, yet moving around us. How can something as substantial as a column of twenty-six men riding side by side on a dusty another ranger tell this story. But there, road leave neither imprint on the ground nor sound in sky? staring at me, across a gulf of 100 years A century’s accumulation of dust has buried the fourteen days it took for you to get were these black soldiers who had over- from San Francisco to Yosemite. Yet, there you are astride your horses in a Yosemite that is come obstacles that made my challenges as close as the open window of my office seem insignificant. I immediately wanted When you arrived in Yosemite, the stockmen noticed your presence and avoided you. to know their names, to find out as much This was of little concern to sheepherders who used parklands illegally for grazing their as I could about them. They had almost flocks. They knew the country better than you, and ran their sheep far from the trails you completely disappeared from Yosemite’s patrolled. A million acres is a lot of space for 25 men to cover. It was easy in your time to history. If it weren’t for this one photo- avoid the presence of other people, and to lose yourself in Yosemite. graph, who would know or care that they I think that I understand why you joined the army. You had few choices, and a military ever existed? career provided a sense of dignity, respect, and a pension upon retirement. I imagine the Yosemite’s military history is otherwise hardships you endured in America and in service abroad. You left loved ones behind who fairly well documented. Prior to the cherished your memory. You risked your lives so that the lives of your brothers and sisters, creation of the in mothers and fathers, would be better. You are more than just soldiers of the Twenty-fourth 1916, the U.S. Army was charged in the Regiment of Infantry, and this story is bigger than just a chapter in Yosemite’s military protection of Yellowstone, Yosemite, and history. Sequoia & General Grant (Kings Canyon) How can I reach across 100 years and hold out my hand for you to take? How can National Parks. With millions of acres of I convince people that you are not dead but live on? Not just in documents and old Photo courtesy of Research Library Yosemite land set aside for preservation, the Depart- photographs, or even in the park ranger uniform I wear, but are real soldiers ment of Interior called upon the then of race on their shoulders. On the one surviving into the present? Because hand, the Buffalo Soldiers were sent to Department of War for assistance— I choose to remember you, you live to protect Yellowstone’s fragile geothermal protect parks, routinely telling white on in me. I know your lives had wonders, ancient groves of giant sequoias visitors what they could and could not do. meaning to black folks. in the , and the sanctity of On the other, these soldiers were a part of The deeper we gaze into the past, the national park idea itself from those a larger society that had difficulty seeing the greater our recognition of our- who sought exploitation rather than them as symbols of authority. In spite of selves in other places and other inspiration. these challenges, the Buffalo Soldiers times. You, who are soldiers, who In 1903, nearly 400 African-American fulfilled their mission. are family, have given me that soldiers made the dusty journey on horse- This year marks the 100th anniversary story. In so doing you have back from the Presidio in San Francisco of their service in Yosemite and Sequoia assured yourself a presence in to Yosemite. During this time, African- National Parks. Birthdays are important Yosemite. Thank you for clearing the trail that I followed 100 Americans occupied the lowest rung on to us individually because they celebrate years later. You cannot imagine our arrival into a family. So too, marking the social ladder. Most of the jobs avail- how your passage has made my able to “colored folks” were menial, this centennial is a way of honoring the journey infinitely easier. labor-intensive, and very rarely consid- arrival of African-Americans into the ered professional. Segregation and family history of our wilderness parks. lynchings were common affairs of daily And since national parks exist “for the life in America. One of the few paths out benefit and enjoyment of the people” of this morass was through the military. both in the United States and around the At the time The Army provided a vocation, training, world, this is also a celebration in which of his death, room and board, and a pension. It also everyone can take pride. Col. Charles Young provided a sense of self-esteem; the Today, as a National Park Service ranger (1897-1931) was the uniform provided pride in country. who is also African-American, I want to highest ranking speak to these men, to tell them that they African-American But while these soldiers had the same in the U.S. Army. responsibilities as their Euro-American weren’t forgotten. The following “Letter counterparts, they had the added burden to Dead Soldiers” is a result of that desire.

Shelton Johnson has been a Yosemite ranger since 1993.

“I’ve always felt spiritually connected to Yosemite, but TO LEARN MORE... Photo courtesy of the now I feel culturally connected as well.” He was the Charles Young Collection, Go on a walk with Ranger Shelton Johnson as National Afro-American recent regional recipient of the Freeman Tilden Award, Museum & Cultural the highest honor given those who work in Interpretation he assumes the personae of Elizy Boman, a Center,Wilberforce, OH within the National Park Service. member of Yosemite’s 9th Cavalry. “Through the Eyes of a ” takes place on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. and meets in front of the Valley Visitor Center. YOSEMITE HELP US CELEBRATE! Visit http://shadowsoldier.wilderness.net for an online exhibit devoted to the story of Sierra GUIDE Buffalo Soldiers. Also visit www.buffalosoldiers.com For 80 years, the Yosemite Association has been a nonprofit Published by the National Park Service organization in service to Yosemite National Park. When you pur- for more information on the history of African- NPS Editor-in-Chief Kristina Rylands chase Yosemite Association publications, you American service to the United States military. Production by Skip Gaynard Designs share in that commitment to stewardship. Stop To learn more about Buffalo Soldier history, We’re Interested... by the bookstore in the Visitor read The Buffalo Soldier by William H. Leckie, Center or any visitor information station in the We are always looking for ways to available at the Valley Visitor Center or improve our visitor publications. park; or visit online at www.yosemite.org or through the Yosemite Association (see left). You can help by sending your www.yosemitestore.com. Look for this anniversary comments via email to [email protected]; logo throughout the Yosemite Guide for more fax to 209/379-1295; or information on the important contributions of mail to the address on this dedicated partner. this Yosemite Guide. 1 YOSEMITEYOSEMITE NEWSNEWS

FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT If You Dear Yosemite Friends, for future generations. Thus, in honor of the 100 th Welcome to Yosemite! This park has long been anniversary of Buffalo Soldiers in Yosemite, we associated with the early origins of the National speak the names of soldiers like Col. Charles Only Have Park System. Its history is filled with such champi- Young, Private Guthrie Underwood, Private Alonzo ons as , , and Theodore Hill so that the world will never forget their impor- Roosevelt. In fact, did you know that this year tant contributions to national parks. One Day marks the 100th anniversary of Muir’s historic I encourage you to uncover more hidden histo- Yosemite meeting with Roosevelt where they dis- ries here in Yosemite. Our parks are places set cussed the idea of a system of national parks? But aside by the American people so that all may as Shelton Johnson captures in his article, there experience our heritage. In our parks we honor our are histories hidden in this park that are no less past and our diversity so that future visitors—those Acquaint Yourself important in the fabric of its compelling stories. yet to be named—can find their place here as well. Park your vehicle in Yosemite The first rangers of Yosemite were members of Village and ride the free shuttle bus the U.S. Cavalry. During the early part of the 20th Sincerely, century, in a segregated nation, African-American around Yosemite Valley’s east end. NPS Photo soldiers answered the call to protect three western Be sure to stop by the Valley Visitor national parks in order to assure their preservation Michael J. Tollefson Center and Yosemite Museum. See Yosemite Today for shuttle bus schedule. ❖

Talk to an Expert Stop by any visitor center or infor- mation station. Rangers are a great YOSEMITE ASSOCIATION TH resource for ideas on what to do CELEBRATES 80 ANNIVERSARY with limited time. Free information- al handouts are available. Just ask! Yosemite’s oldest nonprofit support used with other donated funds to con- houses the park ❖ organization, the Yosemite Association, struct the Yosemite Museum. The Research Library, celebrates 80 years of service to the park two-story structure contained exhibits, a the museum Feel the Thunder of a Waterfall on August 4, 2003. The association was library, storage facilities, a classroom, collection, two organized in 1923 under the auspices of offices, and caretaker’s quarters. Today it galleries, and park While at the Yosemite Valley Visitor the American Museum offices. Center, be sure to view the state-of- Association to secure funds As the Yosemite the-art film, Spirit of Yosemite. for building a new museum Natural History Association grew, it began Prepare yourself to be inspired! This and to promote a better to publish educational materials to pro- award-winning film will connect knowledge of the natural vide the public with information to you to places throughout the park history of the region enhance the study of natural and human among the visiting public. history in Yosemite. Among them was that you might not get to—until Known as the Yosemite Yosemite Nature Notes, a monthly publica- your next visit! Museum Association (and tion of the naturalist staff that was ❖ later to be called the printed from 1926 until 1961. In recent Yosemite Natural History years, the association’s publication pro- Take A Tour Association), the group gram has expanded, and it regularly There are several tours available in became the first cooperat- produces high quality, award-winning the park. Beginning this summer, ing association in the books and maps. Yosemite National Park rangers will National Park System. The Yosemite Association is proud of its guide the popular Valley Floor Tram There are now nearly 70 accomplishments over the past 80 years, similar organizations, mod- and looks forward to making even greater Tour. The 2-hour open-air tram tour eled on the association, in contributions to the park in the new cen- begins at Yosemite Lodge and national parks throughout tury. To learn more about the Yosemite takes you past many of the Valley's the country. Association, see page 14 or visit significant features. Motor coach In 1925, the Laura www.yosemite.org. tours are also available to Glacier Spelman Rockefeller Foun- Point, , or the dation made a large gift to

the association, which was Research Library Yosemite Photo courtesy of Giant Sequoias. The Yosemite Museum, circa 1925. For pricing and information on these and other tours, see Yosemite Today, stop by any tour desk, or call 209/372-1240. ❖

Go for a Walk From photography to American HISTORIC Indian traditions to stargazing, Due to a successful collaboration between the National Park you can experience a guided pro- Service and the community, Camp 4 (once gram virtually anywhere in the park. know as Sunnyside Campground) was listed with the Nation- See Yosemite Today for a schedule of al Register of Historic Places on February 21, 2003. From 1947 parkwide interpretive programs, to 1970, Yosemite Valley became a center of rock climbing walks, and talks. Also consider activity. Camp 4, a walk-in campground traditionally used by climbers, was instrumental in those early years as climbing attending an outdoor adventure grew into a sport.”What makes this dusty little campground through the Yosemite Association so historic and unique is its freewheeling, dynamic spirit (see page 15). For self-guiding trails and the people drawn to it over the decades,” said Linda in Yosemite Valley, see page 12. McMillan, vice president of the American Alpine Club, a ❖ rock-climbing organization.

Marvel at the Giants

Before leaving the park, be sure Frost Tom Photo by Royal Robbins and TM Herbert in Camp 4, sorting hardware for to see the giant sequoias in the a climb of in 1964. Mariposa Grove (Wawona Road, South Entrance), the Tuolumne Grove (Tioga Road), or the Merced Grove (Big Oak Flat Road). See Yosemite Today for more information. 2 YOSEMITEYOSEMITE NEWSNEWS

WORKS IN PROGRESS

The Yosemite Valley Plan outlined over THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES ARE Stay 250 actions that would take place during CURRENTLY UNDERWAY IN the next 20 years. While clearly no YOSEMITE VALLEY: changes can occur overnight, a great deal Connected Ecological restoration at Fen of preparation has gone into launching some of the initial projects. Today, much Improvements at the Lower Yosemite Fall area, including trail work and has been accomplished that will move National parks help connect us these activities from the drawing board to removal of the parking lot with places that tell the stories the project site. In addition to Yosemite Valley Plan proj- LOOK FOR THESE ACTIVITIES TO BEGIN of what is truly special about AROUND THE PARK FROM SUMMER TO ects, other work is scheduled to begin in FALL: America. A visit to a national areas around the park. From Tuolumne park can bring about memories Meadows to Wawona, from wilderness Ecological restoration projects at various that will last a lifetime. After trails to the Valley Visitor Center, taking locations parkwide care of Yosemite requires the hard work Continued repairs and realignment of you arrive home, these are some and hands of not only park staff, but the park’s antiquated utility systems ways you can stay connected scores of volunteers. Removal and replacement of the con- with your Yosemite experience: This year, visitors to Yosemite will notice demned Bridge increased activity throughout the park. in Wawona Learn more about the state- Many projects may be less apparent than others, while some may cause temporary Removal of Cascades Diversion Dam at of-the-park. inconveniences. However, each one plays a the intersection of Big Oak Flat and A series of monthly open valuable part in the bigger picture of El Portal Roads houses is conducted to inform Yosemite’s future—to improve the visitor Renovation of the Yosemite Valley visitors about the latest experience while preserving the park’s Visitor Center lobby and bookstore treasured natural and cultural resources, improvement projects occur- Rebuilding of portions of Yosemite both today and for future generations. ring in the park. See Yosemite Lodge Today for scheduled dates. Construction of employee housing To learn more about park improvement efforts, visit online at at www.nps.gov/yose/planning Sign up to be on the Illustration by Dick Cole courtesy The Yosemite Fund Yosemite The Illustration Dick Cole courtesy by Yosemite mailing list. Artist drawing of new viewing platform at the base of Lower Yosemite Fall. See page 14 A quarterly Planning Update for The Yosemite Fund’s “Campaign for .” newsletter is available. Also, coming this summer, a monthly email newsletter will BUFFALO SOLDIER be available. To sign up for either or both of these infor- CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE SIERRA mational publications, sign up The first marked nature trail in a national park was at any visitor center or send th built in 1904 by the 9 Cavalry as part of an arboretum your email address to in the Wawona area. [email protected]. African-American soldiers built the majority of the first trail to the top of Mt. Whitney, highest mountain in the Support one of Yosemite’s contiguous United States located in Sequoia National Park. In 1903, the 9th Cavalry was actually stopped from park partner organizations. completing the trail due to boulders. Because they were The Yosemite Association and African-American, they weren’t allowed to use any explo- The Yosemite Fund are both www.buffalosoldiers.com sives. A civilian crew “finished” the job, taking credit for the trail’s accomplishment. nonprofit organizations that support the National Park

Photo from Col. Charles Young (pictured on page 1) is considered 10th Cavalry in late 1800s. to be the first African-American superintendent of a Service’s mission of protecting In 1903, African-American soldiers patrolled what was then national park, serving in Sequoia & General Grant (Kings this special place for future Canyon) National Park in 1903. Yosemite’s 1 million acres and collected the park’s first entrance fees. generations. (See page 14 for more information.)

Volunteer your time or expertise. ENTRANCE FEES: EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA WHILE HELPING NATIONAL PARKS Individuals or groups can participate in service projects To help the National Park Service, National Park System. When you Experi- in Yosemite. See page 15 Congress took a bold step in 1996 and ence Your America by visiting a Fee Demo for information on the authorized the Recreational Fee Demon- site, you help the National Park Service Volunteers in Parks program. stration (Fee Demo) Program. Prior to the preserve and protect our nation’s heritage Fee Demo Program, fees—such as entrance for future generations. fees—collected at National Park Service Take part in a planning sites were returned to the U.S. Treasury, PROJECTS COMPLETED IN YOSEMITE, process. THANKS TO ENTRANCE FEES: and were not available to directly support Renovation of the Valley Visitor Center’s Yosemite’s planning efforts park projects. Under the Fee Demo Pro- West Auditorium Theater gram, these fees are now retained by the can only truly succeed with agency that collects them and are ear- Repair to sections of sewer line that the help of public involve- marked for backlogged infrastructure services Yosemite Valley ment. As the park moves projects and improved visitor services, Rehabilitating amphitheaters at White OTHER PROJECTS INCLUDE: forward with plans for various with 80% retained in the collecting park Wolf and Tuolumne Meadows and 20% shared with other parks to sup- Stabilizing historic backcountry cabins improvements, let your voice Improving shuttle buses in Yosemite port similar projects. Replacing picnic tables, fire rings, and be heard. Sign up on the Valley In addition to providing admission into signs in out-of-Valley campgrounds park’s mailing list or visit Yosemite, your fees directly support proj- Refurbishing roads, trails, and utilities Improving facilities and programs for the planning web page at ects in the park as well as other sites in the throughout the park persons with disabilities www.nps.gov/yose/planning.

Come back and spend some more time in this amazing park!

3 PROTECTPROTECT YOURYOUR PARKPARK

Special WATER WAYS Success! Not long ago, many areas along natural bridge of rocks or logs can be last Saturday in April and continues the Merced River showed signs of human surprisingly slippery. Consider where you through November 15 (except Frog Creek Protection trampling. Now, because of the careful will land if you fall. Never cross above near Lake Eleanor which opens June 15). actions of park staff and visitors, many rapids or falls. To prevent being pulled All lakes and reservoirs are open year- of these areas have been restored to more under by the weight or your pack, round. natural conditions. The plants, birds, unbuckle the waist strap so you can shed for Special Special fishing regulations apply on the insects, and animals that depend on living it if you fall in. Do not tie yourself into Merced River in Yosemite Valley from in or near the water have been able to safety ropes—they can drown you. Happy Isles downstream to the Pohono return to these once barren areas. Places RAFTING Bridge, and from there downstream to You can help continue this progress by Foresta Bridge in El Portal. Within these entering and exiting the river at designated Conditions permitting, rafting on the reaches of the river it is catch-and-release launch and removal points, and by taking Merced River in Yosemite Valley (Stone- only for rainbow trout. Brown trout limits breaks on rocky, sandy beaches or “point man Bridge to Sentinel Beach) and the Visitors to Yosemite National are five fish per day. Only artificial lures bars.” Packing out what you pack in will South Fork of the Merced River in Park are the park’s most impor- or flies with barbless hooks may be used. also help keep the river free from trash and Wawona is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 tant guardians. With nearly 3.5 prevent animals from swallowing harmful p.m. daily to any type of non-motorized The use of live or dead minnows, bait fish million people watching over its plastic or aluminum. vessel or other flotation device. or amphibians, non-preserved fish eggs or special plants, animals, historic, Please observe the following safety tips The entire length of the Merced River in roe is prohibited. and archeological sites, imagine to protect Yosemite’s river and lakeshore Yosemite Valley is closed to all floatation WATER QUALITY habitats and to safely enjoy water activities devices whenever the river gauge at how well-protected these park To protect yourself from disease, treat any throughout the park. Sentinel Bridge reads 6.5 feet or higher. resources could be! surface water before drinking. Treatment SWIMMING You must wear or have a U.S. Coast methods include boiling for five minutes, During your visit to Yosemite be Always supervise children closely. Guard-approved personal flotation device use of a Giardia-rated water filter, or aware that there are people who immediately available. iodine-based purifier. Choose swimming areas carefully and either intentionally or unknow- swim only during low water conditions. Fallen trees and other natural debris in To prevent the spread of Giardia and other ingly harm park resources. Please Avoid areas of “whitewater” where the river create important habitat for fish water-borne disease organisms, use rest- contact a park official if you see streams flow over rocky obstructions. and other wildlife. Be alert—they can also room facilities where available, and always create hazards for rafters. wash hands afterwards with soap and any of the following illegal acts: Never swim or wade upstream from the water. In natural areas where facilities are brink of a waterfall, even if the water Feeding wildlife FISHING not available, wash, camp, and bury appears shallow and calm. Each year Collecting plants Fishing in Yosemite is regulated under human waste (6” deep) at least 100 feet unsuspecting visitors are swept over State law. A valid sport fishing Hunting animals away from any water source or trail. waterfalls to their deaths when swimming license is Collecting reptiles and butterflies in these areas. required for Picking up archeological items those persons RIVER CROSSINGS such as arrowheads age 16 years In summer, rivers and creeks swollen by and older. Using metal detectors to locate runoff from snowmelt are dangerous. When fishing, and collect historic objects Stay away from river and creek banks the license Driving vehicles into sensitive during high water conditions and avoid must be plain- meadows “rock hopping.” Stream-polished rocks ly visible by Camping outside of designated along the water’s edge may be slippery attaching it to campgrounds when wet or dry. an outer layer of clothing Possession of weapons If you choose to cross a stream without a above the bridge, avoid places where the water is waistline. If you see activities that could either swift or over your knees. Use a stick harm people or park resources, or pole for balance and try to cross where Trout season jot down any descriptions or a there is a gravel bottom. Crossing on a opens on the vehicle license plate number and call 911 or contact the park dis- patch office at 209/379-1992. Pets FOR MORE Some visitors choose to bring INFORMATION pets along on their vacations. In ABOUT... Yosemite, pets have a few rules to follow: Fire safety tips, see page 5. Pets are only allowed in devel- Food storage regulations, see page 6. oped areas, on roads, and paved bike paths. They are not allowed Camping and campfires, see page 7. on other trails or in wilderness Wilderness regulations, see page 12. areas. Over 400 African-American soldiers took part in protecting Yosemite Bicycling rules, see page 9. National Park. This photo was taken on the Fallen Monarch tree in the Pets must be on a leash or Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Are you a descendent? To view the otherwise physically restrained. Cavalry muster roll of names, visit http://shadowsoldier.wilderness.net. For the courtesy of other visi- tors, human companions are responsible for cleaning up and depositing pet feces in trash receptacles. This protects pets and wildlife from disease. TRAFFIC SAFETY Bicycling Traveling through Yosemite by car, bus, or bicycle pro- age or under 60 pounds in weight. All motorcyclists Each season, plants are crushed vides a wonderful opportunity to slow down and enjoy must wear helmets. from bicycle travel in meadows, the park’s incredible scenery. When traveling on park Use turnouts to pull completely out of the road to campgrounds, and picnic areas. roads you can protect yourself, other visitors, and park take photos, consult the park map, or simply enjoy Please respect park resources and wildlife by observing the following simple rules: the park’s scenery and wildlife. keep bicycles on paved roads and Yosemite’s roads are used by both visitors and park paved trails. They are not allowed Stay alive, don’t drink and drive. For your safety, park wildlife. Please obey posted speed limits. to travel off-trail, on unpaved rangers enforce laws against alcohol and drug related trails, or in wilderness areas. California law requires that you wear seatbelts and driving offenses. Mountain biking opportunities use child safety seats for children under six years of are available in designated areas outside of Yosemite.

4 NATURENATURENATURE NOTESNOTESNOTES

FIRE AS A TOOL Yosemite fire managers recognize that brush, as well as chippers if needed Fire Safety EXPLORE THE fire has been an essential part of the onsite. You may see piles of cut material. ecosystem for thousands of years. Due to There may also be park vehicles and WORLD OF decades of fire suppression, the natural trucks near the site to haul away any Each year campfires, cigarettes, NATURE role of fire was eliminated, resulting in excess material. and human carelessness cause overgrown and unhealthy forests. Natu- Wildland fires caused by lightning unwanted fires in Yosemite. You Are you interested in learning rally occurring fires allow forests to be may be allowed to burn in certain park more about Yosemite’s birds, rocks, thinned, opening the canopy and allow- wilderness areas under specific condi- can help prevent these fires by and trees at your own pace? Bor- ing sunlight through. Fire also allows the tions, and with close surveillance by following a few fire safety tips. row an Explorer Pack, a recycling of nutrients to the soil while park fire staff. These fires may be man- convenient day pack filled with reducing the amount of wood, which aged and allowed to burn to fulfill their Campfires activities and guidebooks designed could otherwise be hazardous and natural role as an agent for the ecosys- Build small campfires in to help the whole family explore threaten to destroy forests and struc- tem. Where it is not prudent to allow the world of nature. tures. fires to burn, park fire staff will suppress established campfire rings. Four different packs are available Fire managers use three tools to restore them. Never leave a campfire unattended. at the Nature Center at Happy Isles the benefits of this natural process: pre- During the 2003 fire season, Yosemite in Yosemite Valley. Featuring Feath- scribed fire, mechanical thinning, and Fire Management staff plans 7,519 acres Extinguish campfires by stirring ers will help you learn to identify wildland fire. While visiting Yosemite, of prescribed burns and 988 acres of with water a half hour before many of Yosemite’s birds, Rocking you may see evidence of any of these mechanical thinning. During your visit, leaving the site. Carefully feel in Yosemite teaches the geology of practices. you may notice signs along roadways the park, The World of Trees aids in Prescribed fires are ignited by quali- indicating that a managed fire is in charred material to make certain tree identification, and Small Won- fied park fire staff under certain progress. Fires in Yosemite National the fire is cold and out. ders will help you to discover the pre-determined conditions. These fires Park—natural or prescribed—may result many tiny miracles around you. are carefully managed to achieve such in smoky conditions and reduced visibil- Packs are available for checkout goals as public safety by protecting ity. Please observe all warning signs Cigarettes and are free. A $50 deposit (cash or developed areas, and ecosystem restora- posted in fire areas. Visitors with respira- Never throw lighted cigarettes on credit card) is required and will be tion by clearing unsafe accumulation of tory problems may need to use caution the ground or out of a car window. refunded when the pack is dead and down wood. when exerting themselves in smoky returned. Mechanical thinning requires the use areas. Crush cigarettes butts dead and

Illustration by Lawrence Ormsby by Illustration of chainsaws to cut smaller trees and out before discarding them in an ashtray or trash can.

Do not smoke while walking on trails. Stop, smoke, and properly discard the cigarette butt before CENTENNIAL OF ROOSEVELT’S resuming your walk. HISTORIC YOSEMITE VISIT Charcoal Briquettes This year marks the 100th anniversary of President Never burn charcoal briquettes Theodore Roosevelt’s historic—and unorthodox—visit to Yosemite National Park. in a tent or vehicle. The carbon Despite the official welcome and fanfare planned to cele- monoxide produced by burning brate the arrival of President Roosevelt to Yosemite National charcoal is deadly in a confined Park in 1903, he requested privacy. Roosevelt wanted noth- space. ing more than to shed his entourage and “outskirt and keep away from civilization.” The president had prearranged to After use, dunk burning have none other than naturalist John Muir as his Yosemite briquettes in water until cold. guide. While here, he and John Muir discussed what Muir called doing some “forest good.” Carefully check them to make It is difficult to determine what influence the visit to sure the fire is out. Yosemite may have had on the president. Perhaps there is a correlation between his Yosemite experience and the 230 Never throw burning or warm bri- million acres of public land protected during his presidency. quettes into trashcans or The fact that a sitting president went on a camping trip dumpsters. with a renowned naturalist sent a clear message to the country—it was time to think about conserving our natural resources for future generations. Camping Stoves and Lanterns Refuel stoves or lanterns only Courtesy of Yosemite Research Library Yosemite Courtesy of Roosevelt and Muir on . Look for a sign before when they are cold and in a in Yosemite Valley where the two men camped and swapped stories. well-ventilated area. Never use gas-fueled lanterns and stoves in tents, vehicles, or other TH BLUES FOR THE 24 INFANTRY confined spaces. These devices produce carbon monoxide gas Horse beneath me, Joined the 24th Infantry, which can be deadly. Rollin’ like the sea. To get away from pain. Horse beneath me, Joined the Infantry, I guess, Rollin' like the sea. To get away from pain. A soldier’s life is ridin’ far, Though hurt ain’t somthin’ But never being free. you can leave, The motion keeps you sane. People gaze upon us, Along the dusty road. Horse beneath me, This commemorative Strangers gaze upon us, Rollin’ like the sea. poster is available through Along the dusty road. Horse beneath me, the Yosemite Association. Nev’r seen a horse, I guess, Rollin’ like the sea. Check at the Valley Visitor Center or visit online at Carryin' such a load. This soldier’s life is ridin’ far, www.yosemitestore.com. But never being free.

–SHELTON JOHNSON

5 BEARSBEARS

KEEP BEARS WILD (while protecting yourself and your property)

Mountain TOP THREE WAYS YOU CAN KEEP YOSEMITE’S BLACK BEARS WILD AND ALIVE Lions 1.Store your food properly (see table below for details). Imagine each day eat- ing 4,000 to 20,000 calories worth of grasses, berries, acorns, and grubs—that’s Mountain lions are a normal the typical diet of most bears. It’s a lot and very important part of the easier for a bear to eat the thousands of park ecosystem and help to keep calories of food in an ice chest than it is deer populations in check. to spend all day nibbling at grasses. Their They are attracted to areas incredible sense of smell allows them to

detect things we can’t, which helps them Lawrence Ormsby by Illustration with healthy deer populations, find food—a black bear can smell a dead which includes many areas of deer three miles away. To top it off, bears the park. Although lion attacks have excellent vision and can see in on humans are extremely rare, color, so they recognize ice chests, gro- cery bags, and other food containers as they are possible, just as is humans lose their natural fear of us and canisters are not worth investigating. See potential food sources. injury from any wild animal. may become too aggressive. When that page 15 or Yosemite Today for canister rental We offer the following recom- 2.If you see a bear, scare it away or keep happens, they sometimes have to be locations throughout the park. mendations for your safety: your distance. You may not see a bear killed. during your visit because they naturally 3.Drive the speed limit. The most com- avoid people. However, if you see one in mon human-related cause of death for a Do not leave pets or pet food a developed area (like a campground or black bear in Yosemite is being hit by a parking lot), act immediately to scare it EPORT ALL outside and unattended, especially car. Slow down. Driving too fast is almost R away: Make as much noise as possible by at dawn and dusk. Pets can attract always the cause of these accidental BEAR SIGHTINGS! yelling or banging pots together. If there mountain lions into developed deaths. is more than one person, stand together To report bear sightings, areas. to present a more intimidating figure, but BACKPACKERS: SAVE YOUR FOOD, improper food storage, trash ❖ do not surround the bear. If you see a SAVE A BEAR problems, and other bear-relat- bear anywhere else, consider yourself Bear resistant food canisters are 2.7 ed problems, leave a message pound containers that can be used to store Avoid hiking alone. Watch children lucky—but keep your distance (at least 50 for the Bear Management Team yards, or about the distance made by four 5 or more days of backpacker food when at 209/372-0322. Your call can closely and never let them run parked shuttle buses). If you get too meals are carefully planned. Canisters have be made anonymously. ahead or lag behind on the trail. close, you will be helping the bear an inset lid that bears are unable to open. Talk to children about lions, and become used to being around people. When used correctly, bears quickly learn Bears that become comfortable around that—although they smell like food—the teach them what to do if they meet one. ❖ HOW TO STORE FOOD

What should you do “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, if you meet a mountain lion? cosmetics, toiletries, perfume, trash, ice chests (even when empty), and unwashed items used for preparing or eating meals. For more information Never approach one, especially if it is feeding or with kittens. Most regarding bears and LOCATION FOOD STORAGE WHY? proper food storage, mountain lions will try to avoid a YOUR VEHICLE You may store food in your car Bears can smell food, even if it’s confrontation. Always give them a visit the park’s web site only during daylight hours. Do not sealed in the trunk or glove com- way to escape. (www.nps.gov/yose/bears). store food in your car after dark: partment, and they recognize boxes use a food locker. Remember to and bags as potential food sources. ❖ clear your car of food wrappers, They can easily and quickly break crumbs in baby seats, and baby into all kinds of vehicles! Don’t run. Stay calm. Hold your wipes. ground, or back away slowly. Face the lion and stand upright. Do all YOUR CAMPSITE You must store all your food in Bears may enter campsites when you can to appear larger. Raise your OR TENT CABIN food lockers. Each campsite con- people are present, and some will tains a food locker measuring even check bear boxes to see if arms. If you have small children 33"x45"x18". Tent-cabin areas have they’re secured. Keep food locker with you, pick them up. smaller lockers. Food may be stored closed and latched at all times, even ❖ out of sight in hard-sided RVs with when you are in your campsite. windows closed. If the lion behaves aggressively, Bears may investigate picnic areas wave your arms, shout, and throw PICNIC AREAS & Do not leave food unattended. ONTHETRAIL Always keep food within an arm’s or backpacks for food even when objects at it. The goal is to convince reach. Don’t turn your back to people are present, so be alert. it that you are not prey and may your food. be dangerous yourself. If attacked, Bear resistant food containers are In Yosemite and the southern fight back! WILDERNESS required in some areas and are Sierra, bear canisters are the only ❖ strongly recommended everywhere effective and proven method of else. Hanging food is only a delay- preventing bears from getting Generally, mountain lions ing tactic for bears, as bears can human food. See page 15 for are calm, quiet, and elusive. easily climb trees. canister rental locations. Sightings are rare, so if you spot one, consider yourself NOTE: Following these regulations and precautions helps decrease the chance of personal injury or property damage. However, bear privileged! damage and confrontations are still possible, even when all the guidelines are followed. Improper food storage may result in impoundment of your food or vehicle, a fine of up to $5,000, and/or revocation of camping permit.

6 CAMPINGCAMPING

Camp 4 is a walk-in campground and is open CAMPING RESERVATIONS all year on a first-come, first-served basis; these campsites are not wheelchair accessible. Sites Reservations are required year-round for are rented on a per-person basis, and six people Yosemite Valley’s auto campgrounds and sum- will be placed in each campsite, regardless of the mer through fall for Hodgdon Meadow, Crane number of people in your party. Camp 4 often Flat, Wawona, and half of Tuolumne Meadows. fills before 9:00 a.m. each day May through All other campgrounds (except group and stock September. campgrounds) are first-come, first-served. Camping reservations are available up to five months in advance, beginning on the 15th of CAMPING IN AREAS each month. FOR ARRIVAL SURROUNDING YOSEMITE DATE TO CALL DATES THROUGH The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) operates a January 15 June 14 variety of campgrounds on a seasonal basis February 15 July 14 near Yosemite. For additional information, March 15 August 14 contact the local USFS district offices: Highway 120 West, Groveland Ranger Station April 15 September 14 Michael Dixon Photo by (Stanislaus NF) 209/962-7825; Highway 140, May 15 October 14 Can you see the crossed swords of the Cavalry carved on the tree? The Army used blazes Mariposa Ranger Station (Sierra NF) 209/966- like this one to mark trails and post regulations. This tree was located in Spiller Canyon June 15 November 14 3638; Highway 120 East, Mono Lake Ranger in the northeastern part of the park. July 15 December 14 Station (Inyo NF) 760/647-3044; Highway 41, August 15 January 14 Oakhurst Ranger Station (Sierra NF) 559/683- September 15 February 14 4636. For private campgrounds outside pine Flat campgrounds, and RVs are not per- ■ Please start campfires with newspaper. Do Yosemite, call the respective chamber of com- October 15 March 14 mitted in walk-in and group campsites. There not burn pine needles or cones, as they merce or visitor bureau listed on page 8. are no hookups in Yosemite campgrounds, but create unnecessary smoke. November 15 April 14 there are sanitary dump stations in Yosemite December 15 May 14 Valley (all year), and summer only in Wawona GROUP CAMPGROUNDS and Tuolumne Meadows. From May through September, campsites are NATIONAL PARK in heavy demand and prospective campers are There are group campsites at Tuolumne Mead- encouraged to call National Park Reservation ows, Hodgdon Meadow, Wawona, and Bridalveil RESERVATION SERVICE Creek Campgrounds. Reservations can be made REGULATIONS Service as early as possible in the period. Reservations may be made from through National Park Reservation Service; 13 to Reservations can be made by phone, mail, Proper food storage is required 24 hours a day. 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Pacific time. or online. All requests are processed at the same 30 people are allowed in each group campsite. time, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Pacific time, Tent camping only. Pets and generators are not A maximum of six people (including chil- TOLL-FREE RESERVATIONS: beginning on the 15th of each month. Written permitted in group sites. dren) and two vehicles are allowed per 800/436-7275 requests should include desired location, type of campsite. ONLINE RESERVATIONS: equipment you will be camping in (i.e., tent, RV, Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. reservations.nps.gov etc.), as well as method of payment. Written SERVICES You may reserve only one campsite at a time. requests will be accepted 2 weeks prior to—but Generators may be used sparingly between will not be processed until—the 15th. All sites include picnic tables, firepits or grills, 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. INTERNATIONAL CALLERS: tent space, parking, and a food storage locker Where permitted, pets must be on a leash 301/722-1257 (33"dx 45"w x 18"h). See Keep Bears Wild on and may not be left unattended. TTY (TOLL-FREE): YOSEMITE VALLEY page 6 for food storage regulations. 888/530-9796 Toilet facilities are available in campgrounds; CAMPFIRES AIL IN ESERVATIONS There is a 30-day camping limit within M - R : however, Tamarack Flat, , and ■ In order to improve air quality in Yosemite Yosemite National Park in a calendar year; how- National Park Reservation Service Porcupine Flat contain non-flushing vault Valley during peak visitation months, camp- ever, May 1 - September 15, the camping limit P.O. Box 1600 toilets only. fires are only permitted May 1 through in Yosemite is 14 days, and only 7 of those days Cumberland, MD 21502 October 15 between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. can be in Yosemite Valley or Wawona. Campers Shower and laundry facilities are available Up to two campsites may be reserved There are no restrictions in effect in may request a specific campsite number if it is year-round in Yosemite Valley; showers are at a time by mail or phone with Mastercard, Yosemite Valley during the remainder of the available at the time the reservation is made. All also available at Tuolumne Meadows (summer Visa, Discover, personal check, or money year. campsite assignments are final—you may not only) during limited hours. See Yosemite Today order. For more information, call the park switch or change campsites after you arrive in the for locations and hours of service. ■ Firewood collection is prohibited in campgrounds office at 209/372-8502 or visit park. Maximum length for recreational vehicles RVs over 24 feet are not recommended for Yosemite Valley. This includes “dead and online (www.nps.gov/yose/trip/camping.htm). in Valley campgrounds is 40 feet. Tamarack Flat, Yosemite Creek, and Porcu- down” wood.

C AMPGROUNDS IN Y OSEMITE N ATIONAL PARK

MILES NUMBER PETS FROM OF STREAM ALLOWED YOSEMITE SITES/ DAILY TAP WATER (MUST BE GROCERIES STOCK CAMPGROUND ELEVATION VALLEY SPACES FEE * WATER (BOIL) ATTENDED) NEARBY CAMP NOTES** NORTH PINES 4,000'/1,200m 0 81 $18/s ●●●Open April-September Reservations required

UPPER PINES 4,000'/1,200m 0 238 $18/s ●●●Open All Year Reservations required

LOWER PINES 4,000'/1,200m 0 60 $18/s ●●●Open March-October Reservations required CAMP 4 WALK-IN 4,000'/1,200m 0 35 $5/p ●●Open All Year/Walk-In First-come, first-served. Limited parking IN YOSEMITE VALLEY

WAWONA 4,000'/1,200m 27 93 $18/s ● ●●●Open All Year Wawona Road (Highway 41) Reservations required May-Sept. ($18); near Wawona First-come, first-served Oct.-April ($12)

BRIDALVEIL CREEK 7,200'/2,194m 25 110 $12/s ●● ●Open July-early September Glacier Point Road First-come, first-served

HODGDON MEADOW 4,872'/1,484m 25 105 $18/s ●● Open All Year Big Oak Flat Road Reservations required May-Sept. ($18); (Hwy. 120 West near the First-come, first-served Oct.-April ($12) Big Oak Flat Entrance) Group camp closed in winter

CRANE FLAT 6,191'/1,886m 17 166 $18/s ●●●Open June-September Big Oak Flat Road, near Reservations required the Tioga Road turnoff

TAMARACK FLAT 6,315'/1,924m 23 52 $8/s ● Open June-early September Tioga Road Three-mile access road not suitable for (Highway 120 East) large RVs or trailers. First-come, first-served

WHITE WOLF 8,000'/2,437m 31 74 $12/s ●● Open July-early September Tioga Road First-come, first-served (Highway 120 East) Not suitable for RVs over 27'

●●

OUTSIDE YOSEMITE VALLEY YOSEMITE CREEK 7,659'/2,333m 35 40 $8/s Open July-early September Tioga Road Five-mile access road not suitable for RVs (Highway 120 East) over 24' or trailers. First-come, first-served

PORCUPINE FLAT 8,100'/2,468m 38 52 $8/s ● Open July-September Tioga Road RV access front section only (Highway 120 East) First-come, first-served

TUOLUMNE 8,600'/2,620m 55 304 $18/s ● ●●●Open July-September 1 MEADOWS ⁄2 advanced reservations, 1 Tioga Road ⁄2 same-day reservations (Highway 120 East)

*/s = per site **Dates approximate /p = per person 7 PLANNINGPLANNINGPLANNING YY

N ACCESS & PARKING Gasoline no Stanislaus in Yosemite National What is the Forest Reservations are NOT required to enter YOSEMITE VALLEY To 120 Yosemite National Park. Private vehicles Yosemite Valley is world famous for its Manteca best way may park in designated spaces through- impressive waterfalls, cliffs, and unusual rock formations. It is open year-round and may out Yosemite. be reached via Highway 41 from Fresno, 140 Highway 140 from Merced, Highway 120 to visit Tunnel from Manteca, and in late spring through View The park can be accessed along To To four State Highways: late fall via the Tioga Road (Highway 120 Merced 41 Fresno East) from Lee Vining. Many activities and Yosemite? From the West (Year-Round) services are available in Yosemite Valley. Highway 120 W to Big Oak Flat Entrance Detailed information is available at the Highway 140 to Arch Rock Entrance Valley Visitor Center in Yosemite Village. See the shuttle bus map and scheduled Your experience in From the South (Year-Round) Valley activities in Yosemite Today. Yosemi Highway 41 to South Entrance Yosemite depends on the Highway 120 W to Big Oak Flat Entrance Lake Nationa time you have available Eleanor From the East (Summer–Fall only) MARIPOSA GROVE 6 and your interests. Many O’Shaughnessy Park Highway 120 E from Lee Vining to the AND WAWONA Dam fine maps and books are Tioga Entrance e The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Hetch Riv r 1 ne d Hetchy lum sold in visitor centers is located 36 miles (1 ⁄4 hours) south of oa uo R Backpackers' T y Yosemite Valley via the Wawona Road h Campground c t and park stores to help Hetch e (Wilderness tch H (Highway 41), 2 miles from the park’s South Hetchy He Permit Required) plan your visit. Publications such as TRANSPORTATION Entrance Station. The road to the Mariposa Entrance Yosemite’s Official Park Handbook, pub- Grove is closed in winter. Activities include Camp White

To and From Yosemite hiking, ranger-led walks, and tram tours of To Mather Wolf E

lished by the National Park Service, or 120 v THE YOSEMITE AREA REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION the Grove (weather permitting) late spring e r g re through fall. Trail brochures printed in Big e The Yosemite Road Guide are available SYSTEM (YARTS) offers park visitors a voluntary n d Oak R oa English, French, Japanese, and Spanish are o R a a d g alternative to driving their car into Yosemite by Flat io at visitor centers, gift shops, or by available at the Grove trailhead. To reduce T providing bus service throughout the region. Entrance mail from the Yosemite Association traffic congestion and avoid parking Por Yosemite Fla Round-trip transit service is available to delays, ride the free shuttle bus (spring Hodgdon umn 120 ol e R Creek Meadow u iv Bookstore, P.O. Box 230, El Portal, CA T er Yosemite from the outlying communities. Daily through fall) from Wawona to the Grove. S ork To o u th F 95318, 209/379-2648, fax 209/379- service from Mammoth Lakes runs July to early Trailers are not allowed on the Mariposa Manteca Grove Road, and vehicles 23 feet and 2486, or www.yosemitestore.com. September. For schedule and service informa- Tuolumne N longer are restricted from 9:00 a.m. to Grove Valley D tion visit the YARTS web site at www.yarts.com or 4:00 p.m. daily. 4 Tamarack Yosemite Visitor Remember that road and trail Flat B Falls Center call toll free 877/98-YARTS (877/989-2787) or Crane ig The Pioneer Yosemite History Center in O Yosemite Merced Flat a conditions and available services k F Wawona is a collection of historic buildings l 209/388-9589. Grove a Valley t Trailhead R 1 associated with people and events that o Hw may change with the weather. For a To y 120 El Capitan d Glacier shaped the national park idea in Yosemite. Tioga Road Point current conditions and general closed late fall to Within Yosemite Interpretive signs and a brochure provide a late spring east Tunnel of this point Arch Bridalveil Sentinel information, call 209/372-0200. Free shuttle bus service is provided through- self-guiding tour of the Center year-round. Rock View Fall Dome El Entrance out the eastern portion of Yosemite Valley See Yosemite Today for activities and additional Portal information about Wawona and the 3 er Rd year-round. All Valley shuttles are lift equipped To iv Glaci int R er Po Mariposa Grove. Merced M d for wheelchairs. In summer, free shuttle buses er ce 140 Gla Chinquapin Badger Bridalveil Poi run from Wawona to the Mariposa Grove, Yosemite Pass clos Creek late

and from to Lake. Hikers’ West Ski of t W Area

LACIER OINT S G P a winter o

u w only buses run daily to Glacier Point late spring th Fork o Glacier Point, an overlook with a com- M n erced River a through autumn and between Tuolumne R

manding view of Yosemite Valley, Half o

a Meadows and Yosemite Valley late June Dome, and the Sierra Nevada, is located 30 d miles (a 1-hour drive) from Yosemite Valley. through Labor Day. Call 209/372-1240 for hik- ek e r The view from Glacier Point provides an C ers’ bus fee, schedule, and reservations, stop by a ln opportunity to see the Valley from its rim. ua any tour desk, or visit www.yosemiteparktours.com. hiln From Yosemite Valley, take the Wawona Road WawonaC (Highway 41) 14 miles to the Chinquapin Wawona Campground junction, then turn left onto the Glacier ou 2 S PARK LODGING Point Road. The road ends at Glacier Point. Pioneer The Glacier Point Road is generally open Sierra Yosemite National History South Mariposa (AVAILABLE YEAR-ROUND) from late spring through late fall. In winter, Forest Center Entrance Grove the road is plowed only as far as the Badger Reservations for all overnight lodg- Pass Ski Area, and then Glacier Point can be 41 To ing in Yosemite can be made by reached via skis or snowshoes only. See Fresno EN Yosemite Today for schedule of activities. ENTRANCE FEES calling 559/252-4848, by writing to Central Reservations, Yosemite Concession Services, 5410 East YOSEMITE IS OPEN Home, Fresno, CA 93727, or by YEAR-ROUND visiting www.yosemitepark.com. INFORMATION OUTSIDE THE PARK ENTRANCES ARE OPEN Lodging in Yosemite Valley includes 24 HOURS the following: West Highway 120 Highway 140/49 Highway 120 Chamber of Commerce Mariposa County Visitor Bureau OSEMITE ALLEY TYPE PRICE NOTES Y V P.O. Box 1263 (also info. for Fish Camp, Wawona, Hotel Charlotte, Suite B Yosemite West, and Buck Meadows) Yosemite Lodge Vehicle $20 Valid for seven days. Year-Round Groveland, CA 95321 P.O. Box 967 The Ahwahnee 800/449-9120 or 209/962-0429 5158 Highway 140 Mariposa, CA 95338 Individual $10 In a bus, on foot, Curry Village Year-Round bicycle, motorcycle, Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau 800/208-2434 or 209/966-2456 (cabins & (weekends only P.O. Box 4020 www.homeofyosemite.com or horse. Valid for tent cabins) seven days. in winter) 542 Stockton Road Housekeeping Sonora, CA 95370 East Highway 120 Spring–Fall Yosemite Pass $40 Valid for one year Camp 800/446-1333 or 209/533-4420 Lee Vining Chamber of Commerce in Yosemite. www.thegreatunfenced.com and Mono Lake Visitor Center OUTSIDE P.O. Box 130 National Parks Pass $50 Valid for 1 year in OSEMITE ALLEY Highway 41 Highway 395 and 3rd Street all national park Y V Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau Lee Vining, CA 93541 areas. Year-Round 41969 Highway 41 760/647-6629 (weekends only Oakhurst, CA 93644 www.leevining.com Golden Eagle $15 Covers entrance in February & 559/683-4636 Hologram for fees at other federal California Welcome Center, Merced March ) www.go2yosemite.net National Parks Pass sites when purchased 710 W. 16th Street with the National Tent cabins at: Highway 132/49 Merced, CA 95340 Parks Pass. Tuolumne Coulterville Visitor Center 800/446-5353 or 209/384-2791 Summer– Meadows Lodge P.O. Box 333 www.yosemite-gateway.org Golden Age Pass $10 For U.S. citizens Early Fall 5007 Main Street (Lifetime) or permanent White Wolf Coulterville, CA 95311 residents 62 Lodge 209/878-3074 and over. Rates range from $59 per night for a Golden Access Pass Free For blind or basic tent cabin with nearby bathroom, (Lifetime) permanently to $358 per night for a room at The disabled U.S. citizens or Ahwahnee (rates are subject to change). permanent Reservations are highly recommended and residents. may be made up to one year and one day in advance.

8 YOURYOURYOUR VISITVISITVISIT

Yosemite Village/ Yosemite RECREATION ot available Falls Visitor Center e Valley Yosemite Bicycling More than 12 miles of paved Lodge The Ahwahnee Get More RANE LAT bikeways wind through the eastern end of El Curry C F Yosemite Valley. Weather permitting, rental Capitan Village Crane Flat is a pleasant forest and mead- bikes, baby jogging strollers, and bicycle Day Info... Valley ow area located 16 miles from Yosemite View Parking child trailers are available at Yosemite Lodge Valley at the junction of the Big Oak Flat (all seasons) and Curry Village (summer). Bridalveil Road and the Tioga Road. To see giant Fall Check with rental agent for restrictions on sequoias, park at the Tuolumne Grove park- rental bike use. BY PHONE Yosemite Valley ing area located on the Tioga Road (Highway (Elevation 4,000 feet/1,220 meters) 120 East), and walk one mile down to the Bike Rules ■ Recorded General Park Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. In win- Information including: For your safety and to protect Yosemite ter, snowshoes or cross-country skis may be Road & Weather Conditions, needed. For activities and area information, National Park, please follow these rules: Trip Planning Information, etc. te see Yosemite Today. California law mandates bicyclists under 18 209/372-0200 Hwy 120 Take a 4-mile round-trip hike or ski into the years of age wear helmets. ■ Western U.S. National Parks closed late fall to al late spring west To 395 Merced Grove of Giant Sequoias, located 3.5 Bikes are allowed only on paved bikeways 415/556-0560 of this point & Lee miles north of Crane Flat or 4.5 miles south of and park roads (unless the road is closed to Vining the Big Oak Flat entrance along the Big Oak bicycle use). 120 ON THE WEB Flat Road (Highway 120 West). The trailhead is Bikes are not allowed off roads or on pedes- marked by a post labeled B-10 and a road sign. Tioga trian and hiking trails. Yosemite National Park Tuolumne Pass Bicyclists must obey all posted traffic signs www.nps.gov/yose Entrance Meadows and travel with the flow of traffic when on Yosemite Concession Services Lembert www.yosemitepark.com Dome Fork roadways used by automobiles. Facilities along na Mount Tioga Road 5 Da Dana Camping Reservations available 13,053 ft summer only TIOGA ROAD 3,979 m Trail Riding Weather and trail condi- reservations.nps.gov d Mount a o Tuolumne AND UOLUMNE Hoffmann R T tions permitting, 2-hour, half-day, and Regional Information May a Meadows L 10,850 ft g y io 3,307 m Lake T Visitor e www.yosemite.com ll full-day rides depart from stables in Yosemite Center F MEADOWS o r k Yosemite Association rcupine Tenaya The Tioga Road is generally open from late Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, and Wawona t Lake yosemite.org May through late October or early November spring through fall. Closed in winter. Call Olmsted and offers a 39-mile scenic drive through 209/372-8348 for information. Yosemite Fund Point www.yosemitefund.org forests and past meadows, lakes, and granite North k Yosemite Institute e Clouds domes. The road’s elevation ranges from 6,200 Dome re Hiking & Backpacking Yosemite C a Rest www.yni.org/yi n ay feet at Crane Flat to 9,900 feet at the Tioga Te Mount offers over 800 miles of hiking trails park- Lyell Pass Entrance Station. There are many scenic Yosemite Area Regional Half iver 13,114 ft wide. For updated trail information, visit d R 3,997 m Dome e and recreational opportunities in these areas. Transportation System (YARTS) rc e Merced the Wilderness Center in Yosemite Valley M Lake Check visitor centers and park bulletin boards www.yarts.com Vernal and Tuolumne Meadows (spring through Fall & for updated information on available services The Ansel Adams Gallery Nevada and activities. From late fall through late fall); in winter, check at the Valley Visitor www.anseladams.com Fall spring, this area is only accessible by cross- Center, or call 209/372-0200. Wilderness Il VIA/Gray Line Bus Service lilo uett e C permits are required for overnight ree country skis or snowshoes. For activities, see www.via-adventures.com k Inyo Yosemite Today. wilderness users. For wilderness permit infor- National cier mation and reservations, call 209/372-0740 nt Road Forest sed late fall to RESERVATIONS spring east or go to www.nps.gov/yose/wilderness. For this point some ideas on hiking, as well as information ■ Lodging Reservations about backpacking, see page 12. 559/252-4848 TTY 559/255-8345 Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, a source of Rock Climbing Classes The Yosemite ■ Campground Reservations drinking water and hydroelectric power for Mountaineering School and Guide Service (callers from U.S. and Canada) Ranger Station the city of San Francisco, is also home to offers beginner through advanced classes in 800/436-7275 Food Service & Lodging spectacular scenery and the starting point TTY 888/530-9796 Yosemite Valley spring through fall, and in Campground for many less-used wilderness trails. Towering ■ Campground Reservations iver uth Fo erced R Tuolumne Meadows in late spring through rk M Peaks and Landmarks cliffs and high waterfalls are easily seen from (International callers only) the walkway on top of O’Shaughnessy Dam. summer. Call 209/372-8344 for information. 301/722-1257 Gas Station Sierra Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is located 40 miles National 05 km 5 miles from Yosemite Valley via Highway 120 and Forest Evergreen and Hetch Hetchy Roads. Vehicles AVERAGE PRECIPITATION over 25 feet are prohibited on the road due to its narrowness. AND TEMPERATURES IN YOSEMITE VALLEY (4,000 FT/1,220 M)*

MONTH PRECIPITATION MAXIMUM MINIMUM VISITOR CENTERS (inches/cm) (F°/C°) (F°/C°) The four visitor centers in Yosemite National Park traditional games are offered at the Indian Cultural January 6.2/15.7 49/9 26/-3 are excellent resources for park information, wilder- Exhibit in Yosemite Valley. Other exhibits are in the February 6.1/15.5 55/13 28/-2 ness permits, and park-related publications and Valley Visitor Center, Yosemite Museum, Nature Cen- March 5.2/13.2 59/15 31/-0.5 handouts. See Yosemite Today for more information. ter at Happy Isles (summer), LeConte Memorial Lodge April 3.0/7.6 65/18 35/2 (summer), Wilderness Center, The Ansel Adams YOSEMITE VALLEY VISITOR CENTER May 1.3/3.3 73/23 42/5.5 Gallery, Parsons Lodge in Tuolumne Meadows (sum- June 0.7/1.8 82/28 48/9 Open daily all year. mer), Glacier Point (summer), and the Mariposa July 0.4/1.0 90/32 54/12 BIG OAK FLAT INFORMATION STATION Grove Museum (summer). Check park visitor centers August 0.3/0.8 90/32 53/11.5 Closed in winter; generally open spring and bulletin boards for additional information, and September 0.9/2.3 87/30.5 47/8 through fall. see activities listed in Yosemite Today. October 2.1/5.3 74/23 39/4 November 5.5/14 58/14 31/-0.5 WAWONA INFORMATION STATION AT TOURS December 5.6/14.2 48/9 26/-3 HILL’S STUDIO (NEXT TO WAWONA For a relaxing and informative experience, take a HOTEL) sightseeing tour on a bus or open-air tram (weath- Annual 37.3/94.7 *For temperatures at 8,000 feet (2,440 m), subtract 10-20 degrees. Closed in winter; generally open spring er permitting). These tours, narrated by informed through fall. guides, operate daily to most points of interest TUOLUMNE MEADOWS VISITOR CENTER in the park, including Yosemite Valley (year-round), Closed in winter and spring; generally open Tuolumne Meadows (summer), Glacier Point, ROAD Due to construction, you may experience June through September. Wawona, and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias short delays or temporary detours on some (spring through fall). Two-hour moonlight tours INFO show Yosemite Valley in a different light during park roads. Call 209/372-0200 for recorded VISITOR ACTIVITIES summer months. In winter, tours are conducted on road information. www.nps.gov/yose/trip/activities heated and enclosed motor coaches; stops are made at the best-known scenic locations in Yosemite PROGRAMS AND EXHIBITS Valley. There is a fee for all sightseeing tours. For Naturalist-guided walks and programs as well as self- reservations and more information, call 209/372- For accessibility information, see page 15. guided walks are available. Cultural history 1240 or stop by any hotel tour desk. Information is The Yosemite Accessibility Guide is available demonstrations of basket-weaving, beadwork, or also available online at www.yosemiteparktours.com.  at park entrance stations, visitor centers, or online at www.nps.gov/yose/access/htm.

9 EXPLOREEXPLORE YOSEMITEYOSEMITE

SPECTACULAR VISTAS AND QUIET CORNERS OF THE PARK

Yosemite National Park embraces one of the world’s most outstanding concentrations of spectacular mountain-and-valley scenery. Its Sierran setting harbors a grand collection of high waterfalls and forests, including groves of giant sequoias. Within its 1,200 square miles— a landscape roughly the size of the state of Rhode Island—there is much to see and do. During your visit, we invite you to experience as much of this glorious place as possible. No doubt, you will most likely spend part of your visit in the incomparable Yosemite Valley. These pages will briefly touch upon some of the park’s other special corners.

ALONG THE TIOGA ROAD (Opens late May)

Originally a wagon road across the Tioga Pass Floyd Mike Photo by built by the Great Consolidated Silver Compa- as seen from Olmsted Point. ny in 1883, the Tioga Road literally splits Yosemite National Park in two. Improved to its present condition and realignment in 1961, an endless view stretches all the way the road opened up some of Yosemite’s most to Yosemite Valley where Clouds Rest stunning country and allowed access to previ- and the back side of Half Dome are ously remote high-country destinations. This visible. road is closed for winter some time in Novem- ber and reopens for the season in late May. A few minutes east of Olmsted Point White Wolf is Tenaya Lake, named for the leader of You could easily spend an entire afternoon Yosemite Valley’s native people before exploring the lush meadows and forests of this the arrival of Euro-Americans. Tenaya Lake is one of the best places to have a Floyd Mike Photo by Tioga Road retreat. Take a day hike to peaceful Tenaya Lake, a sparkling jewel on the Tioga Road, is located just west glacial lakes, such as Lukens Lake (mostly swim along the Tioga Road. One of the of Tuolumne Meadows. uphill, but less than a mile, great for families) park’s larger lakes, Tenaya Lake is or Harden Lake (a relatively flat 6-mile round approximately 8 miles west of ers, particularly in August). A person staying at trip). Each hike is relatively easy with trail- Tuolumne Meadows, or 30 miles east of Crane Tuolumne Meadows could take a different hike heads located near the campground in the Flat. The inviting sandy beach on the eastern every day of the week and still not exhaust the heart of White Wolf. shore is a good bet, but be prepared for some possibilities. Some of the recommended hikes cold water. are those to Cathedral Lakes, Elizabeth Lake, Olmsted Point , Dog Lake, or along the Located about midway between White Wolf Tuolumne Meadows through Lyell Canyon. Stop in and Tuolumne Meadows, Olmsted Point offers Tuolumne Meadows is a stunningly pictur- at the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center for a one of the hands-down most spectacular vistas esque region that sits 8,600 feet up in the free day hike hand-out. anywhere in the park. Here the enormous transparent sky of Yosemite’s high country. walls of the are exposed and Contained in a basin about 2.5 miles long, ANDER THE AWONA REA the meadow system may be W W A the largest in the Sierra Wawona Point (in the Mariposa Grove Nevada at the subalpine of Giant Sequoias) level. Tuolumne Meadows For great views high above Wawona, this is only 55 miles by road short, half-mile walk is not to be missed. from Yosemite Valley, but From Wawona Point you’ll be able to see the it’s a world apart. The hiking Wawona Meadow and golf course, with views around Tuolumne Meadows to the east of Wawona Dome. This excellent is first-rate. The trails are lookout on the entire Wawona basin is a short varied, the scenery is excep- walk from the top of the Mariposa Grove. Get tional, and the weather off the tram at the Wawona Tunnel Tree and usually cooperative (but plan walk back to the north to the Galen Clark Tree for afternoon thundershow- where the old road to Wawona Point branches Photo by KristinaPhoto by Rylands Harden Lake, near White Wolf, is a relatively easy 6-mile round-trip hike. Photo by Colleen Brown Photo by A hike to the top of Lembert Dome is rewarded with a panoramic view of Tuolumne Meadows. 10 EXPLOREEXPLORE YOSEMITEYOSEMITE

Much of the text for “Explore Yosemite” comes from The Complete Guidebook to Yosemite National Park by Steven P. Medley. This everything-you-need-to-know book, published by the Yosemite Association, is available at visitor centers and stores throughout the park. You can also stop at a visitor center for a day hike hand-out.

Dewey Point One of the most inter- esting perspectives on Bridalveil Fall and El Cap- itan is afforded by this commanding view point (7,385 feet). The trail starts two-tenths of a mile west of (before you get to) Bridalveil Campground Photo by M.V.Photo by Hood is an impressive series of cascades just outside of Wawona. on the Glacier Point Road. You can begin at the McGurk Meadow off. Ask your tram driver for directions if you THREE GREAT HIKES trailhead, then head need them. The round trip walk should take FROM THE GLACIER POINT ROAD north. The route mean- you less than an hour. To take in a sunset view, (Opens late May) ders through forest and bring a flashlight and be prepared to walk over meadows, intersects with and hour back to the parking area (trams stop Trail the Pohono Trail (go left), operating at 7:30 p.m.). Ansel Adams made the top of this dome then extends to the Val- famous with his unforgettable shot of the ley rim. While there’s not wind-swept Jeffrey pine. The 1.1 mile hike to Chilnualna Falls much elevation gain or the top is a small price to pay for the 360 loss, the round trip is One of the tallest outside Yosemite Valley, Raleigh Patterson Photo by degree panorama of Yosemite’s unbelievable Chilnualna Falls cascades down two chutes. approximately 7 miles. McGurk Meadow, on the trail to landscape. See Yosemite Falls in its entirety— The falls, instead of leaping and free falling Allow 4 to 6 hours for the Dewey Point. from upper fall, middle cascades, to lower fall. from some precipice, drop through a narrow out and back hike. You’ll be at 8,122 feet (more than 4,000 feet chasm in a furious rush. The trail to this above the Yosemite Valley floor). It’s a good delightful cascade is fairly strenuous, gaining idea to have a park map for landmark identifi- almost 2,500 feet in approximately 4 miles. cation, although a landmark compass is inset The route is an enjoyable one through man- in a granite boulder, marking most of the zanita, deer brush, and bear clover and finally major peaks in the 360 degree view. Try this meets with Chilnualna Creek. Start from the easy hike at sunrise or sunset or on the night trailhead, which is located 1.7 miles east of the of a full moon (bring a flashlight). The round main road on Chilnualna Falls Road. If the trip requires about two hours. The trailheads road turns to dirt, you’ve gone too far. Allow 6 for this hike and the one to are the to 8 hours for this 8 mile round trip. Carry lots same. Park at the Sentinel Dome parking area of water in the summer when temperatures (it’s about at the spot where you first eye Sentinel can be extreme. Dome). There is no water available, however a vault toilet is located at the parking area. The Meadow Loop This easy, leisurely, and picturesque walk Taft Point Trail begins directly across the Wawona Road from Unusual rock formations and an overhang- the entry to the Wawona Hotel. Its almost ing lookout point reward hikers on this short entirely flat route skirts the edges of the route. Start at the Sentinel Dome parking lot. Wawona Meadow, then circles back, crosses The trail is mostly flat and slightly downhill to the Wawona Road, and finishes up behind the the fissures. Some of the cracks are 40 feet Wawona Hotel. This stroll amounts to about 3 long and 20 feet wide at the top and 1,000 feet miles total and may take an hour or so. deep. The wall of Yosemite actually overhangs the narrow ravine at Taft Point where you’ll be standing on the only solid object between you and the Valley floor, thou- sands of feet below. It’s just over two miles round trip; give your- self two hours. Photo by Chamberlin/KodakPhoto by Taft Point and the Fissures offer dramatic views of Yosemite Valley and the natural processes of erosion at work. Photo by KristinaPhoto by Rylands Check out the 360 degree High Sierra view from the top of Sentinel Dome.

11 ONON THETHE TRAILTRAIL

EXPERIENCE YOSEMITE’S WILDERNESS . . . SAFELY

Yosemite National Park is a place of steep changes in weather can occur even in WILDERNESS PERMITS canyons, waterfalls, craggy mountain summer. Free wilderness permits are required for peaks, and gently rounded domes. It is a Avoid dehydration or heat exhaustion; all overnight trips into the Yosemite place where rain, wind, fire, and flood are a carry and drink plenty of water, and Wilderness. A limited number of overnight part of its inherent beauty, where the land- bring high-energy emergency food. users are permitted to enter the wilderness scape is shaped by falling rock and for each day on each trail. Sixty percent of toppling trees. It is a place where animals Be prepared for an emergency bivouac each daily trailhead quota is available by are wild and plants prevail. even when out just for the day. Know reservation, and 40% of trailhead quotas There are many ways to experience the how to use your gear and carry basic are available on a first-come, first-served wildness of Yosemite. While the forces of repair materials. basis the day of or one day in advance of nature can create unexpected hazardous Avoid the combination of wetness, wind, departure. Maximum group size is 15 peo- conditions, with a little common sense and cold. Know symptoms and treatment ple, 8 for cross-country travel. Trailhead and some pre-planning you can minimize methods for hypothermia. Carry emer- quotas for popular trails often fill, but there the risks associated with many of these gency fire starting materials and food. is always space available at trailheads else- activities: where in the park. No permit is required for PROTECT YOSEMITE’S WILDERNESS day hiking. Permits are issued at wilderness HIKING, BACKPACKING, ROCK CLIMBING, Pack out all trash and toilet paper/sani- centers located in Yosemite Valley, AND SCRAMBLING tary products. Tuolumne Meadows, Big Oak Flat, Be honest about your abilities and plan Wawona, and the Hetch Hetchy Entrance activities toward the least experienced Use gas stoves rather than wood fires. Station. For general hiking information member of your group. Camp in an existing campsite at least or for information on making a wilderness Always tell someone where you are going 100 feet from water and trail. You must permit reservation, visit any park wilder- and when you are due back. be 4 miles from any populated area and ness center. Carry a signal mirror and whis- 1 mile from any road before camping. Backpackers who plan to visit Yosemite’s tle. Solo activities require To minimize trampling of vegetation, beautiful wilderness during the peak season increased precautions. bring a container to carry water to your (May through September) are encouraged Stay on designated trails or camp from lakes or streams. to make a permit reservation. Reservations are taken from 24 weeks to routes. Carry and know how Maximum group size is 15 people for to use a map and compass. 2 days in advance of the start of your trip. trail travel and 8 people for off-trail travel. There is a $5 per person reservation fee. To Avoid scrambling in steep Yosemite is a wildlife preserve. Pets, make a permit reservation, check the park’s terrain or off-trail. If new to weapons, bicycles, strollers, and motor web site for trailhead availability, plan an climbing, take a class to learn vehicles are never allowed on Yosemite’s itinerary, and then call 209/372-0740. important safety techniques wilderness trails. before venturing out alone. For recorded See page 6 for food storage regulations; wilderness information, Check weather forecasts prior see page 4 for water quality and water to your trip. Sudden extreme call 209/372-0200 or go to safety information. www.nps.gov/yose/wilderness Yosemite Once Removed–Portraits of the Backcountry is a stunning series of photographs paired with essays SELF-GUIDING TRAILS IN YOSEMITE VALLEY that focus on the territory beyond the roads and beaten paths of Yosemite. The Miwok in Yosemite is a short loop Interpretive Trail is a short The Legacy of Curry Village is an easy This book is devoted to the greater that winds through the Indian Village loop adjacent to Mirror Lake, a seasonal stroll commemorating the early days of Yosemite National Park, with wilder- of Ahwahnee, a reconstructed Miwok- lake on Tenaya Creek. Exhibits focus on Camp Curry. Pick up a map and guide at ness area that comprises more than Paiute village. A booklet is available at the rich natural history of the area, the Curry Village front desk or tour 94% of its nearly 1,200 square miles. the trailhead and in the Visitor Center. American Indian use, and history of this desk. Claude Fiddler, photographer, with The trail begins behind the Yosemite popular destination. To reach the start essays by , Nancy Fiddler, Museum.  of the trail, walk 1 mile from shuttle John Hart, Ann Macquarie, and stop #17 to the disabled parking spaces Doug Robinson. Available through near the lake. The self-guiding trail the Yosemite Association. Visit online begins here. at www.yosemitestore.com.

YOSEMITE VALLEY DAY HIKES For detailed descriptions, ask for a day hikes information sheet at the Valley Visitor Center.

IFFICULTY PPROXIMATE DESTINATION / TRAIL STARTING POINT DISTANCE D / A NOTES ELEVATION GAIN HIKING TIME

BRIDALVEIL FALL Bridalveil Fall 1/2 mile round trip Easy 20 minutes round trip Paved trail; last 50' may be steep for Parking Area (0.8 km) visitors with mobility impairments

MIRROR LAKE Mirror Lake 2 miles round trip Easy 1 hour round trip Vehicle access available (a seasonal lake) Shuttle Stop #17 (3.2 km) via road with placard

LOWER YOSEMITE FALL Lower Yosemite Fall 1/2 mile round trip Easy 20 minutes round trip Paved trail; last 50' is Shuttle Stop #6 (0.8 km) significantly sloped

UPPER YOSEMITE FALL TRAIL Camp 4 2 miles round trip Strenuous 2 to 3 hours round trip Check conditions at Visitor Center COLUMBIA ROCK near Shuttle Stop #7 (3.2 km) 1,000' (300 m) elevation gain in winter

TOP OF YOSEMITE FALL Same as above 7.2 miles round trip Very Strenuous 6 to 8 hours round trip Check conditions at Visitor Center (11.6 km) 2,700' (810 m) elevation gain in winter

MIST TRAIL OR

VERNAL FALL FOOTBRIDGE Happy Isles/Shuttle Stop #16 1.4 miles round trip Moderate 1 to 2 hours round trip Check conditions at Visitor Center (2.0 km) 400' (120 m) elevation gain

TOP OF Same as above 3 miles round trip Strenuous 2 to 4 hours round trip Check conditions at Visitor Center (4.8 km) 1,000' (300 m) elevation gain Winter route available

TOP OF Same as above 7 miles round trip Strenuous 5 to 6 hours round trip Check conditions at Visitor Center (11.3 km) 1,900' (570 m) elevation gain Winter route available

TOP OF HALF DOME Same as above 17 miles round trip Extremely Strenuous 10 to 12 hours round trip Cables up from June to early (27.4 km) 4,800' (1,463 m) elevation gain October; otherwise cable route is inaccessible

GLACIER POINT Southside Drive 4.8 miles one way Very strenuous 3 to 4 hours one way Check conditions at Visitor FOUR MILE TRAIL (7.6 km) 3,200' (960 m) elevation gain Center; closed in winter and early spring

VALLEY FLOOR LOOP Lower Yosemite Fall 13 miles full loop (20.8 km) Moderate 5 to 7 hours full loop Get full description from Shuttle Stop #6 6.5 miles half loop (10.4 km) 2.5 to 3.5 hours half loop Visitor Center 12 Just for Kids

COLOR YOUR OWN AMERICAN BLACK BEAR FUN FAMILY EXHIBITS Ursus americanus

Two historic landmarks in Yosemite Valley—the Nature Center at Happy Isles and LeConte Memorial Lodge—can help families with American black bears are large, mostly BEHAVIOR children explore and understand Yosemite’s natural world. The harmless bears that usually live in Black bears are good swimmers and can Nature Center at Happy Isles, open through mid-September (see also climb trees. They have a good sense Yosemite Today for hours), offers state-of-the-art exhibits, hands-on forests, but also in swamps and desert of smell but have poor eyesight. activities, and a small bookstore (near shuttle bus stop #16). LeConte scrub. These solitary mammals are Memorial Lodge (shuttle bus stop #12), open through mid-September, found across North America. CUBS Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., features a Usually two cubs are born during the children’s corner and offers children’s and family programs. ANATOMY winter while the mother is in deep winter American black bears are up to 6 feet sleep. Cubs stay with the mother for (1.8 m) long and weigh up to 300 pounds about one year. WILD VALLEY PROGRAMS (135 kg). Their long, thick fur ranges in color from black to brown. Like all bears, DIET WEE WILD ONES they are plantigrade (flat-footed). The American black bears are omnivores Bring your wee wild one for a fun-filled program featuring nature- front claws are longer than the rear claws. who eat plants, leaves, fruits, berries, related stories, activities, songs and more! This 45-minute program is nuts, roots, honey, insects, and small geared for children 6 and under, though older children are welcome. mammals. Each child must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. Check Yosemite Today for program times and locations. CLASSIFICATION For more activities especially for Class Mammalia, Order Carnivora, YOSEMITE THEATER LIVE PRESENTS Family Ursidae (bears), Genus Ursus, Yosemite Tails—Animal and Earth Stories children, look for programs listed species americanus. (Saturdays, June 21 to August 23) in color in Yosemite Today. New for the 2003 season, this 1-hour evening program is especial- Black to Brown Fur ly for children…or the kid in all of us! Join the Story Quilters as they weave stories and songs of the land and its critters that will make you laugh and smile and use your imagination. Located at the Valley Visitor Center East Auditorium. Check Yosemite Today for schedule.

EXPLORE YOSEMITE FAMILY PROGRAM (July through August) Long Enjoy the morning or afternoon in Yosemite Valley with a profes- Muzzle sional naturalist and a small group of families to explore the (sharp wonders of Yosemite’s natural world and cultural history. The sense of “Explore Yosemite Family Program” offers a hands-on exploratory smell) adventure for families with children ages 12 and under. Each child must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. Check Yosemite Today for schedule and details. Copyright © 1999 EnchantedLearning.com

Down-turned claws (great for climbing trees)

LITTLE CUBS WANTED! TAKE THE BLACK BEAR Are you between the ages of 3 and 6? Yosemite has a pro- gram for YOU! Little Cubs is a self-guided booklet that TRUE/FALSE QUIZ encourages our young visitors and their families to discover Bears break into cars and enter campsites to get food because Yosemite’s wonders and to earn a Little Cubs button. This there isn’t enough natural food for them. booklet (published by the Yosemite Association) is sold for $3 plus tax in the Nature Center at Happy Isles, Yosemite False. There is plenty of natural food for the bears, but they Valley and Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Centers, and are opportunistic, seeking out what’s easiest. If they smell Wawona and Big Oak Flat Information Stations. some food nearby, like a bag of potato chips in your car, they may attempt to get it.

BECOME A JUNIOR RANGER Bears in Yosemite Valley are active both day and night. True. Researchers have determined that bears are active Kids ages 7-13: You can become a Yosemite Junior Ranger both day and night. Bears that visit public places like camp- by purchasing a self-guided booklet published by the grounds may come out at night in order to avoid people. Yosemite Association. This booklet is sold for $4.95 plus tax at the Nature Center at Happy Isles, Yosemite Valley and Bears can smell canned beans, soda, or a jar of peanut butter. Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Centers, and Wawona and Big True. There is no animal that has a better sense of smell Oak Flat Information Stations. In order to earn a Junior than a bear. On top of that, they can unscrew jar lids! Ranger patch, the booklet must be completed, a bag of trash collected, and a guided program attended. To learn more about black bears in Yosemite National Park, See Yosemite Today for a schedule of ranger-led Junior visit www.nps.gov/yose/nature/wlf_bears.htm Ranger programs. Also visit WebRangers, the National Park Service’s online junior ranger program at www.nps.gov/webrangers.

13 HELPHELP YOURYOUR PARKPARK

YOSEMITE ASSOCIATION THE YOSEMITE FUND BECOME PART OF A TRADITION OF SERVICE PROVIDING FOR YOSEMITE’S FUTURE

Yosemite’s oldest nonprofit support organization, the Yosemite Association, is Yosemite Falls, the highest waterfall in North America, is a key destination for proud to celebrate 80 years of service to the park this year! Join YA today, and help more than 2 million Yosemite visitors each year. Yet the approach to this stunning them continue to provide a wide array of educational products and services that natural icon is in need of repairs: landscape has been trampled, access for wheel- enhance the visitor experience and chair users is limited, and educational promote stewardship of this amazing exhibits are minimal. park. The Campaign for Yosemite Falls, a part- In cooperation with the National nership between The Yosemite Fund and Park Service and with authority from the National Park Service, is providing Congress, the Yosemite Association: funding to restore natural habitat and Provides funding annually to the improve the visitor experience in this 56- National Park Service for visitor acre area. The Kresge Foundation has made information, educational, and a $600,000 challenge grant to help raise interpretive programs; the remaining $1.8 million required to complete the project. Please consider Publishes award-winning books on becoming a part of this historic effort by Yosemite and operates bookstores making a donation to help meet this in the park; important challenge grant. Provides member volunteers to The restoration at Lower Yosemite Fall is work on restoration projects and just one of many projects supported by The to act as docents at many park Yosemite Fund, a nonprofit organization facilities; that raises money from Yosemite enthusi- Protects Yosemite’s bears through asts to protect and restore the park and education and bear canister rental enhance the visitor’s experience. Now in its

programs; Association Yosemite Photo courtesy of 15th year, the Fund has distributed over Offers scores of outdoor classes The Yosemite Association built the Geology Hut at Glacier Point in 1925, one of its earliest $20 million for more than 150 projects. contributions to Yosemite National Park. on topics such as natural history, Thanks to gifts from dedicated “Friends of photography, American Indians, Yosemite,” the Fund has helped: backpacking, and art. Install 2,000 bear-proof food lockers throughout Yosemite If you love Yosemite and wish to become more closely involved with the park, Create Spirit of Yosemite, a captivating, award-winning visitor orientation film become a member of the Yosemite Association. Sign up for membership through this Yosemite Guide and receive as a free gift The Complete Guidebook to Yosemite Rebuild numerous sections of Yosemite’s 800+ miles of trails National Park. This humorous and informative book has earned the “Best National This year, the Fund hopes to sponsor many more projects including new educa- Parks Guidebook” award from the National Park Service. tional wayside exhibits, wilderness restoration, and reclamation of an acre of Membership dues start at $30 per year and entitle you to many valuable benefits, wetland at Happy Isles. including: You can help by becoming a Friend of Yosemite through a donation to the Fund. Yosemite, the quarterly journal All donors of $25 or more receive: A 15% discount on all books, merchandise, and Outdoor Adventures offered by Access to a special telephone number to make lodging reservations in the park the Yosemite Association A 10% discount at selected lodging facilities both in and near the park 10% off park lodging, including The Ahwahnee and Wawona Hotel The opportunity to attend special events for members and to participate in volun- Free subscription to the Fund’s biannual full-color magazine, Approach teer programs in the park Listing at the Friends of Yosemite Honor Wall at the Valley Visitor Center Complete the form below to join the Yosemite Association today! Please fill out the coupon below and become a Friend of Yosemite today!

YES, I WANT TO JOIN THE YOSEMITE YES, I WANT TO JOIN THE ASSOCIATION AND HELP CONTINUE FRIENDS OF YOSEMITE WHO ITS TRADITION OF SERVICE! PROVIDE FOR YOSEMITE’S FUTURE!

❑ Individual $30 ❑ Sustaining $250 Enclosed is my tax-deductible gift: ❑ Joint/Family $35 ❑ Patron $500 ❑ $25 ❑ $100* ❑ $1,000** ❑ Supporting $50 ❑ Benefactor $1,000 ❑ $50 ❑ $500 ❑ $_____(Other) ❑ Contributing $100 ❑ International $40 (for members outside the U.S.) Name ❑ Yes, please send The Complete Guidebook to Yosemite National Park Address Name (please print) City State Zip Street Address Enclosed is my check or money order, or charge to my VISA/MasterCard/AmEx

City State Zip Card # Exp. date Daytime Phone Number * When you make a gift of $100 or more, you’ll receive a set of beautiful Enclosed is my check or money order for $ or charge to Yosemite note cards. Credit card # Expiration Date ** John Muir Heritage Society members, giving $1,000 or more, receive invitations to events in Yosemite, name listing on the Honor Wall in Email address Yosemite Valley, and other Society benefits.

YOSEMITE ASSOCIATION THE YOSEMITE FUND P.O. Box 230, El Portal, CA 95318 P.O. Box 637 209/379-2646 Yosemite, CA 95389 www.yosemite.org 800/4MY-PARK www.yosemitefund.org

14 GENERALGENERAL INFORMATIONINFORMATION

LOST AND FOUND ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION To inquire about items lost or found at one of Yosemite’s restaurants, hotels, lounges, shuttle buses, or tour services, call Yosemite Concession Services at An accessibility brochure is available at park entrance stations 209/372-4357, or write YCS Lost & Found, P.O. Box 578, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389. and visitor centers. Information is also available online at For items lost or found in other areas of the park, call the National Park Service at www.nps.gov/yose/trip/access.htm. Alternative formats may be 209/379-1001, or write to NPS Warehouse, 5083 Foresta Road, B-759, El Portal, available upon request. Phone NPS accessibility coordinator CA 95318. Don Fox at 209/379-1160 or send an email to [email protected]. MISCELLANEOUS Wheelchair rental is available at the Yosemite Medical Clinic, Bear Canister Rental 209/372-4637, and the Yosemite Lodge bike rental stand, $5 rental fee with $75 deposit (credit card or cash). Available at the Yosemite Valley 209/372-1208. See Yosemite Today for hours of operation. and Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Centers, the Big Oak Flat Information Station, the Wawona Information Station at Hill's Studio, the Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station, and the Crane Flat and Wawona Stores. Canisters can be returned to any of these locations. Drop The Golden Access Passport waives entrance fees for blind or bins are available for after-hour returns. Drop bins are also available in the Yosemite Valley permanently disabled U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Trailhead Parking area, near Happy Isles. Canisters are required in some areas of Yosemite's Wilderness and are highly recommended everywhere else. See page 6 for more information Inquire at entrance stations or visitor centers in the park. about proper food storage. A temporary access placard is available at park entrance Babysitting  stations and visitor centers. Displayed on the windshield, Limited babysitting is available for registered guests at Yosemite Lodge and The Ahwahnee. Call the front desk or concierge for additional information. it allows driving on paved roads normally closed to vehicle traffic. Kennel (Spring through fall, weather permitting) Designated parking spaces are marked throughout the Located at the stable in Yosemite Valley. Dogs must be gentle, weigh over 10 pounds,  with proof of shots and license required. 209/372-8348 P park with the international access symbol. Employment Opportunities In Yosemite Valley Would you like to be part of Yosemite’s future? Employment opportunities exist at Yosemite National Park with the National Park Service, Yosemite Concession Services Valley Visitor Center–Take Southside Drive past Chapel Corporation, and Volunteers in Parks. to stop sign. Turn left over bridge onto Sentinel Drive.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK At stop sign, turn left on Northside Drive and follow For job information on the web visit, www.usajobs.opm.gov the signs with  . Turn right on Village Drive. A few Employment hotline: 209/372-0200-6-1-1 (for permanent positions) close-in spaces are available near Yosemite Museum. 209/372-0200-6-1-2 (for seasonal positions) To contact the Yosemite National Park Human Resource Office, call 209/379-1805 Park in the day-visitor parking area at Yosemite Village or write: Yosemite National Park, Human Resource Office, P.O. Box 700, El Portal, and ride the free shuttle bus. All shuttles in Yosemite CA 95318. Valley are lift equipped. YOSEMITE CONCESSION SERVICES Contact Yosemite Concession Services Corporation at the General Offices in Yosemite Village or call 209/372-1236. Audio description devices and closed captioning are available for the film, Spirit of Yosemite, shown daily in VOLUNTEERS IN PARKS Individuals and groups interested in community service projects in Yosemite can the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center’s West Auditorium call the Volunteer Program Manager at 209/379-1850. Free camping is provided and entrance fees are waived during your work project. Theater. Assisted listening devices may also be available for some National Park Service interpretive programs. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION Check at the Valley Visitor Center.

YOSEMITE ASSOCIATION Outdoor courses in the park in natural history, art, backpacking, photography, and more. TTY phones are available for visitor use at the Yosemite P.O. Box 230, El Portal, CA 95318. 209/379-2321 www.yosemite.org Valley Visitor Center and for guests at Curry Village, YOSEMITE INSTITUTE Yosemite Lodge, and The Ahwahnee. TTY pay phones are Non-profit environmental education organization. Week-long, field-based sessions for school groups, teachers, and other groups. P.O. Box 487, Yosemite, CA 95389. also available outside the Curry Village registration area, 209/379-9511 www.yni.org/yi inside the Yosemite Lodge lobby, and at The Ahwahnee

NPS EDUCATION BRANCH in the mezzanine area. Educational outreach and information for teachers. Wawona Education Office, P.O. Box 2027, Wawona, CA 95389, 209/375-9505, www.nps.gov/yose/education. For entrance waivers for educational groups, call 209/372-0206, or visit online at www.ups.gov/yose/trip/waivers.htm. With advance notice, Nanette Oswald, Yosemite’s Deaf Services Coordinator, interprets ranger-led activities and provides park information for deaf and hard-of-hearing PARKS AS CLASSROOMS visitors in spring through fall. For more information Yosemite National Park is the ideal outdoor classroom for exploring natural about the Deaf Services Program, come to the Valley and cultural history. Yosemite’s Parks As Classrooms program coordinates with the Visitor Center information desk, or call 209/372-4726 California State Frameworks for elementary grades. Each program lasts 1 to 2 (TTY) or 209/372-0642 (voice). For a listing of accessible hours. Park entrance fees can be waived for the visit. interpretive programs, look for the international symbol These programs emphasize the National Park Service message of protection and in Yosemite Today.

preservation of natural and cultural resources. Fall visits feature a Miwok Indian NPS Photo theme. Reservations can be made beginning July 1, and class size is limited to 35 students. For further information regarding fall programs, call at 209/372- 0303, or visit the web site at www.nps.gov/yose/education. For a fee waiver application, call 209/372-0206 or download an application ENJOY THE JOURNEY WITH YARTS! online (www.nps.gov/yose/trip/waivers.htm). If you prefer to enjoy the Yosemite area’s magnificent scenery rather than watch the road, YARTS transit service to and from the park could be the option for you. The READY FOR ADVENTURE? Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) provides round-trip transit serv- Yosemite Outdoor Adventures invites you to explore Yosemite through a series ice between communities within Mariposa, Merced, and Mono Counties and Yosemite of fun, educational courses. You can learn about photography amidst one of the National Park. world’s most spectacular landscapes, study the wildflowers as you backpack Year-round: along the Sierra Crest, or gaze at the starry skies over Half Dome with an astronomer. From Merced east along Highway 140 to Yosemite Valley. Summer only: UPCOMING COURSES INCLUDE: June 7-8 Springtime Wildflowers in Yosemite Valley From Mammoth Lakes and Lee Vining to Yosemite Valley on Highway 395 and 120 June 28 Hetch Hetchy History Walk East via the June Lake Loop (weekends only through June, and from September 6–28; daily July 6 Investigating the Wildflowers of Tuolumne Meadows service July 1 through September 1). July 27-31 Starry Skies Over Yosemite Fares for riding YARTS vary, but generally range between $7 and $20 round trip for an Sept. 4-7 Yosemite Great Peaks Backpack adult, including entrance to the park. YARTS also offers discounts for children and seniors. Sept. 19-21 Southern Miwok Miniature Burden Basket Making For spring schedule information, check the YARTS web site at www.yarts.com Nov. 6-9 Nature Photography in Autumn or call toll free 877/98-YARTS (877/989-2787) or 209/388-9589. For informa- Yosemite Outdoor Adventures is operated by the Yosemite Association, a tion on the Highway 120 East service (Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite Valley) nonprofit educational organization that has supported Yosemite since 1923. please call 800/626-6684. Proceeds from the program directly benefit the park. For more information or to request a catalog call 209/379-2321 or visit www.yosemite.org. 15 Yosemite, CA 95389 P.O. Box 577 National Park Service of the Interior U.S. Department

Roadway Shuttle Bus Only Shuttle Bus Stop Trailhead i Hiking Trail Bike Path Visitor Center Located in Yosemite Half Campground Village. Park and walk Dome at Picnic Area Lower or take the free Yosemite shuttle bus. MirrorRoyal Restroom Fall Arches Lake P Accessible Parking Half Dome N Map not to scale Yosemite P Church Chamberlin/KodakPhoto by Columbia 5 Village Bowl Rock No bicycles Mirror Lake beyond this (seasonal) point Trail to Yosemite P The Columbia Lodge Point and Ahwahnee Upper P k e Day Yosemite e r Parking Fall C ite P m Chapel Camp 4 se o ek Walk-in Y Housekeeping re Camp a C North nay Lower Pines Te LeConte Pines Swinging Memorial Stable Bridge Trail to Lodge Mirror

Me M Lake rce r d R ive e 20 rc ed R ive To r Curry  Upper Sentinel Glacier P Pines Beach Point P Village PARK HERE P NPS Photo Trailhead Detailed trail maps are available for Yellow The Three Brothers Pine From the Valley take Parking purchase at visitor centers and stores throughout the park. See page 12 for Southside Drive (one way) Valley day hike descriptions.

No Just beyond Chapel, turn rths e Four Mile ide Driv e riv Trail to left at the stop sign onto e D Glacier Nature Center and John Muir Trail hsid Point Sentinel Drive Sout at Happy Isles to Vernal and Nevada Falls, Half Dome Drive over bridge; at stop Vernal Fall Cathedral sign, turn right Beach PARKING AREA is located Vernal on Northside Drive Fall see page 15 Footbridge Park and Ride The Seasonal Free Shuttle Bus See Yosemite Today for schedule

Postage and Fees Paid and route. U.S. Department Third Class Mail ROAD of the Interior INFO Due to construction, you may experience short delays or temporary detours on some park roads. Call 209/372-0200 G-83 for recorded road information. Photo by Kodak Photo by Photo by Mike Osborne Mike Photo by Bridalveil Fall Vernal Fall