Yosemite, CA 95389 CA Yosemite,
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of the Interior the of Postage and Fees Paid Fees and Postage U.S. Department Department U.S. Third Class Mail Class Third YYOSEMITOSEMITEE Y same route,servingstopsinnumerical order. when intervalsmaybe20minutes. except duringearlymorningand late eveninghours Shuttle busesoperatedailyat10-minute intervals, June 20–September 4,7:00a.m.-10:00p.m. OSEMITE Yosemite ValleyDestinationAreas
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Schedules androutesmayvary. YOUR KEY TO VISITING THE PARK Parking Restroom Picnic Area Campground
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V e D JUNE 20 – SEPTEMBER 4, 2000 C r A i ALLEY v e scale to not Map Pine Yellow Walk-in (Sunnyside) Camp 4 The Ahwahnee Curry Village VOLUME XXIX, NO. 2 F B
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V Jeff 7 3 Parking Day Center Visitor Lahr 8 9 Lodge Memorial LeConte Dome Sentinel i 2 Village Yosemite 1 Camp Housekeeping 11 Clinic Medical Trail to Trail Sentinel Dome A Bowl Church Ahwahnee The C Look lacie Point Glacier G r P Poi nt Rd Village Curry 12 Inside! Trail from Trail Glacier Glacier Office Reservation Campground Point to Point 20 Vernal & & Vernal Nevada Falls 19 Pines Lower A
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Upper PinesCampground Curry Village Bike &RaftRental LeConte MemorialLodge Housekeeping Camp/ Yosemite ChapelParking Sentinel Bridge/ Yosemite Village/DayParking Yosemite Village Park Map ...... 10 & 11 Pines Upper
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throughout thepark. centers andstores for purchaseatvisitor Trail mapsareavailable be usedforhiking. This mapshouldnot Facilities & Services . . . 18 & 19 xplorers. Trail Builders. Pioneers. Innkeepers. Artists. Trail to Trail Snow Creek Snow and Tuolumne Meadows John Muir Trail Muir John Just For Kids ...... 9 Conservationists. The story of these and other early 17 15 20 18 16 19 Yosemite News ...... 6 Yosemite settlers can be found by crossing the historic Mist Trail Mist
ie&RaftRental Bike Curry Village Pines Campgrounds (Service ends8:30p.m.) Stable (Service ends8:30p.m.) Mirror Lake (Service ends8:30p.m.) Happy Isles E Nature Notes...... 7 covered bridge in Wawona and taking a walk through time. Yosemite Valley Plan . . . Center It is a story of the creation of one of America’s first national Dome Half parks. It’s a story filled with hopes and dreams, struggles and conflict as our nation grappled with the concept of the Fall Vernal preservation of wilderness. Continued on page 1 YYOSEMITOSEMITEE GUIDEGUIDE YOUR KEY TO VISITING THE PARK
SUMMER JUNE 20 – SEPTEMBER 4, 2000 VOLUME XXIX, NO. 2 A Walk Through Time
Continued from front cover Tucked away in Wawona—one of Yosemite’s quieter corners—you’ll find the Pioneer Yosemite History Center, where each building represents a dif- ferent chapter in Yosemite’s history. Visitors are encouraged to enter the fascinating world of the Pioneer Yosemite History Center as if they too The establishment of the Yosemite Grant in 1864 laid the were pioneers. With the murmur of foundation for national parks. This story is memorialized at the Merced River’s South Fork in the Pioneer Yosemite History Center in Wawona. the background, the clang of a black- smith’s anvil, and the whinny of spending the summer patrolling The History Center’s living history nearby horses, it’s easy to imagine life the park, building trails, and program runs throughout the summer on in an earlier era. stocking the lakes with fish. Wednesday through Sunday afternoons. WAWONA COVERED BRIDGE STAGECOACH COLLECTION During this time you will find several of It’s fitting that the old wooden The Pioneer Yosemite History the buildings staffed by dedicated volun- bridge, originally built by Galen Clark, Center also houses a collection teers in costume who assume the roles of serves as the entrance to the History of restored and authentic stage- Yosemite pioneers. Center. Clark’s role as one of the origi- coaches, representing early The Pioneer Yosemite History Center nal conservationists and innkeepers travel to the Yosemite region. is located in Wawona, about 4 miles places him in one of the earliest chap- After a train-ride from San from the park’s South Entrance along the ters of Yosemite’s history. After Francisco to the terminus in the Wawona Road, and is just a short walk Abraham Lincoln signed legislation in small foothill town of Raymond, from the Wawona Store parking lot. It is 1864 protecting Yosemite Valley and Yosemite was still a two-day ride always open and interpretive brochures the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias by stage. The stage trip was a are available. by creating the Yosemite Grant, Clark bruising one, and one which was appointed the Guardian of the A horse soldier could go anywhere, so it was logical left passengers covered with a Jeff Lahr is a seasonal ranger in Grant. Clark’s bridge, however, didn’t to call upon the U.S. Cavalry to patrol national fine coat of dust. The stage dri- Wawona. During the school year, resemble the covered bridge we cross parks before the creation of the National Park vers were literally the “Kings of he teaches art and history at Paulding Service in 1916. today. After the Washburn family the Road,” commanding respect Middle School in Arroyo Grande, CA. bought Clark’s Station and converted from all their passengers as they it to the Wawona Hotel as seen today, HOMESTEADING CONFLICT navigated the rocky roads, the hair-pin they covered the rough-hewn bridge The Hodgdon cabin represents the role curves, and dealt with the occasional in 1879 in the tradition of their New of the homesteaders, a controversial bandits along the route. England origins. chapter of Yosemite’s history. Homestead- TO LEARN MORE... ers claimed a portion of the Yosemite area HISTORY COMES ALIVE WHO WAS A blacksmith heats up iron and demon- under the stipulations of the Home- Beginning June 28, come watch GEORGE ANDERSON? strates a nearly forgotten art. Two sisters steading Act of 1864. The Hodgdons the living history portrayals of Nestled away in the northwestern fetch water from the pump. A Wells Fargo owned a ranch in the Sierra foothills and Yosemite’s early pioneers, corner of the History Center is the simple clerk checks her watch, waiting for the claimed a section of land near Yosemite Wednesday through Sunday. cabin of George Anderson, built in the stage to arrive. Visitors who really wish to as summer pasture. The Hodgdons, along See page 14 for details. 1870s. Anderson, a Scottish sailor, gold- experience a journey back into Yosemite’s with other pioneer families, opposed seeker, and jack-of-all trades, represents past can climb aboard a horse-drawn Ask your stage driver, Burrel, John Muir’s efforts to create Yosemite the early pioneers and settlers of the area. wagon and see what our predecessors how long it takes to ride from National Park, believing that it would Although he was one of the first trail- endured in order to travel to the wonders San Francisco to Yosemite. Stage erode their rights as property owners. builders of Yosemite and the local of Yosemite. rides take place Thursday After building the only two-story cabin in blacksmith, he is most remembered as The inspiration for the Pioneer through Sunday. See page 14 the region, and creating a summer home, the first person to reach the summit of Yosemite History Center came when for details. Half Dome. Although many had tried to the Hodgdons feared that the creation of the flood of 1955 nearly destroyed the Read Yosemite’s Historic Wawona, scale the summit before him, Anderson Yosemite National Park would undermine covered bridge. The National Park Service by Shirley Sargent, available at laboriously drilled holes for spikes all the their homesteading efforts. decided to restore it and create the Pio- bookstores throughout the park. way to its peak. Following the entrepre- U.S. CAVALRY CABIN neer Yosemite History Center to celebrate neurial spirit that energized many of After Yosemite National Park was estab- the hundredth anniversary of the estab- Yosemite’s first settlers, Anderson soon lished in 1890, the U.S. Cavlary took up lishment of the Yosemite Grant (which in began charging for tours to the top. the role of “acting 1864 marked the beginning of the formal Superintendent,” concept of establishing national parks in becoming America). Yosemite’s first The History Center is an outstanding park rangers. (The example of a joint effort in preserving YOSEMITE National Park Ser- the heritage of the national parks. This vice would not be cooperative effort includes businesses, GUIDE created until 1916.) non-profit organizations, and individual A force of 120 volunteers. Craftsmen trained in the Published by the Yosemite Association, horse-soldiers preservation of historic structures use in cooperation with the National Park would leave their historic materials and methods to main- Service and the Yosemite post at the Presidio tain the buildings’ structural integrity Concession Services Corp. and historic authenticity. in San Francisco, Edited by Kristina Rylands Production by Skip Gaynard Designs In 1879, this cabin was built upon the Hodgdon homestead in Aspen NPS Coordinator, Martha Lee Valley. Like other buildings at the Pioneer Yosemite History Center, it Printed by Premier Offset Printing, Inc. was moved to its current site near the covered bridge. Photo by G. Born
1 PARKPARKPARK RULESRULESRULES
RECREATIONAL CLOSURE ON THE EL PORTAL ROAD It’s the Law Due to construction along the El Portal Road (Highway 140), 6.4 miles of the road and Merced River corridor There are federal laws and are closed to walking, climbing, hiking, swimming, fishing, bicycling, and regulations specific to kayaking. Vehicular access is limited national parks that protect to between 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m., Yosemite, its wildlife, historic except during holiday periods. and prehistoric sites and Traffic is not allowed to stop, use structures, and natural turnouts, or turn around. beauty. Protect your park Passengers must remain in vehicles. by following these rules: No overnight parking is permitted Camping or sleeping in vehicles along the road. For more information, ask at the Arch is permitted only in designated This stone building, which now stands at the Pioneer Yosemite History Center, campsites and is prohibited along Rock Entrance Station, park visitor originally stood in Yosemite Valley’s “Old Village.” It was constructed as a black roadsides, in turnouts, or in centers, or call 209/372-0200. powder storage house but was also used as a jail and even a morgue. parking lots. ❖
Bicycles (including mountain RAFTING REGULATIONS DRIVE SAFELY bikes), in-line skates, and strollers Rafting reg- Wawona is open for rafting from 10:00 a.m. must remain on paved roads and In 1999, there were 381 motor ulations have to 6:00 p.m. daily between Swinging Bridge vehicle accidents in Yosemite designated paved bike paths. been imple- and Wawona Campground. National Park. Sixteen bears were They are not allowed on hiking mented to Each occupant of vessels or flotation devices hit by vehicles. Speeding kills trails or anywhere off-pavement. protect river on park rivers must have in their possession, wildlife and people. Slow down ❖ habitat and and readily available, an appropriately sized and follow these driving tips to provide for U.S. Coast Guard approved life vest. avoid accidents: visitor safety. In order to protect the river’s banks, rafters Motor vehicles must stay on The entire length of the Merced River within are encouraged to get out only on sand or Obey posted speed limits. Slow established roads open to public Yosemite Valley will be closed to all flota- gravel bars, and swimmers should use sandy down when road conditions war- travel. Vehicles are not permitted tion devices whenever the river gauge at beaches to enter and exit the water. Rafters rant. Be alert to rocks in the off-road. Sentinel Bridge reads 6.5 feet or higher. must be aware that fallen trees may exist in roadway, wildlife crossing, or Rafting on the Merced River in Yosemite the river. This natural debris can create haz- other unexpected situations. ❖ Valley is open to any type of non-motorized ardous conditions to river users, so extreme California law requires that all caution should be used. Store your food properly, keeping vessel or other flotation device between vehicle occupants wear seat Stoneman Bridge and Sentinel Beach from These rafting regulations may be subject to belts, and children 4 years of age it away from bears and other 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. In addition, change. (or under 40 lbs.) be restrained Yosemite animals (see page 3 the South Fork of the Merced River in in an approved child safety seat. for details). Do not stop in the roadway! Find ❖ a safe turnout if you wish to take a photo, consult a map, or enjoy Pets frighten wildlife and disturb ISHING EGULATIONS F R park scenery or wildlife. hikers. They must be leashed at Special fishing regulations apply on the open until June 15 in all times and are not permitted Be courteous. Pull into turnouts Merced River in Yosemite Valley from Happy order to protect spawning to allow other vehicles to pass. on any park trails, with the Isles downstream through El Portal to the rainbow trout. All lakes exception of paved trails on the Foresta Road Bridge. In this stretch of the and reservoirs are open to Vehicles commonly overheat on floor of Yosemite Valley. river, it is catch-and-release only for native fishing year-round. uphill grades during hot summer ❖ rainbow trout. Only artificial lures or flies A valid California sport temperatures. Avoid overheating with barbless hooks may be used, and bait fishing license must be by using lower gears and turning off air conditioning. Do not remove any objects from fishing is prohibited. Brown trout limits are displayed by all per- the park, including pine cones, five fish per day and ten in possession. It is sons 16 years of age Brakes may overheat, catch fire, rocks, leaves, obsidian, historic the responsibility of the angler to identify and older who are or fail on downhill grades. Avoid fish species. fishing in Yosemite brake problems by using lower items, etc. If you find an object Trout season begins on the last Saturday National Park. Licenses must be plainly gears and stopping at turnouts to that may be prehistoric or in April and continues through November visible, attached to outer clothing at or above allow brakes to cool. historic, do not move it. Note its 15. The only exception is Frog Creek near the waistline. For more information about Don’t drink and drive. It’s a fatal location and inform a ranger. If Lake Eleanor, where fishing season does not licenses and fishing, inquire at visitor centers. combination. you must collect something, please pick up litter! Special regulations for the ❖ HELP KEEP El Portal Road (Highway 140): Obey lowered speed limits in The use of metal detectors in WILDLIFE WILD construction zone. Rough road the park is illegal. Please report Did you know that feeding or closely conditions exist. No stopping or possible violations to a park approaching any park wildlife is pro- turning around in construction zone. ranger. hibited by federal law? Your food ❖ is a threat to the survival of park animals. It can damage their Firearms and hunting are health, make them vulnerable prohibited in Yosemite National to death from cars, or lead to dan- gerous behavior. Treat your food as if it Park. Report possible hunting FOR MORE were poison to animals, because the result is NFORMATION violations to the park’s tip line, often the same. Even though animals may look tame—especially when I 209/372-0214, or to the Depart- searching for a hand-out—they are capable of inflicting serious injury, Food storage guidelines, see page 3. ment of Fish and Game’s tip line, and in extreme cases, causing death. Never attempt to touch or closely Camping and campfires, see page 4. 888/DFG-CALTIP, 24 hours a day. approach any park wildlife. Instead, view wildlife through binoculars ❖ or telephoto lenses. A good rule-of-thumb: if an animal is aware of Wilderness regulations, see page 5. your presence, you’re too close. Fire safety guidelines, see page 7. All public buildings are Bicycling rules, see page 11. designated as non-smoking.
2 BEARSBEARS
BEARS ARE NOT TO BLAME: STORE FOOD PROPERLY Each year black bears are killed in CAMPGROUNDS Yosemite National Park as a direct result Federal regulations require of human carelessness and improper food that all food and related sup- storage. Some call it a “bear problem,” but plies be stored and secured at bears are not to blame. all times in the metal “bear Mountain Driven by their powerful sense of smell, boxes” in each campsite black bears are drawn to human food. Once (except when food is being they get it, they continue to seek it out— prepared and eaten). Each box from backpacks, picnic tables, ice chests, Lions measures 38"x48"x22". No food and even cars. As their natural fear of peo- storage is allowed in vehicles. ple fades, they may become aggressive. Keep bear boxes latched and When bears become too aggressive, they secured with their clips at all Mountain lions are a normal often have to be killed. In 1999, there were times. Bears enter campsites and very important part of the 768 incidents involving bears, resulting in during the day, even when over $224,000 in damage and five human park ecosystem, helping to keep people are present. injuries. Four bears had to be killed. The deer populations in check. Dispose of garbage frequently only way to stop this devastating cycle is to They are attracted to areas in animal-resistant dumpsters make sure that all food and trash are stored and cans. Don’t leave any with healthy deer populations, properly. Illustration by Lawrence Ormsby garbage in your campsite, which includes many areas of especially at night. the park. Although lion attacks NO FOOD IN CARS! ness areas. Backpackers staying in designat- LODGING are extremely rare, they are In 1999, over 318 cars were damaged ed backpacker camps adjacent to High possible, as is injury from any by bears in the park, and most of these Remove all food and food-related items Sierra Camps or in Little Yosemite Valley wild animal. We offer the incidents were caused by improper food from vehicles. Guests staying in hard- are required to use metal food storage lock- following recommendations storage. If your car will be parked in sided cabins must store such supplies ers provided or portable canisters. All Yosemite after dark, it must not contain indoors. garbage and food items must be stored in a for your safety: any food or related items. Guests staying in canvas tent-cabins must food locker, canister, or properly suspended store food and related items in lockers Bears have damaged cars for as little as a from a pole. The counterbalance technique Do not leave pets or pet food stick of gum or an empty soda can, so (ask at front desk for locker locations). (either from a cable or a tree branch) may outside and unattended, especially thoroughly search your car and remove Clean out trash, empty food containers, not be used where bear boxes exist. Bear all potential bear attractants. Bears can and scented articles from vehicles before resistant canisters are required at 9,600 feet at dawn and dusk. Pets can attract leaving them parked overnight. clearly smell any food in a car, even elevation and above. Plan ahead—All food, mountain lions into developed when it’s stored in the vehicle’s trunk! PICNIC AREAS garbage, and toiletries must be contained areas. Bears recognize ice chests, grocery bags, Stay close to your food and put it away as within canisters. (See article below for and other food-related containers. Such soon as you are finished eating. Bears may rental locations and canister details.) ❖ items, even when empty, have residual enter picnic areas, even when people are odors. Remove them from vehicles and present, so be prepared to scare them away. SAFETY Avoid hiking alone. Watch children store them securely. Also remove drinks, Never approach a bear, regardless of its closely and never let them run garbage, and scented articles such as soap, TRAILHEADS size. If you encounter a bear, act immedi- ahead or lag behind on the trail. sunscreen, and toothpaste from vehicles. It is highly recommended that no food or ately: throw small stones or sticks toward Don’t forget to check the glove compart- food-related supplies be left in vehicles the bear from a safe distance. Yell, clap Talk to children about lions, and ment! parked overnight at trailheads. There are hands, bang pots together. If there is more teach them what to do if they Clear your car’s interior of clutter. This food storage boxes for backpackers at all than one person, stand together to present meet one. will reduce the chances of a bear mistak- major trailheads in the park. Ask for loca- a more intimidating figure, but do not sur- ing an article for food, and increase the tions when acquiring a wilderness permit. round the bear. Use caution if you see cubs, ❖ chances that you will find any stray as a mother may act aggressively to defend french fries or other overlooked food. WILDERNESS them. Child car seats should be removed from The National Park Service strongly When done immediately, these actions What should you do vehicles since they often have residual encourages backpackers to carry and use have been successful in scaring bears away. if you meet a mountain lion? food smells. bear-resistant food storage canisters. These Never try to retrieve anything once a bear Remove all trash and place it in animal- portable containers are the most effective has it. Report all bear incidents to a park resistant trash cans or dumpsters. way for backpackers to store food in wilder- ranger (see hotline number below). Never approach one, especially if it is feeding or with kittens. Most mountain lions will try to avoid a NOTE: These regulations and precautions help decrease the chance of confrontation. Always give them a personal injury or property damage. However, bear damage and con- frontations are still possible, even when all the guidelines are followed. SAVE -A-BEAR way to escape. HOTLINE ❖ To report trash problems, Don’t run. Stay calm. Hold your improper food storage, bear USE BEAR-RESISTANT FOOD CANISTERS sightings, and other bear-relat- ground, or back away slowly. Face ed problems, leave a message the lion and stand upright. Do all In an effort to decrease incidents between hours). Canisters can be picked up and for the Bear Management bears and people, and to keep bears wild, returned at any of the rental locations you can to appear larger. Raise your Team at 209/372-0200 (press 2, the National Park Service strongly encour- throughout the park. Increased availability then 4). Your call can be made arms. If you have small children ages backpackers to use bear-resistant food of canisters parkwide and reduced rental anonymously. with you, pick them up. canisters. These containers are the most fees are due to a cooperative agreement effective way for backpackers to store food between the Yosemite Association and ❖ in the wilderness. All other techniques are Yosemite Concession Services Corp. considered delaying tactics only, as bears If the lion behaves aggressively, are largely able to undo most well-known wave your arms, shout, and throw food storage methods. Each plastic canister objects at it. The goal is to convince weighs about 3 pounds, fits in a full-sized it that you are not prey and may backpack, and is capable of holding 3 to 5 DONATE A CANISTER days supply of food for one person. be dangerous yourself. If attacked, Canisters may be rented for a flat fee of & SAVE A BEAR fight back! $3 per trip plus a refundable security Make a donation to the Yosemite Associa- ❖ deposit. They may also be purchased for tion’s “Save a Bear” campaign and help approximately $75. They are available at eliminate food-related human/bear conflicts in Generally, mountain lions the following locations: Year-round at the the wilderness. Donations will be used to pur- are calm, quiet, and elusive. Yosemite Valley Sports Shop, Mountain chase bear-resistant food storage canisters for Shop at Curry Village, Crane Flat Store, Sightings are rare, so if you use in the distribution program described in Wawona Store, and El Portal Market. spot one, consider yourself the adjacent article. The program makes canis- Seasonally at Yosemite Valley Wilderness ters easily available and encourages their use. privileged! Center, Wawona Information Station, Big Help save a bear by donating a bear can! Oak Flat Permit/Information Station, Hetch Call the Yosemite Association at 209/379- Hetchy Entrance Station, Tuolumne Mead- 2646 for more information. ows Store, Tuolumne Meadows Mountain- eering School, and Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center (see pages 18 and 19 for Photo by Mike Floyd 3 CAMPINGCAMPING
sites after you arrive in the park. Maximum Highway 120 East, Mono Lake Ranger CAMPING RESERVATIONS length for recreational vehicles in Valley Station (Inyo NF) 760/647-3044; Highway 41, campgrounds is 40 feet. Oakhurst Ranger Station (Sierra NF) 559/683- CAMPFIRE RULES Reservations are required for Yosemite Valley’s Camp 4 (Sunnyside) Walk-in Campground 4636. For private campgrounds and lodging auto campgrounds year-round and summer is open all year on a first-come, first-served basis; outside Yosemite, call the respective chamber To improve air quality in Yosemite through fall for Hodgdon Meadow, Crane Flat, these campsites are not wheelchair accessible. of commerce or visitor bureau listed on page Valley, campfires are permitted only Wawona, and half of Tuolumne Meadows. All Sites are rented on a per-person basis, and six 10. between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. other campgrounds (except group and stock people will be placed in each campsite, regard- from May 1 through October 15. campgrounds) are first-come, first-served. less of the number of people in your party. GROUP CAMPGROUNDS Firewood collection is prohibited in Camping reservations will be available in Camp 4 (Sunnyside) often fills before 9:00 a.m. blocks of 1 month at a time, up to 5 months in Yosemite Valley. This includes “dead each day May through September. There are group campsites at Tuolumne Mead- and down” wood. advance, on the 15th of each month through There is a 30-day camping limit within the National Park Reservation System (NPRS). ows, Hodgdon Meadow, Wawona, and Bridalveil Outside the Valley, wood may not be Yosemite National Park in any calendar year; Creek Campgrounds. Reservations can be made Thus, for: however, May 1- September 15, camping limit gathered at elevations above 9,600 through NPRS; 13 to 30 people are allowed in feet or in sequoia groves. CAMPING FIRST DAY TO in Yosemite Valley is 7 days inclusive. each group campsite. Tent camping only. Pets ARRIVAL DATE MAKE RESERVATION are not permitted in group sites. Check-in/check- Cutting standing trees or attached All dates thru 12/14/00 7/15/00 OUTSIDE out time is noon. limbs, alive or dead, is prohibited, as is the use of chainsaws. 12/15/00 thru 1/14/01 8/15/00 YOSEMITE VALLEY SERVICES Please start campfires with news- 1/15/01 thru 2/14/01 9/15/00 Check-in/check-out time for campgrounds paper. Do not burn pine needles or 2/15/01 thru 3/14/01 10/15/00 outside the Valley is noon. Maximum length There are no hookups in Yosemite camp- cones, as they create unnecessary for recreational vehicles is 35 feet. grounds, but there are sanitary dump stations in smoke. 3/15/01 thru 4/14/01 11/15/00 There is a 30-day camping limit within Yosemite Valley (all year), and summer only in Campfires are permitted only in 4/15/01 thru 5/14/01 12/15/00, etc. Yosemite National Park in any calendar year; Wawona and Tuolumne Meadows. Shower and established fire rings. however, from May 1 to September 15, the laundry facilities are available year-round in From May through September, campsites are camping limit outside the Valley is limited to a Yosemite Valley; see page 19 for locations and See fire safety information on page 7. in heavy demand and prospective campers are total of 14 days, except for Wawona, which is hours of service. Bear-proof food storage lockers encouraged to call NPRS as early as possible in limited to 7 days. Wawona and Hodgdon Mead- are available in all Yosemite campgrounds (they the period. ow are open all year. Other campgrounds outside measure 45”w x 18”h x 34”d). See Bears Are Not Written requests should be made to NPRS so the Valley are open only during the summer To Blame on page 3 for food storage guidelines. they are received no sooner than 2 weeks before Reservations may be made from months. See grid below for details. the 15th of the month that the desired camping 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Pacific time. arrival date goes on sale. Written requests will RULES AND REGULATIONS TOLL-FREE RESERVATIONS: not be processed until the 15th of the month (at CAMPING IN AREAS 800/436-7275 Camping/sleeping in vehicles is permitted the same time telephone requests are being URROUNDING OSEMITE NLINE ESERVATIONS S Y only in designated campsites. O R : taken). Include desired location, type of equip- reservations.nps.gov ment you will be camping in (i.e., tent, RV, The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) operates a Maximum of 6 people (including children) You may reserve only one campsite at a time. etc.), as well as method of payment. Online variety of campgrounds on a seasonal basis and 2 vehicles per campsite. reservations can be accessed through reserva- INTERNATIONAL CALLERS: near Yosemite in the Inyo, Sierra, and 301/722-1257 tions.nps.gov from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Pacific Pets are permitted only in specific camp- Stanislaus National Forests. Many of these grounds (check grid below). Pets must be on time. campgrounds are operated on a first-come, TDD (TOLL-FREE): a leash at all times, are not allowed on any 888/530-9796 first-served basis; however, some may be hiking trails, and may not be left unattended. YOSEMITE VALLEY reserved. Unlike Yosemite, the national forests MAIL-IN RESERVATIONS: allow dispersed camping in some areas Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. NPRS Check-in/check-out time for Yosemite Valley (outside of designated campgrounds). Generators may be used sparingly between P.O. Box 1600 campgrounds is 10:00 a.m. Campsites are Campfire permits are required. For additional 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Cumberland, MD 21502 assigned by NPRS at the time the reservation is information, contact the local USFS Up to two campsites may be reserved made. Campers may request a specific campsite district offices: Highway 120 West, Dishwater and sewage must be disposed of in at a time by mail or phone with Mastercard, number if it is available at the time the reserva- Groveland Ranger Station (Stanislaus NF) designated utility drains. Visa, Discover, personal check, or money tion is made. All campsite assignments are 209/962-7825; Highway 140, Mariposa Electrical extension cords may not be con- order. final—you may not switch or change camp- Ranger Station (Sierra NF) 209/966-3638; nected to campground restroom outlets.
) IL O L S L Y G Y I Y Y B N E (B R I E C R B B D L A R S S D N R R A I L P E G A A E A T T E E O R * R E S L R I E E N M V /S E A L T B O W T K N O S E C E I O N N S G E E A T O E A S L A S C IO R E E C W T G Y IE N A F F P A T IL T IT L R R R I B T IT IT A S M O S N E G A S M Y P A C P A I D E M N E E S T W H T I P K W N C I S V L E F IL S E S N E S M IM R E I S N P R U T T R O U O H L O O A V E A T L I IC IR E U A H A R W IS O CAMPGROUND E M Y # D R T T S F P P F P D P S L G S F H NOTES** IN YOSEMITE VALLEY