Sept-Oct 2008 Sept-Oct Yosemite Guide Where toGo and What toDoin Yosemite National Park September 3–October14 Experience Your AmericaYosemite NationalPark Yosemite Guide September – October 2008 Yosemite

14 10 09 01

Lembert Domesunset. to Yosemite Welcome and Events Programs Trip Planning Your Wild &Scenic Rivers Special Feature: Inside: Vol.33, IssueNo.3 Yosemite National Park America Yosemite Experience Your Photo byHughSakols.

US Department of the Interior Third Class Mail National Park Service Postage and Fee Paid

PO Box 577 US Department of the Interior Yosemite, CA 95389 G 83 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Yosemite Guide September – October 2008 Welcome to Yosemite

Keep this Guide with you to Get the Most Out of Your Trip to Yosemite National Park

information on topics such as camping and hiking.

Keep this guide with you as you make your way through the park. Pass it along to friends and family when you get home. Save it as a memento of your trip. This guide represents the collaborative energy of the National Park Service, The Yosemite Fund, DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Yosemite Association, The Ansel Adams Gallery, and Yosemite Institute—organizations dedicated to Yosemite and to making Illustration by Lawrence W. Duke your visit enjoyable and inspiring (see page 23). The Yosemite Experience National parks were established to preserve what is truly special about John Muir once wrote, “As long as I America. They are places to be shared, live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and Autumn oak and maple adds color to this Valley scene. Photo by Jen Nersesian places where everyone is welcome, plac- winds sing. I’ll interpret the rocks, learn es where we can re-connect with our the language of flood, storm and the An Internationally Recognized Park spirit. Whether you are here for a few avalanche. I’ll acquaint myself with hours or a few days, let Muir’s words— the glaciers and wild gardens, and get Designated a World Heritage Site in 1984, Yosemite is and this guide—bring you nearer to the as near the heart of the world as I can.” internationally recognized for its spectacular granite cliffs, heart of Yosemite. During your visit to Yosemite provides nearly 1,200 square waterfalls, clear streams, giant sequoia groves, and Yosemite, perhaps you too will make a miles of forests, meadows, granite cliffs, lasting connection with this place. lakes and ponds, trails, roads, and biological diversity. pristine wilderness to do just that.

As Muir understood, there are as many ways to experience this amazing place as there are granite rocks in the Sierra Nevada landscape. To make the most of your time here, read through and enjoy this edition of Yosemite Guide. The con- tents of this publication will give you Illustration by Tom Whitworth options for the experiences you choose to have here, help you plan those ex- periences, provide a listing of services What’s Inside: and programs available in each area of High Sierra. Photo by Bob Roney Half Dome. NPS Photo the park, then provide more detailed 02 Exploring Yosemite 05 Wildlife 06 Protecting Your Park Entering a National Park educational, ecological, and historic values; Assistive Listening Devices are available upon Prepare yourself for a wild and provide opportunities for solitude and advance request. Inquire at a visitor center. 07 Protecting Yourself experience. Yosemite is a place primitive recreation. To learn more about how 08 Kids Corner where natural forces—such as to plan your trip and reduce your impact on Weather rockfall, fire, and flood—are the Wilderness during your visit, see pages 6 Sudden changes in weather are common in 09 Feature Story the Sierra Nevada. Check at a park visitor constantly at work. Here, wildlife freely roams. and 7. 10 Planning Your Trip This is a place where wilderness prevails. center for the most up-to-date weather fore- The National Park Service recognizes the Park Access & Parking cast. The National Weather Service broadcasts 12 Yosemite Valley The Yosemite Accessibility Guide is weather information for Yosemite National importance of Yosemite’s natural processes 16 Wawona and is bound by its mission to protect them available at park entrance stations, Park 24 hours a day on NOAA Weather Radio for the benefit and enjoyment of future visitor centers, and online at www.nps.gov/ station KAD-94, on a frequency of 162.450 18 Tuolumne Meadows yose/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm. TTYs are MHz. Please note that reception may not be generations. While you are enjoying your visit, 20 Camping be attentive to the special regulations in place available inside Yosemite Lodge and The available in remote areas. to protect park resources (page 6) and those Ahwahnee, and outside the Valley Visitor 21 Hiking Road Information designed for your safety (page 7). Center and Curry Village office. Construction may cause short delays 22 What’s Happening Accessible parking spaces are available just or detours on some park roads. Fire – Police – Medical Emergency: west of the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. 23 Supporting Your Park Dial 911 Call 209/372-0200 for recorded road To reach these, enter the Valley on Southside information. 24 Shuttle Map Drive. Turn left on Sentinel Drive. Turn left Road, Weather, and General Park on Northside Drive, and follow the blue-and- Lost and Found Information: 209/372-0200 white accessibility signs. To inquire about items lost or found at one of Programs & Events: Yosemite’s restaurants, hotels, lounges, shuttle Yosemite Wilderness A sign language interpreter may be available for deaf and hard-of hearing visitors. buses, or tour services, call 209/372-4357. For Congress has designated nearly 95 percent items lost or found in other areas 14 In Yosemite Valley of Yosemite National Park as Yosemite Call 209/372-0296 to request an interpreter. of the park, call 209/379-1001. In Wawona/Glacier Point Wilderness. Wilderness is meant to protect Advance notice of 2 weeks is requested. 17 the land’s natural conditions, scientific, 19 In Tioga Road Corridor

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

Spectacular Vistas and Quiet Corners of the Park

To experience the Valley on foot, see page 21 for a listing of popular day hikes and stop by a visitor center for a trail map.

To experience the Valley by bike, bring or rent a bike. Rentals are available daily, weather permitting. Baby-joggers, wheelchairs, and six-speed bikes with trailers can be rented as well. Rentals at Yosemite Lodge and Curry Village are both open 9 am to 6 pm. Call 209/372- 8319 for information.

To experience the Valley on an open-air tram tour, take the Valley Floor Tour. This 26-mile, 2-hour tour departs several times daily from Yosem- ite Lodge. Moonlight Tram Tours also available the days just prior to and after the full moon.

To experience the Valley on mule or horseback, rides depart daily. Call 209/372-8348. The stables are located at shuttle stop #18 and are open 7 am to 5 pm.

The Incomparable Yosemite National 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 three groves of giant sequoias. During your visit, experience as much of this glorious place as you desire. These three pages will touch on some ways to experience Yosemite Valley as well as explore the park’s other areas and quiet corners.

Yosemite Valley From spring to fall, climbers come from For a strenuous day hike, you can use all over the globe to scale El Capitan. this trailhead to reach Vernal Fall foot- An unlimited array of possibilities await Note: Please park on the paved road bridge (¾ miles) and Nevada Fall (3½ you in Yosemite Valley. Most involve shoulder next to El Capitan Meadow. miles). Visitors with mobility impair- sightseeing and learning about the Delicate meadows are easily damaged by ments can obtain a placard at the Valley scenery before you. See pages 12-15 for trampling, so please stay on footpaths. Visitor Center or an entrance station more information on program topics that will authorize them to drive to the and visitor services available. Half Dome, Yosemite’s most distinctive Nature Center at Happy Isles or Mirror monument, dominates most views in Lake. The base of Lower Yosemite Fall is Yosemite Valley. Forces of uplift, erosion an easy walk from shuttle stop #6. from rivers and glaciers, and rockfall all The walk to Mirror Lake/Mirror Impressive views of both the upper and shaped this famous feature into what Meadow is a moderately easy, one-mile lower falls are seen on the path to the we see today. Cook’s Meadow, Sentinel walk from shuttle stop #17. During base. This hike features educational Bridge, Tunnel View, Glacier Point, and spring, you will see mirror reflections exhibits and a picnic area, and is Olmsted Point are just a few locations of Half Dome. The lake is naturally accessible to the mobility impaired. with stunning views of Half Dome. evolving into a meadow and dries up by Although Yosemite Falls will dry up summer’s end. by the end of the summer, Bridalveil Happy Isles is a place to see dramatic Fall is a year-round waterfall that you natural processes at work. It is easily Tunnel View, along Wawona Road can visit by car on your way into or out reached by shuttle at stop #16. Cross (Hwy 41) provides a classic view of of the Valley. Winds swirling about the the footbridges onto the Isles or wan- Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan, cliff lift and blow the falling water in a der through outdoor exhibits detailing Half Dome, Sentinel Rock, Cathedral Top Left: Late-season Yosemite Falls. Photo by Erik Skindrud delicate free-fall. Yosemite’s geologic story. The Nature Rocks, and Bridalveil Fall. It is particu- Center at Happy Isles has interactive larly spectacular at sunset or after the Top Right: Valley Visitor Center Desk. NPS Photo El Capitan, a massive granite monolith, exhibits and is a great place to take kids. clearing of a storm. Bottom Right: Mariposa Grove Museum. Photo by Pam stands 3,593 feet from base to summit. Meierding

2 Yosemite Guide September – October 2008

Wawona Located six miles from the park’s South Entrance or a one-hour drive from the Valley, the Wawona area tells the story of Yosemite’s human history and pioneer past. The charming 19th- century Wawona Hotel and the Pioneer Yosemite History Center are a history buff’s delight. The center is a collection of historic buildings associated with the people and events that shaped the national park idea in Yosemite. Interpretive signs and a brochure provide a self-guiding tour. In summer, take a journey through time on a horse-drawn stage ride. Hill’s Studio, a painting studio from the 1880s, now operates as a visitor information station. Also in Wawona, you will find walks and hikes of varying difficulty to places like Wawona Meadow and Chilnualna Falls, one of the tallest out- side Yosemite Valley.

A short drive from Wawona is the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Yosemite’s largest stand of giant sequoi- as (about 500 trees), and one of three groves of giant sequoias in the park (road closed to vehicles from sometime in November through May). Trail brochures are available in several languages. A one-hour tram tour of the upper and lower groves is available (normally operating between mid-May and mid-October, 9 am to 5 pm). This audio tour is available in five languages and for the visually impaired. Call 209/375-1621 for information. Note: To reduce traffic congestion and avoid parking delays, ride the free shuttle spring through fall from Wawona to the Grove. Trailers and vehicles 25 feet and longer are not allowed on the Mariposa Grove Road. Neither bikes nor dogs are allowed in the grove. Glacier Point The Glacier Point Road is open late May through sometime in November; Glacier Point is approximately a one- hour drive from either Yosemite Valley or Wawona. The Glacier Point Road takes you right to the brink of Yosemite Valley. Go to the railing’s edge and catch your breath at an exhilarating view, looking down 3,214 feet to the Valley floor. The paved trail to Glacier Point is wheelchair-accessible. For a 360-degree panoramic view of Yosemite’s unbeliev- able landscape, take the 1.1-mile hike from the Sentinel/Taft Trailhead to the top of Sentinel Dome. For a hike to deep fissures and an overhanging lookout point, choose the trail to Taft Point.

Top Right: Come take a ride with Buckshot, Yosemite’s resident stagecoach driver. Photo by Bob Roney

Top Far Right: Glacier Point. Photo by Christine White Loberg

Middle Far Right: At Tunnel View. Photo by Bob Roney

Bottom Right: Valley Floor Tour. NPS Photo by P. Meierding

3 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park

A wonderful place to learn about nature, history, and yourself Tuolumne Meadows is a stunningly picturesque region at 8,600 feet up in the dramatic sky of Yosemite’s high country. Contained in a basin about 2.5 miles long, this meadow system is one of the largest in the Sierra Nevada at the subalpine level.

described by John Muir as “a grand landscape garden, one of Nature’s rarest and most precious mountain temples.” Hetch Hetchy is located along the Tuolumne River in the northern part of the park and now contains a reservoir created by the O’Shaughnessy Dam. This dam was built to provide water for the city of San Francisco, and the dam was completed in 1923 and raised to its present height in 1938. Hetch Hetchy’s towering cliffs and plunging waterfalls make this a popular hiking area from spring to fall. Hetch Hetchy’s relatively low elevation gives the area one of the longest hiking seasons in Yosemite. Lake Eleanor is also nestled in the northwestern edge of Yosemite. Fishing, camping, swimming and motorless boating are permitted on this reservoir. The lake can be accessed from Highway 120.

Tuolumne Meadows and Lembert Dome before a storm. Photo by John Sun Tuolumne Meadows Tioga Road the park. Here, the sheer granite walls of Tenaya Canyon and Clouds Rest frame a Tuolumne Meadows is only 55 miles Originally a wagon road built by the magnificent view of Half Dome. Sight-Seeing By (1.5 hrs) by road from Yosemite Great Sierra Consolidated Silver Motor Coach Valley, but it’s a world apart. Due to its Company in 1883, the Tioga Road A few minutes east of Olmsted Point is Several motor coach sightseeing high elevation, however, most facilities splits Yosemite National Park in two. Tenaya Lake, named for the leader of tours are available to destina- in the Tuolumne Meadows area close Improved to its present condition and Yosemite Valley’s native people when tions within Yosemite. by the end of September. The road itself realignment in 1961, the road opened Euro-Americans arrived. Tenaya Lake usually stays open until November, but up some of Yosemite’s most stunning is approximately eight miles west of The Glacier Point Tour is a four- early snow can shut it earlier. While the country and allowed easier access to Tuolumne Meadows, or 30 miles east of hour round trip from Yosemite road remains open, a person can take a previously remote high-country destina- Crane Flat. This is one of the best places Valley to Glacier Point, which different hike every day of the week and tions. This road is generally closed from to have a picnic along the Tioga Road. departs daily at 8:30 and 10 still not exhaust the possibilities. Some November to late May or early June. The inviting sandy beach on the eastern am, and 1:30 pm from Yosemite Lodge. The Glacier Point Tour popular hikes are those to Cathedral There are several stops along the road shore is a wonderful spot, but if you also offers a one-way ticket for Lakes, Elizabeth Lake, Lembert Dome, that are worth a visit. decide to swim, be prepared for some adventurers to hike back down Dog Lake, or along the Tuolumne River cold water. to Yosemite Valley. The Grand through Lyell Canyon. Stop at the At White Wolf, you could easily spend an entire afternoon exploring Tour is an eight-hour combina- Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center for Hetch Hetchy tion of Big Trees and Glacier hiking information. For hiking the lush meadows and forests of this Hetch Hetchy Valley is accessible via Point tours and departs at 8:45 adventures departing from Tuolumne Tioga Road retreat. Take a day hike to the Big Oak Flat Road and Evergreen am daily from Yosemite Lodge. Meadows and arriving in Yosemite a peaceful lake, such as Harden Lake and Hetch Hetchy Roads; it is 40 Valley, take advantage of the Tuol- (a mostly flat six-mile round trip). You Call 209/372-1240 for reserva- miles from Yosemite Valley. The Hetch tions or inquire at tour/trans- umne Meadows Hikers’ Bus, which will find the trailhead located near the Hetchy Road has restricted hours. Call portation desks at the following departs from Yosemite Lodge at 8:20 campground in the heart of White Wolf. 209/372-0200 for the most up-to-date locations: am through Sept. 14. Call 209/372-1240 Olmsted Point is located about midway information. Vehicles over 25 feet are for information. To experience the Yosemite Lodge Tour Desk between White Wolf and Tuolumne prohibited on the narrow Hetch Hetchy Tuolumne Meadows area on mule or 7 am to 7 pm Meadows. This overlook offers one of Road. Once considered a twin to horseback, visit the Tuolumne Meadows the most spectacular vistas anywhere in Yosemite Valley, this valley was Village Store Tour Kiosk Stable. Open 7 am to 5 pm (through 7:30 am to 3 pm Sept. 14). Call 209/372-8427. Curry Village Tour Kiosk 7:30 am to 3 pm

Big Trees Tour Kiosk 9 am to 5 pm

Visit a tour desk to inquire about or purchase tickets for the Valley Floor Tour - a ranger guided open air tram tour (more information on page 2).

Backpacking near Red Peak Pass. Photo by Victoria Mates HIghcountry Meadow. Photo by Ken Watson

4 Yosemite Guide September – October 2008 Bears and Wildlife

Enjoying wildlife safely and responsibly

Mountain Lions

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

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

LOcAtiON fOOd StOrAGE whY?

Your Vehicle You may store food in your car (with windows closed) only Bears can smell food, even if it’s sealed in the trunk or glove during daylight hours. Do not store food in your car after dark: compartment, and they recognize boxes and bags as potential use a food locker. Remember to clear your car of food food sources. They can easily and quickly break into all kinds wrappers, baby wipes, and crumbs in baby seats. of vehicles! Your Campsite You must store all your food in food lockers—not in your tent Bears may enter campsites when people are present, and some or Tent Cabin or tent cabin. A food locker is available at each campsite and will even check food lockers to see if they’re secured. Keep food tent cabin. Food may be stored out of sight in hard-sided RVs lockers closed and latched at all times, even when you are in with windows closed. your campsite or tent cabin. Picnic Areas & Do not leave food unattended. Always keep food within arm’s Bears may investigate picnic areas or backpacks for food even on the Trails reach. Don’t turn your back to your food. when people are present, so be alert.

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

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

5 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Protecting Your Park

Special Protection for Special Places

Our Guardians... The Water Ways Visitors to Yosemite National Not long ago, many areas along the Merced River showed signs of human trampling. Park are the park’s most impor- Now, because of the careful actions of park staff and visitors, many of these areas have tant guardians. With nearly 3.5 been restored to more natural conditions. The plants, birds, insects, and animals that million people watching over its depend on living in or near the water have been able to return to these once barren areas. special plants, animals, historic, and archeological sites, imagine You can help continue this progress by entering and exiting the river at designated launch how well-protected these park and removal points. Packing out what you pack in will also help keep the river free from resources could be! trash and prevent animals from swallowing harmful plastic or aluminum. During your visit to Yosemite be aware that there are people who either unknowingly or intention- ally harm park resources. Please Please observe the following safety slippery. Consider where you will land • Trout season opens on the last contact a park official if you see tips to protect Yosemite’s river and if you fall. Never cross above rapids or Saturday in April and continues any of the following illegal acts: lakeshore habitats and to safely enjoy falls. To prevent being pulled under by through November 15 (except Frog • Feeding or approaching wildlife water activities throughout the park. the weight or your pack, unbuckle the Creek near Lake Eleanor, which • Collecting plants waist strap so you can shed it if you opens June 15). Swimming • Hunting animals fall in. Do not tie yourself into safety • Special fishing regulations apply on Choose swimming areas carefully and ropes—they can drown you. • Collecting reptiles and the Merced River in Yosemite Valley butterflies swim only during low water conditions. from Happy Isles downstream to the Rafting • Picking up archeological items Foresta Bridge in El Portal. Within • Always supervise children closely. Conditions permitting, rafting on the such as arrowheads these reaches of the river, it is catch- Merced River in Yosemite Valley (Stone- • Using metal detectors to locate • Avoid areas of whitewater, where and-release only for rainbow trout. man Bridge to Sentinel Beach) and the and collect historic objects streams flow over rocky obstructions. Brown trout limits are five fish per day. South Fork of the Merced River in Wa- • Driving vehicles into meadows • Never swim or wade upstream from Only artificial lures or flies with barb- wona is open from 10 am to 6 pm daily • Camping outside of the brink of a waterfall, even if the less hooks may be used. to any type of non-motorized vessel or designated campgrounds water appears shallow and calm. Each other flotation device. • The use of live or dead minnows, bait • Possession of weapons year, unsuspecting visitors are swept fish or amphibians, non-preserved fish If you see activities that could over waterfalls to their deaths when • The entire length of the Merced River eggs or roe is prohibited. harm people or park resources, swimming in these areas. in Yosemite Valley is closed to all jot down any descriptions or a flotation devices whenever the river Water Quality • Swimming is not permitted in the vehicle license plate number and gauge at Sentinel Bridge reads 6.5 feet To protect yourself from disease, treat Hetch Hetchy reservoir or in Emerald call the park dispatch office at Pool above Vernal Fall. or higher. any surface water before drinking. 209/379-1992. • You must wear or have a U.S. Coast River Crossings • Treatment methods include boiling Guard-approved personal flotation for five minutes, use of a Giardia-rated In summer, rivers and creeks swollen by device immediately available. water filter, or iodine-based purifier. For more information runoff from snowmelt are dangerous. To find out more about Yosemite • Fallen trees and other natural debris • To prevent the spread of Giardia and National Park regulations visit • Stay away from river and creek banks in the river create important habitat other water-borne disease organisms, www.nps.gov/yose/plan during high water conditions and for fish and other wildlife. use restroom facilities where available, yourvisit/yoursafety.htm and find avoid rock hopping. Stream-polished Be alert—they can also create hazards and always wash hands afterwards a copy of the Superintendent’s for rafters. rocks along the water’s edge are with soap and water. In natural areas Compendium. This document is slippery when wet or dry. Fishing where facilities are not available, a compilation of designations, • If you choose to cross a stream wash, camp, and bury human waste closures, permit requirements, Fishing in Yosemite is regulated under without a bridge, avoid places where (6 inches deep) at least 100 feet away and other restrictions made by state law. A valid California sport-fishing the water is either swift or over your from any water source or trail. the superintendent, in addition license is required for those persons age knees. Use a stick or pole for balance to what is contained in Title 36 16 years and older. When fishing, the of the Code of Federal Regula- and try to cross where there is a gravel license must be plainly visible by tions (Chapter 1, Parts 1 through bottom. Crossing on a natural bridge attaching it to an outer layer of clothing 7 and 34), and other applicable of rocks or logs can be surprisingly above the waistline. federal statutes and regulations.

Pets • Pets must be on a leash (6 feet or less) Bicycling Some visitors choose to bring pets along or otherwise physically restrained. Each season, plants are crushed from on their vacations. Kennels (open only in • For the courtesy of others, human bicycle travel in meadows, campgrounds, summer) are located at the Yosemite Valley companions are responsible for and picnic areas. Please respect park Stable, should you need a place to board cleaning up and depositing pet feces in resources and keep bicycles on paved your dog (call (209/372-8348). Keep in trash receptacles. This protects pets and roads and paved bicycle trails. They are mind, in Yosemite, pet owners have a few wildlife from disease. not allowed to travel off-trail, on rules to follow: unpaved trails or in wilderness areas. • Pets are not allowed in any lodging Mountain biking opportunities are • Pets are only allowed in developed facilities or other buildings within areas and on roads and paved bike available in designated areas outside of the park and are not allowed in some Yosemite. paths. They are not allowed on other campgrounds. trails, in wilderness areas, or where signs are posted indicating as such. • Pets may not be tied to an object and left unattended. Upper Yosemite Fall in springtime. NPS Photo

6 Yosemite Guide September – October 2008 Protecting Yourself

Experience Yosemite —Safely

Keep yourself safe while exploring your park. Fire Safety There are many ways to experience the wildness of Yosemite. While the forces of nature Each year campfires, cigarettes, can create unexpected hazardous conditions, with a little common sense and some and human carelessness cause pre-planning, you can minimize the risks associated with many activities. unwanted fires in Yosemite. You can help prevent these fires by following a few fire safety tips. Traffic Safety Tell someone where you are going and Wilderness Permits Campfires Roads leading to the park are two-lane, when you are due back. Carry a signal Free wilderness permits are required mirror and whistle. Solo activities • Build small campfires in narrow, and winding. When traveling on for all overnight trips into the Yosem- established campfire rings. park roads you can protect yourself, require increased precautions. ite Wilderness. A limited number of • Never leave a campfire other visitors, and park wildlife by • Carry and know how to use a map overnight users are permitted to enter unattended. observing the following simple rules: and compass. the wilderness for each day on each trail. • Extinguish campfires by stirring Please obey posted speed limits. Yosem- Sixty percent of each daily trailhead • Check weather forecasts prior to your with water a half hour before ite’s roads are used by both visitors and quota is available by reservation, and leaving the site. Carefully feel trip. Sudden, extreme changes in park wildlife. Use turnouts to pull 40% of trailhead quotas are available on charred material to make weather can occur even in summer. certain the fire is cold and out. completely out of the road, to take a first-come, first-served basis the day photos, consult the park map, or simply • Avoid dehydration or heat exhaustion; of or one day in advance of departure. Cigarettes enjoy the park’s scenery and wildlife. carry and drink plenty of water, and Trailhead quotas for popular trails often • Never throw lighted cigarettes bring high-energy food. on the ground or out of a car fill, but there is always space available window. Pack Water • Be prepared to set up emergency at trailheads elsewhere in the park. • Crush cigarettes butts dead and Avoid dehydration or heat exhaustion; shelter even when out just for the day. No permit is required for day hiking. out before discarding them in carry and drink plenty of water. • Know how to use your gear and carry Permits are issued at wilderness centers an ashtray or trash can. basic repair materials. located in Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne • Do not smoke while walking on Effects of Altitude Meadows, Big Oak Flat, Wawona, and trails. Stop, smoke, and properly • Avoid the combination of wetness, Altitude sickness may develop in other- the Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station. For discard the cigarette butt before wind, and cold. Know symptoms and resuming your walk. wise healthy and fit people who are general hiking information or for infor- treatments for hypothermia. Carry fire exposed to rapid increases in altitude. It mation on making a wilderness permit Charcoal Briquettes starting materials and food. • Never burn charcoal briquettes can develop at altitudes as low as 8,000 reservation, visit any park wilderness in a tent or vehicle. The carbon center. feet (Yosemite Valley’s elevation is 4,000 monoxide produced by burning feet). The risk of occurrence increases Protect Yosemite’s Wilderness charcoal is deadly in a confined Backpackers who plan to visit before with age and with diseases of the heart • Pack out all trash and toilet paper/ space. the end of September are encouraged to and lungs. Symptoms include headache, sanitary products. • After use, dunk burning bri- make a permit reservation. Reservations nausea, insomnia, irritability, shortness quettes in water until cold. • Use gas stoves rather than wood fires. are taken from 24 weeks to two days in of breath, general malaise and fatigue. Carefully check them to make advance of the start of your trip. There is sure the fire is out. The best way to avoid it is to slowly • Camp in an existing campsite at a $5 per person reservation fee. To make • Never throw burning or warm acclimatize yourself to higher eleva- least 100 feet from water and trail. a permit reservation, check the park’s briquettes into trash cans or tions, over the span of two to three days You must be four trail miles from any website for trailhead availability, plan an dumpsters. by gradually gaining elevation until you populated area and one mile from itinerary, and then call 209/372-0740. Camping Stoves and reach 10,000 feet (Tioga Pass). Avoid any road before camping. Lanterns alcohol, sugar and high-fat meals. • To minimize trampling of vegetation, • Refuel stoves or lanterns only Should altitude sickness develop, bring a container to carry water to More Information when they are cold and in a descend to a lower elevation. The well-ventilated area. your camp from lakes or streams. www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/ Yosemite Medical Clinic in Yosemite • Never use gas-fueled lanterns • Maximum group size is 15 people backpacking.htm Valley is experienced in diagnosing and stoves in tents, vehicles, or for trail travel and eight people for off- Leave No Trace www.lnt.org and treating this sickness. other confined spaces. These trail travel. Friends of Yosemite Search and Rescue devices produce carbon monox- www.friendofyosar.org ide gas which can be deadly. Hiking, Backpacking, • Yosemite is a wildlife preserve. Pets, Rock Climbing and Scrambling weapons, bicycles, strollers, and • Be honest about your abilities and motor vehicles are never allowed on plan activities with the least experi- Yosemite’s wilderness trails. Top Left: Wilderness exploration. Photo by Bob Roney enced member of your group in mind. Top Right: Tuoloumne Grove. Photo by Erik Skindrud

7 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Become a Junior Ranger

Featured Programs for Children and Families

Kids Corner Junior Rangers Wanted!

Yosemite offers a variety of Complete the activities below, present the completed page to a park ranger, and walks, presentations, and earn a Junior Ranger badge. storytimes in the park. For an expanded program of fun activities and Join a National Park Ranger to earn an official certificate and Junior for a Junior Ranger Hike or Ranger patch (ages 7-13) or Little Cub Campfire program. These hands-on programs explore button (ages 3-6), visit a park visitor center Yosemite’s natural world. bookstore and pick up a self-guided booklet published by the Yosemite Association. Spend an evening lying in a meadow looking up at a brilliant sky at the Starry Skies ¡PRESENTANDO una guia nueva en over Yosemite program. This program is offered for a fee in espanol para Guardaparques Jòvenes! Wawona and Yosemite Valley. Por favor visiten un centro de visitantes

Wee Wild Ones is a 45-minute del parque para recoger su ejemplar. Una secunda gua program packed with stories, en español que se llaman “Guias Oseznos” para niños vienen pronto. games, and fun surprises specifi- cally for pre-schoolers. LeConte Memorial Lodge offers family 1. Attend a guided park program (schedule pages 14-19) or visit with an Indian Cultural programs and walks geared for Demonstrator at the Yosemite Museum. Get the autograph of the program leader or kids. Children’s Storytime demonstrator. includes a 30-minute tale for children 7 and under. Children’s Name: ______Date: ______Theatre offers a fun way for kids to connect through live 2. Describe something new that you learned from the person above. performances. Here are just a few examples of the possibilities. ______Visit the Nature Center at Happy Isles. See wildlife 3. Collect a full bag of garbage and dispose of it properly in a bear proof dumpster exhibits and a display of Yosemite at night or play in 4. Find a special place in Yosemite. It could be a trail, forest, dome, or someplace else. the children’s corner. Open daily from late spring to September. What do you hear?: ______Take the shuttle to stop #16. What do you smell? : ______

Go into the Field! Join the What can you feel?: ______Yosemite Institute on their fun and challenging residential field Draw this place: science program, a five-day introduction to Yosemite’s outdoor classroom. Other custom programs for all ages are available. Contact the Yosemite Institute (for more information, see page 23).

Discover Yosemite Books. Learn about the park with Two Bear Cubs, an American Indian legend about El Capitan or The World of Small, which comes with a magnifying glass. To order these and other titles, call the Yosemite Association at 209/379-2648 or visit www.YosemiteStore.com.

Take this page with you, visit a ranger at a visitor center, take your Jr. Ranger oath, and get your badge!

8 Yosemite Guide September – October 2008 Rivers Wild and Scenic

Feature Article

To be eligible for wild and scenic status, a river must be in a largely free-flowing condition and must possess what the Act calls “outstandingly remarkable values.” These are the unique, rare, or exemplary qualities that make the river stand apart from all others in the region or nation.

Rivers for the People But far from putting rivers behind velvet ropes, at the heart of the Wild and Sce- nic Rivers Act is the ability for people to continue forging connections to rivers. Once designated, the law calls for permanent protection and enhancement of a river’s free-flowing character, water quality, and unique values. On October 2, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act marks the 40th anniversary of its passage.

THE LAW AND THE PLAN While the law is in place to protect wild rivers, it is up to the manag- ing agency to put a management plan in place to spell out how the river will be preserved. In 1986, Congress amended the Act to require land managers to develop a comprehensive management plan to guide future actions in the river corridor.

Currently, the National Park Service is preparing individual management plans for both the The Merced River spills over Vernal Fall on its way to Yosemite Valley. Photo by Bob Roney. Merced and Tuolumne Wild and Scenic Rivers in Yosemite National Park. To learn more, visit these web sites. Yosemite is home to a pair of “wild and scenic” rivers that TUOLUMNE RIVER PLAN www. enjoy special protection under federal law. nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/trp.htm The park’s northern watershed feeds the Tuolumne, designated by Congress under the Wild MERCED RIVER PLAN www.nps. gov/yose/parkmgmt/newmrp.htm and Scenic River Act in 1984. The Merced was designated in 1987 and contains the park’s WILD & SCENIC RIVERS southern watershed. National Park Service planners are giving special attention to both. www.rivers.gov

Preserving the Park’s sleeper of a river, meandering quietly The main stem of the Merced River Wild Waters through its meadow channel or sweep- takes center stage in Yosemite Valley as ing in shallows over the granite river it welcomes the waters of its more iconic By Kristina Rylands bottom. It originates from two mighty feeder streams—Tenaya Creek and Mir- Tuolumne Plan Project Manager forks—the Dana and the Lyell. ror Lake, Yosemite Falls, Sentinel Falls, Yosemite National Park is home to two Bridalveil Fall, Ribbon Fall, and the The forks meet in Tuolumne Meadows lesser-known icons that are central to Cascades. for its last gentle pass before plung- the park’s identity. Before there was a ing and waterwheeling over a series of What is Wild and Scenic? Half Dome or a Cathedral Peak, when stair-step cascades to Glen Aulin and on In the early 1960s, it was recognized that those rocks were deep underground, a to the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne the nation’s rivers were being dammed, pair of rivers flowed over the landscape. River and the Muir Gorge. From lush dredged, and degraded at an alarming For millions of years, the Tuolumne and Pate Valley, the Tuolumne continues for rate. In response, the Wild and Scenic the Merced have bisected the region trailless miles to the mouth of Hetch Rivers Act was championed by Senator over 140 miles from the Sierra crest to Hetchy Reservoir. Frank Church and was signed into law the Sierra foothills. in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson. The Merced In 1968, Congress passed the Wild and This landmark piece of legislation Like the Tuolumne, the Merced also Scenic Rivers Act. This October it cele- acknowledges that free-flowing rivers originates from Mount Lyell, but off of brates a 40th anniversary as it keeps two and their unique natural, cultural, and its southern shoulder. The tributaries Yosemite rivers and 166 others across recreational values are a central part of flow through a wild and largely untrailed the country clean and pristine. our nation’s heritage and should be pre- landscape, eventually passing through served for future generations. Today, 166 The Tuolumne Washburn Lake, Merced Lake, and rivers have been designated, protecting As seen from Tuolumne Meadows, the Little Yosemite Valley. over 11,000 miles of river from Alaska to Tuolumne appears to be a peaceful Puerto Rico, and Maine to Oregon. Visitors enjoy a Tuolumne pool. Photo by Kristina Rylands

9 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park

Entrance Fees

Reservations are NOT required

to enter Yosemite National Park.

Planning Your Trip

Vehicle $20

Valid for 7 days

What do you want your experience to be? Individual $10

In a bus, on foot, bicycle, motor-

cycle, or horse. Valid for 7 days.

k I 10541 ft C Lundy e T (summer only) L 3213 m k e I e Lake r T Smedberg re C k Lake C e

e k r C e Benson Yosemite Pass $40 Lake Benson e r r Lake Creek Vernon C Pass o n e Upper Cab a c e Volunteer M McCabe l k n E Laurel Mount r e Peak M Lake N u c Valid for one year in Yosemite. Lake e t C a k Gibson r R b e e

e C O A R L R I a e k O Rodgers H r PLEASANT N e INYO NATIONAL FO N I s A R C Lake E L E E Frog VALLEY G R T I

N E l

T V K Table Lake i

LA O Pettit Peak A a North Peak Y r 10788ft a M T i N Interagency Annual Pass $80 ls r 3288m Roosevelt Saddlebag l e A Fa T h C t Lake Lake (summer only) l ILTILL VA c il LLEY n s t HARVEY MONROE Tueeulala il a e Lake Eleanor Falls Wapama Falls T R S r Mount Conness IN R C Valid for one year at all federal (summer on y) E 12590 ft Gardisky A HALL RESEARCH T G MIGUEL N 3837 m Lake

HET Rancheria Falls Virginia

CH CH U D c Highwa MEADOW T Y N Tioga Peak E O O Lake NATURAL AREA H R fi

E O closed i No sw mming S M R i 11526ft

E Y O Shaughnessy or boating R c 3513m V N recreation sites. A a O I

A

Dam R P Hetch Hetchy IR White E C

H Y Backpackers Camp C N Mountain E CANYO OF N D TH k L (wilderness perm t required) AN E e L A GR T re A R PATE UO D C V L L U VALLEY M O Young Lakes El ery Lake N C T d E Ragged Interagency Senior Pass $10 U a A Gaylor N o Smith Peak Waterwheel R Peak E R Tioga Lake P 7751 ft IV Granite Peak O Falls E O y 2363 m k Lakes P R n e Tioga Pass Entrance h T n e c o r t u C 9945ft (Lifetime) 6 o C

e lu Glen A 3031m r m e H YOSEMITE WILDERNESS n Gaylor Lakes v Hetch e Tioga Road closed November i M S R o to May west of this point Harden r 5 W ri Ten For U.S. citizens or permanent s O Lake o R ey Hetch Hetchy Entrance n Lakes iv n D la A Mount Dana (open limited hours) e e Dog Lake E r D 13057ft e M 3979m Tuolumn residents 62 and over. YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Pothole A Mather Grant Lembert Dome N Fork Dome DA Lakes er Birch Riv TU a OLUMN an Lake Tuolumne Peak E D Mount G e 10845ft mn Fairview MEADOWS Facilities along Tioga Road 12764 ft lu White Wolf 3306m 3890 m uo Dome available summer only Interagency Access Pass Free E T v d Medlicott L e le Lukens a y r dd l e g Mi Lake o Dome i Cathedral ll R a

r r Tuolumne Meadows Mammoth Mono Pas Bald Mountain

e May T Peak F k e a o Peak 10604 ft

(Lifetime) 7261ft d 10940ft Visitor Center

n a Lake g e r 2213 m k 12117 ft 3232 m

o 3335m e

Siesta o i r

R R 3693 m T Lake Mount Hoffmann C

o May Lake a a k 10850ft Cathedral Lakes El zabeth Lake L g Budd For permanently disabled U.S. d o e 3307m Y K

i e Lake U T r Tresidder r Unicorn Peak i E N Parker Pass C L A ASPEN Peak u C Echo Peaks L VALLEY A M Tenaya T y C H t R citizens or permanent residents. Lake r E E C S To n Johnson e T D f Manteca Porcupine f A h R Peak o A a N J R 120 Flat k L Yosemite e Y Nelson Information Station Sunrise e mne O Koip lu R r Lake Potter K o iv Creek C O 1296 Big Oak Flat Entrance e N u r Olmsted T Point 3950 Facilities along Tioga Road Vogelsang P e Evelyn N k t k Point S i

r available summer only e Sunrise Lakes Lake o O u e t Fo r R h m C Y C A

e N P R N s o E

A G a S o

C h E c T

Y k c e e Hodgdon r E i

C fi

ek w Vogelsang e c Meadow Tioga Road closed A r Ireland Lake Amelia

o Y C Lake T

A information outside November to May n Earhart a N 4 E C

T S m r Mount Peak r east of this point Emeric e e k Clouds Rest a Watkins Lake chVogelsang B e k s

r a 9926 ft et Donohue Peak a y e i e 1 l t g k 12023 ft

r a e F Peak c 3025 m the park O TUOLUMNE n r e C C e k e T 3665 m a T r r il a GROVE a k n C d Bernice lat F Ro e J s a Tamarack Flat i d r Lake o n

e u Babcock Lake h Waugh Yosemite Valley Visitor Center S Donohue d n

Crane Flat Lake a Pass Merced s c i M s w Lake e a L MERCED C erc u C e i West Highway 120 GROVE r M d r e Mount Maclure T B e Half r k a i il g Dome iver R Mount Florence Mount Lyell O Y Y LE Merced Lake 12561ft 13114 ft Yosemite Chamber of Commerce C a E L Bunnell r k El Capitan VA 3829 m 3997m a L L Tunnel Glacier IT ITE Point Merced Lake n F L TLE YOSEM e l A (summer only) a Point V C t Valley View 800/449-9120 or 209/962-0429 M r R Tunnel E e Tunnel T o d Y O M I s e S E s k Washburn C SEE VALLEY MAP BELOW rk r Tunnel View Lake Fo e e ll k Inspiration Lye Tuolumne County Dewey Mount Starr King Banner Peak Foresta Point Point 9092 ft 12936 ft STANISLAUS 2771 m 3943 m Old Inspiration Mount Ansel Adams Arch Rock Point Mount Clark 11760ft se C 11522 ft Visitors Bureau NATIONAL FOREST Entrance Grou ree 3584m k 3 3512 m Mount Ritter Glacier Point Road Foerster Peak McGURK 12057ft 13142 ft Portal Ro closed November to 4006 m El ad MEADOW Illilo 3675m May east of this point uet 800/446-1333 te

Glacier P El Portal oint Gray Peak Rd MONO k 140 SUMMIT r MEADOW C d MEADOW o Long Mountain ce H C L r Ri er F e v r 11502 ft www.thegreatunfenced.com Bridalveil O e A M e R k 3506 m Creek R k Badger Pass Z a K O e Isberg Chinquapin Ski Area W Red Peak P E B N Peak To Merced (w nter on y) M S r 11699 ft T i YOSEMITE WILDERNESS H Yosemite E F R R E A A d 3566 m N West D L a I A e N E S O L l D l S v k Isberg R I D G W e N p ANSEL ADAMS E G i S e

il r Pass

E e Highway 41 G T

North r O ttow E C ay Lakes C WILDERNESS r 0 5 Kilometers e Post Peak Pass e Ostrander Merced Peak k Ski Hut 11726 ft Triple Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau ta Lower Merced Divide Post Peak 0 5 Miles Hart is 3574 m Ostrander Lake V Pass Lake Peak Lakes Upper

W k HORSE a Merced Pass e n e R Merced Pass e Lake 559/683-4636 a r ID

w C G u E Visiting Yosemite Wilderness on Foot B o T Bishop n ES

Free wilderness permits are required year-round for all a CR A IST www.yosemitethisyear.com overnight trips into Yosemite Wilderness. A V

k BUEN R e Wilderness permit station; John Muir Trail and/or o e Moraine

a r ek d C Buena get free wilderness permit Pacific Crest Trail re Mountain

C here (summer only) er Vista Peak Ald 9709 ft Trail Givens Fernandez 2959 m Royal Arch E Lake Pass Highway 132/49 G a Lake D ln I a Breeze Natural areas present hazards. You are responsible for your R u Lake ln R hi safety. Be prepared for rapidly-changing weather conditions. E C Ch Gale Peak N ain Coulterville Visitor Center Do not use this map for hiking. USGS topographic maps or R Johnson L 10693ft TU ake detailed trail maps are available at visitor centers. Chilnualna Fall Crescent Lake s 3259m Wawona Dome Lake Buck Camp (summer only) 209/878-3074 Sing Peak Visiting Yosemite National Park by Road 10552ft Some roads may be closed or have detours or delays. Visit Wawona Wawona Information Station 3216 m www.nps.gov/yose or phone 209-372-0200 for updated (summer only) Chiquito Pass information. Pioneer Yosemite So ed Highway 140/49 uth River Paved road Unpaved road History Center Yosemite Mariposa Tourism Ranger station Horseback riding Mariposa Grove Road closed in winter 2 SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST Gas station Campground South MARIPO Bureau (also info for Fish Camp, SIERRA Entrance GROVE Food service and High Sierra Camp Mariposa Grove lodging (by reservation only) NATIONAL Wawona, Yosemite West, and Fish Camp Picnic area Other public FOREST 41 Buck Meadows) campground To Fresno 866/425-3366 or 209/966-7081 www.homeofyosemite.com

Highway 120 East Yosemite Valley Glacier Point Tuolumne Meadows Yosemite Valley is world famous Glacier Point, an overlook with and Tioga Road Lee Vining Chamber of 1 3 Commerce and Mono Lake for its impressive waterfalls, cliffs, a commanding view of Yosemite The Tioga Road offers a 39-mile 5 Visitor Center and unusual rock formations. It is open Valley, Half Dome, and the Sierra Nevada, scenic drive past forests, meadows, 760/647-6629 year round and may be reached via is located 30 miles (a one-hour drive) from lakes, and granite domes. It is generally www.leevining.com Highway 41 from Fresno, Highway 140 Yosemite Valley. From Yosemite open from late May or early June through from Merced, Highway 120 west from Valley, take the Wawona Road (Highway California Welcome Center, sometime in November. The road’s Merced Manteca, and in late spring through late 41), then turn left onto Glacier Point elevation ranges from 6,200 to just under 800/446-5353 or 209/384-2791 fall via the Tioga Road (Highway 120 East) Road. Glacier Point Road is open from 10,000 feet. Along this corridor lies www.yosemite-gateway.org from Lee Vining. late May or early June through sometime Tuolumne Meadows. Here, the Tuolumne in November. Mid-December through Wild and Scenic River meanders peace- March, the road is plowed only as far as fully amidst wildflowers, domes, and views Wawona and Badger Pass Ski Area. of high mountain peaks. Mariposa Grove The Mariposa Grove of Giant 2 Sequoias is located 36 miles Crane Flat Hetch Hetchy (1¼ hours) south of Yosemite Valley via Crane Flat is a pleasant forest Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, a source 4 6 the Wawona Road (Highway 41), two and meadow area located 16 of drinking water and hydroelectric miles from the park’s South Entrance miles from Yosemite Valley at the power for the City of San Francisco, is also station. The road to the Mariposa Grove junction of Big Oak Flat and Tioga home to spectacular scenery and the is closed from sometime in December to Roads. To see giant sequoias, park at starting point for many wilderness trails. April. The nearby Pioneer Yosemite the Tuolumne Grove parking area Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is located 40 Yosemite is open History Center in Wawona is a collection located on the Tioga Road, and walk one miles from Yosemite Valley via Highway YEAR-ROUND of historic buildings associated with steep mile down to the Tuolumne Grove 120 and Evergreen and Hetch Hetchy 24 HOURS A DAY people and events that shaped the national of Giant Sequoias. Or, park at Merced Roads. The Hetch Hetchy Road is open park idea in Yosemite. Grove trailhead and walk 2 steep miles 7 am to 9 pm through Labor Day; 8 am to down to this small grove. 7 pm starting on Sept. 2.

10 Yosemite Guide September – October 2008

Get More Info... Your Visit to Yosemite National Park By Phone & web Your experience in Yosemite depends on the time you have available and your interests. Recorded General Park Many fine maps and books are sold in visitor centers and park stores to help plan your Information including: visit. Publications, such as the Guidebook to Yosemite, published by Yosemite Association, Road & Weather Conditions, Trip Planning Information, etc. are available at visitor center bookstores or by mail. 209/372-0200 (Yosemite Association Bookstore, P.O. Box 230, El Portal, CA 95318, 209/379-2648, fax 209/379-2486, or www.yosemitestore.com.) Western U.S. National Parks 415/556-0560

On the Web If you have... Yosemite National Park 2 Days 3 Days www.nps.gov/yose Consider the suggestions for one day, For a three-day trip, you could visit all The Ansel Adams Gallery 1 Day but perhaps choose two areas of the areas or spend your time becoming www.anseladams.com park to intimate with one. If your goal is to Park your car in Yosemite Village Camping Reservations explore. cover as much of and ride the free shuttle bus around www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/ Yosemite Valley to popular destinations. Take in the the park as pos- camping.htm Be sure to stop at the Valley Visitor bird’s-eye sible, don’t miss Center and Yosemite Museum to learn view of the Yosemite Valley, DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite more about Yosemite’s story and view Valley from Glacier Point, www.yosemitepark.com Glacier Point the Tioga Road, the park’s award-winning, 23-minute Regional Information film Spirit of and perhaps Tuolumne Mead- www.yosemite.com Yosemite. At- take a hike to Sentinel Dome or Taft ows, and a giant tend a special Point. Choose a longer hike to venture sequoia grove. Yosemite Area Regional event, ranger more deeply into the Yosemite Wilder- You might take Transportation System (YARTS) www.yarts.com program, or ness. You might enjoy the features of advantage of an guided tour Yosemite while pedaling a bike or riding art class at Yosem- Yosemite Association (see pages on horseback. Travel back in time on ite Art and Education Center or partici- www.yosemite.org 12-19). The a horse-drawn stage ride or during a pate in a Yosemite Association Outdoor popular blacksmith demonstration in Wawona. Adventures. To improve outdoor skills, Yosemite Fund www.yosemitefund.org Valley Floor Hike or take a tram tour through the Yosemite Mountaineering School offers Tour is a two-hour open-air tram tour Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. programs, guide services, and classes. Yosemite Institute that takes you past many of the Valley’s www.yni.org/yi Travel the Tioga Road, where spectacu- unique features. lar scenery, vast meadows, and or if you are... Reservations A great way to see any area of the mountain lakes await you. Choose Campground Reservations park is to meander along a trail, bike places to stop, picnic, hike, and spend (callers from U.S. and Canada) path, or meadow boardwalk. Pick up more time based on what appeals Returning 877/444-6777 most to you. Stop at Olmsted Point for TTY (toll-free) 877/833-6777 self-guiding trail brochure, A Changing Visit a new area of the park—or focus incredible views of Half Dome, Clouds Yosemite, in front of the Valley Visitor your visit in just one favorite location. Campground Reservations Rest, and Tenaya Canyon. Climb a dome Center and follow the trail posts around For unique scenery as well as access (International callers only) near Tuolumne Meadows. Cook’s Meadow. The short walk to to the northern Yosemite Wilderness, 518/885-3639 the base of Lower Yosemite Fall is well Nightly programs are available perhaps travel to Hetch Hetchy. No worth it, especially during the spring Lodging Reservations (see pages 12-19). Night sky programs, matter where you are exploring, attend season, when the waterfall thunders 801/559-5000 evening talks, campfires, and theater a program or event to learn something www.yosemitepark.com down the Valley wall. See page 21 for performances are just a few options new. To increase your involvement, some other trail options, including that may be available on the nights you take part in a volunteer clean-up or Visitor Centers other self-guiding trails. Before leaving Excellent resources for are here. resource protection project. Attend the park, visit giant sequoias in the a park open house to learn about park information, wilderness Mariposa, Tuolumne, or Merced future projects and how to help shape permits, and park-related publications and handouts. Groves. Yosemite’s future (see page 22). Explore the potential for becoming a Yosemite Yosemite Valley Association volunteer to spend a month Visitor Center living and volunteering in Yosemite. Open daily all year. Current hours: 9 am to 6 pm Bookstore: 10 am to 6 pm Additional Information Big Oak Flat CHURCH OF CHRIST (Nondenominational) Service Organizations Information Station Religious Services El Portal Chapel/Worship Service Alcoholics Anonymous Closed in winter; generally open YOSEMITE COMMUNITY CHURCH Sunday 11 am 7:30 pm Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday (Nondenominational Christian) Foresta Road, at top of Chapel Lane DNC General Office Building spring through fall. Wedding information at (Employee Training Center) Yosemite Village Current hours: 8 am to 4:30 pm www.yosemitevalleychapel.org Al-Anon Wawona No Al-Anon meetings are currently taking place. Worship Service/Yosemite Valley Chapel Information Station Sunday 9:15 am, 11 am and 6:30 pm However, if you need to speak with someone, at HIll’s Studio (next to Wawona Thursday 7 pm feel free to call Shari B. at 209/372-4812. Hotel) Closed in winter; open Tuesday Bible Studies Lions Club spring through October 14. Call 209/372-4831 for information Meets the first and third Thursdays of each Current hours: 8:30 am to 5 pm month at noon, The Ahwahnee. Crossway tribe of jesus Call 209/372-4475. Worship gathering Wednesday, 7 pm. Girls Club, Tuolumne Meadows Yosemite Valley (South of Pioneer Cemetery.) Rotary International Visitor Center Meets Thursdays for lunch at noon in Information: 209/379-2428. Closes for season on Sept. 28. The Ahwahnee Mural Room. Visiting Rotarian Current hours: 9 am to 5 pm ROMAN CATHOLIC families and guests welcome. For meeting Yosemite Valley Visitor Center Theater reservations or information, call 209/372-8459. Sunday Mass 10 am

Valley chapel. Photo by Jen Nersesian.

11 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Yosemite Valley

Where to Go & What to Do

Experience Yosemite Valley A great variety of programs, services, and events are available in Yosemite Valley. The following four pages describe these offerings and hours of operation to help you guide your adventure.

Valley Visitor Center Museum Gallery Valley Wilderness By synthesizing his black and white pho- and Bookstore Open 10 am to noon and 1 pm to 4 pm. Center tographs from multiple negatives start- GRANITE FRONTIERS: A Century of ing in the late 1950s, Uelsmann broke The Visitor Center is open from 9 am to yosemite climbing Open 8 am to 5 pm through Sept. 28, ranks with the prevailing aesthetic of the 6 pm, just west of the main post office Through November 11 then 8 am to 4:30 pm through Oct. 14. period and pioneered a new approach. (shuttle stops #5 and #9). The center The Yosemite Museum hosts an exhibit Located in Yosemite Village next to The His images are wonderfully unique. The offers information, maps, and books, on the park’s climbing history, featuring Ansel Adams Gallery, the center offers exhibit includes photographs from the in the attached bookstore. Bookstore artifacts, movies, and stories covering wilderness permits, bear canisters, Yosemite landscape. hours are 10 am to 6 pm. the development of rock climbing. maps, and guidebooks. Information on The exhibit is sponsored by The pre-trip planning and minimum-impact Explore the new exhibit hall and learn Visitor Parking Yosemite Fund and was produced by camping are also available. Information Station how Yosemite’s spectacular landscape the Yosemite Climbing Association. was formed, how people have interacted Yosemite Theatre-LIVE Located in the main visitor parking area, with it through the centuries, how The Indian Village of and open 10 am to 4 pm through Sept. wildlife adapts and survives, and how Ahwahnee Join us for Yosemite Theatre Shows 30. The station offers information about your national park continues to evolve. presented live in the Valley Visitor the Valley and the rest of Yosemite. Located behind the Yosemite Museum Center Theater. Hear tales of John Muir, Film: Spirit of Yosemite and open daily, the village offers a self- Buffalo Soldier Elizy Boman, or see This inspiring visitor-orientation film LeConte guiding trail brochure and exhibits on renowned climber Ron Kauk, provides a stunning overview of Yosem- Memorial Lodge Ahwahneechee life. as filmed by Sterling Johnson. Tickets ite’s splendor. It is shown every 30 min- cost $8 adults and $4 children 12 and Open Wednesday through Sunday, utes, Monday through Saturday between under, and are sold in advance at any 10 am to 4 pm at shuttle stop #12. The 9:30 am and 5:30 pm, and tour desk, or at the door (if available). Lodge closes for the season at 4 pm on Sunday noon to 5:30 pm in the Valley See page 15 for dates and times. Sunday, Sept. 28. LeConte is operated by Visitor Center Theater. the Sierra Club and features a children’s corner, library, and a variety of environ- Yosemite Museum The Ansel Adams Gallery mental education programs. For more Located in Yosemite Village next to the information, call 209/372-4542. Located in Yosemite Village next to the Valley Visitor Center. Valley Visitor Center and open daily Nature Center at Indian Cultural Exhibit from 9 am to 6 pm, the gallery offers the Open 9 am to 5 pm. Happy Isles Indian Village. NPS Photo work of Ansel Adams, contemporary The exhibit interprets the cultural photographers, and other fine artists. Open 9:30 am to 5 pm. Designed for history of Yosemite’s native Miwok Handcrafts, books, gifts, digital services, nature-exploring families, this center and Paiute people from 1850 to the Yosemite Cemetery and photography supplies are available. offers natural history exhibits, interac- present. Demonstrations of traditional The Gallery also offers camera walks, tive displays, field guides, and maps. This historic cemetery is located just skills are presented. No food or drink photography workshops, and classes. Daily Junior Ranger programs are held west of the Yosemite Museum, across permitted. Scheduled activities are listed on the at 1:30 pm. Nearby are short trails the street. People buried here include front porch. For more information, call through forest, river, and fen. The center Yosemite Museum Store American Indians and others who 209/372-4413, or visit www.anseladams.com. is a short walk from shuttle stop #16. Open 9 am to 5 pm, the store offers played an important role in the traditional American Indian arts and development of what is now Yosemite GALLERY EXHIBIT crafts, and books on related subjects. National Park. Guide to the Yosemite Jerry Uelsmann: Other Realities Above Left: Ranger Stroll. Photo by Bob Roney Cemetery is available at the Valley Uelsmann’s career is intertwined with Above Middle: Stoneman Bridge reflection. Photo by Erik Skindrud Visitor Center. the history of photography in our time. Above Right: Half Dome. NPS Photo

12 Yosemite Guide September – October 2008

Hours listed are core hours for fa- cilities and may be extended during Parking Visitor Center Theater periods of peak visitation. Check Indian and Auditorium local postings for changes to hours Accessible Park Village of operation. ATM Yosemite Ansel Cemetery Adams Wilderness Medical & Visitor Information Gallery Center Dental Clinic Food & beverage PAD Program Yosemite Post Office Yosemite Village (Public Access Defibrillation) Museum Degnan’s Complex: To Degnan’s Loft Restrooms NPS Deli, Cafe & Loft The Mon. - Fri., 5pm-9pm, Sat.-Sun. Noon Headquarters Habitat Yosemite Ahwahnee Hiking Trail 5 to 9pm, Starting Sept. 29: 5pm - 9pm Degnan’s Delicatessen Road 9 4 Shuttle Route To Yosemite Lodge Visitor 7am to 5pm I Center n d ia Village Grill n

Ca 11am to 5pm n 2 y o

n The Ahwahnee 10 C re Yosemite Village e Dining Room k Village Store Breakfast: 7am to 10:30am Village Grill 30 minutes To Yosemite Lodge Lunch: 11:30am to 3pm Sport Shop Village Dinner: 5:30pm to 9pm Garage Sunday Brunch: 7am to 3pm Lower Yosemite Fall Appropriate attire respectfully Yosemite Art & requested for dinner. Education Reservations recommended for Yosemite Village Center dinner and Sunday Brunch: Yosemite Lodge DNC Offices 209/372-1489. Curry Village The Ahwahnee Bar 11am to 11pm From Yosemite Lodge Visitor 1 Curry Yosemite Village Coffee Corner Yosemite Lodge Falls Parking Vista 6:30am to 2pm (Mon. - Fri.) Columbia 6:30am to 8pm (Sat. - Sun.) Rock Food Court 6 Breakfast: 6:30am to 11am Gifts & Cliff Groceries Lunch: 11:30am to 2pm Room Post Office Dinner: 5pm to 8pm Bar & Lounge Bike Rental Mountain Room Lounge Trail to Mountain 4:30pm to 11pm (Sun. - Thurs.) Upper Room Registration Noon - 11pm (Fri. - Sat.) Yosemite Garden Amphitheater Fall Terrace 8 (in center) Mountain Room Restaurant Nature Sunday - Thursday 7 Shop Tour Hub 5:30pm to 9pm Camp 4 Food Walk-in Court Friday - Saturday Campground 5:30pm to 9:30pm To Yosemite Village & Lodge Reservations taken for 8 or more. To Park Curry Village 209/372-1281 Exits Curry Village Guest Lounge Housekeeping 8am to 10pm (Closes early September Camp North Pines M Lower Pines e r Te for construction.) c naya Cr Paved Trail to e eek From Mirror Lake Coffee Corner Yosemite Village Stable 7am to 10pm daily; Starting Sept. 21: & Lodge 21 Amphitheater 18 7am - 11 am. groceries LeConte 12 Memorial 20 14 Curry Village Bar Lodge 17 Yosemite Lodge Bike & Raft Rental 19 M erc Noon to 10pm daily; Starting Sept. 21: ed Ri Gift/Grocery Tour Kiosk 13 15 ver 5pm - 10 pm Sun.-Thurs. and Noon to 8am to 8pm Registration Upper 10 pm on Sat.-Sun. Yosemite Village Post Office Pines Pavilion Buffet and Lounge Village Store Breakfast: 7am to 10am Trailhead 8am to 9pm Amphitheater Parking Dinner: 5:30pm to 8pm Mountain Shop Degnan’s Delicatessen Gifts/Groceries Pizza Deck Campground Pavilion Reservation Office 16 Noon to 10pm; Starting Sept. 21: 7am to 5pm Taqueria Curry Village Pizza Patio & Bar Junior Ranger Snack Noon to 9pm. Campfire Circle Stand Gift/Grocery Taqueria Nature Center at 8am to 9pm; Starting Oct. 3: 8 am - 8pm Happy Isles John Muir 11am to 5pm; Closes for season Trailhead to Housekeeping Camp Grocery Vernal and Sept. 14. Nevada Falls Happy Isles Snack Stand 8am to 6pm; Closes for season on Oct. 13 11am to 5pm books, gifts, & apparel post office Yosemite Village Yosemite Village Main Office GENERAL SERVICES The Ansel Adams Gallery Internet Access Monday-Friday: 8:30am to 5pm 9am to 6pm Yosemite Medical Clinic Internet access is available to park Saturday: 10am to noon Yosemite Art & Education Center Emergency care: 24 hours daily visitors at three locations: Yosemite Lodge, Yosemite Lodge 9am to 4:30pm closed for lunch Drop-in and urgent care: Degnan’s Café, and the Mariposa County Post Office Yosemite Bookstore 8am to 7pm Library (Girls Club), south of the Yosem- Monday-Friday: 12:30pm to 2:45pm Inside Yosemite Visitor Center Appointments: ite Cemetery. Access at the library is free, El Portal 10am to 6pm 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday requires a sign-up and is available during Post Office Yosemite Museum Store Located on Ahwahnee Drive in Yosemite limited hours Monday through Thursday 9am to 5pm Monday-Friday: 8:30am to 5pm Valley, the clinic provides routine and (check at library for details). At Yosemite Valley Wilderness Center closed for lunch from 12:30 to 1:30 emergency medical care, 24-hour Lodge, kiosks and wireless access are 8am to 5pm; to 4:30pm after Sept. 28 paramedic/ambulance services, limited available 24 hours for a fee. At Degnan’s Village Store Gas Station & auto service pharmacy, lab, x-ray, physical therapy, and 8am to 9pm Café, kiosks are available 7 am to 5 pm Mountain Crisis Services for victims of for a fee. Habitat Yosemite Gas outside Yosemite Valley domestic violence. 209/372-4637 10:30am to 5pm El Portal Sport Shop 9am to noon, 1pm to 5pm Dental Services 10am to 6pm Diesel available. Pay at the pump 24 hours Adjacent to Yosemite Medical Clinic. The Ahwahnee with credit or debit card Yosemite Mountaineering The Ahwahnee Gift Shop For hours, call 209/372-4200. Yosemite Village If no answer, call 209/372-4637 School and Guide Service 8am to 8pm Village Garage The Ahwahnee Sweet Shop Yosemite Mountaineering School and NO GAS AVAILABLE IN YOSEMITE VALLEY Babysitting 8am to 10pm 8am to 5pm Guide Service offers lessons and guided Yosemite Lodge Limited babysitting is available for Towing 24 hours. Propane available until climbing at all levels, overnight backpack- Gift/Grocery registered guests at Yosemite Lodge 4pm. 209/372-8320 ing, and guided day hikes to spectacular 8am to 8pm and The Ahwahnee. Call front desk or areas of Yosemite. Nature Shop concierge in advance for more information. 11am to 7pm showers & laundry Curry Village Curry Village Curry Village Kennel 209/372-8344 Mountain Shop Curry Village 8am to 4:30pm 8:30am to noon, 1pm to 5pm 8am to 8pm Showers open 24 hours Located at the stable in Yosemite Valley. Tuolumne Meadows Curry Village Gift/Grocery 8am to Housekeeping Camp Dogs must be gentle, over 10 pounds; 209/372-8435 9pm; Starting Oct. 3, 8am-8pm Showers open 7am to 10pm proof of shots and license are required. 9am to 5pm, closes Sept. 21 Nature Center at Happy Isles Laundromat open 8am to 10pm 209/372-8348 Bookstore 9:30am to 5pm, closed for lunch

13 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park

morning

Scheduled Events 8:00am Coffee with a Ranger ½ hr. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater. Bring a mug (NPS) in Yosemite Valley 9:30am Junior Ranger Walk - Trees (except Oct. 5 and 12) 2 hrs. Happy Isles Nature Center (NPS) September 3 – October 14, 2008 Discovery Hike- Vernal Falls Bridge 3½ hrs. Curry Village Mountaineering School Tickets/info at any tour desk (YMS) $ 10:00am Ranger Stroll - Merced Meanders 1 ½ hrs. Shuttle stop #11 (NPS) Sunday

8:00am Coffee with a Ranger ½ hr. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater. Bring a mug (NPS) 8:30am Morning Camera Walk (Oct. 6 & 13 only) 2 hrs. Sign up/meet at The Ahwahnee, front desk (DNC) 10:00am Ranger Stroll - Yosemite’s First People 1 ½ hrs. Front of Yosemite Museum (NPS) Art Class Monday 4 hrs. Yosemite Art and Education Center. (See details at left.) (YA)

8:00am Coffee with a Ranger ½ hr. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater. Bring a mug (NPS) 9:00am Photography Walk 2 hrs. Limited space. Reservations required. Sign up and meet at the Ansel Adams Gallery A DNC Interpreter engages young park visitors during a Wee Wild Ones program. Photo courtesy of DNC Parks & (conditions permitting) (AAG) Resorts at Yosemite. 10:00am Ranger Stroll - Trees 1 ½ hrs. The Ahwahnee. Shuttle stop #3 (NPS)

Tuesday Art Class Outdoor Adventures 4 hrs. Yosemite Art and Education Center. (See details at left.) (YA) For more details and information on Yosemite Association’s field seminars, pick up a catalog at any park visitor center, call 209/379-2321, or visit www.yosemite.org. 8:00am Coffee with a Ranger Sept. 5 The Rim Walk – A Sentinel-Glacier Point Sept. 14 a.m. Buffalo Soldiers on Patrol - Shelton ½ hr. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater. Bring a mug (NPS) foray with Michael Ross. Johnson illuminates our historical African-American 9:00am Ranger Hike - Vernal Fall Sept. 5 Wawona Meadow Botany Stroll - Steve rangers. (except Oct. 1 and 8) 3 hrs. One-way, strenuous hike, 1 ½ miles. Shuttle stop #16 (NPS) 10:00am Ranger Stroll - Geology Botti finds you the flowers. Sept. 14 p.m. Latinos in the Landscape – Betsy 1 ½ hrs. Front of Valley Visitor Center (NPS) Sept. 7 Autumn Birding in Wawona - Michael Ross Rivera highlights the park’s little known Hispanic Art Class and the birds of autumn. heritage. Wednesday 4 hrs. Yosemite Art and Education Center. (See details at left.) (YA) Sept. 7 Mariposa Grove Botanists Hike – Beyond Sept. 17-21 Lyell Glacier Survey - Pete Devine and sequoias with Steve Botti. Greg Stock go for the cold. Sept. 12-14 Ice, Wind and Fire - Dick Ewart and Sept. 26-28 Miwok-Paiute Burden Basketry - Lucy 8:00am Coffee with a Ranger (except Sept. 18) ½ hr. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater. Bring a mug (NPS) the high country elements. Parker shares a family art. 9:00am Photography Walk 2 hrs. Limited space. Reservations required. Sign up and meet at the Ansel Adams Gallery (conditions permitting) (AAG) Discovery Hikes 10:00am Eight Women Who Changed Yosemite Sept. 4, 11 and 18 only) 1 ½ hrs. Front of Valley Visitor Center (NPS) Join the Yosemite Mountaineering School for extended hikes to popular Valley destinations like Ranger Stroll - Yosemite’s Legacy Vernal and Nevada Falls. See program dates and times to the right. Call 209/372-8344. (Sept. 25, Oct. 2 and 9 only) 1 ½ hrs. Front of Valley Visitor Center (NPS)

Thursday Art Class 4 hrs. Yosemite Art and Education Center. (See details at left) (YA) Habitat Protectors of Yosemite Fridays, 9 am to 1 pm, Yosemite Valley Visitor Center

Join NPS restoration efforts. Get your hands dirty and help preserve one of America’s natural 8:00am Coffee with a Ranger wonders. Volunteers will work on restoration projects and learn about efforts to help restore the ½ hr. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater. Bring a mug (NPS) Valley. Wear long pants and closed-toe boots. Long sleeves, water, snacks, and sunblock are 10:00am Ranger Stroll - Wild About Wildlife 1 ½ hrs. Front of Valley Visitor Center (NPS) recommended. Groups larger than ten are required to pre-register. To learn more, please contact Art Class Laura Elze at 209/379-3286 or [email protected]. 4 hrs. Yosemite Art and Education Center. (See details at left.) (YA)

Free Art Classes Friday The Yosemite Art & Education Center offers free classes Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Be prepared for a short walk and bring something to sit on. Bring your own supplies, or buy them at the center, located near the Village Store. Please register in advance.

Sept. 1-6 Douglas Castleman “Outdoors with Watercolor” 8:00am Coffee with a Ranger ½ hr. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater. Bring a mug (NPS) Sept. 8-13 Marcy Wheeler 9:00am Photography Walk “Impressive and Expressive Yosemite” 2 hrs. Limited space. Reservations required. Sign up and meet at the Ansel Adams Gallery Sept. 15-20 Elizabeth Paganelli (conditions permitting) (AAG) “Pen and Ink with Color” Bike to Hike Tour 2 ½ hrs. Curry Village bike stand Tickets/info at any tour desk (YMS)$ Sept. 22-27 Mariko Lofink 9:30am Junior Ranger Walk - Bears “Autumn Colors of Yosemite” (except Oct. 4 and 11) 2 hrs. Happy Isles Nature Center (NPS) 10:00am Ranger Stroll - Ahwahneechee Stories and Games Sept. 29-Oct. 24 Kirah Van Sickle Saturday 1 ½ hrs. Front of Museum (NPS)

“Acrylic- Yosemite Diamond” Art Class Oct. 6-11 Alice Leggett 4 hrs. Yosemite Art and Education Center. (See details at left.) (YA) “Paint Nature’s Colors with Artistic License”

Illustration by Tom Whitworth

14 Yosemite Guide September – October 2008

afternoon and Early evening Evening

1:00pm In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams: Seeing in Black and White 8:00pm Ranger Evening Program 4 hrs. Limited space. Reservations required. Sign up and meet at The Ansel Adams 1 hr. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater (NPS) Gallery. (AAG) $ Yosemite Theatre –LIVE “Return to Balance,” high-definition rock climbing film 1:30pm Junior Ranger Walk (except Oct. 12) 1 ½ hrs. Visitor Center Theater. Tickets at any Tour Desk or door $ (DNC) 1 hr. Happy Isles Nature Center (NPS) Evening Program 2:00pm Bike to Hike Tour 1 hr. Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater. Check local postings for topic (DNC) 2½ hrs. Curry Village bike stand Tickets/info at any tour desk (YMS) $ LeConte Memorial Lodge Curry Village History Walk Sept. 7: Search and Rescue in Yosemite Sunday (Sept. 7 only) 1 ¼ hrs. Meet at Curry Village Amphitheater (DNC) Sept. 14: Nature and Spirit: Poetry Reading 3:00pm Ranger Stroll - Bears 1hr. Shuttle stop #12 (SC) 1 ½ hrs. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater (NPS) 8:30pm Starry Skies Over Yosemite Valley (Sept. 7 only) 60-90 minutes. Tickets/info at any tour desk. (DNC) $

1:30pm Junior Ranger Walk 6:30pm Wee Wild Ones 1 hr. Happy Isles Nature Center (NPS) (except Sept. 15) ¾ hr. Stories and activities for kids 6 and under. Curry Village Amphitheater 3:00pm Ranger Stroll - Bears (DNC) 1 ½ hrs. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater (NPS) 8:00pm Ranger Evening Program 5:00pm Twilight Stroll 1 hr. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater (NPS) (Sept. 8 only) 1 hr. The Ahwahnee back lawn (DNC) Yosemite Theatre – LIVE: Yosemite Through the Eyes of a Buffalo Soldier, 1904.

Monday (except Oct. 13) 1½ hr. Visitor Center Theater. Tickets at any tour desk or at door (DNC) $ Evening Program 1 hr. Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater. Check local postings for topic (DNC)

12:00pm Yosemite Forum 8:00pm Ranger Evening Program (Sept. 9 only) 1 hr. Elena Nilsson from URS Corp. on archeological site excavations in 1 hr. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater (NPS) Yosemite Valley Yosemite Theatre LIVE: John Muir is Back—and Boy, is He Ticked Off! (Oct. 14 only) 1 hr. Heidi Granke from Architectural Resources Group on The Ahwah (except Oct. 7 and 14) 1 ½ hrs. Visitor Center Theater. Tickets/info at any tour desk or at door $ (DNC) nee’s historic interiors. Both dates at Valley Visitor Center Auditorium (NPS) Evening Program 1:00pm Using Your Digital Camera Class 1 hr. Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater. Check local postings for topic (DNC) 4 hrs. Reservations required. Sign up and meet at The Ansel Adams Gallery. (AAG) $

Tuesday 1:30pm Junior Ranger Walk 1 hr. Happy Isles Nature Center (NPS) 3:00pm Ranger Stroll - Bears 1 ½ hrs. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater (NPS)

1:00pm NPS Open House 8:00pm Ranger Evening Program (Sept. 24 only.) 4 hrs. Come and learn about park improvement efforts. Valley Visitor 1 hr. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater (NPS) Center Auditorium (NPS) Yosemite Theatre –LIVE: Conversation With a Tramp 1:30pm Junior Ranger Walk 1½ hrs. (Except Oct. 8) Visitor Center Theater. Tickets at any tour desk or at door (DNC) $ 1 hr. Happy Isles Nature Center (NPS) Evening Program 3:00pm Ranger Stroll - Bears 1 hr. Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater. Check local postings for topic (DNC)

Wednesday 1 ½ hrs. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater (NPS)

1:00pm Using Your Digital Camera Class 6:30pm Wee Wild Ones 4 hrs. Reservations required. Sign up and meet at The Ansel Adams Gallery. (AAG) $ (except Oct. 2 and 9) ¾ hr. Stories and activities for kids 6 and under. 1:30pm Junior Ranger Walk Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater (DNC) 1 hr. Happy Isles Nature Center (NPS) 8:00pm Ranger Evening Program 3:00pm Ranger Stroll - Bears 1 hr. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater (NPS) (except Sept. 18) 1 ½ hrs. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater (NPS) LeConte Memorial Lodge. Time Travelers, Shape Shifters, Innovators: YNP Natural History (Sept. 11 only) 1hr. Shuttle stop #12 (SC) Yosemite Theatre LIVE: John Muir is Back—and Boy, is he Ticked Off! (except Oct. 9) 1 ½ hrs. Visitor Center Theater. Tickets/info at any tour desk or at door $ (DNC)

Thursday Evening Program 1 hr. Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater. Check local postings for topic (DNC) Fireside Storytelling for All Ages (Oct. 2 and 9 only) 1 hr. The Ahwahnee Great Lounge fireplace (DNC) 8:30pm Starry Skies Over Yosemite Valley (Sept. 4 only) 1 ½ hrs. Tickets/info at any tour desk (DNC) $

1:00pm In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams: Seeing in Black and White 7:00pm Junior Ranger Campfire 4 hrs. Limited space. Reservations required. Sign up and meet at The Ansel Adams (except Oct. 3 and 10) 1 hr. Happy Isles Nature Center (NPS) Gallery. (AAG) $ 8:00pm Ranger Evening Program 1:30pm Junior Ranger Walk 1 hr. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater (NPS) 1 hr. Happy Isles Nature Center (NPS) Yosemite Theatre –LIVE “Return to Balance,” high-definition rock climbing film 3:00pm Ranger Stroll - Bears (except Oct. 10) 1 ½ hrs. Visitor Center Theater. Tickets at any Tour Desk or door $ (DNC) 1 ½ hrs. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater (NPS) Film: Ansel Adams 5:00pm Twilight Stroll 1 hr. Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater. Check local postings for topic (AAG) 1 hr. The Ahwahnee back lawn (DNC) LeConte Memorial Lodge Sept. 5: American Indian Storytelling & Flute Friday Sept. 12: Gary Snyder: Practice of the Wild Sept. 19: Meet Galen Clark: Guardian of Yosemite Sept. 26: Climate Change and Yosemite National Park 1hr. Shuttle stop #12 (SC) 8:30pm Starry Skies Over Yosemite Valley 1 ½ hrs. (Sept. 5 and 12 only) Tickets/info at any tour desk. (DNC) $

1:30pm Junior Ranger Walk 7:00pm Junior Ranger Campfire 1 hr. Happy Isles Nature Center (NPS) (except Oct. 4 and 11) 1 hr. Happy Isles Nature Center (NPS)

2:00pm Discovery Hike- Sentinel Dome and Taft Point 8:00pm Ranger Evening Program 4 hrs. Curry Village Mountaineering School Tickets/info at any tour desk (YMS) $ 1 hr. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater (NPS) LeConte Memorial Lodge. Sounds of Nature: Poetry Workshop for Chil- LeConte Memorial Lodge dren & Adults Sept. 6: Sounds Nature Makes

(Sept. 6 only) 1hr. Shuttle stop #12 (SC) Sept. 13: Terry Tempest Williams: Refuge, Unnatural History of Family and Place

Curry Village History Walk, Sept. 20: Yosemite Museum: Trash and Treasure (Sept. 6 only) 1 ¼ hrs. Meet at Curry Village Amphitheater (DNC) Sept: 27: Along the John Muir Trail Saturday 3:00pm Ranger Stroll - Bears 1hr. Shuttle stop #12 (SC) 1 ½ hrs. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater (NPS) Evening Program Fine Print Viewing 1 hr. Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater (AAC/DNC) 1 hr. Very limited space. Sign up in advance at The Ansel Adams Gallery. (AAG) 8:30pm Night Prowl 4:00pm Children’s Storytime (except Sept. 13 and 20 and Oct. 11) 1 ½ hrs. Learn about nocturnal animals. Tickets/info at any tour ½ hr. Meets in front of The Ansel Adams Gallery. (AAG) desk (DNC) $

NPS National Park Service Indicates facilities accessible to Programs printed in COLOR are especially for visitors in wheelchairs. Short, steep DNC DNC Parks & Resorts Children and their Families inclines may be encountered. at Yosemite, Inc. AAG The Ansel Adams Gallery A sign language interpreter may be AAC American Alpine Club available for deaf and hard-of- hearing visitors. Contact 209/372- SC Sierra Club 4726 (TTY) or 209/ 372-0296 to YA Yosemite Association request an interpreter. Advance YMS Yosemite Mountaineering notice of 2 days is requested. School Assistive Listening Devices are YF Yosemite Fund available upon advanced request. $ Programs offered for a fee Inquire at a visitor center.

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

To Chilnualna Falls Trailhead and The Redwoods in Yosemite Trail to Where to Go & What to Do Alder Creek Alder Creek Trailhead

Campground Reservation Stable Office Wawona Glacier Point ad Pioneer Yosemite Ro Mariposa Grove alls History Center a F ln ua To Wawona iln Ch Campground & Yosemite ive Covered Bridge t Dr Valley res Fo

r ve Ri d Wawona South Fork Merce Information Station at Hill's Studio Trail to Store Mariposa Wawona Hotel Grove Gift Shop (6 miles) Sequoias. Photo by Christine White Loberg Post Office

Parking Explore History Accessible Park ATM Discover Giant Trees W Golf Shop Visitor Information awo na Roa wy. 41) Find Amazing Vistas PAD Program Wawona d (H To South Entrance These park areas offer (Public Access Defibrillation) & Mariposa Grove Restrooms endless opportunities for Hiking Trail amazing experiences. Road Meadow Loop Trail

Wawona Pioneer Yosemite Getting to Mariposa Grove Walking through the Grove History Center Allow 1½ hours driving time to reach the Trails into the grove extend uphill from Wawona Information Station grove from the Valley. Cars are prohib- the trailhead at the far end of the park- at Hill’s Studio Go back to a time of horse-drawn ited beyond the grove parking lot. The ing area. Interpretive signs between the Open 8:30 am to 5 pm. The station offers wagons, a covered bridge, and log access road to the grove may close trailhead and the California Tree provide park information, wilderness permits, cabins. A visit to the Pioneer Yosemite intermittently due to limited parking. a self-guiding tour. Written translations History Center explores Yosemite’s books, maps, and bear canister rentals. Trailers are prohibited on the Mariposa Grove are available at the trailhead in Spanish, Located on the grounds of the Wawona history and explains how Yosemite was Road. Private vehicles longer than 25 feet are not German, French and Japanese. Hotel, Hill’s Studio was the gallery and the inspiration for national parks across permitted on this road. Dogs or bikes are not permitted art studio of famous 19th-century America and around the world. The anywhere in the Grove. landscape painter, Thomas Hill. Walk center is always open, and interpretive Free Mariposa Grove & from the hotel or park at the Wawona signs and brochures are available. Wawona Shuttle Store and follow the path up the hill. For A shuttle stops at the Wawona Store, Distance & Elevation Live Demonstrations more information call 209/375-9531. See Page 17 for dates and times. South Entrance, and Mariposa Grove. Grizzly Giant Visitors may park at the Wawona Store Distance from trailhead: Experience Horse-Drawn Travel to board the bus. Shuttles operate 0.8 mile / 1.3km Travel into history by taking a 10-minute beginning at 9 am, and the last shuttle Elevation Gain: 400ft / 122m horse-drawn stage ride. Tickets may be leaves the grove at 6 pm, or after Grove Museum purchased from the Stage Driver in the the last tour. Please use this free bus Distance from trailhead: Pioneer Yosemite History Center. $3/ service to help reduce congestion and 2.1 miles / 3.5km adults and $2/child (ages 3-12). parking delays. Elevation Gain: 800ft / 292m Blacksmith Shop Smell the burning big trees tram tour coal, hear the ring of the hammer on the A one-hour tram tour of the grove is Fallen Tunnel Tree Distance from trailhead: anvil, and watch a demonstration of the available 9 am to 5 pm. This audio tour 2.5 miles / 4.0km Evening Programs ancient art of blacksmithing. is available in five languages and for the Elevation Gain: 1,000ft / 305m Join pianist/singer Tom Bopp in the visually impaired. Call 209/375-1621 or Wawona Hotel lobby from 5:30 pm to Mariposa Grove stop at a tour desk for more information. Wawona Point 9:30 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, Distance from trailhead: Located near Yosemite’s South En- as he performs songs and stories from Mariposa Grove Museum 3.0 miles / 4.8km trance, the Mariposa Grove is the park’s Yosemite’s past. Check with Tom at the Open 10 am to 4 pm through Sept. 30. Elevation Gain: 1,200ft / 438m largest stand of giant sequoias, with piano for dates and times. Located in the Upper Mariposa Grove, about 500 trees. A few of these giants are the museum offers information, displays visible in the parking area. Information Ranger Evening Programs on giant sequoias, and a small book- about access for disabled people is Programs printed in Join in a park tradition by joining a store. available at the tram boarding area. COLOR ranger for an hour of stories, legends, are especially for and fun. Wawona Campground Amphi- Children & their Families theater (B Loop). Friday and Saturday nights only. Topics vary.

16 Yosemite Guide September – October 2008

Wawona & Mariposa Grove Glacier Point

8:00am Coffee with a Ranger 10:00am A Short Walk to a Great View of ¾ hr. Wawona Campground Amphitheater. Bring a mug (NPS) El Capitan 10:00am Nature Walk in the Mariposa Grove 1 ½ hr. Easy. Meet in front of the 1½ hrs. Lower Grove trailhead (NPS) Glacier Point gift shop. (NPS) 10:00am – Noon Dusk Sunset Ranger Talk Blacksmith Demonstration 6:30pm: Sept. 7, 14 and 21 (Sept. 7 only) Pioneer Yosemite History Center (NPS) & 6:15pm: Sept. 28 and Oct. 5 11:00am – 3:00pm 6:00pm: Oct. 12 Horse-Drawn Stage Rides ½ hr. Glacier Point railing,

Sunday 10 minutes each. Purchase tickets from Stage Driver in the Pioneer Yosemite History overlooking the Valley (NPS) Center (NPS) $ 6:30pm Glacier Point Stargazing Tour 2:00pm Nature Walk in the Mariposa Grove (Sept. 7 only) 4 ½ hrs. Tickets/info at 1½ hrs. Lower Grove trailhead (NPS) any tour desk/leaves from Yosemite Valley (DNC) $

Geology Hut. Photo courtesy Yosemite Research Library 8:00am Coffee with a Ranger 2:00pm Ranger Walk – Cliffs and Domes (Sept. 8, 15 and 22 only) ¾ hr. Wawona Campground Amphitheater. Bring a mug (NPS) 2 hrs. Taft Point/Sentinel Dome Glacier Point 10:00am Nature Walk in the Mariposa Grove 1½ hrs. Lower Grove trailhead (NPS) parking area on Glacier Point Road 11:00am – 3:00pm (NPS) Ranger Walks Horse-Drawn Stage Rides Dusk Sunset Ranger Talk (Oct. 13 only) 10 minutes each. Purchase tickets from Stage Driver in the Pioneer Yosemite 6:30pm: Sept. 8, 15 and 22 Join a ranger for a walk to discover History Center (NPS) $ 6:15pm: Sept. 29 and Oct. 6 2:00pm Nature Walk in the Mariposa Grove 6:00pm: Oct. 13 Yosemite’s unique, tucked-away places. 1½ hrs. Lower Grove trailhead (NPS) Monday ½ hr. Glacier Point railing, See a pioneer cabin near a beautiful overlooking the Valley (NPS) meadow, explore the red fir forest, or 7:30pm Stars Over Yosemite (Except Sept. 8) Glacier Point railing. hike to a seldom-seen waterfall. Cancel if overcast. (NPS)

Evening Programs 8:00am Coffee with a Ranger 2:00 pm Ranger Walk – Cliffs and Domes Meet a ranger to enjoy the lengthen- (Sept. 9, 16 and 23 only) ¾ hr. Wawona Campground Amphitheater. Bring a mug (NPS) 2 hrs. Taft Point/Sentinel Dome park- 10:00am Nature Walk in the Mariposa Grove ing area on Glacier Point Road (NPS) ing shadows in Yosemite Valley and the 1½ hrs. Lower Grove trailhead (NPS) Dusk Sunset Ranger Talk alpenglow on the Sierra high country, 2:00pm Nature Walk in the Mariposa Grove 6:30pm: Sept. 9, 16 and 23 1½ hrs. Lower Grove trailhead (NPS) 6:15pm: Sept. 30 and Oct. 7 or come for the sunset and stay for the 5:30pm Vintage Music of Yosemite 6:00pm: Oct. 14 moonrise. Stargazing programs are 4 hrs. Live music with pianist/singer Tom Bopp. Wawona Hotel lounge (DNC) ½ hr. Glacier Point railing, uesday

T overlooking the Valley (NPS) offered, as well. 6:30pm Glacier Point Stargazing Tour (Sept. 9 only) 4 ½ hrs. Tickets/info at Hours listed are core hours for facilities and any tour desk/leaves from Yosemite Valley (DNC) $ may be extended during periods of peak visitation. Check local postings for changes to hours of operation. 8:00am Coffee with a Ranger 10:00am A Short Walk to a Great View of (except Oct. 1 and 8) ¾ hr. Wawona Campground Amphitheater. Bring a mug (NPS) El Capitan Food & beverage 10:00am Nature Walk in the Mariposa Grove 1 ½ hr. Easy. Meet in front of the Glacier Point gift shop. (NPS) Wawona 1½ hrs. Lower Grove trailhead (NPS) Dusk Sunset Ranger Talk 2:00pm Nature Walk in the Mariposa Grove Wawona Hotel Dining Room 6:30pm: Sept. 3, 10 and 17 1½ hrs. Lower Grove trailhead (NPS) Breakfast: 7:30am to 10am 6:15pm: Sept. 24 and Oct. 1 5:30pm Vintage Music of Yosemite Lunch: 11:30am to 1:30pm ednesday 6:00pm: Oct. 8

W 4 hrs. Live music with pianist/singer Tom Bopp. Wawona Hotel lounge (DNC) Dinner: 5:30pm to 9pm ½ hr. Glacier Point railing, Saturday BBQ: 5-7pm, ends Sept. 6 overlooking the Valley (NPS) Reservations taken for 6 or more. 209/375-1425 8:00am Coffee with a Ranger Dusk Sunset Ranger Talk Glacier Point (Sept. 4, 11 and 25 only) ¾ hr. Wawona Campground Amphitheater. Bring a mug (NPS) 6:30pm: Sept. 4, 11 and 18 Snack Stand 10:00am Nature Walk in the Mariposa Grove 6:15pm: Sept. 25 and Oct. 2 9am to 4pm (except Sept. 18) 1½ hrs. Lower Grove trailhead (NPS) 6:00pm: Oct. 9 Last day of season: Oct. 12 2:00pm Nature Walk in the Mariposa Grove ½ hr. Glacier Point railing, (except Sept. 18) 1½ hrs. Lower Grove trailhead (NPS) overlooking the Valley (NPS) groceries 5:30pm Vintage Music of Yosemite 6:30pm Glacier Point Stargazing Tour T hursday 4 hrs. Live music with pianist/singer Tom Bopp. Wawona Hotel lounge (DNC) (Sept. 4 and 11th only) 4 ½ hrs. Wawona Store & Pioneer Gift Shop Tickets/info at any tour desk/leaves 8am to 7pm from Yosemite Valley (DNC) $

gifts & apparel 8:00am Coffee with a Ranger No programs scheduled. (except Oct. 3 and 10) ¾ hr. Wawona Campground Amphitheater. Bring a mug (NPS) Wawona 10:00am Nature Walk in the Mariposa Grove Golf Shop & Snack Stand 1½ hrs. Lower Grove trailhead (NPS) 8:30am to 5pm 11:00am – 3:00pm Wawona Store & Pioneer Shop Horse-Drawn Stage Rides 8am to 7pm 10 minutes each. Purchase tickets from Stage Driver in the Pioneer Yosemite History Wawona Information Station at Center (NPS) $ 2:00pm Nature Walk in the Mariposa Grove F riday Hill’s Studio (Books and Info.) 1½ hrs. Lower Grove trailhead (NPS) 8:30am to 5pm 5:30pm Vintage Music of Yosemite Last day of season: Oct. 14 4 hrs. Live music with pianist/singer Tom Bopp. Wawona Hotel lounge (DNC) Glacier Point 7:30pm Campfire Talk with a Ranger Gift Shop 1 hr. Wawona Campground Amphitheater (NPS) 9am to 5pm Last day of season: Oct. 12 8:00am Coffee with a Ranger Dusk Sunset Ranger Talk Mariposa Grove ¾ hr. Wawona Campground Amphitheater. Bring a mug (NPS) 6:30 pm: Sept. 6, 13 and 20 Mariposa Grove Museum 9:00am – 9:00pm 6:15 pm: Sept. 27 and Oct. 4 10am to 4pm (Last day: Sept. 30) Yosemite Association 33rd Annual Members Fall Gathering 6:00 pm: Oct. 11 Big Trees Gift Shop (Sept. 6 only) Naturalist walks, lunch, speakers, raffle, auction, book sales, evening barn ½ hr. Glacier Point railing, 9am to 5pm dance. Photographer David Stark Wilson will speak and sign books. At the Pioneer Yosemite overlooking the Valley (NPS) History Center. Walk-ins welcome. $ (YA) 10:00am Nature Walk in the Mariposa Grove post office 1½ hrs. Lower Grove trailhead (NPS) 10:00am – Noon Wawona Post Office Blacksmith Demonstration Monday-Friday: 9am to 5pm (Sept. 6 only) Pioneer Yosemite History Center (NPS) Saturday: 9am to noon Horse-Drawn Stage Rides 10:00am – 12:00pm: Sept. 6 Gas Station 11:00am – 3:00pm: Sept. 13 10:00am – 1:00pm: Sept. 20 Wawona Gas Station Saturday 9am to 6pm (Closed Oct. 13 to Nov. No rides available: Sept. 27 6 due to contruction.) Diesel & pro- No rides available: Oct. 4 11:00am – 3:00pm: Oct. 11 pane available. Pay at the pump 24 10 minutes each. Purchase tickets from Stage Driver in the Pioneer Yosemite History hours with credit or debit card. Center (NPS) $

GOLF 2:00pm Nature Walk in the Mariposa Grove (except Sept. 6) 1½ hrs. Lower Grove trailhead (NPS) Wawona Hotel Golf Course 5:30pm Vintage Music of Yosemite 9am to 5pm weather and 4 hrs. Live music with pianist/singer Tom Bopp. Wawona Hotel lounge (DNC) conditions permitting. Nine-hole, 7:30pm Campfire Talk with a Ranger 1 hr. Wawona Campground Amphitheater (NPS) par-35 course.

17 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Tuolumne Meadows, White Wolf, Crane Flat, and Hetch Hetchy Where to Go & What to Do

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

Tuolumne Meadows Big Oak Flat Wilderness Center Open 8 am to 5pm through Sept. 28. Big Oak Flat Information Station Hours shorten to 8 am to 4:30 pm Open 8 am to 4:30 pm. The station on Sept. 29. The center closes for the offers general park information, books, season on Oct. 15. Located just south of and maps. It also provides wilderness Tioga Road, along the road to Tuolumne permits, bear canister rentals, and Meadows Lodge, at shuttle stop #3. The backpacking information. center offers trail information, wilder- ness permits, bear canister rental, maps, Merced Grove and guidebooks. Yosemite’s quietest stand of sequoias Just for Kids is the Merced Grove, a group of about Programs for children include Junior 20 trees accessible only on foot. It’s a Rangers, a two-hour, ranger-led four-mile round-trip hike (about three program for children (ages 7–12). hours) into the grove from Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120 West). Located 3½ Meadows, river, forest, and peaks. Photo by Calvin Liu Free Olmsted Point/Tuolumne Ranger Walks miles north of Crane Flat and 4½ miles Meadows/Tioga Pass Shuttle south of the Big Oak Flat Entrance, the Join a ranger to explore new areas and Free shuttle service is available along the trailhead is marked by a road sign and Tuolumne Meadows learn about geology, birds, flowers, Tioga Road from Olmsted Point to Tioga post labeled B-10. history, the Tuolumne River, and more. Tuolumne Meadows Pass. Service ends for the season on Visitor Center Sept. 21. Due to limited trailhead park- These walks range from one to eight hours and, except for the long walks, are Tuolumne Grove Most facilities in Tuolumne Meadows ing, use of the free shuttle is strongly fairly easy. will close before the end of Septem- advised. This cluster of about 25 sequoias is near Crane Flat at the intersection of Big Oak ber. The Visitor Center is scheduled to Evening Activities remain open from 9 am to 5 pm through Shuttles travel between Tuolumne Flat and Tioga Roads. The former route Come to a traditional, ranger-led camp- Sept. 28. Park orientation, trail infor- Meadows Lodge and Olmsted Point of the Big Oak Flat Road leads downhill fire program for stories, songs, and in- mation, books, maps, and displays are with stops along the Tioga Road, includ- from Crane Flat into the grove. Now sight into Yosemite. Program topics vary, available. Phone 209/372-0263. ing Tuolumne Meadows Campground closed to cars, this path drops 500 feet and the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor and are posted at the campground, (150 meters) in one mile. The trip is Parsons Memorial Lodge, Center. The shuttle also makes morning Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, and moderately strenuous on the uphill McCauley Cabin and Soda Springs and afternoon runs to Tioga Pass. Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center. End return. Within the Tuolumne Grove your day with a Star Program. Bring a Two trails, both flat and ¾-mile long, there is an easy, half-mile, self-guiding Service begins at Tuolumne Meadows pad to sit on and dress warmly. lead to this historic area accessible only nature trail. Lodge at 7 am. Shuttles arrive at by walking. Parsons Memorial Lodge is approximately 30-minute intervals open from 10 am to 4 pm through Sept. between 7 am and 7 pm. The last 20. Soda Springs are small, naturally- shuttle leaves Olmsted Point at 6 pm. carbonated springs that attract birds and Schedules are subject to change. deer, especially at sunrise and sunset. Please check route maps at the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center or shuttle stops for details.

18 Yosemite Guide September – October 2008

Hours listed are core hours for facilities and tuolumne Meadows White Wolf Crane Flat / Hodgdon may be extended during periods of peak Meadow / visitation. Check local postings for changes to Hetch Hetchy hours of operation.

8:00am Coffee with a Ranger 7:30pm Ranger Campfire 2:00pm Ranger in the Grove Food & beverage (except Oct. 5 and 12) 1 hr. Dana Circle in Tuolumne Meadows Program 3 hrs. Informal talks in Campground. Bring questions and a cup (NPS) (Sept. 7 and 14 only) the Tuolumne Grove of 10:00am Ranger Hike - Lembert Dome 1 hr. White Wolf Camp- Giant Sequoias (NPS) Tuolumne Meadows (Last day: Sept. 21) (except Oct. 5 and 12) 3 hrs. Moderately strenuous. 3 miles. Dog ground Amphitheater (NPS) Tuolumne Meadows Grill Lake Parking shuttle stop #2. Bring snacks & water (NPS) 7:30pm Ranger Campfire 2:00pm Ranger Walk—Along the River 9:00pm Starry, Starry Night Program 8am to 5pm (except Oct. 5 and 12) 2 hrs. Lembert Dome Picnic Area (NPS) (Sept. 7 and 14 only) (except Sept. 14 and Sunday Tuolumne Meadows Lodge 7:30pm Campfire Program 1 hr. White Wolf Camp- Oct. 12) 1 hr. Crane Flat Dining Room (except Oct. 5 and 12) 1 hr. Dana Circle in Tuolumne Meadows ground entrance (NPS) Campfire Circle (NPS). Breakfast: 7am to 9am Campground (NPS) Dinner: 5:50pm to 8pm Meals are served family style, 10:00am Ranger Walk—Domes and Meadows 10:00am Ranger Walk – Bears 10:30am Ranger Hike – Hetch and reservations are required. (except Sept. 29, Oct. 6 and 13) 2 hrs. Pothole Dome shuttle stop (Sept. 8 and 15 only) Hetchy Call 209/372-8413 #8. Road marker T-29 (NPS) 1½ hrs. White Wolf (except Oct. 6) 2:00pm Ranger Walk—Bears and Other Wildlife Campground entrance 1½ hrs. Meet at White Wolf (Last day: Sept. 21) (except Sept. 29 and Oct. 6 and 13) 2 hrs. Tuolumne Meadows (NPS) O’Shaughnessy Dam. Campground Reservation Office (NPS) Bring water (NPS) White Wolf Lodge 7:00pm Twilight Stroll 7:30pm Campfire Program (Sept. 8 only)

Breakfast: 7:30am to 9:30am Monday (except Sept. 29 and Oct. 6 and 13) 1 hr. Dana Circle in Tuolumne 1½ hrs. White Wolf Take-out Lunch: noon to 2pm Meadows Campground (NPS) Campground entrance Dinner: 6pm to 8pm (NPS) Reservations recommended. Call 209/372-8416. 9:15am Ranger Hike—Gaylor Lakes Basin 8:00am Coffee with a Ranger 8:00am Coffee with a (except Sept. 30, Oct. 7 and 14) 5-6 hrs. Moderately strenuous. (Sept. 9 only) Ranger groceries 5 miles. Meet at Gaylor Lakes trailhead. Bring lunch, water & 1 hr. White Wolf Camp- (except Oct. 7) 1 hr. raingear (NPS) ground Amphitheater. Meet at Hodgdon 2:00pm Ranger Walk—Indians in the High Country Bring a mug (NPS) Meadow Campground Tuolumne Meadows (except Sept. 30, Oct. 7 and 14) 2 hrs. Lembert Dome kiosk. Bring a mug Store Picnic Area (NPS) (NPS) uesday

T 7:30pm Campfire Program 10:00am Ranger in the Grove 9am to 6pm (Last day: Sept. 28) (except Sept. 30, Oct. 7 and 14) 3 hrs. Informal talks in Crane Flat 1 hr. Dana Circle in Tuolumne Meadows Campground (NPS) the Tuolumne Grove of Store Giant sequoias (NPS) 8am to 6pm White Wolf 7:30am Ranger Walk—Birds 8:00am Coffee with a Ranger 5:00pm Twilight Stroll Camp Store (except Sept. 24, Oct. 1 and 8) 2½ hrs. Lembert Dome Picnic Area. (Sept. 3 and 10 only) (except Oct. 8) 1½ hrs. 8am to 8pm (Last day: Sept. 21) Binoculars available. (NPS) 1 hr. White Wolf Camp- Hodgdon Meadow 10:00am Ranger Walk—Geology ground Amphitheater. Group Campground (except Sept. 24, Oct. 1 and 8) 2 hrs. Pothole Dome shuttle stop #8. Bring a mug (NPS) (NPS) gifts & apparel Road marker T-29 (NPS) 11:00am Ranger Hike—Twin Bridges Loop (except Sept. 24, Oct. 1 and 8) 3-4 hrs. Easy. 3 miles. Tuolumne Tuolumne Meadows Meadows Campground Reservation Office. Bring lunch, water and

ednesday raingear (NPS) Mountaineering School W 7:30pm Campfire Program and Sport Shop (except Sept. 24, Oct. 1 and 8) 1 hr. Dana Circle in Tuolumne Mead- 9am to 5pm (Last day Sept. 21) ows Campground (NPS) Tuolumne Meadows Bookstore 9:00pm Ranger Talk—Stars 9am to 5pm through Sept. 28. (except Sept. 24, Oct. 1 and 8) 1 hr. Lembert Dome Picnic Area. Bring pad to sit on and dress warmly (NPS) Inside the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center 10:00am Ranger Walk—History 8:00am Coffee with a Ranger 2:00pm History and the Big Tuolumne Meadows Store (Sept. 4, 11 and 25 only) ) 2 hrs. Tuolumne Visitor Center shuttle (Sept. 4 and 11 only) Trees stop #6 (NPS) (except Sept.18 and Oct. 9am to 6pm (Closes Sept. 28) 1 hr. White Wolf Camp- 2:00pm Ranger Talk—Ranger on Horseback ground Amphitheater. 9) 3 hrs. Informal ranger Tuolumne Meadows (Sept. 4 and 11 only) 2 hrs. Lembert Dome Picnic Area (NPS) Bring a mug (NPS) talks in the Merced Wilderness Center 7:30pm Campfire Program 7:30pm Ranger Campfire Grove of Giant Sequoias 8am to 5pm (except Oct. 2 and 9) 1 hr. Dana Circle in Tuolumne Meadows Program (NPS) Campground (NPS) 7:30pm Ranger Campfire (Starting Sept. 29: 8am to 4:30pm; T hursday (Sept. 4 and 11 only) 1 hr. White Wolf Campground Program last day of season is Oct. 15) Amphitheater (NPS) 1 hr. Crane Flat Camp- fire Circle (NPS) post office 8:00am Coffee with a Ranger 7:30pm Ranger Campfire 7:30pm Ranger Campfire (except Oct. 3 and 10) 1 hr. Dana Circle in Tuolumne Meadows Program Program Tuolumne Meadows Campground. Bring questions and a cup (NPS) (Sept. 5 and 12 only) 1 hr. 1 hr. Crane Flat Camp- Post Office 10:00am Ranger Hike—Hawk Watch on Gaylor Ridge White Wolf Campground fire Circle (NPS) Monday – Friday: 9am to 5pm (Sept. 12, 19, and 26 only) 3 hrs. Moderately strenuous. 1 mile. Amphitheater (NPS) 8:45pm Starry, Starry Night Binoculars available. Bring lunch, water & raingear (NPS) Saturday: 9am to 1pm 1¼ hrs. Crane Flat area. 2:00pm Ranger Walk—The Secret Life of Plants Limited to 30 people. F riday (Closes between Sept. 15-25) (except Oct. 3 and 10) 2 hrs. Lembert Dome Picnic Area (NPS) Sign-up required; Call 7:30pm Campfire Program 209/379-1899. (NPS) Gas stations (except Oct. 3 and 10) 1 hr. Dana Circle in Tuolumne Meadows Campground (NPS)

Tuolumne Meadows 8:00am Coffee with a Ranger 9:00am Ranger Hike – North 10:00am Ranger Walk – Bears (except Oct. 4 and 11) 1 hr. Dana Circle in Tuolumne Meadows Dome 9am to 5pm 1½ hrs. Crane Flat Campground. Bring questions and a cup (NPS) (Sept. 20, 27 and Oct. 4 Campground kiosk (Will be closed Sept. 8 to Oct. 2 due 9:15am Ranger Hike—Mono Pass only) 6 hrs. Strenuous 7:30pm Ranger Campfire to construction. Fuel services are (except Oct. 4 and 11) 6-8 hrs. Moderately strenuous. 8 miles. Meet at 11-mile hike. Porcupine Program 1 hr. Crane available 22 miles east on Hwy 120 Mono Pass trailhead. Bring lunch, water & raingear (NPS) Creek trailhead on Tioga Flat Campfire Circle Road, 1.2 miles east of at Lee Vining and 39 miles west on 10:00am Ranger Walk—Bennettville Exploration (NPS) (Sept. 6 and 13 only) 2 hrs. Moderate. Junction Campground bridge, off Porcupine Flat Camp- Hwy 120 at Crane Flat.) When open: Saddlebag Road, east of Tioga Pass Entrance Station (NPS) ground. Bring water, lunch & raingear. (NPS) gas and propane available. Pay at the Junior Rangers pump 24 hours with credit or debit (except Oct. 4 and 11) 2 hrs. Ages 7-12 Lembert Dome Picnic Area (NPS) 7:30pm Ranger Campfire Program card. Early snow may close highway. Saturday 2:00pm Ranger Walk—Winter’s A-Comin’! (except Oct. 4 and 11) 2 hrs. Lembert Dome Picnic Area (NPS) (Sept. 6 and 13 only) 1 hr. White Wolf Camp- Crane Flat 7:30pm Campfire Program (except Oct. 4 and 11) 1 hr. Dana Circle in Tuolumne Meadows ground Amphitheater 9am to 6pm Campground (NPS) (NPS) Diesel & propane available. 9:00pm Ranger Talk—Stars Pay at the pump 24 hours with (except Oct. 4 and 11) 1 hr. Lembert Dome Picnic Area. Bring pad to sit on credit or debit card. and dress warmly (NPS)

Programs printed in COLOR are especially for Children & their Families

Cathedral Peak to Fairview Dome. Photo by John Sun

19 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Camping in Yosemite Park Planning your camping experience

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

Camping Reservations For campground reservations, visit on a per-person basis, and six people Reservations are required year-round www.recreation.gov (recommended) or will be placed in each campsite, regard- Camping in Yosemite. Photo by Ray Santos for campsites in Yosemite Valley’s car call 877/444-6777 or TDD 877/833-6777 less of number of people in your party. campgrounds and summer through fall or 518/885-3639 from outside the US Camp 4 often fills before 9 am each day, for Hodgdon Meadow, Crane Flat, and Canada. May through September. Wawona, and half of Tuolumne General Info... Hours: Camping in Areas Meadows. All other campgrounds 7 am to 7 pm Pacific time Surrounding Yosemite Services (except group and stock campgrounds) • All sites include picnic tables, (November through February) are first-come, first-served. Camp- The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) operates firepits or grills, tent space, 7 am to 9 pm Pacific time a variety of campgrounds on a seasonal parking, and a food locker ground reservations are available up to (March through October) basis near Yosemite. For additional (33"d x 45"w x 18"h). See page five months in advance, on the 15th of 5 for food storage regulations. information, contact Groveland Ranger each month at 7 am Pacific time. Log Reservation centers in the park are Station at 209/962-7825; Mariposa • Toilet facilities are available in onto the website or call as soon as pos- located in the visitor parking area at campgrounds; however, Ranger Station at 209/966-3638; sible as some campgrounds fill within Curry Village (shuttle bus stop #14), Tamarack Flat, Yosemite Creek, Mono Lake Ranger Station at several minutes of the opening period. the Tuolumne Meadows Campground and Porcupine Flat contain 760/647-3044; or Oakhurst Ranger non-flushing vault toilets only entrance, in Wawona off Chilnualna Arrival date First day to Station at 559/683-4636. For private and no potable water. make reservations Falls Road, and at Big Oak Flat (7 am PT) campgrounds outside Yosemite, call the • Shower and laundry facilities Information Station. respective chamber of commerce are available year-round in Dec. 15 – Jan. 14 Aug. 15 or visitor bureau listed on page 10. Yosemite Valley. Jan. 15 – Feb. 14 Sept. 15 Yosemite Valley • RVs over 24 feet are not Feb. 15 – Mar. 14 Oct. 15 There is a 30-day camping limit within Group Campgrounds recommended for Tamarack Mar. 15 – Apr. 14 Nov. 15 Yosemite National Park in a calendar Flat, Yosemite Creek, and There are group campsites at Tuolumne Apr. 15 – May 14 Dec. 15 year; however, May 1 to September 15, Porcupine Flat campgrounds, Meadows, Hodgdon Meadow, Wawona, and RVs are not permitted in May 15 – Jun. 14 Jan. 15 the camping limit is 14 days and only and Bridalveil Creek Campgrounds. walk-in and group campsites. Jun. 15 – Jul. 14 Feb. 15 seven of those days can be in Yosemite There are no hookups in Reservations can be made the same way Jul. 15 – Aug. 14 Mar. 15 Valley or Wawona. Yosemite campgrounds, but as individual site reservations; 13 to there are sanitary dump stations Aug. 15 – Sep. 14 Apr. 15 Camp 4 is a walk-in campground and 30 people are allowed in each group in Yosemite Valley (all year), and Sep. 15 – Oct. 14 May 15 campsite. Tent camping only. Pets, RVs, summer only in Wawona and is open all year on a first-come, first- Oct. 15 – Nov. 14 Jun. 15 Tuolumne Meadows. served basis; these campsites are not and generators are not permitted in Nov. 15 – Dec. 14 Jul. 15 wheelchair accessible. Sites are available group sites. Regulations • Proper food storage is required 24 hours a day. • A maximum of six people Campgrounds in Yosemite National Park (including children) and two vehicles are allowed per campsite. campground Open 2008 max rv max trailer reservations daily fee # of sites pets water (approx) length length required? • Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am. Yosemite Valley

• Where permitted, pets must be Upper Pines All year 35 ft 24 ft Yes $20 238 Yes Tap on a leash and may not be left unattended. Lower Pines April 11 – Nov 3 40 ft 35 ft Yes $20 60 Yes Tap North Pines Mar 21 – Oct 13 40 ft 35 ft Yes $20 81 Yes Tap Campfires No Camp 4 All year n/a First-come, first-served $5/pers. 35 No Tap • In Yosemite Valley between RVs/trailers May 1 and October 1, campfires are permitted between 5 pm south of Yosemite Valley

and 10 pm. At other times of Wawona All year 35 ft 35 ft Apr 20 – Sep 27 $20 93 Yes Tap the year and in out-of-Valley campgrounds, fires are permit- Bridalveil Creek July – Sep 1 35 ft 24 ft First-come,first-served $14 110 Yes Tap ted at any time, as long as they north of Yosemite Valley are attended. Hodgdon Meadow All year 35 ft 27 ft Apr 20 – Oct 9 $20 105 Yes Tap • Firewood collection (including pine cones and pine needles) Crane Flat Jun 20 – Oct 13 35 ft 27 ft Yes $20 166 Yes Tap is not permitted in Yosemite Valley; you may purchase Tamarack Flat late June – Oct 15 No RVs/trailers First-come, first-served $10 52 No Creek (boil)

firewood at stores near the White Wolf July – Sep 15 27 ft 24 ft First-come, first-served $14 74 Yes Tap campgrounds. Yosemite Creek July – Sep 1 No RVs/trailers First-come, first-served $10 40 Yes Creek (boil)

Porcupine Flat July – Oct 15 24 ft (limited) 20 ft First-come, first-served $10 52 No Creek (boil)

Tuolumne Meadows July 15 – Sep 28 35 ft 35 ft 50% $20 304 Yes Tap

20 Yosemite Guide September – October 2008 Hiking On the Trails Discover an easy stroll or a challenging hike

Choose your adventure Self-Guided Trails With over 800 miles of hiking trails, what better way to enjoy the beauty of Yosemite A Changing Yosemite than on foot? Ask a ranger at any visitor center for one of several free, day-hike handouts. This one-mile-long walk through Excellent maps and guidebooks are available at bookstores throughout the park. Cook’s Meadow explores both natural and cultural stories of Yosemite. Brochure available Yosemite Valley Day Hikes at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. TRAIL / DESTINATION STARTING POINT DISTANCE / TIME DIFFICULTY / ELEVATION Giant Sequoias Bridalveil Fall Bridalveil Fall Parking Area 0.5 mile round-trip, 20 minutes Easy Two self-guiding trails in the Mariposa Grove, and one in the Lower Yosemite Fall Lower Yosemite Fall Shuttle Stop #6 1.0 mile round-trip, 20 minutes Easy Tuolumne Grove, interpret the Upper Yosemite Fall Trail to Columbia Rock Camp 4 Near Shuttle Stop #7 2 miles round-trip, 2–3 hours Strenuous 1,000-foot gain natural history and ecological Top of Upper Yosemite Fall Same as above 7.2 miles round-trip, 6–8 hours Very Strenuous 2,700-foot gain dynamics of the giant sequoia community. Mirror Lake ( a seasonal lake) Mirror Lake Shuttle Stop #17 2 miles round-trip, 1 hour Easy

Vernal Fall Footbridge Happy Isles Shuttle Stop #16 1.4 miles round-trip, 1–2 hours Moderate, 400-foot gain mirror Lake Mirror Lake interpretive trail is Top of Vernal Fall Happy Isles Shuttle Stop #16 3 miles round-trip, 2–4 hours Strenuous 1,000-foot gain a short loop adjacent to Mirror Top of Nevada Fall same as above 7 miles round-trip, 5–6 hours Strenuous 1,900-foot gain Lake, a seasonal lake on Tenaya Creek. Exhibits focus on the Top of Half Dome same as above 14 mi (via Mist Trail) or 16.3 mi Extremely Strenuous, (via John Muir Trail) round-trip, 4,800-foot gain rich natural history of the area, 10–12 hours American Indian use, and history Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point Southside Drive 4.8 miles one-way, 3–4 hours Very Strenuous, 3,200-foot gain one-way of this popular destination. To Valley Floor Loop Lower Yosemite Fall Shuttle Stop #6 13 miles full loop, 5–7 hours full loop Moderate reach the start of the trail, walk one mile from shuttle stop #17 to the disabled parking spaces near Day Hikes Outside of Yosemite Valley the lake. The self-guiding trail begins here. TRAIL / DESTINATION STARTING POINT DISTIANCE / TIME DIFFICULTY / ELEVATION Indian Village WAWONA This short loop winds through Wawona meadow Loop Wawona Hotel 3.5 miles round-trip, 1.5 hours Easy the Indian Village of Ahwahnee,

Wawona Store / Pioneer Yosemite a reconstructed Miwok-Paiute Swinging Bridge Loop 4.75 miles round-trip, 2 hours Moderate Hist. Ctr. Parking Area village. A booklet is available at GLACIER POINT ROAD the trailhead and in the Visitor Taft Point Sentinel Dome Parking Area 2.2 miles round-trip, 2 hours Easy to Moderate Center. The trail begins behind

Sentinel Dome Sentinel Dome Parking Area 2.2 miles round-trip, 2 hours Moderate the Yosemite Museum.

TUOLUMNE MEADOWS AREA Curry Village Soda Springs / Parsons Lodge Lembert Dome Parking Area 1.5 miles round-trip, 1 hour Easy The Legacy of Curry Village is an

Lembert Dome Lembert Dome Parking Area 4 miles round-trip, 3 to 4 hours Moderately Strenuous easy stroll commemorating the early days of Camp Curry. Pick up John muir Trail through Lyell Canyon Dog Lake Parking Area 8 miles one-way, 3 to 4 hours Easy, 200-foot gain a map and guide at the Curry Tuolumne Meadows Elizabeth Lake 4.8 miles round trip, 4 to 5 hours Moderate Village front desk or tour desk. Group Campground

TIOGA ROAD

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

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

Yosemite Valley via Clouds Rest Tenaya Lake1 19 miles one-way, 10 to 12 hours Strenuous Masthead: Hikers. Illustration by Lawrence W. Duke HETCH HETCHY Top Left: Hikers. Photo by Bob Roney Wapama Falls O’Shaughnessy Dam 5 miles round-trip, 3 to 4 hours Easy to Moderate Top Right: Hikers. Photo by Bob Roney 1These are drop-off points via the Tuolumne Meadows Hikers’ Bus.

21 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park What’s Happening Improvement Efforts in Yosemite

Illustration by Tom Whitworth

During your visit This year, visitors to Yosemite may notice a flurry of activity throughout the park. Many projects may be less apparent than others, while some may cause temporary inconveniences.

However, each one plays a valuable part in the bigger picture of Yosemite’s future— to improve the visitor experience while preserving the park’s treasured natural and cultural resources, both today and for future generations.

Stay Connected

National parks help connect us with places that tell the stories of what is truly special about America. A visit to a national park can bring about memories that will last a lifetime. After you arrive home, these are some ways you can stay connected with your Yosemite experience:

• Learn more about the state of the park. A series of monthly open houses is conducted to inform visitors about the latest The park is now completing improvements at Tunnel View, one of the park’s most popular scenic overlooks. Traffic patterns, pedestrian areas, trail access, and educational improvement projects occurring exhibits are being updated and improved. Sketch courtesy of The Yosemite Fund, created by RHAA. in the park. • Sign up to be on the Yosemite Preparing for the next one on-going Projects • Renovation of the Valley Visitor Cen- mailing list. A quarterly hundred years: The Centennial Yosemite National Park is a complex ter Theater, Lobby, and Exhibit Hall. Planning Update and a monthly Challenge e-mail newsletter are each place to manage. The National Park • Refurbishing roads, trails, and utilities available. To sign up for either or As the national park service nears its Service strives to protect park resources throughout the park. both of these publications, sign 100th anniversary in 2016, the parks while providing an excellent experience up at any visitor center or send are preparing for another century of 40th Anniversary of the Wild & your email address to yose_plan- for park visitors. In order to fulfill this environmental leadership, steward- Scenic Rivers Act [email protected]. important mission, a number of park ship, recreational experience, educa- This year, the nation celebrates 40 years • Support one of Yosemite’s park improvement projects are currently tion, and professional excellence. As of free-flowing rivers thanks to the Wild partner organizations (see page underway, including: 23). The Yosemite Association a result, you will notice some positive • Management plans for the Merced and Scenic Rivers Act. Yosemite is world and The Yosemite Fund are both changes. More park rangers are available and Tuolumne Rivers and their renowned for its domes and water- nonprofit organizations that sup- to interact with you during your visit. environs. falls. But equally iconic and central to port the National Park Service’s More underserved students are able to the park’s identity are its two federally mission of protecting this special • Development of a Comprehensive attend Yosemite Institute’s field sci- designated wild and scenic rivers—the place for future generations. Interpretive Plan to guide education ence program. The Happy Isles Nature Merced and the Tuolumne. To learn • Volunteer your time or expertise. and interpretation programming. Individuals or groups can Center has become the hub of Junior more about wild and scenic rivers, visit participate in service projects Ranger Programs in the park, including • Accessibility improvements for people www.rivers.gov. in Yosemite. extended hours and a greater variety of with disabilities. • Take part in a planning process. program options for youth visiting the • Ecological restoration efforts that will Yosemite’s planning efforts can park. improve meadow and river areas. only truly succeed with the help of public involvement. As the Part of the Centennial Challenge is a Entrance Fees park moves forward with plans landmark public-private partnership for various improvements, let To help the National Park Service, program. As part of this, The Yosemite your voice be heard. Sign up on Congress authorized the Recreation Fund and Yosemite National Park have the park’s mailing list or visit the Fee Program. In addition to providing planning web page at www.nps. joined efforts to make improvements admission into Yosemite, your fees sup- gov/yose/parkmgmt/planning. to the Tunnel View scenic overlook. To port projects in the park as well as other Watch Your Footprint! • Come back and spend some more enhance visitor experience, protection sites in the National Park System. When How much greenhouse gas do you time in this amazing park! of resources, and safety, members of you visit a Fee site, you help the National generate? In other words, what’s your The Yosemite Fund are contributing Park Service preserve and protect our “carbon footprint?” To find out, visit $2 million, while $1 million is coming nation’s heritage for future generations. www.doyourpartparks.org and enter in- from a special match from the National To Learn more about Park formation about your energy consump- Park Service. Improvement Efforts Projects Completed Include: tion. By reducing emissions, we can

visit online at • Increasing ranger presence and help protect glaciers, plants and wildlife www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/ interpretive programming in park here in Yosemite and elsewhere. planning campgrounds. Above Left: Tuolumne River. Photo by Victoria Mates

22 Yosemite Guide September – October 2008 Supporting Your Park Providing for Yosemite’s Future

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

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

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

Above right: El Capitan. NPS Photo

23 Sept-Oct 2008 Sept-Oct Yosemite Guide Where toGoand WhattoDoinYosemite National Park September3–October14 Experience Your America Yosemite NationalPark September – October 2008 October – September Guide Yosemite 14 10 09 01

Lembert Domesunset. to Yosemite Welcome and Events Programs Trip Planning Your Wild &Scenic Rivers Special Feature: Inside: Vol.33, IssueNo.3 Yosemite National Park National Yosemite America Your Experience Photo byHughSakols.

US Department of the Interior Third Class Mail National Park Service Postage and Fee Paid

PO Box 577 US Department of the Interior Yosemite, CA 95389 G 83