by Alex Gugel , all rights reserved
Yosemite GuideAugust 21, 2024 - September 24, 2024 |
The August/September 2024 Yosemite Guide with information about trip planning, activities, scheduled events, and hours of operations for different facilities and services at Yosemite National Park (NP) in California. Published by the National Park Service (NPS).
Yosemite National Park
Tioga Road
August 21 – September 24, 2024
1
Park Map
2
Services
4
Transportation 6
Events &
Programs
8
Trails
10
¡Un programa en español!
Yosemite
Essentials
Here’s what’s inside:
Keep this guide
with you to get
the most out of
your visit to Yosemite!
il
Upper Yosemite
Fall seasonal
Lower Yosemite
Fall seasonal
Columbia
Rock
5
Yosemite Valley
Welcome Center
oo
North
Pines
15 Upper
Pines
M
p
a
eek
Cr
Mirror Lake
dry in summer & fall
Half Dome
Turn to pages 10 & 11 for trail information.
il
u
ir T
r a il
Vernal Fall
Footbridge
Vernal
Fall
M ist Tr a
Mist Tra
il
il
uir
John M Trail
Clark
Point
Nevada
Fall
Creek
nel
nti
e
S
oram
a Trail
Illilouette
Fall
Park Road
Roads with Restricted Access
Bike & Pedestrian Path (paved)
in
o.
r P rox
cie app
GlaClosed
Trail
North
Trail (closed in winter)
Parking Area
1
Shuttle Stop
Turn to pages 6 & 7 for more information
Tr
ai
l
Taft
Point
to
Half Dome &
Little Yosemite
Valley
Use John Muir Trail detour.
Sentinel
Dome
Pan
I l li
N t
o
v. R o
t
a
o
Ma d
y
8836 ft
2693 m
Permit required when
cables are up.
East
Yosemite Valley
Mist Trail closed for repairs
Mon – Thurs, 7 am – 3:30 pm.
16
Trailhead
Parking
Jo h n M
Glacier
Point
iver
dR
ce
r
e
Swinging
Bridge
11
17
18
No vehicle access past this point
(without campground reservation,
wilderness permit, or
disability placard.)
Four
Mile
Tra
Sentinel
Falls
seasonal
l
North
Dome
Valle y L
Lower
Pines
19 14
M
r ai
pT
Loo
Happy Isles
Art & Nature
Center
7214 ft
2199 m
c
er
reek
te C
lou
et
y
Valle
or
irr
M
Church Bowl
Picnic Area
The Ahwahnee
4
3
2
6
7
Yosemite
Valley
Lodge
Housekeeping 12
Camp
Curry Village
Sentinel
Beach
ed
Riv er
l
Tra
i
Eagle
Peak
1
Camp 4
to
El Capitan,
Valley exits
No
rth
s
i
d
eD
r.
Dr
.
So
u
ths
ide
Ten
ay
Tra
il
La
ke
semite Falls T
Yo
ra
Yosemite Guide
o
Yosemite Essentials
A peak-hours reservation is
required to drive into Yosemite
on some dates in 2024.
A reservation is required on
Saturdays, Sundays,
and holidays,
between 5 am and 4 pm
(until October 27.)
11 bears have hit by vehicles
in Yosemite this year.
To learn more, scan the QR code or
visit go.nps.gov/reserve
You are driving in wildlife habitat. Follow
posted speed limits, drive carefully, and watch
for animals crossing the road. “Red Bear, Dead
Bear” signs on park roads mark places where
bears have been hit this year.
Book a reservation at Recreation.gov. A portion of reservations were
released in January 2024; additional reservations are released seven days
in advance at 8 am Pacific time. Reservations are valid for up to three
consecutive days.
Visitors may enter the park with: a peak-hours reservation; a
Wilderness or Half Dome permit; in-park camping, lodging, or vacation
rental; regional transit or a tour group.
It is illegal to approach or feed any wild animal,
including squirrels and birds.
Wildlife can cause injuries and transmit diseases. Human food is
unhealthy for wild animals. Animals used to being fed can become
dangerous and be killed as a result.
Proper Food Storage is Required by Law
Avoid accidentally sharing your food by properly storing it or keeping it
within arm’s reach.
Yosemite Falls in spring
Yosemite Falls in late summer
Seasonal Information
Some waterfalls may be dry. Waterfalls peak in spring, fed by snowmelt
at higher elevations. Bridalveil, Vernal, and Nevada Falls flow year-round
but are less full this time of year.
Wildfires may affect air quality. Smoke from fires, both inside and
outside the park, may reduce visibility and pose a health concern,
especially for sensitive individuals.
Arrive early or in late afternoon. On busy days, especially weekends
and holidays, wait times at entrance stations can be long, and parking
in Yosemite Valley may completely fill. Once you find a parking space,
keep it. Walk, bike, or ride a free shuttle to Valley trailheads and other
destinations.
The Mist Trail is closed for repairs Monday through Thursday, between
7 am and 3:30 pm. This section is open on weekends. During the closure,
reach the top of Vernal Fall (and points beyond) via the John Muir Trail.
Check the map on the back cover to view the closure.
Emergency Services
In an Emergency:
Call or Text 911
Non-emergency dispatch line
209/379-1992
Medical Clinic (Yosemite Valley)
209/372-4637
Open Mon to Fri, 9 am – 6 pm.
Urgent care walk-ins with out-ofpocket fees: 1 pm – 4:30 pm.
Yosemite Village Garage
Call 209/372-1060 for 24-hour
roadside assistance.
Lost & Found Check at the
nearest open information center
or hotel front desk, or visit
go.nps.gov/lost to report a lost
item.
Keep in Touch
Accessibility
For a complete list of
accessible services, exhibits,
and recreational opportunities,
download a Yosemite
Accessibility Guide at
go.nps.gov/AccessYosemite
Sign Language interpreting
is available upon request.
Contact Deaf Services at
209/379-5250 (v/txt). Two
weeks advance notice is
requested but not required.
Assistive Listening Devices
are available upon advance
request at information centers.
Accessible parking spaces
are available throughout
the park.
www.nps.gov/yose
@YosemiteNPS
During the Day
While hiking or picnicking,
always keep your food within
arm’s reach. When away from
your vehicle, lock it and keep
all windows closed, with food,
drinks, and coolers hidden from
sight. Never leave food in a truck
bed or strapped to the outside
of a vehicle.
At Night
Bears can easily break into vehicles.
Food, trash, and other scented
items may NOT be stored inside
vehicles overnight. These items
must be kept inside a food locker or
in a hotel room or hard-sided cabin
with doors and windows closed.
Food may also be stored inside a
completely hard-sided RV with all
windows and doors closed.
If you see a bear in the park, email yose_bear_mgmt@nps.gov or call the
Save-a-Bear hotline at 209/372-0322. To learn more about food storage
and bears, visit KeepBearsWild.org.
Park Regulations
The National Park Service
is bound by its mission to
protect Yosemite’s natural
and cultural resources for the
benefit and enjoyment of future
generations. Regulations are in
place to protect both visitors
and park resources.
Prohibited activities include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Using drones
Feeding or approaching
wildlife
Collecting plants and
animals
Hunting animals
Picking up archeological
items, such as arrowheads
Using metal detectors
Driving vehicles into
meadows
Biking off of paved roads
Camping outside of
designated campgrounds
Possession of weapons
inside federal facilities
Possessing or using
marijuana, including
medical marijuana
Pets are not
allowed on
hiking trails.
Pets are only permitted on paved
walking and biking paths, in most
campgrounds, and in parking
areas. Pets must be leashed at all
times.
Service dogs are allowed anywhere that
visitors can go. Emotional support, therapy,
and companion animals are subject to pet
regulations.
Park Partners
To report illegal activity, call
park dispatch at 209/379-1992.
@YosemiteNPS
Enjoy your visit!
Park Map
Lake Eleanor
To
HETCH
HETCHY
O’Shaughnessy
& Lee Vining
Dam
Hetch Hetchy
Backpackers
Campground
Hetch Hetchy
Road
Tuolumne River
(Wilderness Permit Required)
Hetch Hetchy
Entrance
TUOLUMNE
MEADOWS
White
Wolf
Tioga Road
Evergreen Road
Hodgdon
Meadow
Merced
Grove
Crane Flat
closed in 2024
El Portal
Tuolumne Meadows
Visitor Center
Tenaya Lake
Upper Pines
Lower Pines
North Pines
Yosemite Valley
Welcome Center
YOSEMITE
VALLEY
Big
Oa
kF
lat
Ro
ad
campground closed in 2024
Camp 4
Tamarack Flat
Merced River
GLACIER
POINT
Tunnel View
Arch Rock
Entrance
To
Mariposa
& Merced
Porcupine
Flat
closed in 2024
Closed approx.
Nov. to May
CRANE Tuolumne
FLAT Grove
Big Oak Flat
Entrance
Big Oak Flat
Information
Station
Yosemite
Creek
Closed approx.
Nov. to May
Tuolumne Meadows
Closed approx.
Nov. to May
Tioga Road
To
Groveland
& Manteca
Tioga Pass
Entrance
Glacier Point Road
El Portal
Road
Bridalveil
Creek
Yosemite
West
Closed approx.
Nov. to May
Campgrounds in Yosemite
are reservation-only from
April to October. Not all
campgrounds are open
year-round. Turn to page 5
for more information.
Wawona Road
WAWONA
Yosemite History Center
Wawona
Visitor Center
Wawona Campground
North
MARIPOSA GROVE
OF GIANT SEQUOIAS
South
Entrance
0
Gas Station
Entrance Station
Where to Find More Information
Information Centers
Start your visit here! Pick up trail maps, become a junior ranger, get help
planning your trip, and ask about closures and trail conditions.
Yosemite Valley Welcome Center
9 am to 5 pm daily
The welcome center is the Valley’s NEW hub for visitor information. The
former visitor center is now the Yosemite Exploration Center, offering
rotating exhibits, a theater, and the Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore.
Both are located in Yosemite Village, near shuttle stops 1, 2, 4, & 5.
Campground
Information Center
Look up Current Conditions
To check the current status of park roads,
call 209/372-0200 (press 1, then 1.)
For planned or long-term closures to park roads, trails,
and facilities, scan the QR code or visit
go.nps.gov/conditions.
Sign Up for Yosemite Traffic Alerts
Get up-to-the-minute text alerts for delays and unplanned
road closures: text ynptraffic to 333111
Wawona Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio
Get the Official NPS App
9 am to 5 pm daily
This free app features over 400 parks across
the US! Search for trails and other things to do,
navigate with the park map, view the program
calendar, and find your next park. Download
Yosemite ahead of time to access park information
when you’re offline.
Big Oak Flat Information Station
8 am to 5 pm daily
Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center
9 am to 5 pm daily
2
5 miles
Roads on map are simplified
and do not reflect degree of
windiness.
To
Oakhurst
& Fresno
NOTE: There are only two gas stations inside
the park and NO GAS in Yosemite Valley.
5km
Experience Your America Yosemite National Park
Download from your device’s app store:
search “National Park Service”.
Places to Explore
Things to Do
Explore by Car
Stop at scenic viewpoints like Tunnel
View or El Capitan Meadow as you
travel through the Valley.
Hit the Trail
YOSEMITE VALLEY
The first stop for many park visitors, Yosemite Valley
is known for its towering granite walls and iconic
features like El Capitan and Half Dome. The Valley’s
many waterfalls roar in spring but slow or dry up
completely by late summer.
Start your visit at the new welcome center in
Yosemite Village for trail maps and park information.
Then stop by the Yosemite Museum and the
Yosemite Exploration Center for exhibits and cultural
demonstrations. Turn to page 4 for hours. Check
page 8 for a variety of talks, tours, and classes in the
Valley. Turn to page 11 for Valley hiking information.
GLACIER POINT
Take in stunning views of Yosemite Valley from 3,000
feet above the Valley floor. Other scenic overlooks
and numerous trailheads are also accessible from
Glacier Point Road.
30 mi (48 km) or 1 hour from Yosemite Valley
Directions From Yosemite Valley, drive south on
Wawona Road. After 9 miles, turn left onto Glacier
Point Road.
Explore hundreds of miles of trails,
from relaxing strolls to epic treks
through vast wilderness. Stop by
an information center to pick up
free trail maps and get ranger
recommendations tailored to you and
your interests! Turn to pages 10 & 11
for basic trail information.
Join a Ranger for a
Talk or Guided Walk
Turn to page 8 for a weekly schedule
of free programs.
Experience the Park
After Dark
Stargaze on your own, or book a
guided nighttime program. Turn to
page 8 for the program schedule.
Sign Up for an Art or
Photography Class
Engage with Yosemite in a whole
new way, and explore your creative
side! Turn to page 8 for details.
Ride a Bicycle
WAWONA & THE MARIPOSA GROVE
CRANE FLAT
Visit two giant sequoia groves north of Yosemite
Valley that are smaller and quieter than the Mariposa
Grove. Hike one mile down to the Tuolumne Grove or
1.5 miles down to the Merced Grove. Parking at each
trailhead is extremely limited. Merced Grove may be
closed for biomass removal.
16 mi (26 km) or 1/2 hour from Yosemite Valley
The Mariposa Grove is home to over 500 mature
giant sequoias and many miles of trails. Shuttle
service from the parking area to the grove operates
daily (check page 7 for hours.) Stop in Wawona for
more trails, visitor services, and the Yosemite History
Center (open daily.)
30 mi (48 km) or 1 hour from Yosemite Valley
Directions From Yosemite Valley, drive south on
Wawona Road. Watch for signs for the Mariposa
Grove just before the park’s South Entrance.
Directions From Yosemite Valley, take Big Oak Flat
Road to Tioga Road Junction at Crane Flat. Turn right
for Tuolumne Grove parking, or continue on Big Oak
Flat Road for 3.5 miles to Merced Grove parking.
Explore miles of paved, scenic bike
trails through Yosemite Valley. Turn to
page 4 for bike rentals.
Watch for Wildlife
Visit meadows around dawn and
dusk for the best chance of spotting
birds and other wildlife. Remember
it’s illegal to feed or approach any
wildlife in the park.
Explore Beyond
Yosemite Valley
Wander through one of the park’s
giant sequoia groves, hike along
a reservoir to a waterfall at Hetch
Hetchy, or explore the peaks and
meadows of the High Sierra.
Earn a Junior Ranger
Badge
Pick up a free Junior Ranger
Handbook at any open information
center. Complete the activities while
you explore the park, then return
your book to receive a badge!
HETCH HETCHY
Visitors can walk across the dam, hike along the
reservoir, or access Yosemite’s wilderness. Summer
visitors should be prepared for very high heat and
little shade.
40 mi (64 km) or 1½ hours from Yosemite Valley
Directions From Yosemite Valley, take Big Oak Flat
Road (Hwy 120 W.) Just outside the Big Oak Flat
Entrance, turn right on Evergreen Road. Hetch Hetchy
Rd is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Vehicles
and trailers over 25 ft long and 8 ft wide are not
permitted on the narrow, winding Hetch Hetchy Rd.
TIOGA ROAD &
TUOLUMNE MEADOWS
Yosemite National Park
Tioga Road is a 45-mile scenic drive through
Yosemite’s high country, with access to trailheads,
scenic vistas, and popular destinations like Tenaya
Lake and Tuolumne Meadows. Services are extremely
limited in this remote area, so fill up on gas, snacks,
and water before you go.
54 mi (87 km) or 1½ hours from Yosemite Valley
A Park Guide for Ages 4 to 12
Directions From Yosemite Valley, take Big Oak Flat
Road (Hwy 120 W) to Crane Flat. Turn right onto
Tioga Road (Hwy 120 E.)
Yosemite Guide August 21 – September 24, 2024
3
Services
Seasonal operating dates and hours are subject to change.
YOSEMITE VALLEY
1 indicates the nearest shuttle stop(s).
Turn to page 6 for a map of the Yosemite Valley Shuttle System.
Yosemite Valley Welcome Center 1
2
4
Yosemite Exploration Center & Theater 2
Yosemite Museum 2
4
5
10 am – 5 pm
Wilderness Center 2
4
5
8 am – 5 pm
9 am – 5 pm
4
5
9 am – 5 pm
ehicles only
authorized v
INFORMATION & EXHIBITS
YOSEMITE VILLAGE SERVICES
Yosemite Exploration Center
& Theater, Bookstore
Yosemite
Museum
The Ansel Adams Gallery
Wilderness Center
Post Office
GIFTS, GEAR, & GROCERIES
YOSEMITE VILLAGE 1
2
4
5
5
authori
zed v
ehic
les
on
ly
Village Store
Village Grill
to
Lower Yosemite Fall
Yosemite Valley Lodge
North
Bike
Rentals
2
Welcome
Center
Northside Drive (one w
ay)
Garage
to Shuttle Stop 1
Yosemite Conservancy Store (Welcome Center) 9 am – 5 pm
CURRY VILLAGE SERVICES
Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore (Exploration Center) 9 am – 5 pm
to Shuttle Stops 14 & 19
Yosemite Museum Store 10 am – 5 pm, may close for lunch.
THE AHWAHNEE 3
to
The Ahwahnee
4
The Ansel Adams Gallery 9 am – 5 pm. Art, books, & gifts.
Village Store 8 am – 10 pm. Large selection of groceries & gifts.
Medical
Clinic
Degnan’s
Kitchen
Happy Isles Art & Nature Center 16 9 am – 4 pm; may close early.
Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center (Sierra Club) 12
Open Wed – Sun, 10 am – 4 pm
North
Front
Office
Gift &
Grocery
Campground
Reservation Office
Meadow
Grill
northeast corner
of parking area
Bike Rentals
Mountain
Shop &
Mountaineering
School
Gift Shop 8 am – 9 pm
Sweet Shop 7 am – 10 pm
YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE 7
Gift Shop 8 am – 10 pm. Gifts & snacks.
Pizza
Deck
CURRY VILLAGE 14 19
North
Bar 1899,
Seven Tents
Pavilion,
Coffee
Corner
Yosemite Mountain Shop 8 am – 8 pm. Hiking/climbing gear & apparel.
Curry Village Gift & Grocery 8 am – 10 pm
HOUSEKEEPING CAMP 12
entrance
Amphitheater
Pool &
Showers
Grocery 8 am – 8 pm
YOSEMITE VILLAGE 1
TOURS & ACTIVITIES
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Book tours & activities anytime at TravelYosemite.com.
2
Yosemite Valley Lodge Tour & Activity Desk 7 7:30 am – 7 pm
4
5
Degnan’s Kitchen
Breakfast: 7 am – 11 am; Lunch: 11:30 am – 6 pm
Peet’s Coffee, deli sandwiches, & grab-and-go items. Indoor & outdoor seating.
Yosemite Valley Lodge Pool 7 11 am − 6 pm (closed for the season after 9/2)
Village Grill 11 am – 6 pm. Burgers, hot dogs, & more. Outdoor seating.
Curry Village Tour & Activity Kiosk 14 19 7:30 am – 3:30 pm
THE AHWAHNEE 3
Curry Village Pool closed for renovation
Coffee Bar 6:30 am – 10:30 am
Mountaineering School (Curry Village) 14 19 8:30 am – 12 pm, 1 pm –
4:30 pm. Guided hiking & rock climbing experiences.
The Ahwahnee Bar 11:30 am – 11 pm. Beer on tap, cocktails, & light bites.
Village Store Tour & Activity Kiosk 1
2
4
8 am – 7 pm
Ahwahnee Dining Room
Breakfast: 7 am – 10 am; Dinner: 5:30 pm – 9 pm.
Fine dining. Appropriate attire respectfully required for dinner. Dinner reservations
strongly recommended: 209/372-1489 or OpenTable.com.
Yosemite Valley Lodge Bike Stand 7 8 am – 7 pm
YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE 7
Curry Village Bike Stand 14 19 8 am – 7 pm
Base Camp Eatery Breakfast: 6:30 am – 10:45 am; Lunch/Dinner: 11 am – 9 pm.
Fast casual burgers, chicken, & more. Indoor & outdoor seating.
Village Store Bike Stand 1
Starbucks Coffee 6:30 am – 6:30 pm
Mountain Room Lounge Mon to Fri: 4:30 pm – 10 pm,
Sat & Sun: 12 pm – 10 pm. Beer on tap, cocktails, & light bites.
Mountain Room Restaurant 5 pm – 10 pm (last seating at 9:30 pm)
Upscale casual steakhouse. Reservations recommended: OpenTable.com.
CURRY VILLAGE 14 19
Seven Tents Pavilion Breakfast: 7 am – 10 am; Dinner: 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
Casual dining with rotating menu of hearty meals. Indoor seating.
Peet’s Coffee Corner 6 am – 2 pm
Bar 1899 11:30 am – 10 pm. Beer on tap, cocktails, & light bites.
Pizza Deck 11 am – 10 pm. Pizza whole or by the slice. Outdoor seating.
Taqueria @ Meadow Grill 11 am – 8 pm. Tacos. Outdoor seating.
Jennie’s Ice Cream 11 am – 8:30 pm
4
Experience Your America Yosemite National Park
BIKE RENTALS
2
4
8 am – 7 pm
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
Yosemite Community Church (The Chapel) Pastor Brent Moore
Call 209/372-4831 or visit YosemiteValleyChapel.org for information.
Sunday Services: 9:15 am (additional 11 am service until Labor Day weekend)
OTHER SERVICES
Laundry (Housekeeping Camp) 12 8 am – 10 pm
Showers (Curry Village) 14 19 24 hrs. Shuttle stops 14 & 19.
Yosemite Village Post Office 2 4 5 Mon – Fri : 8:30 am – 5 pm,
Sat: 10 am – 12 pm. Shuttle stops 1/2/4/5.
Yosemite Village Garage 1 2 4 8 am – 12 pm, 1 pm – 5 pm
Propane available during regular operating hours. 24-hour roadside assistance:
call 209/372-1060. No gas available in Yosemite Valley.
WAWONA & MARIPOSA GROVE
CRANE FLAT
INFORMATION & EXHIBITS
LIMITED SERVICES
Wawona Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio 9 am – 5 pm
Big Oak Flat Information Station 8 am − 5 pm
Yosemite History Center Open daily
Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore (Big Oak Flat Information Station)
Open Fri – Tues, 9 am – 5 pm
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Crane Flat Gas & Grocery 8 am − 5 pm. 24-hour pay-at-the-pump.
Wawona Hotel Dining Room Breakfast: 7 am – 10 am, Lunch: 11 am –
3 pm, Dinner: 5 pm – 9 pm, Lounge Service: 5 pm – 9:30 pm
EL PORTAL
Summer BBQ Saturdays (& Labor Day) from 5 pm – 7 pm
OTHER SERVICES
Wawona Store & Pioneer Gift Shop 8 am – 8 pm
Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore (Wawona) 9 am – 5 pm
Yosemite Conservancy Depot (Mariposa Grove) 9 am – 5 pm
LIMITED SERVICES
El Portal Market 9 am – 7 pm
El Portal Service Station staffed 8 am – 5 pm. 24-hour pay-at-the-pump.
Golf Course Golf: Th–M, 8 am – 6 pm; Disc golf: Tu & W, 12 – 6 pm
TIOGA RD & TUOLUMNE MEADOWS
Golf Shop & Snack Stand 7 am – 6 pm
Tennis Courts 8 am – dusk
LIMITED SERVICES
Stable Daily rides: 8:30 am, 11:30 am, 2:30 pm (until 9/2)
Wawona Post Office Mon – Fri: 9 am – 1 pm, Sat: 9 am – 12 pm
Wawona Service Station staffed 8 am – 6 pm. 24-hour pay-at-the-pump.
Propane available during staffed hours only.
Services are very limited in this remote area of the park. Fill up on gas, snacks, and
water ahead of time. The nearest gas is available inside the park at Crane Flat or
12 miles east of the park at Lee Vining.
Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center 9 am – 5 pm
GLACIER POINT
LIMITED SERVICES
Gift Shop 9 am − 7 pm (9:30 am – 5 pm starting 9/3.)
Small selection of gifts & snacks.
Zero Landfill Initiative: Propane Canisters
Exciting news, campers: you can
now buy and exchange Little
Kamper 1 lb. propane canisters in
Yosemite stores, including the
Village Store, Curry Village Gift
Shop, Mountain Shop, Wawona
Store, and El Portal Market.
How it works:
1. Purchase a canister.
2. Use up the fuel.
3. Bring the canister back to any
store that participates in the Little
Kamper propane exchange program
In alliance with the Zero Landfill
Initiative, Yosemite Conservancy,
the National Park Service and
Yosemite Hospitality are working
together to reduce improper
disposal of single-use propane
canisters and send less waste to
our local landfill. This project was
made possible in part by a grant
from the National Park Foundation
through the generous support of
Subaru of America.
4. Trade in your empty canister for a
full one at a lower price.
Rehabilitation of The Ahwahnee
After more than 95 years in service,
The Ahwahnee is continuing
a multi-phase comprehensive
rehabilitation plan to preserve
the hotel’s historic integrity, while
bringing the building to code
with modern fire and seismic
safety standards. Scaffolding and
construction noise may be present
during parts of the rehabilitation
project.
Due to these historic projects,
Ahwahnee parking lot space has
been reduced. Parking is valet only
with a $30 nightly charge, $15
day-use or $10 with validation.
This change will only be during this
historic project and will return to
normal upon completion.
Parsons Memorial Lodge 10 am – 4 pm (open through Sept 22)
Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center 8 am – 5 pm
Tuolumne Meadows Post Office Mon − Fri: 9 am − 5 pm, Sat: 10 am − 1 pm
Tuolumne Meadows Store Opening to be determined
Tuolumne Meadows Grill Opening to be determined
Yosemite Bike Share (Yosemite Conservancy)
The free Yosemite Bike Share is open
for the season! You can use the bike
share for short trips (up to two
hours) in Yosemite Valley.
3. Get pedaling: Ride safely! Use the
helmet provided with the bike (or
wear your own) and stay on roads
and paved bike paths.
How it Works:
Visit yosemite.org/yosemite-bikeshare to learn more about this
program, see a map of bike paths
and plan your routes.
1. Get connected: Download
the Yosemite Bike Share mobile app
for Apple/iOS or Android in advance.
2. Get a bike: Use the app to unlock
a bike at one of the Yosemite Bike
Share stations, located at the
Yosemite Village day-use parking
area and Yosemite Valley Lodge
day-use parking area (across the
street from Camp 4).
CAMPING & LODGING
For general information about staying
overnight in Yosemite or nearby communities,
scan the QR code or visit go.nps.gov/sleeping
CAMPING A reservation is required for all
campgrounds between April and October. Visit
go.nps.gov/campground for reservation booking
windows and other campground details.
Check for availability and book a reservation at
Recreation.gov, or by calling 877/444-6777.
Sleeping inside a vehicle is only allowed at a registered campsite. Sleeping
overnight in a parking lot or on the side of the road is NOT permitted.
For information about backpacking and wilderness permits, turn to page 10.
LODGING Lodging inside the park is operated by Yosemite Hospitality.
Reservations may be made up to one year in advance and are strongly
recommended. Book a stay online at www.TravelYosemite.com or by calling
888/413-8869.
Yosemite Guide August 21 – September 24, 2024
5
Transportation
Yosemite Valley Shuttle System
Shuttles operate from 7 am to 10 pm daily.
Camp 4,
Yosemite Valley Lodge,
Yosemite Falls Parking
El Capitan
Picnic Area
Exploration Degnan’s
Center
Kitchen
Lower
4
5
Yosemite
Fall
Cathedral
Beach
10
2 Welcome Center
1 Yosemite Village Parking
7
19
12
Housekeeping Camp
11
El Capitan
Meadow
3
6
8
9
The
Ahwahnee
18
Lower Pines Campground
14
Curry Village – eastbound
Four Mile
Trailhead
Curry Village – westbound
17 Mirror Lake
15
Upper Pines Campground
North
16
Happy Isles
Valleywide Shuttle
serves ALL stops in Yosemite Valley
d River
rce
e
M
East Valley Shuttle
serves east Valley destinations ONLY
The FREE Yosemite Valley shuttles operate from 7 am to 10 pm daily.
Valleywide Shuttle (green)
Serves ALL stops. Runs approx. every 22 – 32 min. Round-trip time of 1.5 hours.
East Valley Shuttle (purple)
Serves east Valley destinations ONLY. Runs approx. every 18 – 22 min.
Round-trip time of 50 min.
Pets are NOT allowed on shuttles.
Service dogs are legally permitted anywhere that visitors can go. A service dog is trained to perform a specific task to assist a
person with a disability. Emotional support, therapy, and companion animals are subject to all pet regulations.
Yosemite Valley Shuttle Stops
STOP SHUTTLES
1
2
3
4
DESTINATION
Yosemite Village Parking
ALL Shuttles.
Welcome Center
ALL Shuttles.
The Ahwahnee
Valleywide Shuttle ONLY.
Degnan’s Kitchen
Valleywide Shuttle ONLY.
AT THIS STOP
Parking, welcome
center, Village
Store.
Welcome center,
Village Store,
Exploration Center,
museum, post
office, shopping,
dining.
Lodging, fine
dining.
Welcome center,
Village Store,
Exploration Center,
museum, post
office, shopping,
dining.
Exploration Center,
museum, post
office, shopping,
dining.
STOP SHUTTLES
DESTINATION
AT THIS STOP
9
El Capitan Meadow
Valleywide Shuttle ONLY.
Scenic area.
10
Cathedral Beach
Valleywide Shuttle ONLY.
Picnic area.
11
Four Mile Trailhead
Valleywide Shuttle ONLY.
Trailhead.
12
Housekeeping Camp &
Yosemite Conservation
Heritage Center
ALL Shuttles.
14
Curry Village—eastbound
ALL Shuttles.
Lodging (seasonal),
laundry (seasonal),
exhibits & programs
(seasonal).
Parking, lodging,
dining, gift &
grocery.
15
Upper Pines Campground
ALL Shuttles.
Pines campgrounds.
16
Happy Isles
ALL Shuttles.
Trailhead, Art &
Nature Center.
17
Mirror Lake
ALL Shuttles.
Trailhead.
5
Exploration Center
Valleywide Shuttle ONLY.
6
Lower Yosemite Fall
Valleywide Shuttle ONLY.
Trailheads, picnic
area.
7
Camp 4,
Yosemite Valley Lodge,
Yosemite Falls Parking
Valleywide Shuttle ONLY.
Parking, lodging,
camping, trailheads,
casual dining.
18
Lower Pines Campground
ALL Shuttles.
Pines campgrounds.
8
El Capitan Picnic Area
Valleywide Shuttle ONLY.
Picnic area.
19
Curry Village—westbound
ALL Shuttles.
Parking, lodging,
dining, gift &
grocery.
6
Experience Your America Yosemite National Park
49
Tuolumne
Meadows
Sonora
YARTS
120
Tuolumne Meadows Hikers Bus
Yosemite Valley
to Sonora
departs 2–3x daily
summer only
$ YARTS.com
departs 1x daily
summer only
$ TravelYosemite.com
Groveland
Tioga Rd
120
to
Merced
Buck
Meadows
Mariposa
Yosemite Valley
to Mammoth Lakes
departs 2x daily
summer only
$ YARTS.com
Lee Vining
Mammoth Lakes
Big Oak Flat Rd
Yosemite
Valley
140
YARTS
YARTS
El Portal
Yosemite Valley
to Merced
Valley Shuttles
frequent daily service
year-round
395
Glacier Point
multiple departures daily
year-round
$ YARTS.com
Glacier Point Tour Bus
YARTS
Wawona Rd
Yosemite Valley
to Fresno
departs 2x daily
summer only
$ YARTS.com
departs 2x daily
summer only
$ TravelYosemite.com
Wawona
Mariposa Grove Shuttle
49
frequent daily service
spring through fall only
Fish Camp
Public
Transportation
41
in Yosemite National Park
North
Oakhurst
to
Fresno
Mariposa Grove Shuttle
Free shuttle service from the grove’s Welcome Plaza & Parking to the
Arrival Area & Trailhead. Shuttles pick up every 10 to 15 minutes.
• Shuttle Hours (until Sept 2): 8 am to 6:30 pm (last bus leaves
Mariposa Grove at 8 pm.)
• Shuttle Hours (starting Sept 3): 8 am to 5:30 pm (last bus leaves
Mariposa Grove at 7 pm.)
When shuttles are not operating, the Mariposa Grove can be accessed
ONLY via a 2-mile hike on the Washburn Trail.
Tuolumne Meadows Hikers Bus
The Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) is a public
transit system that provides service into Yosemite. Enjoy year-round
service from Merced and seasonal service from Sonora, Mammoth
Lakes, and Fresno. Buses are air-conditioned, bike-friendly, wheelchairaccessible, and equipped for rider comfort. Save gas, save time, save
money, by taking YARTS!
For bus schedules and tickets, visit www.YARTS.com
or call 877/989-2787.
Runs until Sept 15, conditions permitting. Daily bus service between
Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows. Drop-off and pickup for
backpackers at Tioga Road trailheads. Check TravelYosemite.com or a
tour desk for schedule and tickets.
Glacier Point Tour Bus
Glacier Point Tours have concluded for the season.
Bicycling in Yosemite
Parking
In Yosemite Valley, use one of three main parking areas: Curry
Village, Yosemite Village, or Yosemite Falls. Parking can completely
fill by late morning on weekends and holidays. Once you find a parking
space, keep it. Walk, bike, or ride a shuttle to trailheads and other
destinations. Park only in designated parking spaces or in a paved turnout, pulled
completely off the road. Vehicles parked on vegetation or blocking traffic are subject to
citation and may be towed.
Enjoy several miles of scenic bike paths through Yosemite Valley. Bicycles
are also permitted on park roads (cyclists must obey traffic laws.) Bicycles
are NOT allowed on hiking trails. Helmets are required by law for
children under 18. The speed limit on bike paths is 15 mph.
Bring your own bike, borrow one for up to two hours through the
Yosemite Bike Share program (turn to page 5), or find half-day and fullday rentals at Yosemite Valley bike stands (turn to page 4.)
E-bikes with two or three wheels, fully operable pedals, and electric motors less than 750
watts (1 horsepower) are allowed everywhere bicycles are allowed.
Yosemite Guide August 21 – September 24, 2024
7
Events & Programs
Visit go.nps.gov/YosemiteCalendar or the NPS app
to view even more programs on the online calendar.
Program offerings are subject to change.
YOSEMITE VALLEY: PROGRAMS FOR FAMILIES
DAY & TIME
PROGRAM
HOST
FEE?
REGISTER?
8:30 am (1 hr)
Su, Th, F, Sa
Jr. Ranger Walk Meet in front of the Yosemite Valley Welcome Center (shuttle stop 2) for an easy walk with kid-focused activities related
to Yosemite. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
NPS
free
no; drop-in only
10 am – 2 pm
weekdays
Kids’ Open Studio Free self-guided kid’s art activities at the Happy Isles Art and Nature Center. Drop in anytime during open studio hours!
YC
free
no; drop-in only
1:30 pm (15 min)
Tu, Th, Sa
Family Ranger Talk Meet in front of the Yosemite Valley Welcome Center
NPS
free
no; drop-in only
Drop-in Jr. Ranger Discovery Table Drop in any time to get started or finish earning a Jr. Ranger badge. Located in front of the Yosemite
Valley Exploration Center (shuttle stop 5.)
NPS
free
no; drop-in only
2 pm – 4 pm
M, Tu, W
YOSEMITE VALLEY: WALKS, TALKS, & TOURS
DAY & TIME
PROGRAM
HOST
FEE?
REGISTER?