Yosemite Guide

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?