Yosemite Guide

Yosemite National Park September 25 – November 26, 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 4 2 6 7 Yosemite Valley Lodge Yosemite Valley Welcome Center Swinging Bridge 11 North Dome 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, UNTIL OCTOBER 31. 16 Trailhead Parking Jo h n M Glacier Point iver dR ce r e No vehicle access past this point (without campground reservation, wilderness permit, or disability placard.) Four Mile Tra Sentinel Falls seasonal l 17 18 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 3 Valle y L Lower Pines 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.) At least 15 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. 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. Visiting Yosemite in Fall Visitor services are limited this time of year, especially outside of Yosemite Valley. Information centers, dining, shopping, and other services may be transitioning to reduced hours or shutting down for the season. Check pages 4 & 5 for hours. Expect winter conditions, even in fall. By late October and November, you may encounter colder weather (and even snow!) Before hiking, check the weather forecast and pack warm and waterproof layers. Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road typically close for the season sometime in November. Closing dates depend on conditions. Tire chain restrictions are also possible. Call 209/372-0200 (press 1, then 1) to check the status of park roads. 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. 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. Some waterfalls may be dry. Waterfalls peak in spring, fed by snowmelt at higher elevations, and are very low or dry by the end of summer. 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. 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 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. 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 Hetch Hetchy Entrance White Wolf Big Oak Flat Entrance Big Oak Flat Information Station seasonal Yosemite Creek Porcupine Flat closed in 2024 Merced Grove Crane Flat closed in 2024 seasonal To Mariposa & Merced El Portal Upper Pines Lower Pines North Pines Yosemite Valley Welcome Center YOSEMITE VALLEY Merced River GLACIER POINT Tunnel View Arch Rock Entrance Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center Camp 4 Tamarack Flat Big Oa kF lat Ro ad Tuolumne Meadows campground closed in 2024 Tenaya Lake Hodgdon Meadow CRANE Tuolumne FLAT Grove Closed approx. Nov. to May/June Tioga Road Closed approx. Nov. to May/June NO overnight parking starting Oct. 15 Evergreen Road To Groveland & Manteca Tioga Pass Entrance TUOLUMNE MEADOWS (Wilderness Permit Required) Glacier Point Road El Portal Road Bridalveil Creek Yosemite West Closed approx. Nov. to May NO overnight parking starting Oct. 15 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 seasonal MARIPOSA GROVE OF GIANT SEQUOIAS South Entrance 0 Gas Station Entrance Station Where to Find More Information Information Centers Start your visit here! Get help planning your trip, ask about closures and trail conditions, and pick up junior ranger booklets and trail maps. 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 for current road closures or tire chain restrictions, 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 (open until October 14) This free app covers 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. Download from your device’s app store: search “National Park Service”. Big Oak Flat Information Station 8 am to 5 pm daily (open until October 15) Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center 9 am to 5 pm daily (open until September 26) 2 5 miles Roads on map are simplified and do not reflect degree of windiness. To Oakhurst & Fresno There are only two gas stations inside the park and NO GAS in Yosemite Valley. 5km Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Places to Explore Things to Do Some activities might not be available by late fall, depending on conditions. Explore by Car Stop at scenic viewpoints like Tunnel View or El Capitan Meadow as you travel through the Valley. Hit the Trail GLACIER POINT 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 Road is closed from approx. Nov. to May. Call 209/372-0200 (1,1) for road status. 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. 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 Explore miles of paved, scenic bike trails through Yosemite Valley. Turn to page 4 for bike rentals. 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. 16 mi (26 km) or 1/2 hour from Yosemite Valley 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. WAWONA & THE MARIPOSA GROVE Watch for Wildlife 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 spring through fall (check page 7 for hours.) Stop in Wawona for more trails, visitor services, and the Yosemite History Center (open daily.) 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. 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. 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 Walk across the O’Shaughnessy Dam, hike along the reservoir, or access Yosemite’s wilderness. 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 Tioga Road is closed from approx. Nov. to May/ June. Call 209/372-0200 (1,1) for road status. 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 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 September 25 – November 26, 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 9 am – 5 pm 4 5 9 am – 5 pm Yosemite Museum 2 4 5 10 am – 5 pm Wilderness Center 2 4 5 8 am – 5 pm (until Oct 20) Happy Isles Art & Nature Center 16 open Mon – Fri, 9 am – 4 pm (until Oct 18); may close early Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center (Sierra Club) 12 Open Wed – Sun, 10 am – 4 pm (until Sep 29) GIFTS, GEAR, & GROCERIES YOSEMITE VILLAGE 1 2 4 ehicles only authorized v INFORMATION & EXHIBITS YOSEMITE VILLAGE SERVICES Yosemite Exploration Center & Theater, Bookstore Yosemite Museum The Ansel Adams Gallery Wilderness Center Post Office 5 authori zed v ehic les on ly to The Ahwahnee 4 Village Store Village Grill to Lower Yosemite Fall Yosemite Valley Lodge Bike Rentals Garage to Shuttle Stop 1 CURRY VILLAGE SERVICES Yosemite Conservancy Store (Welcome Center) 9 am – 5 pm to Shuttle Stops 14 & 19 Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore (Exploration Center) 9 am – 5 pm Front Office Campground Reservation Office Meadow Grill Gift & Grocery northeast corner of parking area Bike Rentals Mountain Shop & Mountaineering School THE AHWAHNEE 3 Gift Shop 8 am – 9 pm (9 am – 7 pm starting Oct 27) Sweet Shop 7 am – 10 pm North 2 Welcome Center Northside Drive (one w ay) The Ansel Adams Gallery 9 am – 5 pm (10 am – 5 pm starting Nov 1) Art, books, & gifts. Village Store 8 am – 9 pm (8 am – 8 pm starting Oct 1) Large selection of groceries & gifts. Medical Clinic Degnan’s Kitchen 5 Yosemite Museum Store 10 am – 5 pm, may close for lunch. North Pizza Deck YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE 7 Gift Shop 8 am – 8 pm. Gifts & snacks. North CURRY VILLAGE 14 19 Yosemite Mountain Shop 8 am – 8 pm (8:30 am – 6:30 pm starting Oct 22) Hiking/climbing gear & apparel. Curry Village Gift & Grocery 8 am – 8 pm HOUSEKEEPING CAMP 12 Grocery 8 am – 8 pm (open until Oct 7) FOOD & BEVERAGE YOSEMITE VILLAGE 1 2 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. entrance Amphitheater Bar 1899, Seven Tents Pavilion, Coffee Corner Pool & Showers TOURS & ACTIVITIES Book tours & activities anytime at TravelYosemite.com. Yosemite Valley Lodge Tour & Activity Desk 7 7:30 am – 7 pm Yosemite Valley Lodge Pool 7 closed for the season Village Store Tour & Activity Kiosk 1 2 4 8 am – 7 pm Curry Village Tour & Activity Kiosk 14 19 closed for the season Village Grill 11 am – 6 pm (open until Oct 27.) Burgers & more. Outdoor seating. Curry Village Pool closed for renovation THE AHWAHNEE 3 Curry Village Ice Rink opens Nov 15 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 (closes 10 pm starting Oct 28) Beer on tap, cocktails, & light bites. 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 7 Base Camp Eatery Breakfast: 6:30 am – 10:45 am (opens 7 am starting Oct 28); Lunch/Dinner: 11 am – 9 pm (closes 8 pm starting Oct 28.) Fast casual burgers, chicken, & more. Indoor & outdoor seating. BIKE RENTALS Yosemite Valley Lodge Bike Stand 7 9 am – 6 pm (closes at 5 pm starting Oct 2, open until Oct 27, conditions permitting) Curry Village Bike Stand 14 19 9 am – 6 pm (closes at 5 pm starting Oct 2, open until Oct 27, conditions permitting) Village Store Bike Stand 1 2 4 9 am – 6 pm (closes at 5 pm starting Oct 2, open until Oct 27, conditions permitting) Starbucks Coffee 6:30 am – 6:30 pm (7 am – 5 pm starting Oct 28) 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 Mon – Fri: 5 pm – 10 pm; Sat/Sun: 12 pm – 10 pm; last seating at 9:30 pm. Upscale casual steakhouse. Reservations recommended: OpenTable.com. 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 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 6:30 am – 11 am Bar 1899 11:30 am – 10 pm (4 pm – 9 pm starting Oct 26) Beer on tap, cocktails, & light bites. Pizza Deck 12 pm – 9 pm. Pizza whole or by the slice. Outdoor seating. Taqueria @ Meadow Grill closed for the season Jennie’s Ice Cream closed for the season 4 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park OTHER SERVICES Laundry (Housekeeping Camp) 12 8 am – 10 pm Showers (Curry Village) 14 19 24 hrs Yosemite Village Post Office 2 Sat: 10 am – 12 pm, Sun: closed 4 5 Mon – Fri : 8:30 am – 5 pm, 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 (until Oct 14) Big Oak Flat Information Station 8 am − 5 pm (until Oct 15) Yosemite History Center Open daily Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore (Big Oak Flat Information Station) Open Fri – Tues, 9 am – 5 pm (open until Nov 12) FOOD & BEVERAGE Crane Flat Gas & Grocery 8 am − 5 pm (store open until Oct 27.) Year-round, 24-hour pay-at-the-pump. Wawona Hotel Dining Room Breakfast: 7 am – 10 am Lunch: 11 am – 3 pm (11:30 am – 2 pm starting Oct 15) Dinner: 5 pm – 9 pm (5:30 pm – 8:30 pm starting Oct 15) Lounge Service: 5 pm – 9:30 pm EL PORTAL OTHER SERVICES LIMITED SERVICES Wawona Store & Pioneer Gift Shop 8 am – 8 pm El Portal Market 9 am – 7 pm Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore (Wawona) 9 am – 5 pm (until Oct 14) El Portal Service Station staffed 8 am – 5 pm. 24-hour pay-at-the-pump. Yosemite Conservancy Depot (Mariposa Grove) 9 am – 5 pm Golf Course Golf: Th–M, 8 am – 6 pm; Disc golf: Tu & W, 12 – 6 pm (open until Oct 27) TIOGA RD & TUOLUMNE MEADOWS Golf Shop & Snack Stand 7 am – 6 pm (open until Oct 27) Tennis Courts 8 am – dusk LIMITED SERVICES Stable closed for the season 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. Wawona Post Office Mon – Fri: 9 am – 1 pm, Sat: 9 am – 12 pm, Sun: closed Wawona Service Station staffed 9 am – 6 pm. 24-hour pay-at-the-pump. Propane available during staffed hours only. Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center 9 am – 5 pm (open until Sep 26) Parsons Memorial Lodge closed Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center 8 am – 5 pm (until Oct 14) GLACIER POINT Tuolumne Meadows Post Office closed Tuolumne Meadows Store closed LIMITED SERVICES Tuolumne Meadows Grill closed Gift Shop 9:30 am – 5 pm (until Oct 13, if conditions allow). 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 4. Trade in your empty canister for a full one at a lower price. CAMPING & LODGING In alliance with the Zero Landfill Initiative, Yosemite Conservancy, the National Park Service and Yosemite Hospitality are working together to reduce improper disposal of singleuse 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. CAMPING A reservation is required for all campgrounds between April and October. Most campgrounds do not remain open year-round. Visit go.nps.gov/campground for a full list of Yosemite campgrounds. First-come, first-served camping in the fall: • Camp 4 (open year-round, reservation-only through Oct 27) • Wawona (open year-round, reservation-only through Oct 27) • Hodgdon Meadow (open year-round, reservation-only through Oct 27) Upper Pines Campground remains open year-round (reservations are required all year.) All other open campgrounds are reservation-only for the remainder of the season. Check go.nps.gov/campground for closing dates. When a reservation is required, check for availability 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. 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. 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. For general information about staying overnight in Yosemite or nearby communities, scan the QR code or visit go.nps.gov/sleeping Due to these historic projects, Ahwahnee parking lot space has been reduced. Parking is valet only with a $30 nightly charge, $15 day-use ($10 with validation.) This change will only be during this historic project and will return to normal upon completion. Yosemite Guide September 25 – November 26, 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, gallery, wilderness center 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 North Oakhurst to Fresno in Yosemite National Park Mariposa Grove Shuttle Free shuttle service from the grove’s Welcome Plaza & Parking to the Arrival Area & Trailhead. Shuttles pick up every 15 minutes. • Shuttle Hours (until Nov 2): 8 am to 5:30 pm (last bus leaves Mariposa Grove at 6:30 pm.) • Shuttle Hours (starting Nov 3): 8 am to 3:30 pm, weather permitting (last bus leaves Mariposa Grove at 4:30 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. Service has concluded for the season. Visit TravelYosemite.com for more information. Glacier Point Tour Bus Runs until Oct 13, if conditions allow. Visit TravelYosemite.com or an in-park tour desk for more information and to purchase tickets. Bicycling in Yosemite Parking Bring your own bike, or find half-day and full-day rentals at Yosemite Valley bike stands (available seasonally, turn to page 4 for hours.) 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. 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. In Yosemite Valley, use one of three main parking areas: Curry Village 14 19 , Yosemite Village 1 , or Yosemite Falls 7 . 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. Yosemite Guide September 25 – November 26, 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. Photo by Evan Russel YOSEMITE VALLEY: PROGRAMS FOR FAMILIES DAY & TIME PROGRAM HOST FEE? REGISTER? 10 am – 2 pm M – F, until 10/18 Kids’ Open Studio Free self-guided kid’s art activities at the Happy Isles Art and Nature Center (shuttle stop 16.) Drop in anytime during open studio hours! YC free no; drop-in only 2 pm (15 min) daily Family Ranger Talk Topics vary. Meet in front of the Yosemite Valley Welcome Center (shuttle stops 1/2/4.) NPS free no; drop-in only YOSEMITE VALLEY: WALKS, TALKS, & TOURS DAY & TIME PROGRAM HOST FEE? REGISTER? 10 am (1 hr) select dates* Ranger Walk Join a ranger for a naturalist walk and take a closer look at Yosemite. Meet in front of the Yosemite Valley Welcome Center (shuttl