by Alex Gugel , all rights reserved
Yosemite GuideMarch 29, 2023 - May 9, 2023 |
The April/May 2023 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).
What You Need to Know
Tire Chains May be Required, Even in Spring
Protect Wildlife—and Yourself
Snowy weather and icy road conditions can persist into early Spring. Tire
chain requirements are strictly enforced. For updated road conditions for
Yosemite National Park, call 209/372-0200 (1,1). Signs will indicate when
chains are required.
Speeding Kills Bears
Being hit by a car is the most common human-related cause of death for
black bears in Yosemite. Slow down! Driving too fast is almost always the
reason for these accidental deaths.
View Wildlife from a Safe Distance
Never approach or feed any animal. Not only is it illegal, it is dangerous for
both to you and the animal. Wild animals in Yosemite can transmit
diseases, including plague, rabies, and hantavirus. For more information
staying safe in Yosemite, visit go.nps.gov/yosafety.
R1 All vehicles without
mud and snow tires are
required to install chains/
cables. All vehicles must
still carry chains.
R2 Chains/cables must be
installed on ALL vehicles
except 4-wheel/all-wheel
drive vehicles with mud
and snow tires.
R3 ALL vehicles are
required to install
chains/cables. NO
EXCEPTIONS.
Emergency chains are not acceptable. Learn more at go.nps.gov/chains
Entering a National Park
Yosemite is a place
where wilderness prevails.
Prepare yourself for a
wild experience. 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.
Please be attentive to the regulations
in place to protect park resources
and those designed for your safety.
Fire – Police – Medical
Emergency
Call or text 911 for emergencies.
Medical Clinic (in Yosemite Valley):
Open Monday through Friday from
9am to 5pm. Walk-ins from 1pm to
3:30 pm. Phone: 209/372-4637
Road, Weather,
and Park Information
Check road updates: 209/372-0200
Yosemite Village Garage
Offers 24-hour emergency roadside
assistance and propane service until
4:30pm. NO gas is available here.
Phone: 209/372-1060
DISTANCE FROM WILDLIFE: 30 feet = about one bus-length.
Access for People with
Disabilities
For a complete list of accessible
services, exhibits, and recreational
opportunities, pick up a Yosemite
Accessibility Guide at any park
entrance station or visitor center, or
view online at www.nps.gov/yose/
planyourvisit/accessibility.htm, or
call a park Accessibility Coordinator
at 209/379-1035.
Sign Language interpreting
is available upon request.
Contact Deaf Services at
209/379-5250 (v/txt). Two weeks
advance notice is requested.
Assistive Listening Devices are
available upon advance
request at any visitor center.
Accessible parking spaces are
available throughout the park.
Lose Something in Yosemite?
For items lost or found at one of
Yosemite’s restaurants, hotels, or
lounges, call 209/372-4357. For
items lost or found in other areas
of the park, call 209/379-1001.
Visitors to Yosemite are the park’s most important guardians. During your
visit, please contact a park official if you see any of the following:
• Feeding or approaching wildlife
• Collecting plants, reptiles,
or butterflies
• 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
Keep in Touch
• Possession of weapons inside
federal facilities
• Possessing or using marijuana,
including medical marijuana
• Using drones
If you see activities that could harm
people or park resources, jot down
any descriptions or a vehicle license
plate number and call the park
dispatch office at 209/379-1992.
www.nps.gov/yose
@YosemiteNPS
Food Storage
Help keep wildlife wild. Never
intentionally feed any wild animal in
Yosemite. Avoid unintentionally
sharing your food by properly
storing it. Improper food storage
harms wildlife and can result in
significant property damage and a
hefty fine.
During the Day
While hiking or picnicking, always
keep your food within arm’s reach.
When you are away from your
vehicle, keep all windows closed
and any food or coolers hidden
from sight. Never leave food in a
pickup truck bed or strapped to the
outside of a vehicle.
Where is My Pet
Allowed in Yosemite?
At Night
Bears can easily break into vehicles
in search of food. Food, trash, and
other scented items may NOT be
stored inside vehicles overnight.
These items must be kept inside a
food locker, in an approved bear
resistant container, or in a hotel
room or cabin. Food may also be
stored inside a completely hardsided RV with all windows and
vents closed.
For more information about food
storage and bears visit
www.KeepBearsWild.org
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.
Park Partners
Pets are allowed in
developed areas, on
fully paved roads,
sidewalks, and bicycle
paths (except when
signed as not allowing pets), and
in all campgrounds except walk-in
campgrounds and group
campgrounds. Pets must be
restrained on a leash not more
than six feet long and may not be
left unattended. Other regulations
also apply.
Pets are NOT allowed on shuttle
buses or indoor lodging areas,
including lobbies and rooms.
Yosemite
Guide February 1, 2023
- March
2023
@YosemiteNPS
@YosemiteNPS
Enjoy
your28,
visit!
Park Map
Yosemite Valley
Lake Eleanor
To
HETCH
HETCHY
O’Shaughnessy
and
Lee Vining
Dam
Hetch Hetchy
Backpackers
Campground
Hetch Hetchy
Road
Hetch Hetchy
Entrance
Tioga Pass
Entrance
Tuolumne River
TUOLUMNE
MEADOWS
(Wilderness Permit Required)
White
Wolf
Tioga Road Closed
approx. November – May
Evergreen Road
To
Manteca
Hodgdon
Meadow
Big Oak Flat
Entrance
Big Oak Flat
Information
Station
Porcupine
Flat
Yosemite
Creek
Tioga Road Closed
approx. November – May
Tuolumne
Grove
Crane
Flat
Merced
Grove
Tamarack
Flat
Tuolumne Meadows
Visitor Center
Tenaya Lake
Yosemite Valley
Visitor Center
YOSEMITE
VALLEY
Merced
River
Road Conditions
Traffic congestion is common in
Yosemite Valley, especially during
spring and summer and on
weekends. Arrive early in the
morning to find parking, then take
advantage of the valley’s free
shuttles to spend more time
enjoying the park. A map of the
shuttle system can be found on
pages 6 and 7.
GLACIER
POINT
Glacier Point Road Closed
approx. November – May
El Portal
Road
Glacier Point Road
Badger Pass
Ski Area
Glacier Point Road
(winter only)
Yosemite
West
Wawona Road
The Wawona Visitor Center remains
closed for the season. Open yearround, the Yosemite History Center
in Wawona is a collection of historic
buildings associated with people
and events that shaped the national
park idea in Yosemite.
North
South
Entrance
Road Conditions
Wawona Road (Hwy 41) remains
open year-round.
Badger Pass Ski Area
Mariposa Grove
of Giant Sequoias
0
5 miles
Roads on map are
simplified and do not
reflect degree of windiness
To Fresno
Gas Station
5km
Entrance Station
Campground
Visitor Center
Information Center
Visitor Centers
Maximize your time in Yosemite
by reading this Guide and bringing any
questions to the nearest visitor center. Talk
to park rangers, view exhibits, and learn
more about the park. The visitor centers
also feature Yosemite Conservancy
bookstores, where you can find books,
maps, and other souvenir items.
Yosemite Valley Visitor Center // 9am to 5pm, open year-round
Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center // closed for the season
Big Oak Flat Information Station // closed for the season
Wawona Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio // closed for the season
Tuolumne Meadows
& Tioga Road
Road Conditions
Closed for the season.
Due to its high elevation, Tioga Road
is closed each year from
approximately November through
May. In years with very heavy
snowfall, the road has re-opened as
late as June. Check the park website
and social media channels for
updates.
Hetch Hetchy
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, a source of
drinking water and hydroelectric
power for the City of San Francisco,
is home to spectacular scenery
and offers many wilderness trails.
The area’s low elevation makes it a
good place to hike in autumn,
winter, and spring, and very hot for
hiking in the summer.
April 2 is the final scheduled day
of operation for Badger Pass Ski
Area in 2023.
Enjoy a day on the slopes at Badger
Pass Ski Area. Recorded information
about winter sports and conditions
is available by calling 209/3721000.
Distance from Yosemite Valley
20 mi/32 km (45 minutes)
Directions
From Yosemite Valley, take Wawona
Road (Hwy 41) to Badger Pass Road
Junction.
Road Conditions
The road is open only to the ski area
while Badger Pass is operating.
Photo by Christine W Loberg
What Should I Do in Yosemite?
A Ranger Recommends:
Distance from Yosemite Valley
40 mi/64 km (1 ½ hours)
If you’re visiting Yosemite
for half a day:
Directions
From Yosemite Valley, take Big Oak
Flat Road (Hwy 120) to Evergreen
Road, then turn right.
Take a scenic stroll around one
of Yosemite Valley’s meadows.
Road Conditions
Vehicles and/or trailers over 25 feet
long and 8 feet wide are not
permitted on the narrow, winding
Hetch Hetchy Road. The road is
open from 8am to 5pm.
Stop at Tunnel View, El Capitan
Meadow, and Valley View for
scenic viewpoints.
If you’re visiting Yosemite
for a full day:
Take a scenic hike to Mirror Lake
or Vernal Fall.
Take a Yosemite Valley Floor
Tour (see page 9.)
Distance from Yosemite Valley
30 mi/48 km (1 hour)
Wawona
Visitor Center
Wawona Campground
NOTE: There are only 2 gas stations in
the park and NO GAS in Yosemite Valley.
Park at the Mariposa Grove
Welcome Plaza and hike up the
road to the grove (two miles each
way, with 500 feet of elevation
gain.) The road and trails may be
snowy and icy, even in spring. When
conditions allow, a free shuttle runs
from the Welcome Plaza to the
grove. Check the park website for
updates on shuttle service.
Road Conditions
The Glacier Point Road is closed in
winter and early spring. The road is
open only to Badger Pass when the
ski area is operating.
WAWONA
Yosemite History Center
Located near the park’s South
Entrance, the Mariposa Grove is the
largest sequoia grove in Yosemite
and is home to over 500 mature
giant sequoias.
Directions
From Yosemite Valley, take Wawona
Road (Hwy 41). Watch for signs for
the Mariposa Grove just before you
reach the park’s South Entrance.
Big Oak Flat Road
Arch Rock
Entrance
El Portal
Tuolumne Meadows
Tioga Road
Tunnel View
To Merced
Tioga Road Closed
approx. November – May
Yosemite Valley is open year-round.
Known for its towering granite
walls and features like El Capitan
and Half Dome, the valley is alive in
spring with numerous roaring
waterfalls. The valley is one of the
park’s most accessible areas for
hikers this time of year, though
snow and ice may still be present on
trails. Enjoy a variety of other
activities as well, including bicycling,
exhibits, guided walks, and art and
photography classes. Valley services
are listed on page 4, and programs
are listed on page 8.
Wawona &
Mariposa Grove
Rent a bicycle and enjoy a scenic
ride around the valley’s bike paths.
Attend a guided walk or
photography class. (see page 8 for
a program schedule.)
Crane Flat &
Tuolumne Grove
Visit sequoia groves north of
Yosemite Valley that are smaller
than the more-famous Mariposa
Grove, but typically quieter. Park at
the Tuolumne Grove parking area
located on Tioga Road, and hike
one steep mile down to the grove.
Or, park at Merced Grove trailhead
and hike two steep miles down to
the grove. Remember, the walk
down is easier than the walk up.
Bring water. Trails may be snowy or
icy even in spring.
Distance from Yosemite Valley
16 mi/26 km (30 minutes)
If you’re visiting Yosemite
for two or more days:
Visit a sequoia grove at Mariposa
Grove, Tuolumne Grove, or
Merced Grove. Snowshoes
recommended (depending on
conditions.)
Visit the Yosemite History Center
in Wawona.
Visit the dam at Hetch Hetchy.
Hike along the reservoir to
Wapama Falls.
Yosemite National Park
Directions
From Yosemite Valley, take Big Oak
Flat Road (Hwy 120) to Tioga Road
Junction at Crane Flat.
Road Conditions
Big Oak Flat Road (Hwy 120 W)
remains open year-round.
A Park Guide for Ages 4 to 12
Lodging
Camping
Visting Yosemite with kids?
Dining
Hiking
Information
Scenic Views
Picnicking
Gas Station
Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet
at any open visitor center.
Complete the activities to earn a
junior ranger badge!
Yosemite Valley Visitor Center
2
Experience Your America Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Guide March 29, 2023 – May 9, 2023
3
Services
Yosemite Museum
& Indian Cultural
Exhibit
Visitor Center and Theater
Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore
Museum
Store
Yosemite
Cemetery
Girls
Club
Due to severe impacts from historic winter storms, seasonal
opening dates and operating hours are subject to change.
The Ansel Adams Gallery
To Ahwahnee Hotel
Valley Wilderness Center
Administration
Building
Rehabilitation of
The Ahwahnee
MAP OF
YOSEMITE VILLAGE
Post Office
Medical Clinic
10
Degnan’s Kitchen
5
10
To Yosemite Falls
10
Village
Store
Shuttle
Stop 5
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.
15
Shuttle
Stop 2
Northside D
rive
#
5
Hiking & Biking Trail
Approx. Walking Time (minutes)
5
Roadway
P
Authorized Vehicles (shuttles)
To Curry Village
25
Sentinel Crossover
Shuttle
Stop 1
P
The Ahwahnee dining room will
remain closed through April, and
dinner will be served in the Great
Lounge. Scaffolding and construction
noise may be present during parts of
the rehabilitation project.
YOSEMITE VALLEY
FOOD & BEVERAGE
CURRY VILLAGE
YOSEMITE VILLAGE
Peet’s Coffee Corner
Opens April 5
6am to 2pm
Degnan’s Kitchen
Breakfast: 7am to 11am
Lunch: 11:30am to 6pm
Village Grill
Opens March 30
11:00am to 6pm
THE AHWAHNEE
Hours subject to change
Coffee Bar
7am to 10am
6:30 to 10:30 am starting April 3
Breakfast
7am to 10am
Dinner
5:30pm to 9pm
Appropriate attire respectfully
required for dinner. Dinner
reservations strongly recommended.
209/372-1489 or visit
www.opentable.com
The Ahwahnee Bar
11:00am to 9pm
11:30am to 10pm starting April 3
YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE
Base Camp Eatery
Breakfast: 6:30am to 10:45am
Lunch/Dinner: 11am to 9pm
Mountain Room Lounge
Mon – Fri: 4:30pm to 10pm
Sat – Sun: 12pm to 10pm
Mountain Room Restaurant
Dinner: 5pm to 10pm
Last seating at 9:30pm.
Reservations recommended.
Visit www.opentable.com
Seven Tents Pavilion
Opens April 5
Breakfast: 7am to 10am
Dinner: 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Curry Village Bar 1899
Opens April 5
11:30am to 10pm
Meadow Grill
Opens April 14
11 am to 5pm
Pizza Deck
Opens April 5
11am to 10pm
INFORMATION &
EXHIBITS
Yosemite Valley Visitor Center
9am to 5pm
Hours may change due to limited
staffing.
Yosemite Museum
10am to 4pm
May be closed due to limited
staffing.
Wilderness Center Opens April 28
8am to 5pm
Happy Isles Art & Nature Center
Opens April 3
9am to 4pm, may close for lunch
Yosemite Conservation Heritage
Center
Opens May 3
Wed – Sun: 10am to 4pm
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
Yosemite Village Garage
24-hour roadside assistance
No gas available in Yosemite Valley.
BOOKS, GIFTS, GEAR,
& GROCERIES
YOSEMITE VILLAGE
The Ansel Adams Gallery
10am to 3pm, may close for lunch
9am to 5pm starting April 1
Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore
at Yosemite Valley Visitor Center
9am to 5pm
Yosemite Museum Store
10am to 4pm, closed for lunch
Village Store
8am to 9pm
8am to10pm starting April 21
Experience Your America Yosemite National Park
GAS STATION
Wawona Hotel Dining Room
Opens April 4
Breakfast: 7am to 10am
Lunch: 11am to 3pm
Dinner: 5pm to 9pm
Lounge Service: 5pm to 9:30pm
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Conditions permitting
Skiers Grill (downstairs)
8am to 4 pm
Crane Flat Service Station
Store is closed. 24-hour pay-at-thepump with card.
Big Oak Flat Information Center
Closed for the season.
Visit go.nps.gov/campground for
more information and a schedule of
reservation release dates.
Conditions permitting
YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE
Wawona Visitor Center
Closed for the season.
Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore
at Big Oak Flat Information Station
Closed for the season.
Tour and Activity Desk
7:30am to 3pm
7:30am to 7pm starting April 7
Yosemite History Center
Open daily
Bike Rentals
Opens April 7, conditions
permitting
8am to 7pm
Sweet Shop
7am to 9pm
7 am to 10pm starting April 2
YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE
Bike Rentals
Opens April 7, conditions
permitting
8am to 7pm
SHOWERS & LAUNDRY
Mountain Shop
8am to 8pm
HOUSEKEEPING CAMP
Opens April 28
Gift & Grocery
8am to 8pm
8am to 10 pm starting April 6
Laundry
8am to 10pm
Showers
7am to 10pm
HOUSEKEEPING CAMP
CURRY VILLAGE
Opens April 5
Showers
24 hours
BOOKS, GIFTS, GEAR,
& GROCERIES
Wawona Store & Pioneer
Gift Shop
8am to 8pm
ACTIVITIES
Conditions permitting
Lift Operation
9am to 4pm
Lift Tickets
8:30am to 4pm
Pine Tree Market
8am to 8pm
Ski School Desk
8:30am to 4pm
Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore
at Wawona Visitor Center
Closed for the season.
Tubing
11am to 1pm & 2pm to 4pm
Yosemite Conservancy Depot at
Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza
Opens April 1, conditions permitting
9am to 5pm
Rental Shop
8:30am to 4:30pm
Cross Country Ski Center
8:30am to 4:30pm
POST OFFICE
GLACIER POINT
Wawona Post Office
Monday - Friday: 9am to 1pm
Saturday: 9am to noon
Closed for the season.
ACTIVITIES
TUOLUMNE MEADOWS
& TIOGA ROAD
Golf Course & Disc Golf
Opens May 19, conditions permitting
Closed for the season.
Tennis Courts
8am to Dusk
GAS STATION
Wawona Service Station
9am to 6pm
Diesel & propane available. 24-hour
pay-at-the-pump with card.
CAMPING
INFORMATION &
EXHIBITS
BOOKS & GIFTS
Sport Shop
9am to 4pm
CAMPING & LODGING:
HOW TO SPEND THE
NIGHT IN YOSEMITE
Camping in spring is very limited.
Reservations are available several
months in advance and are strongly
recommended.
GEAR AND APPAREL
Mountaineering School
Opens April 10
8:30am to 12pm, 1pm to 4:30pm
POST OFFICE
LAST SCHEDULED DAY OF
OPERATION APRIL 2
INFORMATION &
EXHIBITS
Gift Shop
8am to 8pm
8 am to 9pm starting April 2
Store
Opens April 28
8am to 8pm
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Bike Rentals
Opens May 24
Tour and Activity Kiosk
Closed for the season.
Tour and Activity Kiosk
Opens April 7
7:30 am to 3:30pm
CURRY VILLAGE
CRANE FLAT &
BIG OAK FLAT
Snowflake Room (upstairs)
Fri: 12pm to 4 pm
Sat & Sun: 10am to 4 pm
CURRY VILLAGE
Gift & Grocery
8am to 10pm
BADGER PASS SKI AREA
Golf Shop & Snack Stand
Opens May 19, conditions permitting
YOSEMITE VILLAGE
THE AHWAHNEE
Hours subject to change
Yosemite Village Post Office
Mon – Fri: 8:30am to 5pm
Sat: 10am to noon
4
TOURS & ACTIVITIES
WAWONA &
MARIPOSA GROVE
EL PORTAL
FOOD & BEVERAGE
El Portal Market
9am to 7pm
GAS STATION
El Portal Service Station
8am to 5pm
24-hour pay-at-the-pump with card.
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
YOSEMITE COMMUNITY
CHURCH
Pastor Brent Moore,
Resident Minister
209/372-4831
www.YosemiteValleyChapel.org
CHAPEL SERVICES
Sundays at 9:15am
Campground Reservations
www.recreation.gov (recommended)
or 877/444-6777 (7am to 9pm PT)
OPEN CAMPGROUNDS
Conditions permitting
Camp 4
First-come, first-served,
tent camping only, no pets
Upper Pines
By reservation only
CAMPGROUNDS TENTATIVELY
OPENING IN APRIL
Conditions permitting
Hodgdon Meadow
April 10, by reservation only
Wawona
April 10, by reservation only
North Pines
April 17, by reservation only
Lower Pines
April 24, by reservation only
Sleeping inside a vehicle is only
allowed in campsites. You may not
sleep overnight in a parking lot or
along the side of the road.
EASTER WEEK SERVICES
Maundy Thursday Service
April 6, 7pm
LODGING
Good Friday Service
April 7, 7pm
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.
Easter Sunday Service
April 9
Lower Pines Amphitheater, 7am
Chapel, 9:15am & 11am
MARRIAGE RENEWAL SUNDAY
May 7, 9:15am & 11am
Yosemite Guide March 29, 2023 – May 9, 2023
5
Yosemite Valley Shuttle System
Yosemite Valley Shuttle System
Valleywide Shuttle
Lower
Yosemite
Fall
Yosemite
Falls Trail
East Valley Shuttle
Yosemite
Village
5
The Ahwahnee
4
3
2
6
Yosemite
Valley Lodge
Mirror
Lake
1
7
Shutterstock Photo
Housekeeping 12
Camp
The FREE Yosemite Valley shuttles
operate from 7am to 10pm daily
and serve stops in numerical order.
Valleywide Shuttle
19
Runs approximately every 22 to 32
minutes with a total round-trip time
of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
14
17
15
Curry
Village
11
Services ALL stops.
18
16
Four Mile Trail
El Capitan
(closed in winter)
8
East Valley Shuttle
Happy Isles/
Mist Trail
Services SELECT stops.
Runs approximately every 18 to 22
minutes with a total round-trip time
of 50 minutes.
M er
ced
Ri v
er
9
10
Expect delays during busy periods.
See schedules posted at shuttle
stops for more information.
9
3 The Ahwahnee
Lodging, Dining, Gift Shop
6 Lower Yosemite Fall
Trailhead, Picnic Area,
Scenic View
4 Degnan’s Kitchen
6
9 El Capitan Meadow
5
Valleywide Shuttle (one way)
10
12 Housekeeping Camp/
Yosemite Conservation
Heritage Center
Scenic View
Scenic View
Less than a 5-minute walk:
Post Office, Visitor Center,
Theater, Museum
Dining, Gift and Grocery
Visitor Center, Theater,
Museum
L ess than a 5-minute walk:
Post Office, Visitor Center,
Theater, Museum
L ess than a 5-minute walk:
Post Office, Dining, Gift and
Grocery
Experience Your America Yosemite National Park
Scenic View, Picnicking
1
19
East Valley Shuttle (one way)
11
18
12
16 Happy Isles/Mist Trail
Trailhead, Art & Nature Center
11 Four Mile Trail
Campground
Buses are air-conditioned, bike
friendly, wheelchair accessible, and
equipped for rider comfort. Save
gas, save time, save money, by
taking YARTS!
Park your vehicle for the
duration of your stay. Driving
from site to site increases traffic
congestion and can cause
frustration for you and your
passengers.
Ride the free shuttle buses to
enjoy Yosemite Valley most
easily once parked.
Arrive early and stay late, and
visit Yosemite during the week.
Enjoy the entire Yosemite
region—consider visiting
gateway communities such as
Mariposa, Groveland, Lee
Vining, and Oakhurst.
Trailhead
Trailhead
Less than a 5-minute walk:
Trailhead Parking, Trailhead
Lodging, Dining, Gift and
Grocery, Amphitheater,
Showers
16
Bring plenty of food and water
for potential delays and stop
and use restrooms when
available.
17 Mirror Lake
19 Curry Village
(Westbound)
15
The Yosemite Area Regional
Transportation System (YARTS) is a
public transit system that provides
service into Yosemite National Park.
Ride a YARTS bus to enter
the park.
Campground, Amphitheater
15 Upper Pines
Campground
14
17
Travel Recommendations
18 Lower Pines
Campground
Dining, Gift and Grocery,
Trailhead
8 El Capitan Picnic Area
2
14 Curry Village
(eastbound)
7 Yosemite Valley
Lodge/Yosemite
Falls Parking
5 Visitor Center
& Museum
3
4
Information, Lodging, Gift and
Grocery, Showers, Laundry
Lodging, Dining, Gift and
Grocery, Amphitheater,
Showers
Parking area fills early. Once
you find a spot, keep it, and
use the free shuttle.
2 Village Store
6
ALL SHUTTLES
10 Cathedral Beach
Dining, Gift and Grocery
Dining, shopping, and
information are only a 5–10
minute walk from here.
7
VALLEYWIDE SHUTTLE ONLY
ALL SHUTTLES
1 Yosemite Village
Parking
8
For more information,
bus schedules, and tickets,
visit www.YARTS.com
or call 877/989-2787.
Yosemite Guide March 29, 2023 – May 9, 2023
7
Events and Programs
Go to www.nps.gov/yose or the park app to see the
web events calendar for more program information.
Program offerings and hours are subject to change.
Weekly Schedule of Programs
Special Programs & Events
TIME
PROGRAM
DURATION
EXCEPTIONS
LOCATION
8:30am
Birding in Yosemite Valley Reservations required.
Register at yosemite.org/adventures. $ (YC)
2 hrs
9am
Art Class Meet at the Happy Isles Art and Nature Center
for art classes, such as mosaics, colored pencils, and
watercolors. Register at Yosemite.org/art. $ (YC)
4 hrs
Begins April 10
9am
The Ansel Adams Gallery Camera Walk
Space is extremely limited, reserve in advance at
anseladams.com or by calling 209/372-4413. (TAAG)
1.5 hrs
Excludes
March 30
9am
In the Field: Creative Smartphone Photography
Space is limited, reserve in advance at anseladams.com or
by calling 209/372-4413. $ (TAAG)
3 hrs
1pm
Birding and Wildlife Walk in Yosemite Valley
Reservations required. Register at Yosemite.org/adventures.
$ (YC)
2 hrs
Yosemite Valley
1pm
In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams Space is limited,
reserve in advance at anseladams.com or by calling
209/372-4413. $ (TAAG)
4 hrs
Yosemite Valley
1pm
Ansel Adams’s Legacy and Your Digital Camera
Space is limited, reserve in advance at anseladams.com or
by calling 209/372-4413. $ (TAAG)
4 hrs
Yosemite Valley
1pm
In the Field: Creative Smartphone Photography
Space is limited, reserve in advance at anseladams.com or
by calling 209/372-4413. $ (TAAG)
3 hrs
Yosemite Valley
2pm
Family Ranger Talk Meet in front of the Valley Visitor
Center (NPS)
15min
5pm
Yosemite Valley Sunset Walk Reservations required.
Register at Yosemite.org/adventures. $ (YC)
2 hrs
Yosemite Valley
8pm
Explore Yosemite’s Night Sky Reservations required.
Register at Yosemite.org/adventures. $ (YC)
2 hrs
Yosemite Valley
SU
M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
EVENT
Yosemite Earth Day Festival
Come celebrate our natural resources at this fun annual event! A variety of booths offer art, education, and
activities for all ages. Learn about ways we’re protecting Yosemite for future generations—and what you can
do to help!
Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Valley
DATE & TIME
LOCATION
Saturday, April 22
from 10am to 2pm
Outside the Yosemite
Valley Visitor Center
(Shuttle stop 2, 4, or 5)
Shakespeare in Yosemite: Romeo and Juliet in Yosemite
Yosemite Valley
This Earth Day weekend, Shakespeare in Yosemite returns to
the Curry Village Amphitheater for free, live performances of a
new 90-minute adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, especially
created for Yosemite National Park and starring park rangers
and community actors. The play’s action is transported to
Yosemite and features loads of live music and family-friendly
environmental messages. And this time, the lovers do not die!
The show is a partnership between University of California
Merced, Yosemite National Park, and Yosemite Hospitality.
More information at yosemiteshakes.ucmerced.edu.
Yosemite Valley
Friday, April 21at 5pm
Curry Village
Amphitheater
in Yosemite Valley
(Shuttle stop 14 or 19)
Sunday, April 23 at 12pm
In case of inclement
weather, performances
will take place in the
Yosemite Theater,
behind the Yosemite
Valley Visitor Center.
Opening Reception for Visual Rhapsody: Photographs by Charles Cramer
Artist Charles Cramer will be at a reception for his show at The Ansel Adams Gallery.
The show runs from April 23rd through June 17th.
Sunday, April 30
11am to 1pm
The Ansel Adams
Gallery in
Yosemite Valley
(Shuttle stop 2, 4, or 5)
Yosemite Landmarks: Origins and History of Yosemite’s Places and Names
Presented by Jeremy Evans, Nature Photographer, Filmmaker, Sierra Club Outings Leader
Seating limited to 50 people.
Friday, May 5
8pm
Yosemite Conservation
Heritage Center
(Shuttle stop 12)
Amateur Astronomy and Astrophotography in Our National Parks and Public Lands
Presented by Jeremy Evans, Nature Photographer, Filmmaker, Sierra Club Outings Leader
Seating limited to 50 people.
Saturday, May 6
8pm
Yosemite Conservation
Heritage Center
(Shuttle stop 12)
Saturday, April 22 at 12pm & 5pm
Photo by Shawn Overton
Yosemite Valley
More Activities with Park Partners
Programs especially for children and their families
NPS National Park Service
YH Yosemite Hospitality
TAAG The Ansel Adams Gallery
Programs are offered on marked days
YC Yosemite Conservancy
SC Sierra Club
$ Programs with a fee
Program Accessibility
Indicates facilities accessible to visitors in wheelchairs.
Short, steep inclines may be encountered.
Yosemite Valley
Stop by the Yosemite Valley Visitor
Center to ask a ranger your
questions, become a Junior Ranger,
explore exhibits, and find park
resources. The visitor center is open
daily from 9am to 5pm.
Visit the Yosemite Valley Theater to
watch The Spirit of Yosemite.
Showings are on the hour and
half-hour between 9:30am and 4pm
(first showing at 12pm on Sundays.)
Showings may be impacted from
April 21 to 23 due to special events.
Nearby, the Yosemite Museum,
open from 10 am to 4 pm (closed
for lunch), shares stories from the
park’s tribal partners.
Contact 209/379-5250 (v/txt) to request a sign
language interpreter. Advanced notice of two
weeks is requested, but not required.
Wawona &
Mariposa Grove
Visit the Yosemite History Center
and experience life in the early days
of Yosemite National Park. Take a
self-guided tour of the area.
Park at the Mariposa Grove
Welcome Plaza and hike to the
grove (2 miles each way, with 500
feet of elevation gain.) Snow and
ice may be present on the road and
trails. Starting in spring, when
conditions allow, a free shuttle runs
from the Welcome Plaza to the
grove. Check the park website for
updates on shuttle service to the
grove.
All hours subject to change due to
limited staffing.
8
Experience Your America Yosemite National Park
Assistive Listening Devices are available upon
advanced request for any public program.
Inquire at any visitor center or tour desk.
Hodgdon Meadow
& Crane Flat
The Big Oak Flat Information
Station, including the bookstore, is
closed for the season.
Glacier Point
The Glacier Point Road is closed for
the season.
The final scheduled day of
operation for the Badger Pass Ski
Area is April 2.
Tuolumne Meadows
& Tioga Road
Tioga Road is closed for the season.
Due to its high elevation, Tioga
Road is closed each year from
approximately November through
May. In years with very heavy
snowfall, the road has re-opened as
late as June. Check the park
website and social media channels
for updates.
Hetch Hetchy
Open daily from 8 am to 5 pm.
Yosemite Conservancy
Join Yosemite Conservancy for a
memorable experience in the park!
Advanced registration is required for
all Outdoor Adventures. Explore our
website (yosemite.org) and follow
us on social media to find the latest
updates from our team, learn more
about our organization, and browse
our full program calendar.
Custom Adventures
Join a Yosemite Conservancy
naturalist guide for a customized
experience that fits your interests
and schedule. Experience the park
on personalized day hikes, birding
walks, stargazing programs and
backpacking trips. Learn more and
sign up: yosemite.org/customadventures.
Art Classes
Professional artists offer beginnerlevel instruction at Happy Isles Art
and Nature Center, helping visitors
explore Yosemite through art. Most
classes are held outdoors, painting
or drawing Yosemite’s views. Classes
begin April 10. See page 8 for
scheduled programs.
The Ansel Adams
Gallery
The Ansel Adams Gallery is open
daily from 10am to 3pm and is
located in Yosemite Village. The
Gallery may close for lunch.
Experience a variety of fine arts,
handcrafts, and a collection of
Ansel Adams’ original photographs.
The gallery also offers half-day or
full-day photography classes and
private guided tours led by a
resident staff photographer. Classes
leave from the Gallery and require
reservations; call 209/372-4413 or
visit anseladams.com/
photography-education.
Exhibition: Feb 26 to April 22
Earth is Home: Photographs by
Kerik Kouklis
Exhibition: April 23 to June 17
Visual Rhapsody: Photographs by
Charles Cramer
Yosemite Hospitality
Until April 2, the Yosemite
Mountaineering School offers
winter activities from the Badger
Pass S