Yosemite Guide

What You Need to Know Parking & Congestion Flooding & Park Closures Protect Wildlife—and Yourself Be prepared for two- to three-hour delays, especially in afternoons and on weekends. Due to historic winter snowpack, it is very likely that the Merced River will reach flood stage off and on from late April through early July. Speeding Kills Bears Expect long lines at entrance stations. On the busiest days, parking areas can fill by midmorning. Plan to arrive before 9 am and leave after 5 pm. Once you find a place to park, stay parked. Use the valley’s free shuttles to get around. See page 6 for shuttle routes. Plan for delays and use restrooms when available. At this stage, roads and other critical infrastructure begin flooding, making it unsafe for visitors to be in Yosemite Valley. The Merced River in Yosemite Valley is likely to remain high into mid-July. This means that the river will be unsafe for swimming, rafting, and boating. Picnic areas along the river may close or have limited space. 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 on staying safe in Yosemite, visit go.nps.gov/yosafety. Entering a National Park Yosemite is a place where wilderness prevails. 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 park resources and for your safety. If you see activities that could harm people or park resources, write down any descriptions or a vehicle license plate number and call the park dispatch office at 209/379-1992. Prohibited activities include: • 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 • Possession of weapons inside federal facilities • Possessing or using marijuana, including medical marijuana • Using drones Visitor & Emergency Services 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 1 pm to 3:30 pm. Phone: 209/372-4637 Road, Weather, & Park Information Check road updates: 209/372-0200 entrance station or visitor center, 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. Yosemite Village Garage Offers 24-hour emergency roadside assistance and propane service until 4:30 pm. NO gas is available here. Phone: 209/372-1060 Assistive Listening Devices are available upon advance request at any visitor center. 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 Lost & Found 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. Keep in Touch Accessible parking spaces are available throughout the park. www.nps.gov/yose @YosemiteNPS DISTANCE FROM WILDLIFE: 30 feet = about one bus-length. Food Storage At Night Bears can easily break into vehicles Help keep wildlife wild. Never in search of food. Food, trash, and intentionally feed any wild animal in other scented items may NOT be Yosemite. Avoid accidentally sharing stored inside vehicles overnight. your food by properly storing it. These items must be kept inside a Improper food storage harms food locker, in an approved bear wildlife and can result in significant resistant container, or in a hotel property damage and a hefty fine. room or cabin. Food may also be stored inside a completely hardsided RV with all windows and vents During the Day closed. While hiking or picnicking, always keep your food within arm’s reach. For more information about food When you are away from your storage and bears visit vehicle, keep all windows closed www.KeepBearsWild.org and any food or coolers hidden from sight. Never leave food in a If you see a bear in the park, pickup truck bed or strapped to the email yose_bear_mgmt@nps.gov or outside of a vehicle. call the Save-a-Bear hotline at 209/372-0322. Where is My Pet Allowed in Yosemite? Park Partners Pets are allowed in developed areas, on fully paved roads, sidewalks, and bicycle paths (except where signs prohibit 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 28, 2023 @YosemiteNPS @YosemiteNPS Enjoy- March your 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 To Manteca Yosemite Creek Hodgdon Meadow Big Oak Flat Entrance Big Oak Flat Information Station Crane Flat Merced Grove Porcupine Flat Tioga Road Closed for the Season Tuolumne Grove Tamarack Flat Tenaya Lake Yosemite Valley Visitor Center YOSEMITE VALLEY 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. Mariposa Grove & Wawona The Big Oak Flat Information Station opens on May 26. The Mariposa Grove is home to over 500 mature giant sequoias. Park at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza, near Yosemite’s South Entrance, and walk two miles up the road to the grove. Trails through the grove may be snowy or icy, even in spring. Visit two sequoia groves north of Yosemite Valley that are smaller than the more famous Mariposa Grove, but typically quieter. Hike one mile down to the Tuolumne Grove, or 1.5 miles down to the Merced Grove. Parking at each trailhead is extremely limited. Trails may be snowy or icy even in spring. Distance from Yosemite Valley 16 mi/26 km (30 minutes) Directions From Yosemite Valley, take Big Oak Flat Road (Hwy 120) to Tioga Road Junction at Crane Flat. Road Conditions Big Oak Flat Road remains open year-round. Merced River Stop at Tunnel View, El Capitan Meadow, and Valley View for scenic viewpoints. Distance from Yosemite Valley 30 mi/48 km (1 hour) Spend a couple of hours hiking to Mirror Lake or the Vernal Fall footbridge. Take a Yosemite Valley Floor Tour. (See page 9.) Rent a bicycle and enjoy a scenic ride around the valley’s bike paths. If you’re visiting Yosemite for two or more days: Wawona Road Visit giant sequoias at the Mariposa Grove, Tuolumne Grove, or Merced Grove. Tuolumne Meadows & Tioga Road Wawona Visitor Center Wawona Campground Road Conditions Closed for the season. North South Entrance Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias 0 Gas Station Entrance Station 5km 5 miles Roads on map are simplified and do not reflect degree of windiness To Fresno NOTE: There are only 2 gas stations in the park and NO GAS in Yosemite Valley. If you’re visiting Yosemite for a full day: Badger Pass Ski Area WAWONA Yosemite History Center Take a scenic stroll around one of Yosemite Valley’s meadows and visit Lower Yosemite Fall. Hike a section of the Valley Loop Trail, or choose a more strenuous hike, like the Yosemite Falls Trail or Mist Trail to Nevada Fall. Glacier Point Road winter only Yosemite West A Ranger Recommends: The Wawona Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio opens on May 26. Open year-round, 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. Glacier Point Road Closed for the Season El Portal Road What Should I Do in Yosemite? If you’re visiting Yosemite for half a day: Road Conditions Wawona Road (Hwy 41) remains open year-round. GLACIER POINT Photo by Christine W Loberg Shuttle service to the grove typically begins in spring. Due to road damage from historic winter storms, shuttle service will likely be delayed until the end of May, or even later. Directions From Yosemite Valley, take Wawona Road (Hwy 41). Watch for signs for the Mariposa Grove just before the park’s South Entrance. Big Oak Flat Road Arch Rock Entrance El Portal Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center Tioga Road Tunnel View To Merced Tuolumne Meadows Tioga Road Closed for the Season Evergreen Road Tioga Road Closed for the Season 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 in spring, though snow and ice may still be present on trails. Enjoy a variety of other activities as well, including bicycling, guided walks, and art and photography classes. (See pages 4 & 8.) Crane Flat & Tuolumne Grove Campground Visitor Centers Yosemite Valley Visitor Center // 9am to 5pm, open year-round Big Oak Flat Information Station // 8 am to 5 pm, opens May 26 Wawona Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio // 9 am to 5 pm, opens May 26 Visitor Center Information Center Due to its high elevation, Tioga Road is closed each year from approximately November through May or June. Tioga Road opening work begins on or around April 15 each year. Snowpack in the Tuolumne River basin was 244% of average on April 1, 2023. The latest opening in modern history was July 1, which was in 2019 (at 176% of average snowpack) and 1998 (156% of average snowpack). In 1983, the previous record snow year, the road opened on June 29 (224% of average snowpack). Check the park website and social media channels for updates. Hetch Hetchy Glacier Point Road 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, though it is typically very hot during summer. Road Conditions Closed for the season. Distance from Yosemite Valley 40 mi/64 km (1 ½ hours) Directions From Yosemite Valley, take Big Oak Flat Road (Hwy 120) to Evergreen Road, then turn right. Road Conditions The road is open daily from 8 am to 9 pm. Vehicles and/or trailers over 25 feet long and 8 feet wide are not permitted on the narrow, winding Hetch Hetchy Road. Glacier Point Road is closed each year from approximately November through May or June. Plowing begins around April 15. Additional road work must occur this year before the road can open. Once open, expect 30-minute delays as the road project concludes. The earliest possible opening for Glacier Point Road is July; it is very likely the road will open later than that. Sign up for a guided walk or an art or photography class. (See page 8 for a program schedule.) Visit Hetch Hetchy. Hike along the reservoir to Wapama Falls. Yosemite National Park A Park Guide for Ages 4 to 12 Check the park website and social media channels for updates. Visting Yosemite with kids? Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet at any open visitor center. Complete the activities to earn a junior ranger badge! Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center // Closed for the season 2 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Yosemite Guide May 10, 2023 – June 13, 2023 3 Services Yosemite Museum & Indian Cultural Exhibit Due to severe impacts from historic winter storms, seasonal opening dates and operating hours are subject to change. Visitor Center and Theater Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore Museum Store MAP OF YOSEMITE VILLAGE The Ansel Adams Gallery To Ahwahnee Hotel Valley Wilderness Center Yosemite Cemetery Administration Building Girls Club Rehabilitation of The Ahwahnee Post Office Medical Clinic 10 Degnan’s Kitchen 5 10 To Yosemite Falls 10 Village Store Shuttle Stop 5 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 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. YOSEMITE VALLEY INFORMATION & EXHIBITS BOOKS, GIFTS, GEAR, & GROCERIES FOOD & BEVERAGE YOSEMITE VILLAGE CURRY VILLAGE Yosemite Valley Visitor Center 9 am to 5 pm YOSEMITE VILLAGE Degnan’s Kitchen Breakfast: 7 am to 11 am Lunch: 11:30 am to 6 pm Peet’s Coffee Corner 6 am to 2 pm Yosemite Museum 10 am to 4 pm The Ansel Adams Gallery 9 am to 5 pm Wilderness Center 8 am to 5 pm Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore at Yosemite Valley Visitor Center 9 am to 5 pm Village Grill 11:00 am to 6 pm Seven Tents Pavilion Breakfast: 7 am to 10 am Dinner: 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm Happy Isles Art & Nature Center 9 am to 4 pm, may close for lunch Yosemite Museum Store 10 am to 4 pm, closed for lunch THE AHWAHNEE Jennie’s Ice Cream 11 am to 8:30 pm Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center 10 am to 4 pm Closed Mondays & Tuesdays Village Store 8 am to 10 pm TOURS & ACTIVITIES YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE Tour and Activity Desk 7:30 am to 7 pm CURRY VILLAGE Mountaineering School 8:30 am to 12 pm, 1 to 4:30 pm Raft Rentals Opens May 19, conditions permitting 10 am to 4 pm THE AHWAHNEE Gift Shop 8 am to 8 pm Sweet Shop 7 am to 9 pm YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE Gift & Grocery 8 am to 10 pm CURRY VILLAGE Mountain Shop 8 am to 8 pm Gift & Grocery 8 am to 10 pm BIKE RENTALS HOUSEKEEPING CAMP Yosemite Village—Village Store Opens May 24 8 am to 7 pm Store 8 am to 8 pm Yosemite Valley Lodge 8 am to 7 pm Curry Village 8 am to 7 pm The Ahwahnee 8 am to 7 pm 4 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Coffee Bar 7 am to 10 am Breakfast 7 am to 10 am Lunch 11:30 am to 3 pm Dinner 5:30 pm to 9 pm Appropriate attire respectfully required for dinner. Dinner reservations strongly recommended. 209/372-1489 or visit www.opentable.com Sunday Brunch 7 am to 3 pm The Ahwahnee Bar 11 am to 9 pm YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE Base Camp Eatery Breakfast: 6:30 am to 10:45 am Lunch/Dinner: 11 am to 9 pm Mountain Room Lounge Mon – Fri: 4:30 pm to 10 pm Sat & Sun: 12 pm to 10 pm Mountain Room Restaurant Dinner: 5 pm to 10 pm Last seating at 9:30 pm. Reservations recommended. Visit www.opentable.com Meadow Grill 11 am to 5 pm 11 am to 8 pm starting May 12 Pizza Deck 11 am to 10 pm Bar 1899 11:30 am to 10 pm SHOWERS & LAUNDRY HOUSEKEEPING CAMP Laundry 8 am to 10 pm WAWONA & MARIPOSA GROVE INFORMATION & EXHIBITS Wawona Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio Opens May 26 9 am to 5 pm Yosemite History Center Open daily ACTIVITIES Summer BBQ Begins May 27 Saturdays from 5 pm to 7 pm & on Memorial Day (May 29) Golf Shop & Snack Stand Opens May 19 7 am to 6 pm POST OFFICE Golf Course & Disc Golf Opens May 19 Regular Golf: Thurs – Mon 8 am to 6 pm Disc Golf: Tues & Wed 12 pm to 6 pm Wawona Post Office Monday - Friday: 9 am to 1 pm Saturday: 9 am to noon Tennis Courts 8 am to Dusk Stable Opens June 2 2-hour rides daily at 8 am, 10 am, 12 pm, & 2 pm. All-day rides Thursdays at 8 am. BOOKS, GIFTS, GEAR, & GROCERIES CURRY VILLAGE Showers 24 hours Pine Tree Market 8 am to 8 pm Yosemite Village Garage 24-hour roadside assistance No gas available in Yosemite Valley. Wawona Hotel Dining Room Breakfast: 7 am to 10 am Lunch: 11 am to 3 pm Dinner: 5 pm to 9 pm Lounge Service: 5 pm to 9:30 pm Conditions permitting Wawona Store & Pioneer Gift Shop 8 am to 8 pm AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES FOOD & BEVERAGE Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore at Wawona Visitor Center Opens May 26 9 am to 5 pm Yosemite Conservancy Depot at Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza 9 am to 5 pm CRANE FLAT & BIG OAK FLAT INFORMATION & EXHIBITS Big Oak Flat Information Center Opens May 26 8 am to 5 pm BOOKS & GIFTS Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore at Big Oak Flat Information Station 9 am to 5 pm Closed Wednesdays & Thursdays GAS STATION Crane Flat Service Station Store opens May 26 8 am to 5 pm 24-hour pay-at-the-pump with card. EL PORTAL POST OFFICE GAS STATION Yosemite Village Post Office Mon – Fri: 8:30am to 5pm Sat: 10am to noon FOOD & BEVERAGE Wawona Service Station 9 am to 6 pm Diesel & propane available. 24-hour pay-at-the-pump with card. El Portal Market 9 am to 7 pm GAS STATION El Portal Service Station 8 am to 5 pm 24-hour pay-at-the-pump with card. GLACIER POINT CAMPING & LODGING Closed for the season. CAMPING TUOLUMNE MEADOWS & TIOGA ROAD Camping in spring is limited. Reservations are available several months in advance and are strongly recommended. Campgrounds are usually full from April to September. Closed for the season. Visit go.nps.gov/campground for more information and a schedule of reservation release dates. RELIGIOUS SERVICES Campground Reservations www.recreation.gov (recommended) or 877/444-6777 (7 am to 9 pm PT) YOSEMITE COMMUNITY CHURCH Pastor Brent Moore, Resident Minister 209/372-4831 www.YosemiteValleyChapel.org CHAPEL SERVICES Sundays at 9:15 am, year-round Additional service at 11 am, starting May 28 PROPANE FUEL Zero Landfill Initiative: Propane Canisters You can now buy and exchange Little Kamper 1 lb. propane canisters in Yosemite stores, including at The Village Store, Curry Village Gift Shop, Mountain Shop, Wawona Store and El Portal Market. 1. Purchase a canister. 2. After use, bring the empty canister back to any store that participates in the Little Kamper propane exchange program. 3. Trade in your empty canister for a full one at a lower price. 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. Help us by doing your part! *This project was made possible in part by a grant from the National Park Foundation through the generous support of Subaru of America. OPEN CAMPGROUNDS Conditions permitting Camp 4 First-come, first-served until May 21. Reservations available two weeks in advance for May 21 to October 30. Tent camping only, no pets allowed. Upper Pines By reservation only Lower Pines By reservation only North Pines By reservation only Hodgdon Meadow By reservation only Wawona 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. 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 May 10, 2023 – June 13, 2023 5 Yosemite Valley Shuttle System Valleywide Shuttle (Green Route) Lower Yosemite Fall Yosemite Falls Trail East Valley Shuttle (Purple Route) 5 ! The FREE Yosemite Valley shuttles operate from 7 am to 10 pm daily and service stops in numerical order. Valleywide Shuttle (Green Route) Mirror Lake The Ahwahnee 4 3 2 6 East Valley Shuttles Temporarily Out of Service Construction will impact shuttle service from May to October 2023. Yosemite Village 1 Yosemite Valley Lodge 7 Sentinel SentinelDrive Drive During construction on Sentinel Drive, only the Valleywide Shuttle (Green Route) will be in operation. Shuttles will continue to service all stops. CLOSED During Construction 12 19 During construction on shuttle stops from May to October, some stops will be temporarily relocated nearby. 14 17 15 Curry Village 11 Services ALL stops. Runs approximately every 22 to 32 minutes with a total round-trip time of 1 hour and 30 minutes. Four Mile Trail 16 closed in winter East Valley Shuttle (Purple Route) El Capitan 8 Happy Isles & Mist Trail Temporarily Out of Service During Construction Due to construction on Sentinel Drive, East Valley Shuttles will be out of service from spring through fall of 2023. The Valleywide Shuttle (Green Route) will continue to service all stops during construction. 18 M er ced Ri v er 9 10 8 9 Expect delays during busy periods. 7 6 5 Valleywide Shuttle (one way) 10 3 4 2 11 1 19 18 12 14 Lodging, Dining, Gift Shop 6 Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead, Picnic Area, Scenic View 4 Degnan’s Kitchen 1 Yosemite Village Parking 2 Village Store 6 12 Housekeeping Camp/ Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center Scenic View Scenic View, Picnicking 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 16 The Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) is a public transit system that provides service into Yosemite National Park. Bring plenty of food and water for potential delays and stop and use restrooms when available. 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. 17 Mirror Lake Arrive early and stay late, and visit Yosemite during the week. Trailhead Enjoy the entire Yosemite region—consider visiting gateway communities such as Mariposa, Groveland, Lee Vining, and Oakhurst. 18 Lower Pines Campground Ride a YARTS bus to enter the park. Campground, Amphitheater Dining, Gift and Grocery, Trailhead 8 El Capitan Picnic Area Trailhead, Art & Nature Center 14 Curry Village (eastbound) 7 Yosemite Valley Lodge/Yosemite Falls Parking 5 Visitor Center & Museum 16 Happy Isles/Mist Trail 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. Dining, shopping, and information are only a 5–10 minute walk from here. 9 El Capitan Meadow 10 Cathedral Beach Dining, Gift and Grocery 15 Travel Recommendations VALLEYWIDE SHUTTLE ONLY 3 The Ahwahnee 17 11 Four Mile Trail 15 Upper Pines Campground Campground Trailhead Less than a 5-minute walk: Trailhead Parking, Trailhead 19 Curry Village (Westbound) Lodging, Dining, Gift and Grocery, Amphitheater, Showers For more information, bus schedules, and tickets, visit www.YARTS.com or call 877/989-2787. Yosemite Guide May 10, 2023 – June 13, 2023 7 Events and Programs Go to www.nps.gov/yose or the NPS app to see the web events calendar for more program information. Program offerings and hours are subject to change. Weekly Schedule of Programs TIME PROGRAM DURATION EXCEPTIONS 8:30 am Birding in Yosemite Valley Reservations required. Register at yosemite.org/adventures. $ (YC) 2 hrs Yosemite Valley 9 am 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 Yosemite Valley 9 am The Ansel Adams Gallery Photography Walk Space is extremely limited, reserve in advance at anseladams.com or by calling 209/372-4413. (TAAG) 1.5 hrs Yosemite Valley 9 am 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 11 am Kids’ Art Class Meet at the Happy Isles Art and Nature Center for art classes geared toward ages 4–11. Walk-ups only, limited space. (YC) 1 hr Begins May 30 Yosemite Valley 11 am Nature Journaling Meet at the Happy Isles Art and Nature Center for an introduction to quick and easy nature journaling for all ages. Supplies provided! (YC) 20 min Begins June 2 Yosemite Valley 1 pm Kids’ Art Class Meet at the Happy Isles Art and Nature Center for art classes geared toward ages 4–11. Walk-ups only, limited space. (YC) 1 hr Begins May 30 Yosemite Valley 1 pm Birding and Wildlife Walk in Yosemite Valley Reservations required. Register at Yosemite.org/adventures. $ (YC) 2 hrs Yosemite Valley 1 pm 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 1 pm 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 1 pm 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 The Yosemite Museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily (closed for lunch.) Explore the park’s cultural connections through live demonstrations, baskets and other objects on display, and the outdoor Indian Village. 2 pm Paint & Sip Learn the basics of watercolor and create an iconic Yosemite landscape step-by-step. Meet at the Mountain Room Lounge, register in advance at Yosemite.org/art. $ (YC) 2 hrs Yosemite Valley All hours subject to change due to limited staffing. 2 pm Family Ranger Talk Meet in front of the Valley Visitor Center (NPS) 15 min 2:30 pm Kids’ Art Class Meet at the Happy Isles Art and Nature Center for art classes geared toward ages 4–11. Walk-ups only, limited space. (YC) 1 hr 5 pm Plant Stories and the Wonders of Botany Reservations required. Register at Yosemite.org/adventures. $ (YC) 9 pm Explore Yosemite’s Night Sky Reservations required. Register at Yosemite.org/adventures. $ (YC) Begins May 26 LOCATION SU M TU W TH F Yosemite Valley The Yosemite Valley Visitor Center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Find visitor information, become a Junior Ranger, and browse the Yosemite Conservancy bookstore. Visit the Yosemite Valley Theater to watch The Spirit of Yosemite. Showings are on the hour and half-hour between 9:30 am and 4 pm (first showing at 12 pm on Sundays.) Begins June 12 Visit the Yosemite History Center to 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 trails through the grove, even in spring. When conditions allow, shuttle service begins from the Welcome Plaza to the grove. Starting May 26, the Big Oak Flat Information Station is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. Find visitor information, wilderness permits, and the Yosemite Conservancy bookstore. Tuolumne Meadows & Tioga Road Tioga Road is closed for the season. Glacier Point Glacier Point Road is closed for the season. Hetch Hetchy Open daily from 8 am to 9 pm. Yosemite Valley 2 hrs Yosemite Valley Yosemite Conservancy 2 hrs Yosemite Valley DATE & TIME LOCATION Big Trees, Big Impact: Our Connection to Giant Sequoia Presented by Lee Terkelsen, Nature and Historical Filmmaker. Seating limited to 50 guests. Friday, May 12 8 pm to 9:30 pm Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center (Shuttle stop 12) Who’s A Park Ranger? This interactive program is great for families and will have everyone out of their seats performing various tasks to help protect Yosemite! Presented by Connor McIntosh, the Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center Curator. Friday, May 19 8 pm to 9:30 pm Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center (Shuttle stop 12) Evening Program: To Be Announced Visit www.sierraclub.org/yosemite-conservation-heritage-center for updated program information. Saturday, June 3 8 pm to 9:30 pm Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center (Shuttle stop 12) 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 Contact 209/379-5250 (v/txt) to request a sign language interpreter. Advanced notice of two weeks is requested, but not required. Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Starting May 26, the Wawona Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio is open from 9 am to 5 pm. Hodgdon Meadow & Crane Flat More Activities with Park Partners EVENT 8 Mariposa Grove & Wawona Yosemite Valley Special Programs & Events Indicates facilities accessible to visitors in wheelchairs. Short, steep inclines may be encountered. SA Assistive Listening Devices are available upon advanced request for any public program. Inquire at any visitor center or tour desk. 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 Head to Happy Isles Art and Nature Center for an outdoor workshop with a professional artist, nature journaling strolls, children’s art activities, and nature exhibits. Pre-registration is recommended for art classes. Drop-ins are welcome as space is available. Open daily from 9 am to 4 pm. The Ansel Adams Gallery The Ansel Adams Gallery, located in Yosemite Village, is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. 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 209/3724413 or visit anseladams.com/ photography-education. Sierra Club The Sierra Club’s Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center (formerly LeConte Memorial Lodge) is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Sierra Club volunteers welcome visitors to explore the exhibits, the natural history library, and the children’s corner. For more information, call 209/372-4542 or visit the Sierra Club website: www.sierraclub.org/yosemiteconservation-heritage-center. Yosemite Hospitality In Yosemite Valley, reserve your spot on a Valley Floor Tour, offered daily at 10 am and 2 pm. Visit travelyosemite.com, stop by the tour desk at the Yosemite Valley Lodge, or call 888/413-8869 to book tours and activities. The Yosemite Mountaineering School offers guided hikes and rock climbing in Yosemite Valley, as conditions allow. Call 209/3728344 for more information. GET THE OFFICIAL NPS APP NOW! In Wawona, joi