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. At this stage, roads and other critical infrastructure begin flooding, making it unsafe for visitors to be in Yosemite Valley. Partial or full park closures are possible at any time. Speeding kills bears. More Yosemite bears are killed by cars than any other human-related cause of death. In almost every case, the driver was speeding. The speed limit in Yosemite never exceeds 35 mph, and some areas have lower speed limits posted. Drive carefully and watch for wildlife on the road. 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. 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 floating. Picnic areas along the river may close or have limited space. 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. DISTANCE FROM WILDLIFE: 30 feet = about one bus-length. 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. Access for People with Disabilities For a complete list of accessible services, exhibits, and recreational opportunities, pick up a Yosemite Medical Clinic (in Yosemite Valley): Open Mon through Fri from 9 am to Accessibility Guide at any park entrance station or visitor center, 5 pm. Urgent care walk-ins from view online at www.nps.gov/yose/ 1 pm to 3:30 pm with out-ofpocket fees. Phone: 209/372-4637 planyourvisit/accessibility.htm, or call a park Accessibility Coordinator Road, Weather, at 209/379-1035. & Park Information Sign Language interpreting Check road updates: 209/372-0200 is available upon request. Yosemite Village Garage Contact Deaf Services at Offers 24-hour emergency roadside 209/379-5250 (v/txt). Two weeks assistance and propane service until advance notice is requested. 4:30 pm. NO gas is available here. Assistive Listening Devices are Phone: 209/372-1060 available upon advance request Lost & Found at any visitor center. For items lost or found at one of Accessible parking spaces are Yosemite’s restaurants, hotels, or available throughout the park. lounges, call 209/372-4357. For items lost or found in other areas of the park, call 209/379-1001. Keep in Touch It is illegal to approach or feed any wild animal in Yosemite. Getting too close is dangerous for both to you and the animal. Wildlife can cause injuries and transmit diseases. Getting used to human food causes animals to lose their natural behaviors, and they can become more aggressive toward people. Enjoy watching wildlife from a safe distance. www.nps.gov/yose @YosemiteNPS 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 Allowing a wild animal to eat your food locker, in an approved bear food is harmful to the animal, can resistant container, or in a hotel cause damage to your property, and room or cabin. Food may also be can result in a hefty fine. 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 If you see a bear in the park, from sight. Never leave food in a pickup truck bed or strapped to the email yose_bear_mgmt@nps.gov or call the Save-a-Bear hotline at outside of a vehicle. 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 Historic winter snowfall has delayed seasonal opening dates for some park roads and facilities. To check current conditions, including seasonal road closures, scan the QR code or visit go.nps.gov/conditions. Yosemite Valley Lake Eleanor To HETCH HETCHY O’Shaughnessy & Lee Vining Dam Hetch Hetchy Entrance Hetch Hetchy Road Hetch Hetchy Backpackers Campground Tioga Pass Entrance Tuolumne River TUOLUMNE MEADOWS (Wilderness Permit Required) White Wolf Tioga Road Opening Summer 2023 Evergreen Road To Groveland & Manteca Yosemite Creek Hodgdon Meadow Big Oak Flat Entrance Big Oak Flat Information Station Tioga Road Opening Summer 2023 Tuolumne Grove Crane Flat Merced Grove Porcupine Flat Big Oak Flat Road GLACIER POINT Tunnel View To Mariposa & Merced El Portal Yosemite West closed in 2023 Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center Tenaya Lake Yosemite Valley Visitor Center YOSEMITE VALLEY El Portal Road Tuolumne Meadows Tioga Road Tamarack Flat Arch Rock Entrance Tioga Road Opening Summer 2023 Camp 4 Upper Pines Lower Pines North Pines The Mariposa Grove is home to over 500 mature giant sequoias, including the Grizzly Giant. Park at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza, near Yosemite’s South Entrance. Take a free shuttle up to the grove, or follow the 2-mile Washburn Trail. There are several miles of walking and hiking trails within the grove. 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 The Big Oak Flat Road (Hwy 120 W) remains open year-round. Stop in Wawona for more hiking, visitor services, and to visit the Yosemite History Center. Distance from Yosemite Valley 30 mi/48 km (1 hour) Directions From Yosemite Valley, take Wawona Road (Hwy 41). Watch for signs for the Mariposa Grove just before the park’s South Entrance. Road Conditions Wawona Road (Hwy 41) remains open year-round. Shuttle service on the Mariposa Grove Road is expected to begin in late spring. A Ranger Recommends: If you’re visiting Yosemite for half a day: Take a scenic stroll around one of Yosemite Valley’s meadows and visit Lower Yosemite Fall. Stop at Tunnel View, El Capitan Meadow, and Valley View for scenic viewpoints. If you’re visiting Yosemite for a full day: Spend a couple of hours hiking to Mirror Lake or the Vernal Fall footbridge. Take a Yosemite Valley Floor Tour. (See page 9.) 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. Wawona Road There are NO first-come, first-served campsites in Yosemite during the summer. Reservations are required for all campgrounds. See page 5 for more information. Wawona Visitor Center South Entrance Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias 0 Entrance Station Yosemite Valley Visitor Center | 9am to 5pm New! Yosemite Valley Welcome Center | Opening Summer 2023 Wawona Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio | 9 am to 5 pm Big Oak Flat Information Station | 8 am to 5 pm Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center | Re-opening Summer 2023 5km 5 miles Roads on map are simplified and do not reflect degree of windiness To Oakhurst & Fresno Experience Your America Yosemite National Park What Should I Do in Yosemite? If you’re visiting Yosemite for two or more days: Bridalveil Creek Gas Station Photo by Christine W Loberg Enjoy a scenic bicycle ride around the valley’s bike paths. North 2 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. Glacier Point Road Opening Summer 2023 Glacier Point Road Wawona Campground NOTE: There are only 2 gas stations in the park and NO GAS in 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 Merced River WAWONA Yosemite History Center Known for its towering granite walls and features like El Capitan and Half Dome, the valley is alive in spring and early summer with numerous roaring waterfalls. Visitors can choose from a number of scenic trails to walk, hike, or bicycle. Other popular activities include rock climbing and rafting (when conditions allow.) Enjoy a variety of ranger talks, tours, and art and photography classes. See page 8 for a schedule of programs. Crane Flat & Tuolumne Grove Campground Visitor Center Information Center Tuolumne Meadows & Tioga Road Road Conditions Re-opening Summer 2023. Ask a ranger or call 209/372-0200 (1,1) for current road status. Due to its high elevation, Tioga Road is closed each year from approximately November through May or June. Opening is delayed this year due to historic snowpack. In April 2023, snowpack in the Tuolumne River basin was 244% of average, the highest ever recorded. In previous years with heavy snowpack, Tioga Road opened in late June or early July. At the time of publication, there is no estimated opening date. When the road is open, services in this remote area of the park will be very limited. 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 Re-opening Summer 2023. Ask a ranger or call 209/372-0200 (1,1) for current road status. Distance from Yosemite Valley 40 mi/64 km (1 ½ hours) Directions From Yosemite Valley, take Big Oak Flat Road (Hwy 120 W.) Just outside the Big Oak Flat Entrance, turn right on Evergreen Road. 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. Opening in 2023 is delayed due to road construction. At the time of publication, there is no estimated opening date. Visit giant sequoias at the Mariposa Grove, Tuolumne Grove, or Merced Grove. Join a ranger talk or sign up for 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 Once open, expect 30-minute delays as the road project concludes. A Park Guide for Ages 4 to 12 Visting Yosemite with kids? Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet at any open visitor center. Complete the activities to earn a junior ranger badge! Yosemite Guide June 14 – July 18, 2023 3 Services Due to severe impacts from historic winter storms, seasonal opening dates and operating hours are subject to change. YOSEMITE VALLEY INFORMATION & EXHIBITS GIFTS, GEAR, & GROCERIES BIKE RENTALS Yosemite Valley Visitor Center 9 am to 5 pm Yosemite Village (Village Store) 8 am to 7 pm Yosemite Museum 10 am to 4 pm Yosemite Valley Lodge 8 am to 7 pm Wilderness Center 8 am to 5 pm Curry Village 7:30 am to 3:30 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 HOUSEKEEPING CAMP Tour and Activity Desk 7:30 am to 7 pm YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE Gift Shop 8 am to 10 pm AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES CURRY VILLAGE Mountaineering School 8:30 am to 12 pm, 1 to 4:30 pm Yosemite Village Garage 24-hour roadside assistance. Call 209/372-1060 No gas available in Yosemite Valley. Raft Rentals Conditions permitting 10 am to 4 pm CURRY VILLAGE Yosemite Mountain Shop 8 am to 8 pm Gift & Grocery 8 am to 10 pm POST OFFICE HOUSEKEEPING CAMP Yosemite Village Post Office Mon – Fri: 8:30am to 5pm Sat: 10am to noon Visitor Center and Theater Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore Museum Store Yosemite Cemetery Girls Club The Ansel Adams Gallery To Ahwahnee Hotel Valley Wilderness Center Administration Building Post Office Medical Clinic 10 Village Store Shuttle Stop 5 15 Shuttle Stop 2 Northside D rive # YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE Mountain Room Lounge Mon – Fri: 4:30 pm to 10 pm Sat & Sun: 12 pm to 10 pm Beer on tap, signature cocktails, & appetizers. Indoor & outdoor seating. 5 CURRY VILLAGE Peet’s Coffee Corner 6 am to 2 pm Espresso beverages, pastries, & light breakfast. Indoor seating. Hiking & Biking Trail Approx. Walking Time (minutes) 5 Roadway P Authorized Vehicles (shuttles) To Curry Village 25 Sentinel Crossover Shuttle Stop 1 P Rehabilitation of The Ahwahnee After more than 95 years in service, The Ahwahnee is continuing a multiphase comprehensive rehabilitation plan to preserve the hotel’s historic integrity, while bringing the building to code with modern fire and seismic safety standards. Scaffolding and construction noise may be present during parts of the rehabilitation project. Due to these historic projects, Ahwahnee parking lot space has been reduced. Parking is valet only with a $30 nightly charge, $15 day-use or $10 with validation. This change will only be during this historic project and will return to normal upon completion. 4 Ahwahnee Dining Room Breakfast: 7 am to 10 am Dinner: 5:30 pm to 9 pm Fine dining. Appropriate attire respectfully required for dinner. Dinner reservations strongly recommended. Call 209/372-1489 or visit www.opentable.com. Mountain Room Restaurant Dinner: 5 pm to 10 pm Upscale casual dining. Reservations recommended. Visit www.opentable.com. 10 To Yosemite Falls The Ahwahnee Bar 11 am to 9 pm Casual dining & signature cocktails. Indoor & outdoor seating. Experience Your America Yosemite National Park CRANE FLAT & BIG OAK FLAT RELIGIOUS SERVICES CAMPING & LODGING INFORMATION & EXHIBITS INFORMATION & EXHIBITS YOSEMITE COMMUNITY CHURCH CAMPING Wawona Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio 9 am to 5 pm Yosemite History Center Open daily ACTIVITIES Conditions permitting Golf Course & Disc Golf Regular Golf: Thurs – Mon 8 am to 6 pm Disc Golf: Tues & Wed 12 pm to 6 pm Tennis Courts 8 am to Dusk Stable 2-hour rides daily at 8 am, 10 am, 12 pm, & 2 pm. All-day rides Thursdays at 8 am. Conditions permitting. GIFTS, GEAR, & GROCERIES Wawona Store & Pioneer Gift Shop 8 am to 8 pm Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore at Wawona Visitor Center 9 am to 5 pm Yosemite Conservancy Depot at Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza 9 am to 5 pm GAS STATION 10 Degnan’s Kitchen 5 Village Grill 11:00 am to 6 pm Fast casual, burgers & sandwiches. Outdoor seating. Base Camp Eatery Breakfast: 6:30 am to 10:45 am Lunch/Dinner: 11 am to 9 pm Fast casual dining. Indoor seating. Grocery 8 am to 8 pm Map of Yosemite Village Yosemite Museum & Indian Cultural Exhibit Degnan’s Kitchen Breakfast: 7 am to 11 am Lunch: 11:30 am to 6 pm Peet’s coffee, pastries, light breakfast, deli sandwiches, & grab-and-go items. Indoor & outdoor seating. Coffee Bar 7 am to 10 am Sweet Shop 7 am to 9 pm Showers 24 hours YOSEMITE VILLAGE THE AHWAHNEE Gift Shop 8 am to 8 pm CURRY VILLAGE YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE Village Store 8 am to 10 pm THE AHWAHNEE Laundry 8 am to 10 pm TOURS & ACTIVITIES The Ansel Adams Gallery 9 am to 5 pm Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore at Yosemite Valley Visitor Center 9 am to 5 pm SHOWERS & LAUNDRY Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center 10 am to 4 pm Closed Mon & Tues YOSEMITE VILLAGE FOOD & BEVERAGE WAWONA & MARIPOSA GROVE Seven Tents Pavilion Breakfast: 7 am to 10 am Dinner: 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm Fast casual dining. Indoor seating. Jennie’s Ice Cream 11 am to 8:30 pm Meadow Grill 11 am to 8 pm Fast casual taqueria. Outdoor seating. Pizza Deck 11 am to 10 pm Pizza whole & by the slice. Outdoor seating. Bar 1899 11:30 am to 10 pm Beer on tap, signature cocktails, & appetizers. Indoor seating. Wawona Service Station 8 am to 6 pm Diesel & propane available. 24-hour pay-at-the-pump with card. POST OFFICE Wawona Post Office Mon - Fri: 9 am to 1 pm Sat: 9 am to noon FOOD & BEVERAGE 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 Summer BBQ 5 pm to 7 pm Every Saturday + Father’s Day (June 18) & July 4 Golf Shop & Snack Stand Opens July 1 7 am to 6 pm Big Oak Flat Information Center 8 am to 5 pm Pastor Brent Moore, Resident Minister 209/372-4831 www.YosemiteValleyChapel.org GIFTS CHAPEL SERVICES Sundays at 9:15 am & 11 am Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore at Big Oak Flat Information Station 9 am to 5 pm Closed Wed & Thurs GAS & GROCERY Crane Flat Gas & Grocery 8 am to 5 pm 24-hour pay-at-the-pump with card. 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. Here’s how it works: 1. Purchase a canister. EL PORTAL 2. Use up the fuel. GROCERY 3. Bring the canister back to any store that participates in the Little Kamper propane exchange program. 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 At the time of publication, there is no set opening date for Glacier Point Road or services at Glacier Point. Glacier Point Gift Shop Opening Summer 2023 Glacier Point Snack Stand Opening Summer 2023 TIOGA ROAD & TUOLUMNE MEADOWS At the time of publication, there is no set opening date for Tioga Road or services in Tuolumne Meadows. White Wolf Lodge Closed in 2023 High Sierra Camps Closed in 2023 Tuolumne Meadows Lodge Closed in 2023 Tuolumne Meadows Grill TBD Tuolumne Meadows Store TBD Tuolumne Meadows Post Office TBD 4. Trade in your empty canister for a full one at a lower price. There is NO first-come, firstserved camping in Yosemite during the summer. Reservations are available several months in advance. Campgrounds are usually full from April to September. Visit go.nps.gov/campground for more information and a schedule of reservation release dates. Campground Reservations www.recreation.gov (recommended) or 877/444-6777 (7 am to 9 pm PT) OPEN CAMPGROUNDS Conditions permitting In Yosemite Valley: Camp 4 | Reservations available one week in advance for May 21 to October 30. Tent camping only, no pets allowed. Upper Pines Campground Lower Pines Campground North Pines Campground Outside of Yosemite Valley: 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! Hodgdon Meadow Campground *This project was made possible in part by a grant from the National Park Foundation through the generous support of Subaru of America. Crane Flat Campground Wawona Campground CAMPGROUNDS OPENING IN SUMMER 2023 Conditions permitting Bridalveil Creek Campground Tamarack Flat Campground White Wolf Campground Yosemite Creek Campground Porcupine Flat Campground YOSEMITE BIKE SHARE The free Yosemite Bike Share is open for the season! You can use the bike share for short trips (up to two hours) in Yosemite Valley. 1. Get connected: Download the Yosemite Bike Share mobile app for Apple/iOS or Android in advance. 2. Get a bike: Use the app to unlock a bike at one of the Yosemite Bike Share stations, located at the Yosemite Village Parking Area and on the Village mall (between the Valley Wilderness Center and the Valley Visitor Center). 3. Get pedaling: Ride safely! Use the helmet provided with the bike (or wear your own) and stay on roads and paved bike paths. CAMPGROUNDS CLOSED IN 2023 Tuolumne Meadows Campground 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. Visit yosemite.org/yosemite-bikeshare to learn more about this program, see a map of bike paths and plan your routes. Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center & Bookstore TBD Yosemite Guide June 14 – July 18, 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 June 14 – July 18, 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. Programs in Yosemite Valley TIME PROGRAM 8:30 am Programs in Wawona & Mariposa Grove FEE? HOSTED BY DURATION DAYS OFFERED TIME Adventure Hike: El Capitan Loop Tickets/info at TravelYosemite.com. Meet at Yosemite Valley Lodge Amphitheater. Ages 12 & up. $ YH 8 hrs Sun 9 am 8:30 am Adventure Hike: Nevada Fall Tickets/info at TravelYosemite.com. Meet at Yosemite Mountaineering School in Curry Village. Ages 12 & up. $ YH 8 hrs Tues & Fri 9:30 am 9 am Discovery Hike: Vernal Fall Tickets/info at TravelYosemite.com. Meet at Yosemite Mountaineering School in Curry Village. Ages 12 & up. $ YH 4 hrs Thurs 1:30 pm 9 am Bike to Hike Tickets/info at TravelYosemite.com. Meet at Curry Village Bike Pick-Up. $ YH 3 hrs Mon, Wed, Sat 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 Mon – Fri 9 am The Ansel Adams Gallery Photography Walk Space is extremely limited, reserve in advance at anseladams.com or by calling 209/372-4413. Reservations open three days in advance. 9 am In the Field: Creative Smartphone Photography Space is limited, reserve in advance at anseladams.com or by calling 209/372-4413. 9 am Climber Coffee Meet with climbing rangers to discuss current climbing Leave No Trace practices and search and rescue information. $ TAAG 1.5 hrs Tues & Thurs TAAG 3 hrs Wed NPS 1 hr Sun (Until June 25) NPS 1 hr Daily 10 am Jr. Ranger Walk Meet at Shuttle Stop #6. 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 Mon – Thurs (Except 6/19 & 7/4) 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 Fri 12:30 pm Ask a Climber: El Capitan Climbing rangers will be stationed at El Capitan Meadow, near the bridge, to answer questions about big wall climbing. Drop in anytime between 12:30 and 4:30 pm. NPS 4 hrs Daily (Until July 2) 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 Mon – Thurs (Except 6/19 & 7/4) 1 pm Kids’ Science Friday Meet at the Happy Isles Art and Nature Center for a pop-up children’s science program. YC 15 min Fri 1 pm Discovery Hike: Mirror Lake Tickets/info at TravelYosemite.com. Meet at Ahwahnee Front Desk. Ages 12 & up. $ YH 4 hrs Wed & Sat 1 pm Discovery Hike: Vernal Fall Tickets/info at TravelYosemite.com. Meet at Yosemite Mountaineering School in Curry Village. Ages 12 & up. $ YH 4 hrs Mon 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 Mon 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 Thurs 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 Sat 2 pm Bike to Hike Tickets/info at TravelYosemite.com. Meet at Curry Village Bike Pick-Up. $ YH 3 hrs Thurs 2 pm Curry Village Historic Tour Learn the rich history of Curry Village on this free walking tour. Meets at the Curry Village Amphitheatre. YH 1 hr Daily 2 pm Ranger Walk: Wild About Bears Learn about bears in Yosemite with a ranger (no bear sightings expected.) Meet at Shuttle Stop #6. NPS 1.5 hrs Wed, Fri, Sat NPS 2 hrs Daily 2 pm 2 pm Jr. Ranger Discovery Table Drop in between 2 and 4 pm to get started or finish earning a Jr. Ranger badge. Located in front of the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center (Shuttle Stop #5). Paint & Sip Learn the basics of watercolor and create an iconic Yosemite landscape step-bystep. Meet at the Mountain Room Lounge, register in advance at Yosemite.org/art. $ YC, YH 2 hrs Fri 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 Mon – Thurs (Except 6/19 & 7/4) 4 pm Family Ranger Talk Meet in front of the Valley Visitor Center (Shuttle Stop #5). NPS 15 min Daily YC 1 hr Wed – Mon (Except 6/21 & 7/15) 4 pm Yosemite Nature Notes Short Films: Live with a Yosemite Conservancy Guide Enjoy short films from the series Yosemite Nature Notes and a thought-provoking talk by a Yosemite Conservancy naturalist at the Yosemite Theater. 8:30 pm Yosemite After Dark Explore the enchantment of Yosemite at night! Advanced registration is required. Tickets/info at travelyosemite.com. $ YH 1.5 hrs Nightly 9 pm Explore Yosemite’s Night Sky Reservations required. Register at Yosemite.org/adventures. $ YC 2 hrs Wed – Mon (Except 6/24 & 6/26) 8 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park PROGRAM FEE? HOSTED BY DURATION DAYS OFFERED NPS 1 hr Sun & Wed Nature Walk: Mariposa Grove Meet at the Mariposa Grove Arrival Area. Allow time to ride the shuttle from the parking area to the grove. NPS 1.5 hrs Daily B.A.R.K. Ranger Walk Meet across from Wawona Hotel at the Meadow Loop trailhead. Bring heat protective dog booties and training treats. Limit of 10 dogs, first come first served. NPS 45 min Wed & Sat Coffee with a Ranger Meet at Pine Tree Market for coffee, general park updates, and a Q&A session with one of our rangers. Drop-ins welcome! 2:30 pm Jr. Ranger Walk Mee