Yosemite Guide

Yosemite Essentials Parking & Congestion Bicycling in Yosemite Protect Wildlife—and Yourself Yosemite Valley has over 12 miles of paved bike paths. Biking can be a great way to get around on a busy day—and to enjoy the sights! Speeding kills bears. If you didn’t bring your own bike, stop by a bike rental stand or use Yosemite Conservancy’s free bike share program. Turn to pages 4 and 5 for more information. It is illegal to approach or feed any wild animal in Yosemite. Yosemite Valley is very busy, especially on weekends and holidays. 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. Be prepared for delays of 2 to 3 hours from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. Expect long lines at entrance stations. On the busiest days, parking can fill by 9 am. Plan to arrive before 8 am and leave after 5 pm. Plan for delays and use restrooms when available. Text YNPTRAFFIC to 333111 to sign up for traffic alerts. Bikes are allowed on paved roads and bike paths, never on hiking trails. Ride carefully and remember to share paths with pedestrians and other cyclists. Helmets are required for children under 18. Cyclists must obey traffic laws on park roads. E-bikes with two or three wheels, fully operable pedals, and motors less than 750w (1hp) are permitted. 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 More Yosemite bears are killed by cars than any other human-related cause of death. In almost every case, the driver was speeding. Follow speed limits, drive carefully, and watch for wildlife on the road. 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 allowed 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 Enjoy- March your visit! Park Map For the most up-to-date information on park roads, trails, and facilities, scan the QR code or visit go.nps.gov/conditions. 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 campground closed in 2023 Evergreen Road To Groveland & Manteca Big Oak Flat Entrance Big Oak Flat Information Station Yosemite Creek CRANE Tuolumne FLAT Grove Tenaya Lake Tioga Road Camp 4 Tamarack Flat Yosemite Valley Visitor Center YOSEMITE VALLEY Big Oak Flat Road Crane Flat El Portal GLACIER POINT Tunnel View Arch Rock Entrance To Mariposa & Merced Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center Porcupine Flat campground closed in 2023 Hodgdon Meadow Tuolumne Meadows campground closed in 2023 El Portal Road Yosemite West Upper Pines Lower Pines North Pines Merced River Glacier Point Road Bridalveil Creek Wawona Road There are NO first-come, first-served campsites in Yosemite during the summer. Reservations are required for all campgrounds. Turn to page 5 for more information. WAWONA Yosemite History Center Wawona Visitor Center Wawona Campground North South Entrance Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias 0 Gas Station Entrance Station 5 miles Roads on map are simplified and do not reflect degree of windiness To Oakhurst & Fresno NOTE: There are only 2 gas stations in the park and NO GAS in Yosemite Valley. 5km Campground Visitor Center Information Center Yosemite Valley Visitor Center | 9 am to 5 pm Wawona Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio | 8 am to 5 pm Big Oak Flat Information Station | 8 am to 5 pm Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Information Station | 9:30 am to 4:30 pm 2 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park The first stop for many park visitors, Yosemite Valley is known for its towering granite walls and iconic features like El Capitan and Half Dome. Although the valley’s waterfalls roar in spring, they usually slow to a trickle by late summer. 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 talks, tours, and art and photography classes. Turn to page 8 for a schedule of programs. Yosemite Valley Visting Yosemite with kids or kids-at-heart? Yosemite National Park Start your day at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center for trail maps and other information. Then stop by the Yosemite Museum next door to explore the park’s cultural connections through live demonstrations and objects on display. Turn to page 4 for hours. A Park Guide for Ages 4 to 12 The Mariposa Grove is home to over 500 mature giant sequoias. Park at the 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. Stop in Wawona for more hiking, visitor services, and to visit the Yosemite History Center and Chinese Laundry exhibit. Turn to page 8 for a schedule of programs in this area of the park. Distance from Yosemite Valley 30 mi/48 km (1 hour) Mariposa Grove & Wawona 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 remains open year-round. Take in stunning views of Yosemite Valley from 3,000 feet above the valley floor. Numerous trailheads and other scenic vistas are also accessible from Glacier Point Road. Services are limited at Glacier Point in 2023. Distance from Yosemite Valley 30 mi/48 km (1 hour) Directions From Yosemite Valley, take Wawona Road (Hwy 41). After 9 miles, turn left onto Glacier Point Road. Glacier Point Road Conditions Due to its high elevation, Glacier Point Road is closed each year from approximately November through May or June. Parking at Glacier Point is very limited, especially between 9 am and 5 pm. In Summer 2023, expect delays of up to 30 minutes as road construction is completed. The Merced Grove is closed for restoration work. For more information on this project, please visit go.nps.gov/biomass. Visit two giant sequoia groves north of Yosemite Valley that are smaller than the more famous Mariposa Grove, but far less busy. Hike one mile down to the Tuolumne Grove, or 1.5 miles down to the Merced Grove. Parking at each trailhead is extremely limited. Distance from Yosemite Valley 16 mi/26 km (30 minutes) Crane Flat Directions From Yosemite Valley, take Big Oak Flat Road (continuation of Hwy 120) to Tioga Road Junction at Crane Flat. Planning Your Yosemite Adventure Turn to page 4 for visitor services, including bike and raft rentals and tour desks. Turn to page 8 for a schedule of programs and classes. If you’re visiting for a day or less: As you travel through the valley, stop at Tunnel View, El Capitan Meadow, or Valley View for scenic viewpoints. Stop by the Valley Visitor Center to pick up a trail map, get a passport stamp, and view the park film. Explore the park’s cultural connections at the Yosemite Museum. Take a scenic stroll around Cook’s Meadow and Lower Yosemite Fall. Spend 2–3 hours hiking the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall, the Mirror Lake Trail, or a section of the Valley Loop Trail. A source of water and hydroelectric power for San Francisco, Hetch Hetchy is also home to spectacular scenery. From here, visitors can walk across the dam, hike along the reservoir, or access Yosemite’s Wilderness. Hetch Hetchy is a great place to hike in cooler months, but it is typically very hot in the summer. Take a Valley Floor Tour or attend a ranger talk to learn about the park. Distance from Yosemite Valley 40 mi/64 km (1½ hours) Take on a more challenging, all-day hike in Yosemite Valley. Road Conditions The road is open daily from 7 am to 9 pm. Vehicles and trailers over 25 feet long and 8 feet wide are not permitted on the narrow, winding Hetch Hetchy Road. Enjoy a 40-mile scenic drive through Yosemite’s spectacular high country. Tioga Road (continuation of Hwy 120 through the park) climbs from 6,000 ft in elevation to nearly 10,000 ft at Tioga Pass, the park’s only entrance from the east. Along the way, visitors will find numerous trailheads, scenic vistas, lush subalpine meadows, and glacier-carved lakes. Services are extremely limited in this remote area of the park. Distance from Yosemite Valley 54 mi/87 km (1½ hours) Tioga Road & Tuolumne Meadows Turn to page 8 for a schedule of free art activities and other programs just for kids! Road Conditions Big Oak Flat Road remains open year-round. Directions From Yosemite Valley, take Big Oak Flat Road (Hwy 120 W.) Just outside the Big Oak Flat Entrance, turn right on Evergreen Road. Hetch Hetchy Pick up a Junior Ranger Handbook at any open visitor center. Complete the activities while you explore the park, and earn your junior ranger badge! Directions From Yosemite Valley, take Big Oak Flat Road (Hwy 120 W) to Crane Flat. Turn right onto Tioga Road (Hwy 120 E.) Road Conditions Tioga Road is typically open from May through November, depending on conditions. Turn to pages 4 & 5 for information about visitor services in Yosemite. If you’re visiting for multiple days: Enjoy a scenic bicycle ride on the valley’s 12 miles of paved bike paths. Visit Glacier Point and hike to Sentinel Dome and Taft Point. Explore the many miles of trails within the Mariposa Grove and visit the Yosemite History Center in Wawona. Enjoy an all-day scenic drive on Tioga Road to Olmsted Point, Tenaya Lake, and Tuolumne Meadows. Sign up for an art class at the Happy Isles Art and Nature Center, or a photography course with The Ansel Adams Gallery. Learn to rock climb with an instructor, or rent a raft to float the Merced River through Yosemite Valley. Stay up late to stargaze, or sign up for an evening program in the park. Yosemite Guide August 23 – September 26, 2023 3 Services 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 5 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 Conservation Heritage Center 10 am to 4 pm Closed Mon & Tues TOURS & ACTIVITIES YOSEMITE VILLAGE The Ansel Adams Gallery 9 am to 5 pm Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore at Yosemite Valley Visitor Center 9 am to 5 pm Yosemite Museum Store 10 am to 5 pm, closed for lunch SHOWERS & LAUNDRY Village Store 8 am to 10 pm HOUSEKEEPING CAMP THE AHWAHNEE Laundry 8 am to 10 pm Tour and Activity Desk 7:30 am to 7 pm YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE Gift Shop 8 am to 10 pm AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES Swimming Pool 11 am to 6 pm Yosemite Village Garage 24-hour roadside assistance. Call 209/372-1060 No gas available in Yosemite Valley. CURRY VILLAGE Mountaineering School 8:30 am to 12 pm, 1 to 4:30 pm Raft Rentals Conditions permitting, last rafts out of the river by 6 pm. 10 am to 4 pm POST OFFICE CURRY VILLAGE Yosemite Mountain Shop 8 am to 8 pm Gift & Grocery 8 am to 10 pm HOUSEKEEPING CAMP 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 Degnan’s Kitchen 5 The Ahwahnee Bar 11:30 am to 9 pm Casual dining & signature cocktails. Indoor & outdoor seating. 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. YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE Mountain Room Lounge Mon – Fri: 4:30 pm to 10 pm Sat & Sun: 12 pm to 10 pm Beer on tap, cocktails, & appetizers. Indoor & outdoor seating. Map of Yosemite Village Yosemite Museum & Indian Cultural Exhibit 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 Starbucks: Hours TBD Fast casual dining. Indoor seating. Grocery 8 am to 8 pm Yosemite Village Post Office Mon – Fri: 8:30 am to 5 pm Sat: 10 am to noon 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 VALLEY LODGE YOSEMITE VILLAGE THE AHWAHNEE Gift Shop 8 am to 8 pm CURRY VILLAGE FOOD & BEVERAGE Mountain Room Restaurant Dinner: 5 pm to 10 pm Upscale casual dining. Reservations recommended. Visit www.opentable.com. 10 To Yosemite Falls 10 Village Store Shuttle Stop 5 CURRY VILLAGE Peet’s Coffee Corner 6 am to 2 pm Espresso beverages, pastries, & light breakfast. Indoor seating. 15 Shuttle Stop 2 Northside D rive # 5 Yosemite Village Garage Seven Tents Pavilion Breakfast: 7 am to 10 am Dinner: 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm Fast casual dining. Indoor seating. Hiking & Biking Trail Approx. Walking Time (minutes) Roadway Jennie’s Ice Cream 11 am to 8:30 pm 5 P Authorized Vehicles (shuttles) To Curry Village 25 Sentinel Crossover Shuttle Stop 1 P 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. 4 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Seasonal operating dates and hours are subject to change. WAWONA & MARIPOSA GROVE BIG OAK FLAT ROAD RELIGIOUS SERVICES CAMPING & LODGING INFORMATION & EXHIBITS INFORMATION & EXHIBITS YOSEMITE COMMUNITY CHURCH CAMPING Wawona Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio 8 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. Through Labor Day ONLY. Reservations can be made online at TravelYosemite.com. GIFTS, GEAR, & GROCERIES Wawona Store & Pioneer Gift Shop 8 am to 8 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 GAS & GROCERY Crane Flat Gas & Grocery 8 am to 5 pm 24-hour pay-at-the-pump with card. EL PORTAL GROCERY El Portal Market 8 am to 5 pm GAS STATION Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore at Wawona Visitor Center 8 am to 5 pm El Portal Service Station 8 am to 5 pm 24-hour pay-at-the-pump with card. Yosemite Conservancy Depot at Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza 9 am to 5 pm GLACIER POINT GAS STATION 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 Saturdays: 5 pm to 7 pm Golf Shop & Snack Stand 7 am to 6 pm Glacier Point Gift Shop 9 am to 7 pm Conditions permitting. Glacier Point Snack Stand 11 am to 5 pm Conditions permitting. TIOGA ROAD & TUOLUMNE MEADOWS Last winter’s historic snowfall caused severe damage to many park facilities. Visitor services are extremely limited in this area of the park. Plan ahead and bring enough water and snacks for your visit. White Wolf Lodge Closed in 2023 High Sierra Camps Closed in 2023 Tuolumne Meadows Lodge Closed in 2023 Tuolumne Meadows Grill Closed in 2023 Tuolumne Meadows Store Closed in 2023 Tuolumne Meadows Post Office Closed in 2023 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: 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) 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. 1. Purchase a canister. 2. Use up the fuel. 3. Bring the canister back to any store that participates in the Little Kamper propane exchange program. 4. Trade in your empty canister for a full one at a lower price. 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! 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. Rehabilitation of The Ahwahnee *This project was made possible in part by a grant from the National Park Foundation through the generous support of Subaru of America. 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. After more than 95 years in service, The Ahwahnee is continuing a multi-phase comprehensive rehabilitation plan to preserve the hotel’s historic integrity, while bringing the building to code with modern fire and seismic safety standards. Scaffolding and construction noise may be present during parts of the rehabilitation project. Due to these historic projects, Ahwahnee parking lot space has been reduced. Parking is valet only with a $30 nightly charge, $15 day-use or $10 with validation. This change will only be during this historic project and will return to normal upon completion. Visit yosemite.org/yosemite-bikeshare to learn more about this program, see a map of bike paths, and plan your routes. Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Information Station 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Yosemite Guide August 23 – September 26, 2023 5 Shuttles in Yosemite Valley Valleywide Shuttle (Green Route) Yo Fa East Valley Shuttle (Purple Route) Construction will impact shuttle service from May to October 2023. ! The FREE Yosemite Valley shuttles operate from 7 am to 10 pm daily and service stops in numerical order. Yosem Valley Lod During construction on shuttle stops from May to October, some stops will be temporarily relocated nearby. Valleywide Shuttle (Green Route) Services ALL stops. Runs approximately every 22 to 32 minutes with a total round-trip time of 1 hour and 30 minutes. East Valley Shuttle (Purple Route) El Capitan 8 Services SELECT stops. Runs approximately every 18 to 22 minutes with a total roundtrip time of 50 minutes. M er ced Ri v er 9 Expect long delays and full shuttles on busy days throughout the summer. Some destinations may be reached more quickly by walking. Check signs posted at shuttle stops for estimated walking times. ALL SHUTTLES 10 9 VALLEYWIDE SHUTTLE ONLY 3 The Ahwahnee Lodging, Dining, Gift Shop 6 Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead, Picnic Area, Scenic View 4 Degnan’s Kitchen Dining, shopping, and information are only a 5–10 minute walk from here. 2 Village Store 6 Scenic View Scenic View, Picnicking Less than a 5-minute walk: Post Office, Visitor Center, Theater, Museum Parking area fills early. Once you find a spot, keep it, and use the free shuttle. 9 El Capitan Meadow 10 Cathedral Beach Dining, Gift and Grocery 1 Yosemite Village Parking 7 Yosemite Valley Lodge/Yosemite Falls Parking 5 Visitor Center & Museum Dining, Gift and Grocery Visitor Center, Theater, Museum Less 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 8 Dining, Gift and Grocery, Trailhead 8 El Capitan Picnic Area Scenic View, Picnicking 11 Four Mile Trail Trailhead Yosemite Village Lower Yosemite Fall osemite alls Trail 5 Mirror Lake The Ahwahnee 4 3 2 6 1 mite dge 7 Housekeeping 12 Camp 19 14 18 17 15 Curry Village 11 Four Mile Trail 16 closed in winter Happy Isles & Mist Trail 7 6 5 Valleywide Shuttle (one way) 10 3 4 2 1 19 East Valley Shuttle (one way) 11 18 12 ALL SHUTTLES 12 Housekeeping Camp/ Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center 16 Happy Isles/Mist Trail Trailhead, Art & Nature Center Information, Lodging, Gift and Grocery, Showers, Laundry 14 Curry Village (eastbound) Lodging, Dining, Gift and Grocery, Amphitheater, Showers 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. 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. Ride a YARTS bus to enter the park. Campground, Amphitheater Campground Less than a 5-minute walk: Trailhead Parking, Trailhead Lodging, Dining, Gift and Grocery, Amphitheater, Showers 16 The Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) is a public transit system that provides service into Yosemite National Park. 17 Mirror Lake 19 Curry Village (Westbound) 15 Travel Recommendations 18 Lower Pines Campground 15 Upper Pines Campground 14 17 For more information, bus schedules, and tickets, visit www.YARTS.com or call 877/989-2787. Yosemite Guide August 23 – September 26, 2023 7 Events & Programs Programs in Yosemite Valley TIME PROGRAM FEE? HOSTED BY DURATION DAYS OFFERED 8:30 am Adventure Hike: El Capitan Loop Tickets/info at TravelYosemite.com. Meet at Yosemite Valley Lodge Amphitheater. Ages 12 & up. $ YH 8 hrs Sun 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 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 9 am Bike to Hike Tickets/info at TravelYosemite.com. Meet at Curry Village Bike Stand. $ 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. TAAG 1.5 hrs Tues & Thurs 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 Wed Jr. Ranger Walk Meet at Shuttle Stop 6 for an easy walk with kid-focused activities related to Yosemite. All children must be accompanied by an adult. NPS 1 hr Daily except 9/25 & 9/26 Ask-a-Climber Come join Climbing Rangers in El Cap Meadow to view rock climbers in action on the Big Stone (telescopes provided) and ask all of your climbing-related questions. NPS 4 hrs Daily starting 9/4 10 am 12:30 pm $ 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 Climbing Interpretive Walk Join a Climbing Ranger for a short walk from El Cap Meadow to the base of El Capitan, learning about climbing history and techniques along the way. Meet at El Capitan Meadow near Shuttle Stop 9. NPS 2 hrs Sun until 9/3 2 pm Bike to Hike Tickets/info at TravelYosemite.com. Meet at Curry Village Bike Stand. YH 3 hrs Thurs 2 pm Curry Village Historic Tour Join us for a free walking tour of Curry Village and learn about its rich history. 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 except 9/25 & 9/26 YC, YH 2 hrs Fri $ 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). 2 pm 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. 3 pm Children’s Hour Join us for a book reading and activity at the Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center (Shuttle Stop 12.) No reservation needed! YCHC 1 hr Wednesdays 4 pm Family Ranger Talk Meet in front of the Valley Visitor Center (Shuttle Stop 5). NPS 15 min Daily 4:30 pm Yosemite Nature Notes Short Films: Live with a Yosemite Conservancy Naturalist Enjoy short films from the series Yosemite Nature Notes and a thought-provoking talk by a Yosemite Conservancy naturalist at the Yosemite Valley East Auditorium next to the Theater. YC 1 hr Wed – Mon except 9/13 & 9/22 6 pm Yosemite Valley Sunset Walk Reservations required. Register at Yosemite.org/adventures. $ YC 1.5 hrs Wed – Mon except 9/22 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 FEE? HOSTED BY DURATION DAYS OFFERED NPS 45 min Sun, Mon, Tues starting 9/3 NPS 15 min Daily starting 9/1 $ Programs Near Crane Flat TIME PROGRAM 11 am Ranger Walk: Tuolumne Grove Meet at the Tuolumne Grove. Allow time to hike one mile from the trailhead to reach the Grove. Total hike is 2.5 mi roundtrip with 500 ft of elevation change. 2 pm Family Ranger Talk Meet at the Tuolumne Grove trailhead. Programs especially for children and their families $ NPS YH 8 Programs with a fee National Park Service Yosemite Hospitality YC Yosemite Conservancy TAAG The Ansel Adams Gallery YCHC Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Indicates facilities accessible to visitors in wheelchairs. Short, steep inclines may be encountered. C