Yosemite

https://www.nps.gov/yose https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yosemite_National_Park Yosemite National Park is in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s famed for its giant, ancient sequoia trees, and for Tunnel View, the iconic vista of towering Bridalveil Fall and the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome. In Yosemite Village are shops, restaurants, lodging, the Yosemite Museum and the Ansel Adams Gallery, with prints of the photographer’s renowned black-and-white landscapes of the area. Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more. You can drive to Yosemite year-round and enter via Highways 41, 140, and 120 from the west. Tioga Pass Entrance (via Highway 120 from the east) is closed from approximately November through late May or June. Hetch Hetchy is open all year but may close intermittently due to snow. Please note that GPS units do not always provide accurate directions to or within Yosemite. Big Oak Flat Information Station The Big Oak Flat Information Station has an information desk, wilderness permit desk, and Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore. In the winter, self-registration wilderness permits for the Crane Flat area and Tioga Road trailheads only, are available on the front porch. You must bring your own bear canister when the information station is closed. Wilderness permits are required for overnight stays in Yosemite's Wilderness. Designated accessible parking spaces are available in front of the facility. The Big Oak Flat Information Station is located inside the park near the Big Oak Flat Entrance, on Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120 from the west). Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center The Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center has an information desk, Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore, and an exhibit area detailing the area's geology, plant and animal life, and history. A designated accessible parking space and entrance are available. From the main parking lot, drive up the service road to the visitor center. Park in the designated accessible parking space, and follow the paved path in front of the visitor center to the rear entrance. Accessible restrooms are adjacent to the main parking lot. Located along Tioga Road, approximately 50 miles from Yosemite Valley. Wawona Visitor Center at Hill's Studio The Wawona Visitor Center has an information desk, Wilderness permit desk, and Yosemite Conservancy bookstore. In winter, self-registration wilderness permits for the Wawona trailheads are available on the porch. You must bring your own bear canister when the information station is closed. Wilderness permits are required for overnight stays in Yosemite's Wilderness. Accessible parking is available, and a lift for wheelchair access is available at the rear of the building (use intercom for assistance). Walk from the lodge or park at the Wawona Store and Pioneer Gift Shop parking area, located on the Wawona Road (Highway 41), and follow the marked path up the hill. Yosemite Valley Welcome Center The Yosemite Valley Welcome Center is the NEW destination for visitor information in the Valley. Stop here before you begin your Yosemite adventure! The welcome center is located next to the Yosemite Village Parking and the Village Store in Yosemite Valley (Shuttle Stops 1 & 2.) Get help planning your visit and pick up free trail maps, junior ranger booklets, and more. The welcome center is located in Yosemite Valley, adjacent to the Village parking area. (Shuttle Stops 1, 2, 4, or 5 for Yosemite Village.) Bridalveil Creek Campground The Bridalveil Creek Campground is located along the Glacier Point Road near Bridalveil Creek and is surrounded by a beautiful forest of red fir and lodgepole pine. At an elevation of 7,200 feet (2,200m) the campground is located 7 miles west of Glacier Point, 9 miles east of the Wawona Road turnoff, and is approximately 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley. The spectacular views from Glacier Point are nearby, and numerous hiking trails are located along the Glacier Point Road. There are no services nearby. Bridalveil Creek Campground Reservation Fee - Non-Group Site 36.00 Bridalveil Creek Campground Reservation Fee - Non-Group Site/night Bridalveil Creek Campground Group Site Fee - Group Site 75.00 Bridalveil Creek Campground Group Site Fee - Group Site/night Bridalveil Creek Campground Stock Site Fee - Stock Site 50.00 Bridalveil Creek Campground Stock Site Fee - Stock Site/night Bridalveil Campground A wood sign at the entrance to a campground reads, Bridalveil Campground. The entrance to Bridalveil Campground Camp 4 Campground Camp 4 is located in Yosemite Valley near the base of granite cliffs close to Yosemite Falls. Yosemite Valley is centrally located in the park and boasts some of Yosemite’s most iconic features. This campground is located at 4,000 feet (1,200 m) elevation and can be accessed from all park roads. Camp 4 is within biking and walking distance of many services in Yosemite Valley and is located near the free shuttle route. There are food and grocery services nearby at Yosemite Valley Lodge and Yosemite Village. Camping Fee 10.00 Fee is per person, per night. Space is assigned per person in shared campsites (six people per site).. Camp 4 Kiosk Area Camp 4 kiosk building and bulletin board Camp 4 Kiosk Building and Bulletin Board Camp 4 Bear/Vehicle Sign An exhibit of a bear reaching into a car window and holding food, is set up near a parking lot. A 'Keep Bears Wild' message on the outskirts of Camp 4 Camp 4 Campground with Tents Tents in sites within Camp 4. Camp 4 with tents Eastern, newer portion of Camp 4 Campground Fire ring, food lockers, and bathhouse at Camp 4 Eastern portion of Camp 4 Crane Flat Campground The Crane Flat Campground is located along the Big Oak Flat Road, just west of Crane Flat, about 30 minutes northwest of Yosemite Valley, at 6,200 ft (1,900 m) elevation. There is a gas station and minimal convenience items located nearby at Crane Flat. Trailheads for both the Merced Grove and Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias are located within a short drive of the campground. Crane Flat Campground Reservation Fee – Regular Sites 36.00 Crane Flat Campground Reservation Fee – Regular Sites Crane Flat Campground Reservation Fee - Double Sites 60.00 Crane Flat Campground Reservation Fee - Double Sites Crane Flat Campground A wood sign at the entrance to a campground reads, Crane Flat Campground The entrance to Crane Flat Campground Hodgdon Meadow Campground Hodgdon Meadow Campground is conveniently located along the Big Oak Flat Road at the Big Oak Flat Entrance. At an elevation of 4,900 feet (1,219 m), the campground is located along the western edge of the park, 25 miles and approximately 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley. There is a gas station and minimal convenience items located nearby at Crane Flat. Trailheads for both the Merced Grove and Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias are located within a short drive of the campground. Hodgdon Meadow Campground Reservation Fee - Non-Group Site (approx. mid-April through mid-October) 36.00 From mid-April through mid-October, campsites are available by reservation only. Hodgdon Meadow Campground First-Come, First-Served Fee - Non-Group Site (approx. mid-October through mid-April) 28.00 From approximately mid-October through mid-April, campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Hodgdon Meadow Campground Group Site Fee - Group Site (open approx. mid-April through mid-October) 75.00 The group campsites are open approximately mid-April through mid-October. Hodgdon Meadow Campground A wooden sign reads Hodgdon Meadow Campground. A kiosk is located at the entrance to the campground. The entrance to Hodgdon Meadow Campground Hodgdon Meadow Campground Kiosk Small wooden building at entry to campground Hodgdon Meadow Campground Kiosk Hodgdon Meadow Entrance Sign and Bulletin Board Campground entrance sign and nearby bulletin board Hodgdon Meadow Entrance Sign and Bulletin Board Lower Pines Campground Lower Pines is located along the Merced River in Yosemite Valley. Yosemite Valley is centrally located in the park and boasts some of Yosemite’s most iconic features. This campground is located at 4,000 feet (1,219 m) elevation and can be accessed from all park roads. Lower Pines is within biking and walking distance of many services and trailheads in Yosemite Valley and is located on the free shuttle route. There are food and grocery services nearby at Curry Village and Yosemite Village. Lower Pines Campground Reservation Fee – Regular Sites 36.00 Lower Pines Campground Reservation Fee – Regular Sites Lower Pines Campground Reservation Fee – Double Sites 60.00 Lower Pines Campground Reservation Fee – Double Sites Lower Pines Campground A cleared campsite shows a picnic table and fire pit. A view of Half Dome can be seen through trees. A great view of Half Dome from a campsite in Lower Pines Campground. Lower Pines Campground Amphitheater Empty amphitheater in campground with benches and a screen and stage Lower Pines amphitheater where summer evening ranger programs may take place. Lower Pines Campsites Campsites with tents and cars in Lower Pines A variety of campsites in Lower Pines Campground North Pines Campground North Pines is located along the Merced River in Yosemite Valley. Yosemite Valley is centrally located in the park and boasts some of Yosemite’s most iconic features. This campground is located at 4,000 feet (1,219 m) elevation and can be accessed from all park roads. North Pines is within biking and walking distance of many services and trailheads in Yosemite Valley and is located on the free shuttle route. There are food and grocery services nearby at Curry Village and Yosemite Village. North Pines Campground Reservation Fee - All Sites 36.00 North Pines Campground Reservation Fee - All Sites/night North Pines Campground A wood sign at the entrance of a campground reads, North Pines Campground. The entrance to North Pines Campground Porcupine Flat Campground Porcupine Flat Campground is located off the Tioga Road about 30 minutes west of Tuolumne Meadows and over an hour from Yosemite Valley. RVs and Trailers are not recommended for the narrow roads in this more primitive campground. At an elevation of 8,100 feet (2,500 m) elevation, the campground is near Porcupine Creek, which is the only water source (must be filtered, treated, or boiled). The Porcupine Creek Trailhead is nearby. There are no visitor services close to the campground. Porcupine Flat Campground Fee - All Sites 24.00 Porcupine Flat Campground Fee - All Sites Empty Campsite in Porcupine Flat Campground Empty campsite in Porcupine Flat Campground with picnic table, fire ring and sun shining Empty Campsite in Porcupine Flat Campground Porcupine Flat Campground road Gravel road through grassy forested area Porcupine Flat Campground Tamarack Flat Campground Tamarack Flat Campground is located off the Tioga Road just east of Crane Flat. The campground is approximately 20 miles (45 minutes) from Yosemite Valley and is tucked away in the forest 3 miles off Tioga Road. RVs and Trailers are not recommended for this harder to access, and more primitive campground. At an elevation of 6,300 feet (1,900 m) elevation, the campground is near Tamarack Creek, which is the only water source (must be filtered, treated, or boiled). There is a gas station nearby at Crane Flat. Tamarack Flat Campground Fee - All Sites 24.00 Tamarack Flat Campground Fee - All Sites Tamarack Flat Campground Sign A wood sign at the entrance of a campground reads, Tamarack Flat Campground. The entrance to Tamarack Flat Campground Tamarack Flat Campground Entry Sign and Garbage/Recycling Receptacles wooden sign with rules for campground and garbage and recycle bins Tamarack Flat Campground Entry Sign and Garbage/Recycling Receptacles Tamarack Flat Campground Fee Area signs near the entrance of the campground about self-registration Tamarack Flat Campground Fee Area Tamarack Flat Campground Campsite car and tent in campsite Tamarack Flat Campground Campsite Tamarack Flat Campground Restroom Facility restroom facility with two doors Tamarack Flat Campground Restroom Facility Tamarack Flat Campsites multiple small tents in the campground with a picnic table and some trees Tamarack Flat Campsites Tuolumne Meadows Campground Tuolumne Meadows Campground is Yosemite’s largest, and is located along the Tioga Road, with some areas located close to the Tuolumne River. At 8,000 feet (2,600 m) this campground is open seasonally and has wonderful summer access to many hikes, lakes, and prominent viewpoints. The campground is located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Yosemite Valley but a small store, grill, and post office are located nearby in Tuolumne Meadows. Tuolumne Meadows Campground Fee - Non Group Site 36.00 Tuolumne Meadows Campground Reservation Fee - Standard Sites (RV or Tent) and Tent Only Sites (non-group site)/night Tuolumne Meadows Campground Group Site Fee - Group Site 75.00 Tuolumne Meadows Campground Group Site Fee - Group Site/night Tuolumne Meadows Campground Stock Site Fee - Stock Site 50.00 Tuolumne Meadows Campground Stock Site Fee - Stock Site/night Tuolumne Meadows Campground A female park ranger leans out of a kiosk window to help a visitor who is in their car. The entrance to Tuolumne Meadows Campground Tuolumne Meadows Campground Bulletin Board Bulletin Board in Tuolumne Meadows Campground Tuolumne Meadows Campground bulletin board Tuolumne Meadows Campground Kiosk Tuolumne Meadows Campground Kiosk with ranger Tuolumne Meadows Campground Kiosk Tuolumne Meadows Horse Camp sign Tuolumne Meadows Horse Camp sign Tuolumne Meadows Horse Camp sign at entrance to camp Tuolumne Meadows Campground sign Tuolumne Meadows Campground sign indicating where people show go Tuolumne Meadows Campground sign indicating where people show go depending on reservation status. Upper Pines Campground Upper Pines is located near the Merced River in Yosemite Valley. Yosemite Valley is centrally located in the park and boasts some of Yosemite’s most iconic features. This large campground is located at 4,000 feet (1,219 m) elevation and can be accessed from all park roads. Upper Pines is within biking and walking distance of many services and trailheads in Yosemite Valley and is located on the free shuttle route. There are food and grocery services nearby at Curry Village and Yosemite Village. Upper Pines Campground Reservation Fee - All Sites 36.00 Upper Pines Campground Reservation Fee - All Sites/night Upper Pines Campground A campsite nestled in the trees includes a picnic table, firepit, and metal bear storage locker. A campsite in Upper Pines Campground. Upper Pines Campground Road Sign road and sign indicating Upper Pines Campground Sign for Upper Pines as you approach the campground. Upper Pines Campground with Tent Tent in campsite in Upper Pines Upper Pines campsite with tent and others in background. Wawona Campground The Wawona Campground is located along the South Fork Merced River close to historic Wawona. At an elevation of 4,000 feet (1,219 m), the campground is located in the southern end of the park, 27 miles and approximately 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley. The majestic Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is just a short drive away and the Yosemite History Center is in nearby Wawona where you can see some of the park’s oldest structures. Wawona offers a visitor center, hotel, and a market. Wawona Campground Reservation Fee - Non-Group Site (approx. mid-April through mid-October) 36.00 This fee is for reserved sites (RV or Tent) (approx. mid-April through mid-October). Wawona Campground First-Come, First-Served Fee - Non-Group Site (approx. mid-October through mid-April) 28.00 This fee is for first-come, first-served sites (available mid-October through mid-April in Loop A). Wawona Campground Group Site Fee - Group Site 75.00 This fee is for the group site located in Loop A; reservations required. Wawona Campground Sign Wooden Wawona Campground sign located along the Wawona Road Wawona Campground sign located along the Wawona Road. Wawona Campground A car is stopped at a small kiosk at the entrance to a campground. The entrance to Wawona Campground Wawona Horse Camp The Wawona Horse Camp is located along the South Fork Merced River adjacent to historic Wawona. At an elevation of 4,000 feet (1,219 m), the camp is located in the southern end of the park, 27 miles and approximately 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley. The majestic Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is just a short drive away and the Yosemite History Center is right next door where you can see some of the park’s oldest structures. Wawona offers a visitor center, hotel, and a market. Wawona Horse Campsites 50.00 Wawona Horse Campsite Wawona Horse Camp approach Dirt driveway approaching the campsites Approach to Wawona Horse Camp Wawona Horse Camp Site 1 Lockers Wawona Horse Camp Site 1 Lockers Wawona Horse Camp Site 1 Lockers Wawona Horse Camp Site 2 Lockers Wawona Horse Camp Site 2 Lockers Wawona Horse Camp Site 2 Lockers White Wolf Campground White Wolf Campground is located off the Tioga Road between Tuolumne Meadows and Crane Flat, approximately an hour from Yosemite Valley at 8,000 feet (2,400 m). The campground is tucked into the forest about a mile from Tioga Road near White Wolf Lodge. Trailheads nearby lead to Lukens and Harden Lakes and the area is popular for those accessing other wilderness destinations. Minimal services may be available at White Wolf Lodge (if open). There are no other visitor services close to the campground. White Wolf Campground Fee - All Sites 36.00 White Wolf Campground Fee - Standard Sites (RV or Tent) and Tent Only Sites White Wolf Campground Entrance Sign A wood sign on the side of a road reads White Wolf Campground. The entrance to White Wolf Campground White Wolf Campsite White Wolf Campsite with tent and vehicle White Wolf Campsite White Wolf Campground Amphitheater Rows of benches that make up the White Wolf Amphitheater White Wolf Campground Amphitheater Empty White Wolf Campsite Empty White Wolf Campsite with metal food storage locker Empty White Wolf Campsite White Wolf Campground Registration Area Registration area with signs and instructions White Wolf Campground Registration Area White Wolf Camp Host Site camp host site with sign White Wolf Camp Host Site White Wolf Campground Bulletin Board Wooden campground bulletin board with flyers posted White Wolf Campground Bulletin Board Yosemite Creek Campground Yosemite Creek Campground is located nearly 5 miles off the Tioga Road (via a rough road) 26 miles west of Tuolumne Meadows, and a little over an hour from Yosemite Valley. Located in the forest at 7,700 feet (2,300 m) many campsites are close to Yosemite Creek, which is the only water source (must be filtered, treated, or boiled). RVs and Trailers are not recommended for this harder to access, and more primitive campground. There are no visitor services close to the campground. Yosemite Creek Campground Fee - All Sites 24.00 Yosemite Creek Campground Fee - All Sites Yosemite Creek Campground A wood sign at the entrance of a campground reads, Yosemite Creek Campground. The entrance to Yosemite Creek Campground Yosemite Creek Campground Site 1 Empty campsite, site 1 Yosemite Creek Campground Site 1 Upper Yosemite Fall and Merced River in spring Upper Yosemite Fall and Merced River in spring Upper Yosemite Fall and Merced River in spring Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View Glaciated valley with vertical cliffs. Tunnel View is perhaps one of the most photographed views in the park. Rainbow over Half Dome A rainbow over a mountain in the distance. A hike up to Sentinel Dome rewards people with great views of the landscape around them. Cathedral Peak and Lake in Autumn A mountain reflecting in a lake. Cathedral Peak is one of the most recognizable peaks in the Yosemite Wilderness. Lower Yosemite Fall A waterfall flowing down a granite cliff. The walk to Lower Yosemite Fall is a popular and easy hike. Yosemite Falls on a Winter Morning Two tall waterfalls flowing down snow covered granite walls. Yosemite Falls will sometimes only trickle at the end of summer, but wet winters can rejuvenate the flow. Glen Aulin Mountains reflecting in water Glen Auilin is one of five High Sierra Camps, located in the Yosemite high country. Giant Sequoia Trees in the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Cluster of tall trees with cloudy sky. Yosemite National Park's massive giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) live in three groves in the park. The most famous of these is the Mariposa Grove, which contains about 500 mature giant sequoias. Tenaya Lake at Sunset Mountains surrounding a lake. Tenaya Lake is a favorite place to stop along the Tioga Road in summer. Half Dome Granite dome with trace amounts of snow. Half Dome is one of the most recognizable granitic formations in the world. El Capitan El Capitan and reflection in Merced River with some low clouds El Capitan rises over 3,000 feet above the floor of Yosemite Valley. View of Yosemite Valley in Winter El Capitan on left, Cathedral Rocks on the right, all covered in snow, low clouds and sun A rewarding view of Yosemite Valley in winter as seen from Tunnel View. California Tortoiseshell Clouds of California Tortoiseshells sometimes appear in the park during populations burst or mass migrations. An orange and black Buffalo Soldiers Before the establishment of the National Park Service in 1916, the U.S. Army was responsible for protecting our first national parks. Soldiers from the Presidio of San Francisco spent the summer months in Yosemite and Sequoia. Their tasks included blazing trails, constructing roads, creating maps, evicting grazing livestock, extinguishing fires, monitoring tourists, and keeping poachers and loggers at bay. Buffalo Soldiers in Yosemite Clear Waters Story Map Sierra Nevada lakes provide habitat for wild plants and animals and supply fresh water to downstream farms and communities. Their rugged settings and clear blue water make them popular hiking destinations. But the condition of these lakes is affected by deposition of air pollutants, warming temperatures, and non-native species. In this story map, readers join Sierra Nevada Network field scientists as they travel to remote areas and study lake ecosystems. Two women scientists wearing backpacks and smiling, standing in front of a mountain lake. Explorers for Bats Most scientists are not rock climbers, and vice-versa, but the two groups work together to study a unique type of animal: bats! As white-nose syndrome spreads across the United States and impacts bat populations, rock climbers who visit national parks are becoming key members of the research teams tasked with protecting threatened and endangered bat species. View a 13-minute video which highlights these efforts. person climbs sheer rock face River Hydrology Monitoring The Sierra Nevada national parks contain the headwaters of seven major watersheds, and the gradual spring melt of the winter snowpack provides water to park ecosystems as well as rural and urban areas throughout California. Learn more about the Sierra Nevada Network river hydrology project, monitoring the quantity and timing of streamflow in a subset of major rivers. Two women wearing raincoats and waders in the middle of a river taking measurements of flow levels. 2010 NPS Environmental Achievement Awards Recipients of the 2010 NPS Environmental Achievement Awards 2009 NPS Environmental Achievement Awards Recipients of the 2009 Environmental Achievement Awards 2011 NPS Environmental Achievement Awards Recipients of the 2011 NPS Environmental Achievement Awards 2008 NPS Environmental Achievement Awards Recipients of the 2008 NPS Environmental Achievement Awards Science for Bats National parks serve as excellent laboratories for scientific research. Find out what scientists are learning about bats in Yosemite National Park. The Civilian Conservation Corps As part of the New Deal Program, to help lift the United States out of the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933. The CCC or C’s as it was sometimes known, allowed single men between the ages of 18 and 25 to enlist in work programs to improve America’s public lands, forests, and parks. CCC men lined up in front of a building and looking at a flag pole with an american flag. Chinese Immigrant Past in Yosemite Yosemite Park Ranger uncovers Chinese immigrant history at the park. Her research and history discovery events have excited and involved new audiences. A group of people smiling The Ahwahnee, A Collaborative Model for the Future Challenges were many in updating the historic Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite to correct hazards to guests’ safety and facility protection from fire. Questions included how to continue work while accommodating guests, and how to minimize closure time. Everyone had the same goal--to preserve and maintain the hotel. This successful project exemplifies the challenges of fire protection in our iconic places and what can be achieved through collaboration. NPS Structural Fire Program Highlights 2014 Intern Accomplishments Monitoring Wetlands Ecological Integrity Wetlands occupy less than 10 percent of the Sierra Nevada, but they are habitat for a large diversity of plants and animals. They provide nesting and foraging habitat for birds, play an important role in the life cycle of many invertebrate and amphibian species, and are a rich source of food for small mammals and bears. They store nutrients and sediment and control flooding. Learn more about monitoring of plant communities, groundwater dynamics, and macroinvertebrates. Biologists examine a soil profile in a meadow to evaluate the type of wetland. Monitoring Birds in Sierra Nevada Network Parks More than 60 percent of the vertebrate species in Sierra Nevada Network parks are birds. These parks provide critical breeding, stopover, and wintering habitats for birds, but there are numerous stressors such as climate change and habitat loss that cause declines in some bird populations. Learn more about why birds are good indicators of ecosystem change and how they are being monitored. Western Tanager perched on a tree branch Monitoring Lakes in Sierra Nevada Network Parks Sequoia & Kings Canyon and Yosemite national parks protect over 1,200 lakes that have some of the highest water quality in the Sierra Nevada. High-elevation lakes are critical components of the parks’ ecosystems, popular visitor destinations, and habitat for aquatic and terrestrial organisms. However, these lakes are affected by air pollution, climate change, and non-native species. Learn more about these lakes and how the Sierra Nevada Network monitors their water quality. Lake monitoring crew member paddles out for a mid-lake sample 2019 Connecting with our Homelands Awardees Hopa Mountain, in partnership with the National Park Service, is pleased to announce the 2019 awardees of the Connecting with our Homelands travel grants. Twenty-one Indigenous organizations, schools, and nonprofits have been awarded travel funds for trips to national park units across 12 states/territories within the United States. An elder and young student talk while sitting on a rock. National Parks Pitch In to Help Save Monarch Butterflies As scientists and citizen scientists have noted, insect populations are plummeting across the globe. Monarch butterfly populations are no exception. Recent counts show that the western population has experienced a precipitous drop. As of 2018, the population of monarchs overwintering along the California coast stands at just 0.6% of what it was in the 1980s. Monarch butterflies among eucalyptus leaves, viewed through a scope America's Best Idea: Featured National Historic Landmarks Over 200 National Historic Landmarks are located in national parks units. Some historical and cultural resources within the park system were designated as NHLs before being established as park units. Yet other park units have NHLs within their boundaries that are nationally significant for reasons other than those for which the park was established. Twenty of those NHLs are located in parks featured in Ken Burn's documentary, The National Parks: America's Best Idea. watchtower against blue sky Cascade Fire: Right Fire, Right Place, Right Time The Cascade fire, started by lightning in a wilderness area of Yosemite in June 2012, was not actively suppressed. It would lightly burn for five months and become the right fire, in the right place, at right time. The only action that firefighters took was to construct a half-mile check line. Park staff took advantage of educational opportunities as smoke was visible from several locations. The fire burned 1,705 acres, and cost approximately $200/acre to manage. firefighter working with a hoe to dig a fireline on a slope with lots of vegetation. Historic Ashes: Glacier Point Hotel 1969 There may have never been a better balcony view than that from the historic Glacier Point Hotel (YOSE). In winter 1968–1969 the hotel was damaged by heavy snow pack and was closed for business that summer. On July 10, 1969 an electrical fire completely destroyed the hotel and nearby Mountain House. Structure fire response was 28 miles away by mountain road. Use this look back at the losses of our NPS heritage to inspire and direct our efforts to protect what still remains. historic image of Glacier Point Hotel PARKS...IN...SPAAAACE!!! NASA astronauts have quite literally an out-of-this-world view of national parks and take some pretty stellar pictures to share. Travel along with the space station on its journey west to east getting the extreme bird’s eye view of national parks across the country. And one more down-to-earth. View of Denali National Park & Preserve from space Fire Communication and Education Grants Enhance Fire Interpretation and Outreach in the National Parks in 2015 and Beyond The 2015 National Park Service Fire Communication and Education Grant Program provided funding for projects, programs, or tasks in twelve parks around the country. A woman studies a small coniferous tree while a younger woman looks on. Tent Cabins and Grand Lodges – Memories of Family Vacations in Yosemite What is our obligation for providing fire and life safety in concessions operations? Generally, it is no different from our obligations in any building. We are as responsible for the buildings that are under contract to concessions operators as we are for buildings used solely for NPS operations. But how we accomplish the goal of making a building safe differs. We use contracts, operations plans, annual assurance inspections, and action when requirements are not followed. National Park Service Staff Explore Strategies for Success at Leadership Conference With a goal of creating better leaders and promoting gender balance, the 2016 Women and Leadership Conference introduced influential policy and business leaders who shared their insights and offered tools to help participants become leaders in their respective fields. A group of men and women stand in front of a blue curtain and an Andrus Center banner. Historic Visibility Studies in National Parks Haze can negatively impact how well people can see and appreciate our national parks across the country. This article summarizes the visibility studies from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s aimed at identifying the sources of haze causing pollution at specific parks and improving visibility monitoring methods. Big bend national park river Using Lake Superior parks to explain the Midcontinent Rift Explaining the spectacular scenery around Lake Superior resulting from the 1.1 billion–year–old Midcontinent Rift System gives park interpreters an opportunity to discuss some of the most important processes that shape our planet and influenced the region’s settlement and growth. Kayakers paddle past sandstone rocks at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (Seth Stein) 2012 Freeman Tilden Award Recipients In 2012, seven rangers were awarded the national and region Freeman Tilden Awards for innovative and exciting interpretive programs. Learn their stories and more about their award-winning programs. Renee Albertoli World War II Plane Crashes in National Parks During WWII, more than 7,100 air crashes involved US Army Air Force (USAAF) aircraft occurred on American soil. Collectively these crashes resulted in the loss of more than 15,599 lives (Mireles 2006). Many of these military aircraft accidents occurred in remote, often mountainous, areas managed by the National Park Service. plane crash at base of grassy hill The Sounds of Spring When the weather warms, national parks across the country rouse from winter’s sleep. The sounds you hear in parks reflect this seasonal change. They contribute to the unique soundscape of these special places, and are among the resources that the National Park Service protects. Sandhill cranes dance in a courtship ritual in flooded grasslands at Great Sand Dunes NP. Wildland Fire in Douglas Fir: Western United States Douglas fir is widely distributed throughout the western United States, as well as southern British Columbia and northern Mexico. Douglas fir is able to survive without fire, its abundantly-produced seeds are lightweight and winged, allowing the wind to carry them to new locations where seedlings can be established. Close-up of Douglas fir bark and needles. NPS Branch of Structural Fire and Yosemite National Park Announce New Training Class The NPS Firefighter I program (Defensive Firefighter) was beta tested in Yosemite in 2011. NPS fire instructors put wildland firefighters from several national parks through 40 hours of intense classroom and fire suppression exercises, including structure, vehicle, and dumpster fire extinguishment. The training was designed to instill the skill sets to allow defensive firefighters to operate safely and competently, and helps address the problem of limited resources. two women discuss fire training outside Recipe for Mountain Lake Conservation After a long hike through the mountains, nothing compares to the inspiring beauty of a healthy, colorful mountain lake. But airborne nitrogen pollution threatens the health and function of these alpine oases. man sits by mountain lake Helicopter Rappel Program Gets New Start A US Forest Service helicopter rappeller was killed in 2009, so USFS and NPS helicopter rappel operations were halted while the program was reviewed. Given the terrain of some parks, there remained a strong need for the program. A working group exhaustively reviewed procedures and equipment and implemented needed updates. The new program came back online with live training in May 2012. A person being hoisted by a helicopter Yosemite's World War II Hospital The “U.S. Naval Convalescent Hospital Yosemite National Park, California” was commissioned on June 25, 1943. Originally thought of a the perfect recovery spot for those suffering from shell-shock or battle fatigue (now known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Treatments at the later-renamed Yosemite Special Hospital experiment focused physical and mental health. It proved to be a watershed event in the development of U.S. military medical rehabilitation techniques. B&W; Sailors with bicycles look out on Yosemite Valley 2002 NPS Environmental Achievement Awards Recipients of the 2002 NPS Environmental Achievement Awards 2006 NPS Environmental Achievement Awards Recipients of the 2006 NPS Environmental Achievement Awards 2018 Harry Yount National Park Ranger Award Park Ranger Jack J. Hoeflich from Yosemite National Park is the recipient of the 2018 National Harry Yount Award. His incredible intellect, physical fitness, stamina, climbing prowess, and passion for helping others is a perfect fit for the unique challenges of providing assistance to visitors in Yosemite’s rugged landscape. Ranger Jack Hoeflich sitting above a canyon Tracking One of California's Rarest Mammals In the winter of 2018, researchers captured one male and two female Sierra Nevada red foxes in and around Lassen Volcanic National Park. These three foxes are the first of the subspecies captured in over a decade and offer hope of better understanding this state-listed threatened species. A man crouches behind a woman kneeling who is releasing a red fox into a snow-covered forest. Park Air Profiles - Yosemite National Park Air quality profile for Yosemite National Park Gives park-specific information about air quality and air pollution impacts for Yosemite NP as well as the studies and monitoring conducted for Yosemite NP. Half Dome formation Walking With Wildflowers: Monitoring Pacific Crest Trail Plant Communities as Climate Changes Walking with Wildflowers is a citizen science program dedicated to monitoring plant phenology along the Pacific Crest Trail using observations from hikers and backpackers. Its main goal is to determine whether plant species are able to respond to changing climatic conditions and better understand how plants use seasonal cues to time flowering. Trail through a meadow surrounded by trees, with mountains beyond Multiyear Prescribed Fire Treatments Protect Community during Rim Fire Past hazardous fuels reduction treatments and prescribed fire have created defensible space for the Hodgdon Meadow area in Yosemite NP. The Rim fire of August 2013 put this theory to the test, and the treatments worked to protect this wildland urban interface. The fuels treatments and prescribed fire align with the NPS goal of creating fire-adapted human communities. Park entrance station with a large plume of smoke in the distance. Fire Prevention Success--What’s Being Accomplished in the National Parks Sam Zuckerman Sam Zuckerman worked on the Sierra Nevada Network forest monitoring crew in 2017, and while he enjoyed the field work, this experience helped him decide he wanted to get involved with all the steps of carrying out a research project. He is pursuing a PhD in Natural Resources at the University of New Hampshire, where his research focuses on tree responses to drought in northeastern forests. Click on the article title to learn more. Field biologist uses meter tape to set up a forest monitoring plot in foxtail pine stand. Pile Burning Protects Landscapes at Yosemite National Park Crews in Yosemite National Park successfully burned an estimated 300 piles over the winter of 2020. The piles were created from debris left over from large-scale landscape restoration projects in the park. Pile burning has been an efficient and effective way for reducing excessive fuel build-up on the landscape, reducing hazardous fuels in the wildland urban interface, and opening some of the most iconic viewsheds. Firefighter tends to a pile of logs and debris burning in a field near a vertical rock face. National Park Service Finds Success at Hiring Event The National Park Service Fire and Aviation Program participated in a hiring event sponsored by the Department of Interior. The special hiring event was held in Bakersfield, CA and was a collaboration of all four natural resource management bureaus to hire open wildland fire positions in 2020. Employees talk to potential job candidates in front of a large promotional panel. Megan Mason Megan Mason worked in Sierra Nevada national parks monitoring lake water chemistry and stream hydrology for two summer seasons. Her work in the Sierra inspired her to go on to graduate school in Geophysics, studying snow science - especially annual and seasonal snow depth patterns and how this information can improve forecasting of streamflow and snowmelt patterns. Learn more about her work and why she decided to pursue graduate research. Woman standing in snow pit holding metal triangular scoop for sampling snow density. Wildland Fire in Ponderosa Pine: Western United States This forest community generally exists in areas with annual rainfall of 25 inches or less. Extensive pure stands of this forest type are found in the southwestern U.S., central Washington and Oregon, southern Idaho and the Black Hills of South Dakota. Recently burned ponderosa pine forest. Zehra Osman Zehra Osman has been a Landscape Architect with the National Park Service since 2001. Through her work at a variety of parks around the country, Zehra explores how cultural landscape documentation and research contributes to historic preservation and planning projects. A smiling woman in a green NPS uniform with arms crossed History of the Panoramic Lookout Project Most documentation of the panoramic lookout photos project, which began about 1930 to document areas seen from the lookout system, comes from the US Forest Service. The NPS project began in 1934. Lester Moe worked for the Forest Service taking photos in 1933 and 1934, and later worked for NPS. Several innovations came about from this project: the Osborne photo-recording transit and “special emulsion infra-red sensitive film” not affected by smoke and haze. sample of the panoramic lookout project Gary Fellers Leaves Legacy of Scientific Inquiry in California National Parks Few individuals have shaped our understanding of terrestrial species in the San Francisco Bay Area and California national parks like Dr. Gary Fellers, who passed away in November. Gary worked at Point Reyes National Seashore from 1983 until his retirement in 2013, first as a National Park Service scientist, and later as a researcher for the USGS Western Ecological Research Center. Dr. Gary Fellers Women of Yosemite: The Concessioners Women have played an important—though often hidden—part in Yosemite. In the 1800s, women were expected to play a traditional role in the private world of the family and the home. With the birth of the railroad and as the Gold Rush drew people to California in the late 1800s, pioneering women found ways to broaden traditional roles. Learn about the women concessioners at Yosemite. Portrait of Bridget Degnan Women of Yosemite: The Adventurers Women have played an important—though often hidden—part in Yosemite. In the 1800s, women were expected to play a traditional role in the private world of the family and the home. With the birth of the railroad and as the Gold Rush drew people to California in the late 1800s, pioneering women found ways to broaden traditional roles. Read about the women who adventured in Yosemite. Two women in long skirts dance on a rock outcrop high above the ground Women of Yosemite: Artists and Writers Women have played an important—though often hidden—part in Yosemite. In the 1800s, women were expected to play a traditional role in the private world of the family and the home. With the birth of the railroad and as the Gold Rush drew people to California in the late 1800s, pioneering women found ways to broaden traditional roles. Learn about early women artists and writers at Yosemite. portrait of Constance Cummings Women of Yosemite: The Employees Women have played an important—though often hidden—part in Yosemite. In the 1800s, women were expected to play a traditional role in the private world of the family and the home. With the birth of the railroad and as the Gold Rush drew people to California in the late 1800s, pioneering women found ways to broaden traditional roles. Read about the early women who worked as NPS employees at Yosemite. Enid Michael dances with a bear 1935 Vladimir Kovalenko Vladimir (Vlad) Kovalenko worked on the Sierra Nevada Network forest monitoring crew in 2015 and 2016, and this work inspired him to go on to graduate school at the University of Montana in 2020. He is pursuing a Master's Degree in Systems Ecology, and his research will focus on Clark's Nutcracker ecology in the whitebark pine ecosystem in Glacier National Park. Click on the title of this article to learn more. Four scientists wearing backpacks with a scenic view of Sierra Nevada mountains in background. Yosemite: On the Homefront After the attacks on Pearl Harbor, Yosemite National Park joined the war effort with the rest of the nation. In addition to its military hospital, Yosemite National Park hosted the United States Army Signal Corps for a training camp, visiting army units, and victory gardens in the employee housing areas. Military group in front of large valley Pollinators - Monarch butterfly More than beautiful, monarch butterflies contribute to the health of our planet. While feeding on nectar, they pollinate many types of wildflowers, yet one of the greatest threats to Monarch populations is loss of habitat. A Monarch clings to an orange flower Yosemite National Park Develops New Helicopter Rappel Program Is the Fate of Whitebark Pine in the Beak of Clark's Nutcracker? Clark’s nutcrackers favor the seeds of whitebark pines, which they cache in great numbers. Whitebark pines are largely dependent on nutcrackers for seed dispersal; many cached seeds are not retrieved and go on to germinate. The tree is in decline due to native bark beetles, a non-native fungus, and climate change. Will the bird turn to other food sources? A recent study analyzes data on both species from the Cascades and Sierra to understand the risk to this mutualism. Gray and black bird with beak open perched in a conifer High-elevation Forest Monitoring Whitebark pine and foxtail pine occupy high-elevation Sierra Nevada treeline and subalpine habitats, environments often too harsh for other tree species to thrive. These forests can have a large influence on key ecosystem processes and dynamics, such as regulating snowmelt and streamflow and providing habitat and food for birds and mammals. Learn more about the threats these trees face and a monitoring program to track changes in their condition. Whitebark pine in Yosemite National Park with scenic granite peaks in background Series: Panoramic Project Shows How National Parks Change Over Time In the 1930s, panoramic photographs were taken from lookout points. Comparing these images to present-day photographs allows us to understand change over time. Viewing photographs of different eras in the national parks can give many insights on ecosystem processes, as well as simply change over time. The panoramic lookout photographs provide a window on the past and an opportunity to compare to the present with changes to landforms and land cover. Lester Moe documenting park landscapes in the 1930s Series: Geologic Time Periods in the Mesozoic Era The Mesozoic Era (251.9 to 66 million years ago) was the "Age of Reptiles." During the Mesozoic, Pangaea began separating into the modern continents, and the modern Rocky Mountains rose. Dinosaurs, crocodiles, and pterosaurs ruled the land and air. As climate changed and rapid plate tectonics resulted in shallow ocean basins, sea levels rose world-wide and seas expanded across the center of North America. fossil dinosaur skull in rock face Series: NPS Environmental Achievement Awards Since 2002, the National Park Service (NPS) has awarded Environmental Achievement (EA) Awards to recognize staff and partners in the area of environmental preservation, protection and stewardship. A vehicle charges at an Electric Vehicle charging station at Thomas Edison National Historical Park Series: Park Air Profiles Clean air matters for national parks around the country. Photo of clouds above the Grand Canyon, AZ NPS Geodiversity Atlas—Yosemite National Park, California Each park-specific page in the NPS Geodiversity Atlas provides basic information on the significant geologic features and processes occurring in the park. Links to products from Baseline Geologic and Soil Resources Inventories provide access to maps and reports. waterfall and half dome Cretaceous Period—145.0 to 66.0 MYA Many now-arid western parks, including Chaco Culture National Historical Park and Mesa Verde National Park, were inundated by the Cretaceous Interior Seaway that bisected North America. Massive dinosaur and other reptile fossils are found in Cretaceous rocks of Big Bend National Park. dinosaur footprint in stone Mesozoic Era The Mesozoic Era (251.9 to 66 million years ago) was the "Age of Reptiles." During the Mesozoic, Pangaea began separating into the modern continents, and the modern Rocky Mountains rose. Dinosaurs, crocodiles, and pterosaurs ruled the land and air. As climate changed and rapid plate tectonics resulted in shallow ocean basins, sea levels rose world-wide and seas expanded across the center of North America. fossil dinosaur skull in rock face Wildland Fire in Lodgepole Pine The bark of lodgepoles is thin, which does not protect the trunks from scorching by fire. They die easily when a fire passes through. However, the serotinous cones give lodgepole pine a special advantage for spreading seeds for the next generation. Close-up of the needles of a lodgepole pine. Rangers, Not Rangerettes Increasing national park visitation and a lack of qualified men due to World War I, coupled with educated women being in the right place at the right time, created opportunities for a few more women to become park rangers in 1918. Studio Photo of Clare Hodges The Unisex Uniform R. Bryce Workman’s book National Park Service Uniforms: Breeches, Blouses, and Skirt 1918-1991, published by the NPS in 1998, has been the go-to resource for the history of women’s uniforms. Although it contains much useful information and photographic documentation, some of his assumptions must be challenged if we are to fully understand how the uniform reflects women’s history in the NPS. The 1920 official ranger uniform coat was similar to the authorized 1917 pattern. More Than “Just” A Secretary If you’re only familiar with modern office practices, you may not recognize many of jobs necessary to run an office or national park over much of the past hundred years. Today, typewriters have given way to computers, photocopy machines have replaced typing pools, stenographers are rarely seen outside of courtrooms, and callers are largely expected to pick extensions from digital directories. Women skiing The Odd “Man” Out? Studies of NPS women’s uniforms often begin in 1918 with Clare Marie Hodges—and the statement (accepted as fact) that she didn’t wear a uniform. But which uniform are they referring to? While it’s true that Hodges didn’t wear the iconic green-and-gray uniform we know today, her clothes do reflect the accepted “riding uniform” worn by most early park rangers. Clare Marie Hodges, 1918. (Yosemite National Park photo) The Authority of the Badge Following the success of Clare Marie Hodges as the first women ranger in 1918, Yosemite National Park hired at least five more women rangers in the 1920s. Using his discretion as superintendent, W.B. Lewis didn’t designate them as uniformed positions. His reasons are unknown. It could be that he didn’t support women wearing uniforms. Given that he hired the women rangers, however, he should perhaps be given the benefit of the doubt on that issue until proven otherwise. 1906 Ranger Badge A Family Affair Yosemite National Park hired a handful of women as temporary rangers in the 1920s. Like those at Yellowstone National Park, most had family connections to the park that made them well suited to work in remote areas. Enid Michael (right) with visitors at her wildflower display. (Yosemite National Park photo) Two for the Price of One Companion, assistant, confidant, ambassador, host, nurse, cook, secretary, editor, field technician, wildlife wrangler, diplomat, and social director are some of the many roles that people who marry into the NPS perform in support of their spouses and the NPS mission. Although the wives and daughters of park rangers were some of the earliest women rangers in the NPS, many more women served as “park wives” in the 1920s–1940s. Three members of a family Did You Know We Never Hire Women? In 1920, as Ranger Isabel Bassett Wasson arrived at Yellowstone, Dr. Harold C. Bryant and Dr. Loye Holmes Miller launched the new NPS education program with the Free Nature Guide Service at Yosemite National Park. Female Ranger talks to a crowd Protecting the Ranger Image In 1926, five women rangers worked in Yellowstone National Park. Marguerite Lindsley was the only permanent ranger and supervised the museum at Mammoth. Frieda B. Nelson and Irene Wisdom were temporary park rangers. Wisdom worked at the entrance station, while Nelson did clerical duties in the chief ranger’s office and worked in the information office. Ranger dancing with a bear The Women Naturalists Only two early women park rangers made the transition to park naturalists. Having resigned her permanent ranger position after her marriage, Marguerite Lindsley Arnold returned to Yellowstone National Park under the temporary park ranger (naturalist) title from 1929 to 1931. Yosemite rehired Ranger Enid Michael as temporary naturalist each summer from 1928 to 1942. A handful of other parks hired a few new women under the newly created ranger-naturalist designation. Polly Mead, a woman park ranger-naturalist is giving a talk outdoors to a group of visitors. 1931 Who Wears the Pants Around Here? After a promising start in the early 1920s, only a handful of women were hired as park rangers and naturalists in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Carlsbad Caverns National Park and the national monuments of the Southwest became the new hot spots for women in uniformed positions in the 1930s. Women in skirts and pants The Job is His, Not Yours In the early 1950s, park wives continued to function as they had from the 1920s to the 1940s. The NPS still got Two For the Price of One, relying on women to keep monuments in the Southwest running, to give freely of their time and talents, to build and maintain park communities, and to boost morale among park staffs. With the creation of the Mission 66 Program to improve park facilities, the NPS found new ways to put some park wives to (unpaid) work. Man and woman with telescope NPS mentors Chinese-Tibetan community rangers The NPS Office of International Affairs mentors park colleagues across the world as they strive to manage the natural and cultural resources in their countries. One example is the partnership work at a new national park in China. Climate Smart Conservation Planning for the National Parks In response to climate change, park managers are having to rethink how they plan for the future. Climate Smart Conservation is a process that can help managers achieve goals in the face of coming changes. Under this framework, scientists and managers use their collective knowledge to anticipate problems and be proactive, rather than reactive. Pika with a mouthful of grass Become a Yosemite B.A.R.K. Ranger For many, pets are an important member of our families. If you are planning to bring a furry family member on your trip to Yosemite, make sure you are prepared to follow the B.A.R.K. Ranger code. The code helps protect you, your pet, and the park. If the activities you have planned for your visit do not allow for pets or are unsafe, consider leaving them at home. Small dog on leash on a boardwalk next to a ranger hat Geologic Type Section Inventory for Sierra Nevada Network Parks A recent NPS Geological Resources Division report for Sierra Nevada Network parks highlights geologic features (or “stratotypes”) of parks that serve as the standard for identifying geologic units. Stratotypes are important because they store knowledge, represent important comparative sites where past knowledge can be built up or re-examined, and can serve as teaching sites for students. Learn more about Sierra Nevada geology and the stratotypes that help characterize it. View of sheer cliffs on northeast side of Mount Whitney, Sequoia National Park. Sandy Hernandez: No Us and Them in Nature Although Sandy Hernandez connected to the natural world at an early age, she’s also been made to feel “out of place” there. Her Latinx family faced criticism during their first visit to Yosemite National Park, where she was about to become an employee. Since then, she has worked to make sure that People of Color have a place in outdoor spaces and the NPS workforce. Her leadership philosophy rests on making stewardship a team effort and gathering diverse voices at the table. Sandy Hernandez in NPS uniform holds the edges of her flat hat, standing outside. Fat Book Week You've heard of #FatBearWeek...now get ready for #FatBookWeek! In honor of the 10,000+ books in the Longfellow family collection, we called on other literary-minded sites to submit the fattest book in their museum collections for a tournament-style bracket of 10 heavyweight tomes. Check out the bracket, then visit @LONGNPS on Instagram each morning from October 6-12 to vote for your favorite bulky book! Graphic of a bear with a paw on a stack of books. Text reads "Fat Book Week October 6-12, 2021" “A New Attraction” States licensed women hunting and fishing guides as early as the 1890s, but in national parks the emphasis was on nature study and tours for visitors. It’s commonly thought that Rocky Mountain National Park was the first park to license women guides in 1917, but there was at least one licensed woman guide working at Glacier National Park four years earlier. Collage of newspaper photographs featuring portraits of women Yosemite National Park Fire Managers Partner with Indian Tribes for Prescribed Fire Project Members of Yosemite Fire look on as the Southern Sierra Miwuk engage in a ceremony and traditional methods to ignite the prescribed fire. NPS Photo by Brent Johnson. Pilot Conservation Corps Program Offers Women Training and Experience in Wildland Fire Pilot Conservation Corps Program Offers Women Training and Experience in Wildland Fire Women Firefighters with dirty faces standing on burnt ground Tuolumne Meadows Campground in Yosemite National Park To Be Repaired and Improved through GAOA Funding Yosemite National Park’s largest campground is receiving a major overhaul with funding from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). The $20 million project will rehabilitate and modernize the Tuolumne Meadows campground which hosts more than 150,000 campers annually. Creek along a path in the woods Finding Places Buffered from Climate Change in a Bid to Protect Them Existing tools to identify and protect areas where the climate is changing more slowly may help preserve resources into an uncertain future. A healthy stand of giant sequoia trees bears the signs of a previous fire. Prescribed Burning in Yosemite Valley has Multiple Benefits Yosemite National Park initiated a valley-wide restoration project to remediate excessive tree mortality from the 2014-2015 drought, as well as to restore native plant communities and cultural practices. Staff burned 182 acres in May 2021, launching an ambitious plan to ultimately treat all 11,571 acres in the Valley units with fire over the upcoming years, as conditions allow. Prescribed fire in Yosemite Valley helps to restore native plants. Technology Helps Measure Prescribed Fire Objectives Fire effects monitoring crews (FEMO) from North Cascades National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and the Fremont-Winema National Forest assisted Yosemite National Park fire crews in measuring post-fire effects of the 2020 Blue Jay and 2021 Lukens fire footprints. Crews measured post-fire effects to ensure that the park is meeting fire management objectives. Data will assist in streamlining approaches to measure reductions in fuel loading and other resource objectives. Staff use terrestrial Lidar device to measure forest conditions after a prescribed fire. All Women’s Fire Crew Success in Yosemite National Park During summer 2021, Yosemite National Park was selected by the National Park Service Fire Management Leadership Board (FMLB) as one of two national park units to host a six-person all-women fire crew for 10 weeks. The project was funded by the National Park Foundation through a grant provided by Recreational Equipment, Incorporated (REI). The six women for Yosemite were selected through a competitive application process conducted by the California Conservation Corps. Women’s Conservation Corps Crew stops for a photo at Olmstead Point at Yosemite National Park. Changing Patterns of Water Availability May Change Vegetation Composition in US National Parks Across the US, changes in water availability are altering which plants grow where. These changes are evident at a broad scale. But not all areas experience the same climate in the same way, even within the boundaries of a single national park. A new dataset gives park managers a valuable tool for understanding why vegetation has changed and how it might change in the future under different climate-change scenarios. Green, orange, and dead grey junipers in red soil, mountains in background Shirley Sargent Born on July 12, 1927 in Pasadena California, Shirley Sargent grew up to become a prolific historian of Yosemite National Park. A black and white photo of woman with short hair on a bicycle, smiling Ranger Roll Call, 1916-1929 Recent research demonstrates that there were more women rangers and ranger-naturalists in early National Park Service (NPS) history than previously thought. However, the number of women in uniformed positions was quite low in any given year. Ranger Frieda Nelson shows of the suspenders used to hold up her uniform breeches. Clare Marie Hodges Clare Marie Hodges first visited Yosemite National Park when she was just 14 years old. She felt a connection to the park and eventually got a job there as a teacher. When World War I made it hard to find men for vacant ranger positions, Hodges seized the opportunity to become the first woman ranger at the park. Clare Hodges posing for a photo wearing a blouse, scarf and soft-brimmed hat. Staff Spotlight: George McDonald Meet George McDonald, the Chief of Youth Programs and the Experienced Services Program Division. George oversees projects and programs that involve youth and young adults working at National Park Service sites across the country, primarily focusing on individuals 15 to 30 years old, and those 35 years old or under who are military veterans. These projects generally cover natural and cultural resource conservation. Learn more about him. George McDonald smiling at Grand Canyon National Park The Resource Stewardship Scout Ranger Program Brings BSA Scouts and National Parks Together To connect more youth to their local communities, NPS created the Resource Stewardship Scout Ranger Program in partnership with the Boy Scouts of America, which welcomes boys, girls, and young adults to participate. Through this program, BSA Scouts and Cub Scouts can earn award certificates and may also receive a patch. Learn more in this article. William Kai, a Cub Scout, holds up his Resource Stewardship Scout Ranger Certificate Award Thaddeus Bell and James Etheredge: Changing Expectations In the 1960s, James Etheredge and Thaddeus Bell were part of a pioneering group of African American college students who helped diversity the National Park Service by serving as seasonal rangers in park in the West. Neither made a career in the NPS, but their summer jobs at Yosemite and the Grand Canyon left lasting impressions. A young African American man in NPS uniform poses beside a building, with hat on his raised knee Keith Park: Horticulturist, Arborist in the Pacific West Region Keith Park is as a horticulturalist and certified arborist and maintains the historic landscapes at John Muir National Historic Site, Eugene O’Neil National Historic Site, Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park, and Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial. He received the 2021 regional Cultural Resource Award for Facility Maintenance Specialist for his outreach work with community partners and National Park Service sites across the Pacific West. Man stands in tree Ranger Roll Call, 1930-1939 Few women worked in uniformed positions in the 1930s but those who did weren't only ranger-checkers or ranger-naturalists. Jobs as guides, historians, archeologists, and in museums opened to more women. Seven women in Park Service uniforms stand in line inside a cave. The Winds of Change The history of women rangers in the National Park Service (NPS) was believed to start with Yosemite and Mount Rainier national parks in 1918, followed by Yellowstone in 1920. New information confirms that Wind Cave National Park, which had a third of the visitors of these other parks in 1917, hired the first woman ranger in 1916 and the second in 1918. Esther Brazell in a cap and gown. Ranger Roll Call, 1940-1949 Only a small number of women held temporary ranger positions in national parks during World War II. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, national monuments in the Southwest, and historical sites in the East continued to employ more women. Although a few women veterans benefitted from post-war veteran hiring programs, most veterans were men and permanent positions became even more difficult for women to get. Catherine Byrnes and Barbara Dickinson stand outside modeling the NPS uniform. Bridging Boundaries to Protect Migratory Birds U.S. national parks are part of an international network tracking vulnerable migratory birds. They are also vital training grounds for future bird conservationists. Young man holds the hand of a boy with a bird in it Ta-bu-ce In the 1930s, the National Park Service (NPS) hired a handful of Native Americans to demonstrate their crafts, cooking methods, and other traditional skills for visitors. One of the earliest cultural demonstrators at Yosemite National Park was Ta-bu-ce, a Paiute woman also known as Maggie Howard. Maggie Howard sitting among baskets of acorns. Bridalveil Creek Campground Water Distribution System in Yosemite National Park to be Rehabilitated through GAOA Funds Yosemite National Park, with funding from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) will rehabilitate the Bridalveil Creek Campground water system by replacing the groundwater treatment vault, chlorination system, and 11,586 feet of water lines. a large dirt hole reveals an underground pipe. Construction vehicles and trees are in the background Critical 70KV Transmission Line from Yosemite National Park’s boundary to Highway 140 Powerhouse to be Replaced through GAOA Funding Yosemite National Park, with funding from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), will replace critical failing electrical infrastructure and a high voltage transmission line that serve multiple areas in Yosemite National Park including: Yosemite Valley, Turtleback emergency communications hub, and the Wawona Tunnel distribution systems. A helicopter flies with a powerline tower across a mountain range Glacier Point Road in Yosemite National Park to be Rehabilitated through GAOA Funding Yosemite National Park, with funding from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), will repair a 10-mile stretch of Glacier Point Road between Badger Pass and Glacier Point. The last major maintenance on this road was completed about 1980. A yellow dump truck goes downhill on a dirt road Crane Flat Campground in Yosemite National Park to be Rehabilitated through GAOA Funding In a world where more Americans are looking for opportunities to take a break from technology and enjoy the great outdoors, campgrounds are just as relevant today as they were to early twentieth-century campers. To create a campground better suited for modern day use, this project will reconstruct roads, regrade campsites, add amenities, and improve landscaping. Eight Campsites will be upgraded to meet federal accessibility standards and new accessible paths will connects Large tire tread imprints on a dirt road follow a large construction vehicle in the forest Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park to be Rehabilitated through GAOA Funding Yosemite National Park, with funding from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), has been conducting a multiphase project to make comprehensive repairs and upgrades to the Ahwahnee Hotel. This leg of the project will bring the landmark hotel and associated cottages into compliance with current codes, seismic safety, and accessibility standards. A stone building with wood trim sits in front of a stone mountain with trees Four Birds from Golden Gate and Yosemite Star in New Study of Migratory Species’ Responses to Climate Change Scientists have abundant data on bird population trends and on climate change impacts to habitats around the world. For birds that stay in one place year round, linking the two to study bird population responses to climate change is relatively straightforward. But migratory birds spend time in different places at different times. As a result, all of that existing data isn’t enough to tease apart how climate impacts birds at different stages of their annual journeys. Bird with black head, deep orange breast, black-and-white wings, and a wide gray beak. Forgotten Footsteps: The Role of Chinese in Yosemite's History Chinese people moved to California during the Gold Rush, but by 1850 the Foreign Miners Tax forced many Chinese to search for work outside the mines. Chinese workers, some immigrants and some American-born, began arriving in the Yosemite area around this time. Resilient and skilled, they soon found work, and a home, in Yosemite. Here, Chinese filled a growing need for essential work such as cooking, farming, cleaning, ranching, and road building. Chef Tie Sing in an apron surrounded by a table of men in the wilderness Ranger Emily Dayhoff’s Road to the National Park Service Ranger Emily Dayhoff shares her “official” and “real” roads to her career with the National Park Service. She shares how her Southern Sierra Miwuk and Chukchansi Yokut heritage gives her a special connection and perspective to Yosemite National Park. Ranger Emily Dayhoff cleaning a basket in her lap Taking the Pulse of U.S. National Parks How do we know if parks are healthy? We measure their vital signs, of course! Across the country, there are 32 inventory and monitoring networks that measure the status and trends of all kinds of park resources. We're learning a lot after years of collecting data. Check out these articles written for kids and reviewed by kids in partnership with the international online journal Frontiers for Young Minds. A cartoon of a ranger taking the pulse of the Earth. Series: Geologic Time—Major Divisions and NPS Fossils The National Park System contains a magnificent record of geologic time because rocks from each period of the geologic time scale are preserved in park landscapes. The geologic time scale is divided into four large periods of time—the Cenozoic Era, Mesozoic Era, Paleozoic Era, and The Precambrian. photo of desert landscape with a petrified wood log on the surface Series: Women's History in the Pacific West - California-Great Basin Collection Biographies from Northern California, Central Valley, Sierra Nevada Mountains and Nevada Map of northern California, Central Valley, Sierra Nevada Mountains and Nevada Bird Population Trends in the Sierra Nevada Network, 2011-2019 Birds occur across a wide range of habitats and their sensitivity to change makes them good indicators of ecosystem health. The Sierra Nevada Network partners with The Institute for Bird Populations to monitor breeding-bird species. Population trends between 2011 and 2019 are summarized by species and park, and in relation to mean spring temperature and amount of snow. Learn which species were increasing or declining at network parks during this period. Bird (flycatcher) perched on leafy stem of a tree. Effective fire management reaps benefits in Yosemite National Park Yosemite National Park managed the lightning-ignited Red and Rodgers fires in summer 2022. Park management chose to use a strategy to confine and contain the fires using natural barriers such as rocks, trails, and creeks, to minimize the risk to firefighters due to remoteness of the area, as well as steep, rugged terrain. A group of firefighters listens to a speaker at the base of a fire lookout tower. Yosemite National Park's aggressive initial attack response on the Washburn Fire The Mariposa Grove is the largest of three giant sequoia groves in Yosemite National Park with about 580 trees. They are a fire-adapted species that grow naturally only in the California Sierra Nevada mountain range. Historically, fire rarely killed mature giant sequoias, but approximately 20% of giant sequoias have been lost in recent years from high severity fires. When 911 callers reported a wildfire near the Mariposa Grove, a full suppression response was launched. Firefighters stand in front of a giant sequoia with a large cavity at the bottom. 50 Nifty Finds #4: Getting In the Zone For more than a century the National Park Service (NPS) has won awards and honors for its work preserving cultural and natural resources and sharing the diverse stories of American history. One of its earliest honors came from the Panama-Pacific International Exposition held in San Francisco, California, in 1915. But wait…The NPS was created in 1916, right? How could it win an award before it existed? Round bronze medal featuring nude man and woman Guide to the Henry G. Peabody Photograph Collection Finding aid for the Henry G. Peabody Collection Guide to the Thomas J. Allen Photograph Collection Finding aid for the Thomas J. Allen Photographs in the NPS History Collection. 50 Nifty Finds #6: Something Fishy How do fish get up the mountain? By horse, of course! When is a plant not a plant? When you plant a fish! What? No, those aren’t nonsensical kids’ jokes. Photographs from the NPS Historic Photograph Collection will help explain. A string of mules being led along a trail carrying milk cans Guide to the General Milton F. Davis Papers This finding aid describes the General Milton F. Davis Papers, which is part of the National Park Service (NPS) History Collection. 50 Nifty Finds #9: Green Stamps Described by some as "the greatest propaganda campaign ever launched by the federal government to exploit the scenic wonders of the United States," the national park stamps issued by the U.S. Post Office Department in 1934 became one of the most recognized series of U.S. stamps. Despite being in the middle of the Great Depression, over one billion of the 10 national park stamps were printed in under two years. College of ten colorful national park stamps 50 Nifty Finds #11: Carving a Place in NPS History Few employees have left as visible a mark on National Park Service (NPS) exhibits as John A. Segeren. His work has been enjoyed by generations of park visitors who never knew his name but appreciated his intricate wood carvings and playful animal figures displayed in parks throughout the system. A master woodcarver described by former President Lyndon B. Johnson as "a legacy to this country," Segeren carved out his own place in NPS history. Round wooden plaque with bison, globe, and waterfall 50 Nifty Finds #12: Glamping Gear The word “glamping” was officially added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2016. For many, it combines the love of outdoors with the comforts of home, including good food and a comfortable bed. That combination aptly describes a 1915 backcountry trip that was instrumental in gaining support for the creation of the National Park Service (NPS). As equipment improved in the 1920s, friends gave NPS Director Stephen T. Mather some of the latest glamping gear available. Folded khaki covered air mattress 50 Nifty Finds #13: The Artistry of Adult Coloring They say that coloring provides stress relief for adults as well as children. For artists at the National Park Service (NPS) Western Museum Laboratory in the 1930s, however, it wasn't easy to hand-color glass lanterns slides depicting the landscapes, people, plants, and animals of places they had never seen. Quality and accuracy were essential because the slides were used by rangers to illustrate lectures and to encourage people to visit national parks. Color image of a giant sequoia tree. The building and car at the base look tiny in comparison. Keeping Up With the Johnsons Hitch a historical ride on a 1923 national park road trip! Travel with Pete and Flo Johnson in their 1920 Buick as they travel across the country and experience the national parks of a century ago. A woman cooks on a stove in front of a 1920s car with a tent attached to the side 50 Nifty Finds #15: The Art of Politics Political cartoons have long been a way for artists and their editors to bring attention to important social issues or political corruption and to support meaningful causes. The NPS History Collection includes drawings by some of the most influential cartoonists from the 1920s to the 1950s. Their support publicized the National Park Service (NPS) while helping build political support to protect park resources from commercial interests. Cartoon of a foot labeled Environmental Policy Making a Difference: The Clean Air Act and Mountain Lakes As early as the 1920s, Sierra Nevada lakes, despite their remote wilderness locations, showed increased acidification associated with industrialization. By the late 1970s, acidification began declining. A clear example of environmental policy making a difference, water quality in lakes improved in response to implementation of the Clean Air Act initiated in 1970 and further amended in subsequent years. Learn more about the research documenting this improved water quality. Scientist in a raft with sampling gear visible, ready to row to middle of lake and collect data. Assessing Nitrogen in Sierra Nevada Lakes Sierra Nevada lakes provide habitats for native animals, such as Sierra yellow-legged frogs, aquatic invertebrates, and terrestrial animals that feed on lake-dwelling organisms. Even though many of these lakes are in remote wilderness locations, air pollution can cross park boundaries and affect the lakes’ water quality. This article summarizes a study in which researchers assess nitrogen amounts and attempt to understand its effects on Sierra Nevada lakes. View of clear mountain lake reflecting blue sky, clouds, and mountains. 50 Nifty Finds #18: Portable Posters Many visitors to national parks today collect passport stamps, magnets, or other items to recall their trip and to show others where they’ve been. In the 1920s and 1930s the “must have” souvenirs weren’t created to be collected. National Park Service (NPS) windshield stickers served a practical administrative purpose; they were evidence that the automobile license fee drivers paid at some parks had been paid. Even so, Americans embraced their colorful, artistic designs. Four colorful Rocky Mountain National Park windshield stickers. Staff Spotlight: Claire Finn Meet Claire Finn, a Youth Program Specialist with the Historic Preservation Training Center! Young female wearing the NPS uniform with a ball cap and NPS logo in the center. 50 Nifty Finds #21: A Good Trip One of the first Congressional committees to conduct an inspection tour of national parks was the US House of Representatives Appropriations Committee during the summer of 1920. Given the financial needs of the fledgling National Park Service (NPS), it was a high-stakes tour. Although a few members of the press called the trip an unnecessary junket, the tour highlighted NPS needs and created Congressional support for budget increases throughout the 1920s. Hand-colored photo of a meadow and mountain 50 Nifty Finds #22: It's a Wrap! Rangers in leggings? It may not sound very practical or professional, but leggings were part of National Park Service (NPS) uniforms for decades. They weren’t the leggings we think of today though! Practical for protecting the legs, leather puttees or leggings were part of the "ranger look" from the earliest NPS uniforms. As the NPS evolved and the National Park System expanded, however, they became unfashionable and unnecessary. Brown leather puttees My Park Story: Dr. Bill Pollard Meet Dr. Bill Pollard, a member of the Volunteers-In-Parks program with the Trails & Rails program who brings his own unique perspective to volunteering with the National Park Service. Bill Pollard on a train speaking to someone who is out of frame. My Park Story: Dr. Laura Barraclough Meet Dr. Laura Barraclough, a volunteer through Volunteers-In-Parks with the Trails & Rails program who brings her own unique perspective to volunteering with the National Park Service. Headshot of Dr. Laura Barraclough. Species in the Spotlight: Yosemite Toad Yosemite toads (Anaxyrus canorus) are endemic to the Sierra Nevada and were listed as a Federally Threatened Species in 2014 due to widespread population declines. Learn more about the Yosemite toad in this Species in the Spotlight. a close up of a Yosemite toad's face with dark blotches over lighter brown skin pattern 50 Nifty Finds #24: Fire Away! In the 1930s the National Park Service (NPS) fire suppression policy received a boost from Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) funding. CCC enrollees built roads, fire breaks, fire trails, lookouts, and other infrastructure in national parks across the country. At the same time, another significant effort was underway to improve how quickly forest fires could be detected and suppressed. The tool used to accomplish this was a camera—a very special camera. Man in a tree with a camera on a tripod 50 Nifty Finds #27: A Distinction Without a Difference The 1920 National Park Service (NPS) uniform regulations included sleeve insignia to identify the job and rank of the person wearing it. As far as the public was concerned, however, sleeve insignia were a distinction without a difference. Like today, visitors approached anyone in uniform. It wasn't long before their usefulness was questioned, but it was over 15 years before they—and the "officers and men" idea they embodied—were officially removed from the NPS uniform. Round patch with two oak leaves with a white ink well and quill pen John Muir Trail Virtual Visit Stretching approximately 214 miles from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney, the John Muir Trail (JMT) was the first long-distance trail on the West Coast and arguably the first of its kind in the United States. The trail showcases California's superlative High Sierra scenery and required extraordinary skill and effort locate, design, and construct. Explore the trail via HDP’s StoryMaps and archival HALS documentation. John Muir, full-length portrait, facing right, seated on rock with lake and trees in background 50 Nifty Finds #31: Going in Circles One of the highlights of the National Park Service (NPS) History Collection is the leather hatband that belonged to Horace M. Albright. There was never any doubt that it would be the subject of a 50 Nifty Finds article. When we sat down to write it, however, we quickly found we had more questions than answers. Follow our staff on a research journey that goes from a one-of-a-kind hatband attributed to a former NPS director to a forgotten chapter of NPS uniform history. leather hatband on a plexigla mount Coming Full Circle: How Parks Are Using Conventional Tools in New Ways to Restore Imperiled Forests Depriving western old-growth forests of fire brought them to the brink. Now the fire they need also threatens them. To fix this, parks are returning to mechanical forestry methods. Firefighter walks next to a giant sequoia in a smoke-filled scene. Project Profile: Increase Native Seed Production for 14 California Parks The National Park Service is collaborating with a range of partners to increase regional production capacity for appropriate native plant seed to restore native coastal prairies, interior grasslands and wet meadows, habitat for threatened and endangered species, and provide capacity for post-fire recovery. a person stands in a field of tall grass Project Profile: Southern Sierra Nevada Parks Forest Resilience The National Park Service project will improve forest resilience through restoration of fire damaged forests and thinning dense stands. The project will conduct field surveys, grow and plant seedlings, and thin fuels to protect forests in Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. giant sequoia tree Project Profile: Collect and Curate Native Seed for Fourteen California Parks The National Park Service will collect and curate seeds to support native plant materials development and subsequent restoration at 14 national park units across California. seed crew collects seeds under tree cannopy Guide to the Stephen Tyng Mather Film Collection This finding aid describes the Stephen Tyng Mather Film Collection, part of the NPS History Collection. My Park Story: Amy McKinney Amy McKinney, museum curator, shares her personal story of why she chose museum work and how she started her NPS career. A woman wearing a gray shirt and white gloves holds up an old, framed advertisement. 50 Nifty Finds #34: Poster Boy for Parks Photographer Ansel Adams is renowned for his black-and-white images of western American landscapes. His name conjures iconic images of national parks, particularly his beloved Yosemite. Although his 1941 mural project for the US Department of the Interior (DOI) is better known, Adams also worked with the National Park Service (NPS) to create a series of six posters. These affordable versions of Adams’ art provided priceless publicity for national parks. Black and white national parks usa poster featuring cliff dwelling Shared History Not all National Park Service (NPS) history is in the NPS! There are many public, corporate, and private collections with objects or documents that relate to NPS history. See some of these objects and artifacts shared with the NPS but which remain in other collections. My Park Story: Julie Lindsay Julie Lindsay shares her story of first visiting NPS parks and a little bit of her journey to achieving her dream of working for the NPS. A smiling woman with short hair and glasses stands in front of a glacier. Mission 66 and Modern Architecture A brief overview of the Park Service Modern architectural style established during Mission 66. A modern building with tall, angular window walls and an attached cyclorama Founding Yosemite's Deaf Services Program Since 1979, a full-time sign language interpreter has worked every summer at Yosemite National Park. This is the longest-running program of its kind in the National Park Service. It resulted from dedicated citizens who shared their expertise and time with the park. In particular Dale Dahl, a Deaf man and wheelchair user, and Maureen Fitzgerald, a hearing person who worked as a sign language interpreter, were foundational to the origins of Deaf Services at Yosemite. Two women, one man outdoors. One woman talking, one woman signing to translate for the man. 50 Nifty Finds #36: Taking Flight If asked about a symbol or emblem for national parks today, most visitors would probably envision the National Park Service (NPS) arrowhead or a bison. Although those iconic symbols have been associated with the NPS for over 70 years, they are not the first emblems of the fledgling NPS. In fact, if you know where to look, you can see the earliest symbol is still with us today. Round silver badge with an eagle in the center Improving Accessibility at Yosemite National Park Have you ever complained when you felt frustrated or excluded? Have you ever thought about complaining as a type of activism? Since the 1970s, disabled visitors have used complaints to improve access at Yosemite National Park for everyone. Page with blue background and large International Access Symbol/Wheelchair Access 50 Nifty Finds #37: Planting a Seed By 1920 the National Park Service (NPS) adopted a new emblem—the sequoia cone. Despite its broad use on uniforms, on signs, and in print materials throughout the 1920s and 1930s, not everyone thought that it was a good symbol to represent the diversity of national parks and monuments. By 1940 most—but not all—of its uses as an emblem had ceased. The sequoia cone remains part of the NPS uniform today. Two white and green sequoia cones FY23 Burned Area Rehabilitation – Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funded Accomplishments for the National Park Service In FY23, there were 24 national parks throughout the country that received assistance for both Emergency stabilization as well as Burned Area Recovery funds for approximately 34 fire incidents. Both sources of funds are provided to stabilize and protect values-at-risk that are threatened by post-fire events such as flashfloods, debris flows, and erosion. A woman wearing gloves and a hard hat kneels in front of a fence; a man is in the background 50 Nifty Finds #38: A Germ of an Idea A lot of articles have been written about the history of the National Park Service (NPS) arrowhead emblem. Many recycle the same content and outdated information that has largely come from the NPS itself. Challenging the traditional story has revealed new sources of information—and two previously overlooked arrowhead designs—that rewrite the arrowhead origin story. Wooden arrowhead plaque on stand From Buffalo Soldier to Bath Attendant: The Story of Hugh Hayes and Hot Springs National Park Learn about the life of Hugh Hayes, an African American man from Tennessee, and how his life as a Buffalo Soldier and bath attendant at Hot Springs National Park connected him to significant moments in American history. African American man wearing a white shirt and tie sits in a wooden chair 50 Nifty Finds #39: An NPS Art Factory Between 1938 and 1941 the National Park Service (NPS) Western Museum Laboratories (WML) created many iconic posters. Often described as “the WPA park posters,” they should be called “the WML posters.” Research reveals more designs than previously thought (including several previously unknown ones), reevaluates what is known about the artists, and argues that modern reproductions have made the designs more significant to NPS graphic identity today than they were in the past. Poster with a purple El Capitan at Yosemite Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act support range-wide efforts to rescue disease-addled whitebark pine forests Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act funds enable whitebark pine recovery work at 10 national parks. In addition to identifying disease resistant trees and cultivating rust-resistant seedlings, increased staffing and expanded partnerships will also allow parks to collect and store seed during years when the pines produce massive amounts of seed during "mast" events. a whitebark pine tree on a hillside 50 Nifty Finds #41: What in the Blazers? The green pants and jacket, gray shirt, badge, and broad-brimmed flat hat are the widely recognized symbols of the National Park Service (NPS) ranger. For a brief period in the 1970s, an attempt was made to supplement—if not supplant—the public’s image of the park ranger. Was the NPS blazer uniform just a fashion fad or something more? Tan and Green jackets dispayed on mannequins Desert Varnish Ever wondered what those dark lines were on the rock walls of canyon country? These black, brown, and red streaks are called desert varnish. streaks of black desert varnish on a red rock wall NPS International Activities Update, July - December 2023 During the second half of 2023, the U.S. National Park Service undertook many exciting international conservation projects. Following are summaries of notable cooperation between NPS staff and international counterparts between July and December 2023. Theodore Roosevelt's Climate Change Legacy In a world shaped by climate change, we face new challenges and threats daily. As the “conservation president,” Theodore Roosevelt also took on new ecological challenges in a rapidly changing world. As we reflect on both the history and the future of the climate crisis, what can we learn from Roosevelt’s story? How do these lessons help us move toward a brighter future? Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir stand together with Yosemite Falls in the background Donna Pritchett: An Advocate for Accessibility at Yosemite National Park Have you ever complained when you felt frustrated or excluded? Have you ever thought about complaining as a type of activism? Since the 1970s, disabled visitors have used complaints to improve access at Yosemite National Park for everyone. Page with blue background and large International Access Symbol/Wheelchair Access 50 Nifty Finds #45: Holding the Line The National Park Service (NPS) was only 26 years old when the United States entered World War II. The young bureau faced very real threats to its mission, with increasing pressure to contribute its natural and cultural resources to the war effort even as its budget and staff were slashed. Under the leadership of Director Newton B. Drury, the NPS was able to do its part for the war while maintaining its public trust responsibilities to the American people. Worth Fighting For fire prevention poster 50 Nifty Finds #46: Feeding the Habit Most visitors to national parks today know that wild animals are dangerous and should be enjoyed from a distance. For decades, however, the National Park Service (NPS) struggled to prevent visitors from feeding bears. The situation was unhealthy for bears and downright dangerous for people. Breaking the cycle was a decades-long process of evolving policies, changing human habits, and returning bears to their wild foraging behaviors and traditional foods. poster of bear reaching out to recoiling man and boy who has food Updated Species Database Will Help Boost Amphibian Conservation Across the National Park System To steward amphibians effectively, managers need basic information about which species live in parks. But species lists need constant maintenance to remain accurate. Due to recent efforts, the National Park Service now has an up-to-date amphibian species checklist for almost 300 parks. This information can serve as the basis for innumerable conservation efforts across the nation. A toad sits on red sand, looking into the camera. Yosemite's Wilson Cabin Move, a Restoration 50 Years in the Making In May 2024, the Pacific West Regional Office awarded the Wahhoga Committee a Partnership Excellence award, in conjunction with a Cultural Resource Specialist award for Echo Davenport, Yosemite’s Archeological Compliance Program Manager for their roles in restoring the Wilson Cabin to its historic location in Yosemite Valley. 50 years in the making, this restoration effort was led by the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation. Half Dome at sunset. 2023 Regional Awards for Cultural Resources, NPS Pacific West Region 2023 Excellence in Volunteerism Awards The National Park Service congratulates the regional recipients of the 2023 Excellence in Volunteerism Awards. These nominees embody the values of service, engagement, and stewardship fundamental to our national parks. The volunteer-in-parks logo 50 Nifty Finds #50: Buttoning It Up Good design stands the test of time, which may be why the National Park Service (NPS) standard uniform button has had the same face design since 1912. Although it’s commonly believed that the Waterbury Button Company has made the NPS button since the beginning, but the buttons may tell a more complicated story. Button with eagle design and National Park Service Department of Interior Project Profile: Develop Treatments for Cultural Resources Threatened by Wildland Fire at Pacific West Parks The National Park Service will create a plan to protect historic properties in western national parks from wildfires. Staff will use data and surveys to identify sites are most at risk and develop strategies to reduce that risk. These strategies will be integrated into the parks' existing fire management plans and overall wildfire risk assessments. Visitor Center at Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve Project Profile: Landscape Stewardship Corps Pre-Apprenticeship Program In collaboration with the Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation, the Historic Preservation Training Center is launching the Traditional Trades Advancement Program-Landscape Stewardship Corps, a nationwide internship program aimed at inspiring youth. The program focuses on providing hands-on experiences and training in cultural landscape preservation, preparing the next generation to become stewards of the National Park Service (NPS). Crane Flat Campground Modernization Yosemite National Park’s popular Crane Flat Campground is welcoming visitors for the first time in four years thanks to a $9.8 million investment from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). The funding enabled the long-needed modernization of a campground that had not seen upgrades since 1962.

Yosemite Essentials A peak-hours reservation is required to drive into Yosemite on some dates in 2024. A reservation is required between 5 am and 4 pm on the following dates: Visitors may enter the park with: April 13 to June 30 Saturdays, Sundays, & holidays only • a Wilderness or Half Dome permit July 1 to August 16 Daily • in-park camping, lodging, or vacation rental August 17 to October 27 Saturdays, Sundays, & holidays only • regional transit or a tour group • a peak-hours reservation To learn more, scan the QR code or visit go.nps.gov/reserve. In 2023, 17 bears were hit by vehicles in Yosemite. You are driving in wildlife habitat. Follow posted speed limits, drive carefully, and watch for animals crossing the road. “Red Bear, Dead Bear” signs on park roads mark places where bears have been hit this year. It is illegal to approach or feed any wild animal, including squirrels and birds. Book a reservation at Recreation.gov. A portion of reservations were released in January 2024; additional reservations are released seven days in advance at 8 am Pacific time. Reservations are valid for up to three consecutive days. Wildlife can cause injuries and transmit diseases. Human food is unhealthy for wild animals. Animals used to being fed can become dangerous and be killed as a result. Proper Food Storage is Required by Law Avoid accidentally sharing your food by properly storing it or keeping it within arm’s reach. During the Day While hiking or picnicking, always keep your food within arm’s reach. When away from your vehicle, lock it and keep all windows closed, with food, drinks, and coolers hidden from sight. Never leave food in a truck bed or strapped to the outside of a vehicle. Summer in Yosemite: What to Expect Arrive early or in late afternoon. On busy summer days, wait times at entrance stations can be long, and parking in Yosemite Valley may completely fill. Once you find a parking space, keep it. Walk, bike, or ride a free shuttle to Valley trailheads and other destinations. Park only in designated parking spaces, or in a paved turnout, pulled completely off the road. Vehicles blocking the road are subject to citation and may be towed. Waterfalls peak in May and early June. Some waterfalls may dry up completely by late summer. Visitor & Emergency Services In an Emergency: Call or Text 911 Non-emergency dispatch line 209/379-1992 Medical Clinic (Yosemite Valley) 209/372-4637 | Open Mon to Fri, 9 am – 6 pm. Urgent care walk-ins with out-of-pocket fees: 1 pm – 4:30 pm. Yosemite Village Garage Call 209/372-1060 for 24-hour roadside assistance. Lost & Found Check at the nearest open information center or hotel front desk, or visit go.nps.gov/lost to report a lost item. Keep in Touch Accessibility For a complete list of accessible services, exhibits, and recreational opportunities, download a Yosemite Accessibility Guide at go.nps.gov/AccessYosemite Sign Language interpreting is available upon request. Contact Deaf Services at 209/379-5250 (v/txt). Two weeks advance notice is requested but not required. Assistive Listening Devices are available upon advance request at information centers. Accessible parking spaces are available throughout the park. www.nps.gov/yose At Night Bears can easily break into vehicles. Food, trash, and other scented items may NOT be stored inside vehicles overnight. These items must be kept inside a food locker or in a hotel room or hard-sided cabin with doors and windows closed. Food may also be stored inside a completely hard-sided RV with all windows and doors closed. If you see a bear in the park, email yose_bear_mgmt@nps.gov or call the Save-a-Bear hotline at 209/372-0322. To learn more about food storage and bears, visit KeepBearsWild.org. Park Regulations The National Park Service is bound by its mission to protect Yosemite’s natural and cultural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations. Regulations are in place to protect both visitors and park resources. Prohibited activities include: Using drones Feeding or approaching wildlife Collecting plants and animals Hunting animals Picking up archeological items, such as arrowheads Using metal detectors Driving vehicles into meadows Biking off of paved roads Camping outside of designated campgrounds Possession of weapons inside federal facilities Possessing or using marijuana, including medical marijuana Pets are not allowed on hiking trails. Pets are only permitted on paved walking and biking paths, in most campgrounds, and in parking areas. Pets must be leashed at all times. Service dogs are allowed anywhere that visitors can go. Emotional support, therapy, and companion animals are subject to pet regulations. Park Partners To report illegal activity, call park dispatch at 209/379-1992. @YosemiteNPS Yosemite Guide February 1, 2023Enjoy - March 28, 2023 @YosemiteNPS your visit! Park Map Lake Eleanor To HETCH HETCHY O’Shaughnessy & Lee Vining Dam Hetch Hetchy Entrance Hetc

Yosemite Essentials A peak-hours reservation is required to drive into Yosemite on some dates in 2024. A reservation is required between 5 am and 4 pm on the following dates: Visitors may enter the park with: April 13 to June 30 Saturdays, Sundays, & Holidays only • a Wilderness or Half Dome permit July 1 to August 16 Daily • in-park camping, lodging, or vacation rental August 17 to October 27 Saturdays, Sundays, & Holidays only • regional transit or a tour group • a peak-hours reservation To learn more, scan the QR code or visit go.nps.gov/reserve. In 2023, 17 bears were hit by vehicles in Yosemite. You are driving in wildlife habitat. Follow posted speed limits, drive carefully, and watch for animals crossing the road. “Red Bear, Dead Bear” signs on park roads mark places where bears have been hit this year. It is illegal to approach or feed any wild animal, including squirrels and birds. Book a reservation at Recreation.gov. A portion of reservations were released in January 2024; additional reservations are released seven days in advance at 8 am Pacific time. Reservations are valid for up to three consecutive days. Wildlife can cause injuries and transmit diseases. Human food is unhealthy for wild animals. Animals used to being fed can become dangerous and be killed as a result. Proper Food Storage is Required by Law Avoid accidentally sharing your food by properly storing it or keeping it within arm’s reach. At Night Bears can easily break into vehicles. Food, trash, and other scented items may NOT be stored inside vehicles overnight. These items must be kept inside a food locker or in a hotel room or hard-sided cabin with doors and windows closed. Food may also be stored inside a completely hard-sided RV with all windows and doors closed. Spring in Yosemite: What to Expect During the Day While hiking or picnicking, always keep your food within arm’s reach. When away from your vehicle, lock it and keep all windows closed, with food, drinks, and coolers hidden from sight. Never leave food in a truck bed or strapped to the outside of a vehicle. Large areas of the park may still be covered in snow. The best places to hike in spring are Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and Hetch Hetchy. Ask a ranger about trail conditions before you go. If you see a bear in the park, email yose_bear_mgmt@nps.gov or call the Save-a-Bear hotline at 209/372-0322. To learn more about food storage and bears, visit KeepBearsWild.org. Expect seasonal road closures. Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road close to vehicles each winter and may not open until May—or later. Call 209/372-0200 (press 1, then 1) to hear about current road conditions and closures. Waterfalls, rivers, and streams are at their most powerful. Use extreme caution around any flowing water. Do not enter water above waterfalls. Stay off of slick rocks, especially at the base of waterfalls. Visitor & Emergency Services Accessibility Non-emergency dispatch line 209/379-1992 For a complete list of accessible services, exhibits, and recreational opportunities, download a Yosemite Accessibility Guide at go.nps.gov/AccessYosemite Medical Clinic (Yosemite Valley) 209/372-4637 | Open Mon to Fri, 9 am – 5 pm (6 pm starting May 13.) Urgent care walk-ins with out-of-pocket fees: 1 pm – 3:30 pm (4:30 pm starting May 13.) Sign Language interpreting is available upon request. Contact Deaf Services at 209/379-5250 (v/txt). Two weeks advance notice is requested but not required. In an Emergency: Call or Text 911 Yosemite Village Garage Call 209/372-1060 for 24-hour roadside assistance. Lost & Found Check at the nearest open information center or hotel front desk, or visit go.nps.gov/lost to report a lost item. Keep in Touch Assistive Listening Devices are available upon advance request at information centers. Accessible parking spaces are available throughout the park. www.nps.gov/yose Park Regulations The National Park Service is bound by its mission to protect Yosemite’s natural and cultural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations. Regulations are in place to protect both visitors and park resources. Prohibited activities include: Using drones Feeding or approaching wildlife Collecting plants and animals Hunting animals Picking up archeological items, such as arrowheads Using metal detectors Driving vehicles into meadows Biking off of paved roads Camping outside of designated campgrounds Possession of weapons inside federal facilities Possessing or using marijuana, including medical marijuana Pets are not allowed on hiking trails. Pets are only permitted on paved walking and biking paths, in most campgrounds, and in parking areas. Pets must be leashed at all times. Service dogs are allowed anywhere that visitors can go. Emotional support, therapy, and companion animals are subject to pet regulations. Park Partners To report illegal activity, call park dispatch at 209/379-1992. @YosemiteNPS Yosemite Guide February 1, 2023Enjoy

Yosemite Essentials A peak-hours reservation is required to drive into Yosemite on some dates in 2024. A reservation is required between 5 am and 4 pm on the following dates: Visitors may enter the park with: April 13 to June 30 Saturdays, Sundays, & Holidays only • a Wilderness or Half Dome permit July 1 to August 16 Daily • in-park camping, lodging, or vacation rental August 17 to October 27 Saturdays, Sundays, & Holidays only • regional transit or a tour group • a peak-hours reservation To learn more, scan the QR code or visit go.nps.gov/reserve. Protect Yosemite’s Wildlife Bears and other animals are active in the park year-round! Speeding kills bears. You’re driving through wildlife habitat. Follow speed limits, drive carefully, and watch for wildlife crossing the road. It is illegal to approach or feed any wild animal in Yosemite. Wildlife can cause injuries and transmit diseases. Human food is very unhealthy for wild animals, and animals that are used to being fed can become aggressive toward people. DISTANCE FROM WILDLIFE: 30 feet = about one bus-length. Book a reservation at Recreation.gov. A portion of reservations were released in January 2024; additional reservations are released seven days in advance at 8 am Pacific time. Reservations are valid for up to three consecutive days. Proper Food Storage is Required by Law Help keep wildlife wild. Never intentionally feed any wild animal in Yosemite. Avoid accidentally sharing your food by properly storing it. Large areas of the park are still covered in snow. The best places to hike in spring are Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and Hetch Hetchy. Ask a ranger about trail conditions before you go. If you see a bear in the park, email yose_bear_mgmt@nps.gov or call the Save-a-Bear hotline at 209/372-0322. To learn more about food storage and bears, visit KeepBearsWild.org. Expect seasonal road closures. Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road close to vehicles each winter and may not open until May—or later. Tire chains may still be needed in early spring. Call 209/372-0200 (press 1, then 1) to hear about current road conditions and closures. Park Regulations Spring in Yosemite: What to Expect Waterfalls, rivers, and streams are at their most powerful. Use extreme caution around any flowing water. Do not enter water above waterfalls. Stay off of slick rocks, especially at the base of waterfalls. Visitor & Emergency Services In an Emergency: Call or Text 911 Non-emergency dispatch line 209/379-1992 Medical Clinic (Yosemite Valley) 209/372-4637 Open Mon to Fri from 9 am to 5 pm. Urgent care walk-ins from 1 pm to 3:30 pm with out-ofpocket fees. Yosemite Village Garage 209/372-1060 24-hour roadside assistance. Lost & Found Check at the nearest open information center or hotel front desk, or visit go.nps.gov/lost to report a lost item. Keep in Touch Accessibility For a complete list of accessible services, exhibits, and recreational opportunities, pick up a Yosemite Accessibility Guide at visitor centers, or download a digital copy at go.nps.gov/AccessYosemite Sign Language interpreting is available upon request. Contact Deaf Services at 209/379-5250 (v/txt). Two weeks advance notice is requested but not required. Assistive Listening Devices are available upon advance request at any visitor center. Accessible parking spaces are available throughout the park. www.nps.gov/yose @YosemiteNPS The National Park Service is bound by its mission to protect Yosemite’s natural and cultural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations. Regulations are in place to protect both visitors and park resources. Prohibited activities include: Using drones Feeding or approaching wildlife Collecting plants and animals Hunting animals Picking up archeological items, such as arrowheads Using metal detectors Driving vehicles into meadows Biking off of paved roads Camping outside of designated campgrounds Possession of weapons inside federal facilities Possessing or using marijuana, including medical marijuana During the Day While hiking or picnicking, always keep your food within arm’s reach. When you are away from your vehicle, keep all windows closed and any food or coolers hidden from sight. Never leave food in a truck bed or strapped to the outside of a vehicle. At Night Bears can easily break into vehicles in search of food. Food, trash, and other scented items may NOT be stored inside vehicles overnight. These items must be kept inside a food locker, in an allowed bear resistant container, or in a hotel room or cabin. Food may also be stored inside a completely hard-sided RV with all windows and vents closed. Pets are not allowed on hiking trails. Pets are only permitted on paved walking and biking paths, in most campgrounds, and in parking areas. Pets must be leashed at all times. Service dogs are allowed anywhere that visitors can go. Emotional support, therapy, and companion animals are subject to pet regulations. Park Partners To report

Yosemite Essentials A Reservation is Required for Park Entry on Some Dates in 2024 Required 24 hours per day on February 10–11, 17–19, and 24–25. Some restrictions and area closures will be in effect for the viewing of Horsetail Fall; visit go.nps.gov/Horsetail. A peak-hours reservation is required for some dates between April 13 and October 27. Visit go.nps.gov/reserve for details. Visiting Yosemite in Winter Protect Yosemite’s Wildlife Bears and other animals are active in the park, even in winter! Speeding kills bears. You’re driving through wildlife habitat. Follow speed limits, drive carefully, and watch for wildlife crossing the road. It is illegal to approach or feed any wild animal in Yosemite. Wildlife can cause injuries and transmit diseases. Human food is very unhealthy for wild animals, and animals that are used to being fed can become aggressive toward people. DISTANCE FROM WILDLIFE: 30 feet = about one bus-length. Options for hiking can be very limited. Trails may be hazardously icy, covered by snow, or even completely closed. Ask about trail conditions before you go, and carry traction devices and trekking poles. Expect road closures. Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road close to vehicles each winter. During or after winter storms, short-term closures and tire chain restrictions may go into effect on all park roads. Proper Food Storage is Required by Law Help keep wildlife wild. Never intentionally feed any wild animal in Yosemite. Avoid accidentally sharing your food by properly storing it. Tire Chains May Be Required on Park Roads Call 209/372-0200 (press 1, then 1) to hear the current status of park roads, including closures and tire chain restrictions. Winter visitors should carry tire chains or cables and know how to use them. Chains or cables are installed on the drive wheels of a vehicle to provide traction on ice and snow. Chain restrictions can go into effect at any time. All vehicles are required by law to carry chains when restrictions are in effect (NO exceptions.) There are three levels of chain restrictions: If you see a bear in the park, email yose_bear_mgmt@nps.gov or call the Save-a-Bear hotline at 209/372-0322. To learn more about food storage and bears, visit KeepBearsWild.org. R1: Chains required (vehicles with snow tires OK.) All vehicles must carry chains. R2: Chains required (vehicles with snow tires and AWD/4WD OK.) All vehicles must carry chains. R3: Chains required (no exceptions.) For more information, visit go.nps.gov/chains, or scan the QR code. To avoid winter driving in Yosemite, use the YARTS bus service and free Valley shuttles during your visit. Turn to page 6 for transportation information. Visitor & Emergency Services In an Emergency: Call or Text 911 Non-emergency dispatch line 209/379-1992 Medical Clinic (Yosemite Valley) 209/372-4637 Open Mon to Fri from 9 am to 5 pm. Urgent care walk-ins from 1 pm to 3:30 pm with out-ofpocket fees. Yosemite Village Garage 209/372-1060 24-hour roadside assistance. Lost & Found Check at the nearest open visitor information station or hotel front office, or visit go.nps.gov/lost to report a lost item. Keep in Touch Accessibility For a complete list of accessible services, exhibits, and recreational opportunities, pick up a Yosemite Accessibility Guide at visitor centers, or download a digital copy at go.nps.gov/AccessYosemite Sign Language interpreting is available upon request. Contact Deaf Services at 209/379-5250 (v/txt). Two weeks advance notice is requested but not required. Assistive Listening Devices are available upon advance request at any visitor center. Accessible parking spaces are available throughout the park. www.nps.gov/yose @YosemiteNPS Park Regulations The National Park Service is bound by its mission to protect Yosemite’s natural and cultural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations. Regulations are in place to protect both visitors and park resources. Prohibited activities include: Using drones Feeding or approaching wildlife Collecting plants and animals Hunting animals Picking up archeological items, such as arrowheads Using metal detectors Driving vehicles into meadows Biking off of paved roads Camping outside of designated campgrounds Possession of weapons inside federal facilities Possessing or using marijuana, including medical marijuana During the Day While hiking or picnicking, always keep your food within arm’s reach. When you are away from your vehicle, keep all windows closed and any food or coolers hidden from sight. Never leave food in a truck bed or strapped to the outside of a vehicle. At Night Bears can easily break into vehicles in search of food. Food, trash, and other scented items may NOT be stored inside vehicles overnight. These items must be kept inside a food locker, in an allowed bear resistant container, or in a hotel room or cabin. Food may also be stored inside a completely hard-sided RV with all windows and vents closed. Pets are not al

Yosemite Essentials Protect Yosemite’s Wildlife Bears and other animals are active in the park, even in winter! Speeding kills bears. You’re driving through wildlife habitat. Follow speed limits, drive carefully, and watch for wildlife crossing the road. It is illegal to approach or feed any wild animal in Yosemite. Wildlife can cause injuries and transmit diseases. Human food is very unhealthy for wild animals, and animals that are used to being fed can become aggressive toward people. Visiting Yosemite in Winter Options for hiking can be very limited. Trails may be hazardously icy, covered by snow, or even completely closed. Ask about trail conditions before you go, and carry traction devices and/or trekking poles. Expect road closures. Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road close to vehicles each winter. During or after winter storms, short-term closures and tire chain restrictions may go into effect on all park roads. A reservation will be required to drive into Yosemite 24 hours per day on February 10–11, 17–19, and 24–25. Due to the popularity of the Horsetail Fall (“Firefall”) phenomenon, some restrictions will be in effect. For details, visit go.nps.gov/horsetail. Tire Chains May Be Required on Park Roads DISTANCE FROM WILDLIFE: 30 feet = about one bus-length. Proper Food Storage is Required by Law Help keep wildlife wild. Never intentionally feed any wild animal in Yosemite. Avoid accidentally sharing your food by properly storing it. Call 209/372-0200 (press 1, then 1) to hear updated information about road closures and tire chain restrictions. Winter visitors should carry tire chains or cables and know how to use them. Chains or cables are installed on the drive wheels of a vehicle to provide traction on ice and snow. Chain restrictions can go into effect at any time. All vehicles are required by law to carry chains when restrictions are in effect (NO exceptions.) There are three levels of chain restrictions: If you see a bear in the park, email yose_bear_mgmt@nps.gov or call the Save-a-Bear hotline at 209/372-0322. To learn more about food storage and bears, visit KeepBearsWild.org. R1: Chains required (vehicles with snow tires OK.) All vehicles must carry chains. R2: Chains required (vehicles with snow tires and AWD/4WD OK.) All vehicles must carry chains. R3: Chains required (no exceptions.) For more information, visit go.nps.gov/chains, or scan the QR code. To avoid winter driving in Yosemite, use the YARTS bus service and free Valley shuttles during your visit. Turn to page 6 for transportation information. Visitor & Emergency Services In an Emergency: Call or Text 911 Non-emergency dispatch line 209/379-1992 Medical Clinic (Yosemite Valley) 209/372-4637 Open Mon to Fri from 9 am to 5 pm. Urgent care walk-ins from 1 pm to 3:30 pm with out-ofpocket fees. Yosemite Village Garage 209/372-1060 24-hour roadside assistance. Lost & Found Check at a visitor center, or visit go.nps.gov/lost to report a lost item. Keep in Touch Accessibility For a complete list of accessible services, exhibits, and recreational opportunities, pick up a Yosemite Accessibility Guide at visitor centers, or download a digital copy at go.nps.gov/AccessYosemite Sign Language interpreting is available upon request. Contact Deaf Services at 209/379-5250 (v/txt). Two weeks advance notice is requested but not required. Assistive Listening Devices are available upon advance request at any visitor center. Accessible parking spaces are available throughout the park. www.nps.gov/yose @YosemiteNPS Park Regulations The National Park Service is bound by its mission to protect Yosemite’s natural and cultural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations. Regulations are in place to protect both visitors and park resources. Prohibited activities include: Using drones Feeding or approaching wildlife Collecting plants and animals Hunting animals Picking up archeological items, such as arrowheads Using metal detectors Driving vehicles into meadows Biking off of paved roads Camping outside of designated campgrounds Possession of weapons inside federal facilities Possessing or using marijuana, including medical marijuana During the Day While hiking or picnicking, always keep your food within arm’s reach. When you are away from your vehicle, keep all windows closed and any food or coolers hidden from sight. Never leave food in a truck bed or strapped to the outside of a vehicle. At Night Bears can easily break into vehicles in search of food. Food, trash, and other scented items may NOT be stored inside vehicles overnight. These items must be kept inside a food locker, in an allowed bear resistant container, or in a hotel room or cabin. Food may also be stored inside a completely hard-sided RV with all windows and vents closed. Pets are not allowed on hiking trails. Pets are only permitted on paved walking and biking paths, in most campgrounds, and in parking areas. Pets must be leashed at all times. Service dog

Yosemite Essentials Visiting Yosemite in Fall 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. Bike rentals are available until late October. Turn to pages 4 & 5 for more information. Lower Yosemite Fall in spring Lower Yosemite Fall in fall Yosemite’s waterfalls are seasonal. Waterfalls are fed by snowmelt and peak in spring. By late summer, waterfalls slow to a trickle or dry up completely. It is illegal to approach or feed any wild animal in Yosemite. Hazy or smoky conditions may occur due to wildfires. Look for showy fall colors on the Valley’s oaks, maples, and dogwoods in October. Most areas of the park are open in fall, but snow and road closures are possible by November. Visitor services are limited this time of year, especially outside of the Valley. Check pages 4 & 5 for hours of operation. 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. 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. 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 sig

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

Experience Your America Yosemite National Park | Yosemite Guide July 19 – August 22, 2023 Cathedral Lakes 4 Services 8 Events & Programs 10 Trails 6 To Fresno Shuttles South Entrance Mariposa Grove Yosemite History Center Wawona Campground Yosemite West To Merced Arch RockEntrance Wawona Visitor Center WAWONA Wawona Road Bridalveil Creek Glacier Point Road El Portal Tunnel View Merced Grove Trailhead Big Oak Flat Information Station To Manteca 2 Crane Flat Big Oak Flat Road Hodgdon Meadow Tuolumne Grove GLACIER POINT YOSEMITE VALLEY Tamarack Flat Merced River Yosemite Valley Visitor Center Porcupine Flat Yosemite Creek Tioga Road Big Oak Flat Entrance Evergreen Road Hetch Hetchy Entrance Tenaya Lake Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center Tioga Road White Wolf Tuolumne Meadows TUOLUMNE MEADOWS (Wilderness Permit Required) Park Map Hetch Hetchy Road Hetch Hetchy Backpackers’ Campground O’Shaughnessy Dam Tuolumne River Tioga Pass Entrance and Lee Vining HETCH HETCHY To Lake Eleanor Yosemite Valley Shuttle Map 1 Yosemite Essentials Yosemite Guide Keep this Guide with you to get the most out of your visit to Yosemite National Park! Turn to page 6 for more information on this free service. Valleywide Shuttle (Green Route) East Valley Shuttle (Purple Route) Yosemite Falls Trail Yosemite Village Lower Yosemite Fall 5 4 2 6 Construction will impact shuttle service from May to October 2023. ! Mirror Lake The Ahwahnee 3 1 Yosemite Valley Lodge 7 Housekeeping 12 Camp During construction on shuttle stops from May to October, some stops will be temporarily relocated nearby. 19 14 18 17 15 Curry Village 11 Four Mile Trail 16 closed in winter El Capitan M er ced Ri v 8 er Happy Isles & Mist Trail 9 10 7 8 6 5 Valleywide Shuttle (one way) 9 10 3 4 2 1 19 East Valley Shuttle (one way) 11 18 12 17 14 15 16 VALLEYWIDE SHUTTLE ONLY Village Store 2 Yosemite Village Parking 1 Yosemite Valley Lodge/ Yosemite Falls Parking 7 Lower Yosemite Fall 6 Visitor Center & Museum 5 Degnan’s Kitchen 4 The Ahwahnee 3 El Capitan Meadow 9 El Capitan Picnic Area 8 12 14 10 Cathedral Beach 11 Four Mile Trail 15 Housekeeping Camp/ Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center Happy Isles/ Mist Trail 16 Curry Village (eastbound) Upper Pines Campground Curry Village (Westbound) 19 Lower Pines Campground 18 Mirror Lake 17 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. 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. 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. Plan to arrive before 8 am and leave after 5 pm. Once you find a place to park, stay parked. Use the valley’s free shuttles to get around, or plan to walk or bike. Turn to page 6 for shuttle information. 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 Em

Yosemite National Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Yosemite Valley Hiking Map k alve ( I.7 Do el mi in nt C km ) I i( m 2 Te na mi ( 2 .7 ) km .4 ble s) To Clouds Rest 4.2 mi 6.8 km I.2 m (summer only) rs e e s ( 1 . 9 km ) tr ai l o n ly il Mist Tra 2 I . 5 mi l e s ( 2 . 4 in t e r Clark Point C lo P an 4. Liberty Cap 7076 ft 2I57 m 5044 ft I538 m C lo se d i n w o r am ) km Mt. Broderick 6706 ft 2044 m sed i ( 2. 9 km) i n wi a Trail nter M m il ho I.9 To Tuolumne Meadows I6.0 mi 25.7 km Happy Isles Art and Nature Center Vernal Fall i( ced er R iver Little Yosemite Valley Wilderness Permit Required 6I00 ft 1859 m Nevada Fall 5907 ft I80I m ) km Illilouette Fall Stanford Point Tr ai l k I. 0 m i (I . 6 km) I.I Se il re e (Closed in winter) Washburn Point Illilouette Ridge B rid Taft Point 7503 ft 2287 m Cathedral Spires 0 . 5 mi ( (1 8I22 ft 2476 m (c a 8836 ft 2693 m [Permit Required] Grizzly Peak Sentinel Dome me m i ( I . 9 km ) Glacier Point km km) 3 . 4 mi ( 5. 5 m Half Dome i( in Sentinel Falls ek Roosevelt )Point k m in 4035 ft I230 m I Trail . nt k i (2 I .3 m ) I km 16 72I4 ft 2I99 m .2 6 Se ve 0.8 Arch R oyal er Ri v .I M i Half Dome Village os ur River ri e D 2.0 mi (3 I.8 m Sou id t hs Upper Pines m) a il i (2. 4 k Tr ram a I.5 m Pa n o ) ) ek Cre ) k 3 m 4. Road open ONLY to bicycles and cars with valid disability placards 17 15 [Formerly Curry Village] Cl Fo er 18 1. 2 ced 2 km Cathedral Rocks Leaning Tower nt 19 ) er m i ( 4. El Capitan Bridge I .2 m Inspiration Point 5450 ft I66I m wi Campground Reservation Offce I. 6 0k Staircase Falls 20 14 i( (I . I . 2 mi 4k 13 0. North Pines Lower Pines m M Bridalveil Fall Pohono Bridge [Formerly LeConte Memorial Lodge] Cre 4409 ft I343m il ya i 9m .0 2. 6 one-way m) el Tunnel View Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center 7038 ft 2145 m k Tunne l To Glacier Point and Wawona (7. Sentinel Rock ee Wawo na a Tr Royal Arches (4. 0 km ) 12 4 . 8 mi ) mi Washington Column ed le Cr To Big Oak Flat Road and Tuolumne Meadows Housekeeping Camp i (2 m I. 3 Ribbon To El Portal i I .8 m km 5 1 Yosemite Valley Lodge Sentinel Beach Horsetail Fall (spring only) N o r t hs id e D r i v e k (2 .9 on Cree km) 6 11 rce d [Formerly The Ahwahnee] 2. m) 2k ( 3. mi 2.0 0 . 2 mi ( Me 4094 ft I248 m The Majestic Yosemite Hotel 2. ) I. Mirror Lake m i ( 1 . 4 k m) Lower Brother 7525 ft 2294 m 3 km 0.9 Swinging Bridge 0.3 k ) 10 2 6 ) 7569 ft 2307 m (I. 4 m El Capitan mi 9 8 7 Middle Brother m 5 .9 ) I.0 North Dome Royal Arch Cascade Snow Creek Falls m Columbia Rock Camp 4 Ribbon Fall Medical Clinic Lower Yosemite Fall Trail 7779 ft 237I m m Eagle Peak ) ) Wilderness Center/ Bookstore/ Museum/ Theater km ) km k (5 .I 2. i( 2m 5 3. m) 0. 3 m i (0. 5 k Ribbon Meadow m Yosemite Valley Visitor Center Lower Yosemite Fall m i Yosemite Falls Trail ) .I Yosemite Point 6936 ft 2II4 m I Mile To Tamarack Flat Campground 3.5 mi 5.6 km m i k ) Upper Yosemite Fall 3. 2 To Tioga Road 5.0 mi 8.0 km (2 ee km I Kilometer Store To Tioga Road 3.6 mi 5.9 km .6 k I .0 Waterfall I.3 Cr te i( Some trail mileages are approximate. Hiking Trail i Yose m 0.6 m (paved) I ndi an C a ny North Campground Bicycle / Foot Path Creek m) 7k ( 4. Walk-in Campground (may be closed seasonally due to snow and ice) mi Shuttle Route / Stop 2.9 18 (year round) To Tioga Road 3.I mi 5.0 km w Cr eek Day Use Parking Sno Shuttle Route / Stop i (2 I.6 m To Tioga Road 6.9 mi II.I km 10 Crocker Point I.3 mi (2 . 9 k m P o h ono ) Dewey Point 7385 ft 2250 m Po Glacier Point Road (Closed in winter) For Glacier Point Area trails and information, please request a Glacier Point Area Hiking Map. To Taft Point 5.5 mi hon 8.9 km oT ra i l B r i dal v ei l To Glacier Pt. Road 1.7 mi 2.7 km Creek Mt. Starr King 9092 ft 277I m Hiking ValleyPark YosemiteNational Yosemite Map Easy (fat and short) Bridalveil Fall 0.5 miles/0.8 km round-trip; 20 minutes Begin at the Bridalveil Fall parking area A paved trail leads from the parking area to the base of the waterfall, which fows all year. Walk back to the parking area via the same trail. Expect lots of spray in spring and early summer. Trail is icy in winter. Lower Yosemite Fall 1.1 miles/1.7 km loop trail; 30 minutes Begin at the Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead (shuttle stop #6) This short, easy walk rewards visitors with spectacular views of Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls. This waterfall may be dry in late summer and early fall. Expect lots of spray in spring and early summer. Cook’s Meadow Loop 1 mile/1.6 km; 30 minutes Begin at shuttle stop #6 This short walk offers stunning views of Half Dome, Glacier Point, and the Royal

Wawona Area Hiking Map Yosemite National Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior For your safety, always carry plenty of water and be prepared for changing conditions. To Chilnualna Falls Trailhead and The Redwoods in Yosemite Trail to Alder Creek This map should not be used for Wilderness trips. Please visit a park visitor center or wilderness center for more information. Alder Fall All overnight stays in Wilderness require a permit. Alde ree rC Chilnualna Falls k 6,200 ft / 1,890 m V i te iv dR South Fork Merce ite Big Trees Lodge Trail to Mariposa Grove (6 miles) Va ll Golf Shop Wa won a Road (Hwy. 41) ek re Ald er Cr ee k Wawona Campground Ch ilnua The Redwoods in Yosemite (cabin rentals) Trai l l Fal d oa sR Meadow Loop Trail i Dr st 6 rove osa G Marip one wa .6 km y i/9 6m Pioneer Yosemite History Center i 4.75 m ng Brid ge L i/7.6 km r oop oun dt ri p ek ve re rC l de F or e rC ld e to A To South Entrance & Mariposa Grove Swing mi / 9. 6 km o ne w ay Wawona Visitor Center at Hills Studio a Wawon Lodging Road Wawona Meadow 4,012 ft / 1,223 m W awona M eadow 6 km round 3 .5 mi/5. trip Lo o p See inset, above right Books and Souvenirs Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza Post Office No Grizzly Giant S Fo ierr re a N st a t Wawona Grocery Store io na l Gas Station Trail Store Gift Shop Post Office ito Cre ek lna qu (Summer only) Golf Course rive oop ge L Brid ey Mo s YARTS Stop Stables D est For ging win To S Wawona Visitor Center at Hill's Studio er em Grove Shuttle Stop Picnic Area Pioneer Yosemite History Center Covered Bridge To Yo s to A Parking for vehicles displaying a valid disabled placard Stable d oa ls R Wawona Dome Restroom Parking aln nu hil al aF 6,899 ft / 2,103 m ey all Key Campground Reservation Office Wawona C To Yosem Alder Creek Trailhead Grove Arrival Area rth South Entrance 41 To Fresno Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias See inset, on reverse Wawona Area Hiking Map Easy Wawona Meadow Loop 3.5 miles (5.6 km) round trip 1.5 to 2 hours Strenuous Begin at the Big Trees Lodge Walk on the paved road across the Wawona Golf Course. Once across the golf course, take a left at the sign-posted trailhead. The trail is an unpaved fire road which loops around the meadow and returns to the Wawona Road. A relaxing and scenic stroll, this trail offers views across Wawona Basin and opportunities to see wildlife and wildflowers. Horses, bikes, and leashed pets are allowed on the trail. Big Trees Loop (easy) Begin at Mariposa Grove Arrival Area 0.3 mile (0.5 km) round trip Winding through a forest with many giant sequoias, this trail features 30 to 45 minutes the Fallen Monarch and interpretive panels on the life and ecology of wheelchair accessible giant sequoias. This loop is relatively flat and is wheelchair accessible. Grizzly Giant Loop Trail 2.1 miles (3.4 km) round trip 1.5 to 2 hours 500 feet (150 m) elevation gain Yosemite National Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Begin at Mariposa Grove Arrival Area. Hike past notable trees such as the Bachelor and Three Graces, the Grizzly Giant, and the California Tunnel Tree. Visitors with a valid disaboled placard can drive as far as the Grizzly Giant parking and enjoy the grove via a section of trail that is wheelchair accessible. Chilnualna Falls 8.2 miles (13 km) round trip 5 to 6 hours (2,400 ft / 732 m elevation gain) Begin at Chilnualna Falls Trailhead parking area located two miles up Chilnualna Falls Road The trail leads from the parking area across the road and along Chilnualna Creek for 1/2 mile (.8 km). A series of switchbacks lead away from the creek into the open forest. The falls are comprised of five large cascades sliding through and over rock formations above the Wawona Basin—water here is fullest in spring and early summer. Carry lots of drinking water in the summer, when temperatures can be extreme. Mariposa Grove Trail to Wawona Point 7.75 miles (12.4 km) round trip 3 to 5 hours 1,200 feet (366 m) elevation gain Begin at Mariposa Grove Arrival Area This wide and relatively smooth trail follows a route that people have used to access the grove for generations. See famous sequoias such as the Bachelor and Three Graces, the Faithful Couple, and the Clothespin Tree along this somewhat strenuous route to the upper reaches of the grove. Continue to historic Wawona Point, an overlook with panoramic views. Guardians Loop Trail 6.5 miles (10.4 km) 4-6 hours 1,000 feet (300 m) Begin at Mariposa Grove Arrival Area From the tranquil upper portion of the grove, a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) loop takes hikers past many unique features such as the fallen Wawona Tunnel Tree, the Telescope Tree, and the Mariposa Grove Cabin. WAWONA POINT Mariposa Grove Area ELEV. 6,800 ft. (2,073 m) Map not to scale 0.5 ete rT ra il Pe rim 0.1 k .16 i (0 m 6 km) mi (1.4 0.91 Mariposa Tree 0.25 m i km) .72 ) i (

Yosemite National Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Glacier Point Area Hiking Map k Flat Road 1. 1.4 mi (2.3 km) 1. 6 m .4 km ) i (5 k ) m) 1. 3 m i( 2. 1k 0.9 m i 1.4 km i 0.6 m 1.0 k m E m p i r e M e a d o w mi ( 1 .4 k m ) i (4 .5 km e • This map should not be used for wilderness trips; use a detailed trail map or topographic map instead. mi (2.1 k • Always be prepared for sudden changes in weather and carry plenty of water. Treat all water obtained from natural sources. i (2.6 km) u • Stay on the trail; taking a shortcut causes trail erosion and can be dangerous. ) tt e Cre ek • Never feed or approach wildlife! Mono Meadow Trailhead 7. 5 m i( Grayling Lake 8692ft 2650m e d g R i 1 m 6k i m 0.6 m k 1.0 ( 9. 41 ) L o s t B e a r M e a d o w i( mi 4 3. 1 Kilometer n z o r i H o W e s t f a l l M e a d o w 5. 7 Wawona 0.9 km) i (3.9 i Ostrander Lake Trailhead km 2. Restrooms ) km .1 12 0.8 Campground Store M o n o M e a d o w Bridalveil Creek Campground Open July−early Sep. m Wa wo 2.4 m d Roa rced Me 2. 5 km) (3.0 mi 1 .9 m Ranger Station Telephone e 0.7 mi 1.1 km Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area Chinquapin 9092ft 2771m .7 2. 8 m 0.5 Parking Area Mt. Starr King km Illilo McGurk Meadow Trailhead Glacier Point Road closed November−May east of the ski area. Trail 1 Mile (4 mi G Road North 1.6 m la M Illilouette Fall o Tr a i l int Ro r Po ad cie m) 0.7 mi 1.1 km ek M c G u r k M e a d o w Bunnell Point c er 6100ft 1859m 0.4 0.6 k mi m 2.9 hon 8k 1.0 m 1.6 k i m i) i (3.5 m 2.2 m Cre 6. 7 m i ( 1 0 . 2. R i d g e se ek ou i km ) Po Gr ve re d al Washburn Point Sentinel Dome & Taft Point Trailhead C Roa na 0 4. i( m 1.1 mi (1.8 km) l 2.1 mi (3 .4 El Portal 140 km) 7385ft 2251m 8122ft 2476m m) .2 k i (4 m m) 4k 3. i( m mi (2 .1 Dewey Point ) km km 1 Crocker Point id 1 .3 Br River Stanford Point Sentinel Dome ) 7503ft 2287m mi m) Little Yosemite Valley Nevada Fall km (2.3 Taft Point Vernal Fall i I l l i l o u e t t e Inspiration Point 3.7 m i (6 .0 ) km El Portal Bridalveil Fall Tunnel View m i 1.4 m Wawona Tunnel 0.8 ) km .6 i (1 m 1.0 Happy Isles Trailhead km 120 0 6 7380ft 2250m Crane Flat m) 1 .3 1. Roosevelt Point 7214ft 2199m 2.6 ak mi (7.7 km ) 4.8 Four Mile Trailhead Big O Glacier Point (3.1 mi 1.9 .0 k r For Yosemite Valley trails and information, please see the Yosemite Valley Hiking Map. 0.5 ve 8836ft 2693m ) km m) 4.8 km) mi ( 3.0 Edson Lake 8145ft 2483m Ostrander Lake 8500ft 2590m Hart Lakes 8717ft 2657m Lower Merced Pass Lake 8820ft 2688m mi it rm d) (pe uire req i (5 m 1.1 k ca 3.1 m 0.7 s ble Half Dome Ri ) m To Clouds Rest 3.8 mi 5.8 km d 2.0 mi (3.2 Yosemite National Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Glacier Point Area Hiking Map* Easy Glacier Point 300 yards one way. 5 minutes. Begin at Glacier Point parking area Come for the sunrise or stay for the sunset—the view from Glacier Point is spectacular any time of day. Start at the Glacier Point parking area and enjoy a leisurely wheelchair-accessible stroll to the Glacier Point railing, where you look down on Yosemite Valley (3,200 below!) and east toward Half Dome and the High Sierra. McGurk Meadow 1.6 miles (2.5 km) round-trip. 1–2 hours; 150 ft (50 m) elevation change Begin at McGurk Meadow trailhead The trail leads downhill 0.8 mile (1.3 km) to McGurk Meadow and the site of an old cabin that belonged to shepherd John McGurk. During early summer, look for a tremendous show of wildflowers. You can continue along the trail an additional mile (1.6 km) to reach the Pohono Trail, which runs west to Dewey Point and Tunnel View and east to Bridalveil Creek, Taft Point, and Glacier Point. Moderate Dewey Point 8.2 miles (13.2 km) round-trip. 4–6 hours; 750 ft (225 m) elevation change Begin at McGurk Meadow trailhead Begin by following the McGurk Meadow trail as described above. Continue one mile (1.6 km) past the meadow to reach an intersection with the Pohono Trail. Follow the Pohono Trail west (left) to Dewey Point, 4.1 miles (6.6 km) from the trailhead. Enjoy the unique views of El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, Half Dome, and the Yosemite high country. Return the same way, or you can continue on the Pohono Trail west to more viewpoints and eventually the Tunnel View parking area 5.5 miles (8.9 km) beyond Dewey Point. 2.2 miles (3.5 km) round-trip. 2 hours (200 ft (60 m) elevation change) Taft Point & The Fissures Begin at Sentinel Dome/Taft Point trailhead Begin with an easy walk through the forest past a wildflower-filled meadow (seasonal), the trail leads to an expanse on the south rim of Yosemite Valley. Taft Point is marked by a small railing at the cliff’s edge. Enjoy magnificent views of Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan and Yosemite Falls. Near Taft P

Glacier Point Road Yosemite National Park SOME TRAIL OPTIONS Glacier Point Road: Because ski tracks are set by machine, this is the best trail for beginners or those wanting an easier ski. A skating lane is also provided. Go out as far as you like (Glacier Point itself is 10.5 miles, 16.9 km, one way), but remember, on the return trip the last few miles are uphill. Spectacular vistas of the Clark Range and large meadows for lunch stops make this trip even more enjoyable. Glacier Point Road Winter Trails Yosemite National Park Old Glacier Point Road (3.3 mi., 5.3 km, one way to Bridalveil Creek Campground): This trail follows the old road, traveling uphill approximately 1/3 mile (.5 km), then dropping down into the Bridalveil/ Peregoy Meadow area. Although the grade is not extremely steep, it can be a challenging run in icy conditions. Connect with the “new” Glacier Point Road for a nice 6-mile (9.7 km) round trip. Dewey Point via Meadows #18 (3.5 mi., 5.6 km, one way from Badger): Follow the Glacier Point Road to the east end of Summit Meadow to start this trail. The trail winds through a series of meadows, continues on to some more difficult hills, and ends at a popular vista of Yosemite Valley. This trail is crowded on weekends and holidays, and can present quite difficult skiing in old snow or icy conditions. Not recommended for beginners after the first mile through the meadows. Dewey Point via Ridge #14 (4 mi., 6.4 km, one way from Badger): This trail starts off the Glacier Point Road to the west of Summit Meadow. This is a more challenging and difficult trail out to the valley vista mentioned above. It takes skiers along a winding up-anddown course among red fir and lodgepole pine forests. Ostrander Lake (9 -10.3 mi., 14.5 -16.6 km, one way): Nestled in a bowl below Horse Ridge at 8,600 feet (2,621 m) elevation, Ostrander Lake is a popular overnight destination (see “Facilities” section). Of the three main trails to the lake, Bridalveil Creek is the easiest (intermediate). Merced Crest is the hardest and very difficult to follow (expert skiers only!). Reservations are recommended for Ostrander Ski Hut and a wilderness permit is required. Ghost Forest Loop (11.5 mi., 18.5 km, round trip from Badger): Follow the Glacier Point Road to the Bridalveil Creek/Ostrander Lake trailhead (#21). Follow trail #21 across rolling terrain to the junction with the Ghost Forest Trail #19 (1.7 miles, 2.7 km). Two more miles of moderate skiing on trail #19 will bring you back to Bridalveil Campground, where you can take either the old or new Glacier Point Road back to Badger Pass. Trail Rating Legend: Easiest More difficult Most difficult Skiers and snowshoers, please make and maintain separate, parallel trails. If you are walking, please stay off the ski trails. Footsteps create holes in the snow, which can make skiing difficult and create hazards. 50¢ BEFORE YOU START Glacier Point Road Yosemite National Park Ski or snowshoe touring in Yosemite can be a magnificent experience, or it can be a disaster if certain simple preparations are ignored. Park rangers have assembled a set of suggestions which, when observed, can help ensure a safe trip even if you encounter stormy weather or unforeseen problems. KNOW THE RULES Plan your trip sensibly, keeping in mind your experience and physical condition. Remember that winter days are short and you may not be able to travel as far as you expect. Before you leave on a trip, let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll return. Keep track of others in your party. Always carry a map and compass and know how to use them. Unless you’re an expert with map and compass, stay on trails, which are indicated by markers on trees. Consider carrying a GPS unit, if you know how to use one. Get a weather forecast (209/372-0200)—then be prepared for the unexpected. Even on short trips, carry proper gear and food for an unplanned bivouac. Always carry and drink plenty of water. If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Clothing and equipment suggestions: Wear wool, fleece, or polypropylene—a wool or synthetic hat is essential. These fabrics retain some warmth even when wet. Pack a waterproof jacket. Carry quickenergy food, water, waterproof matches, a flashlight, and protection from the sun. If you become lost or must bivouac unexpectedly, THINK! Stop early to prepare for the night. Don’t thrash around or panic; save your energy. Build a fire, if possible. Avoid wind and insulate your body from snow. Drink warm liquids, if possible; eat often and huddle together. Stay dry! Keep an eye on members of your party. Hypothermia can be recognized by unusually slow movements, unintelligible speech, and peculiar behavior. If a member of your party appears hypothermic, take quick action to keep him or her as warm as possible. If you have informed someone of your expected return and are overdue, remember that help probably is on the way. Maintain the attitude that you can and will

Yosemite National Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Crane Flat & White Wolf Area Hiking Map s Hetch Hetchy Reservoir ea do w 3,796 ft / 1,157 m m km 2. 1k m 1.3 1. 7 m i/ m i/ 2.7 km .2 mi / 4 2.6 Porcupine Flat km 4 / 2. mi 1. 5 Gro 3.1 mi / 4.5 km to Yosemite Valley North Dome 7,542 ft / 2,299 m .2 k m /4 Shuttle Bus Stop mi 2.1 km ed Tamarack Flat mi / 4.2km mi/1. i/ m km Crane Flat Gas Station 1.1 3 1. mi .6 1 km 41 erc oM / 2.4 Trail t 1.5 mi Sierra National Forest .5 mi .8 km Wawona Sierra National Forest Campground Store 2. 6 km i/ 4. 8 5,727 ft / 1,745 m 3m .6 km i/1 m Inyo National Forest 140 Restrooms 2. 6 To Merced Indian Rock km Yosemite Valley Nature Trail 0. 0.5 3 mi d oa Flat R . Rd Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias k 2.1 mi/3 km .4 Big l at kF Crane Flat Ranger Station 8 km 120 km emite Falls ad to Yos Trail Oa 2 3.7 mi / 6 km Big 7. Ro 1 ve Merced Grove of Giant Sequoias Area of hiking map Tuolumne Meadows Oa 5,350 ft / 1,630 m 1.2 mi / 2 km 2. 1 m i/ 3. 4 10,850ft 3,307m Hiking trail Trail to May Lake Mt. Hoffmann Yosemite Creek 120 Oak Fla t i/ m 9,329 ft / 2,843 m Porcupine Creek trailhead Hetch Hetchy m 1m i/1.6 k May Lake Hodgdon Meadow 4. 5 Grant Lakes km ad 120 Old B ig m .6 m i 1 km ) tc hH et chy Aspen Valley 5k i/ 2.2 km m ns Lak e g Tio o aR 3. 5 km Lukens Lake Luke 8,230 ft / 2,508 m / mi STANISLAUS NATIONAL FOREST .0. 9m i/1.4 k m Trail to Lu e k ns Lake il to Tra Ev 0.8 mi/1.3km This map should not be used for backcountry trips. Please visit a park visitor center or wilderness center for more information. k 6.1 m 3.8 White Wolf 2.2 Road (to He e n ee gr er km L ak m r de n k .9 Ha 4. 8 5. lt For your safety, always carry plenty of water and be prepared for sudden changes in weather. 1. 8m i/2 i/ m 8 2. i/ m i Tra o 3 .4 m Ten Lak es m k l to 1.5 .4 i/2 Tra i 7,484 ft / 2,281 m 0.6 mi / 1k Bald Mountain 7,261ft 2,213m Ten Lakes 1.4 Harden Lake i/ mi / 3.4 k 4 Miles m 26 to m i/ 0 4 Kilometers m M m 0 k .8 41 ne lum Tuo 2 .1 North Wolf Area Hiking Map & White FlatNational Crane Yosemite Park Easy Lukens Lake from Tioga Road 1.6 miles (2.6 km) round trip. 200-foot (61-m) elevation gain. 1-2 hours. Begin at Lukens Lake Trailhead on Tioga Road 2 miles east of White Wolf Road The trail winds through a mixed conifer forest, then over a saddle and down to a small mountain lake surrounded by a meadow. Shooting stars and dozens of other species of wildflowers abound, often through July. Please stay on designated trails to protect the meadow. The trail is wet and muddy until early August. Moderate Tuolumne Grove & Nature Trail 2.5 miles (4 km) round trip; 500foot (152-m) elevation gain on the return trip. 1-2 hours. To Hodgdon Meadow (4.5 mi) (7.24 km) Begin at Tuolumne Grove parking lot at Crane Flat on Tioga Road Follow the Old Big Oak Flat Road—one of the first roads into Yosemite Valley—steeply down 0.8 mile (1.3 km) through sugar pines and white firs to the “Entering the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias” sign. The first sequoia is 0.2 mile (0.3 km) past the sign. To see more sequoias, follow established trails through the grove. Take a 0.5-mile (0.8-km) nature trail through the grove to learn more about these giant trees. Begin the trail at the Tunnel Tree, then bear left down the road, and cross the bridge at the right side of the picnic area. To return to the parking area, take the road uphill. The road downhill continues 4.5 miles (7.2 km) to the Hodgdon Meadow area. End of the grove To Hodgdon Meadow (4.5 mi) (7.24 km) Creek Yosemite National Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Merced Grove 3 miles (4.8 km) round trip; 520foot (158-m) elevation gain on return. 1-3 hours. Begin at Merced Grove parking lot on Big Oak Flat Road This trail follows an old road that curves down into the Merced Grove, the smallest and most secluded of Yosemite’s three sequoia groves. Follow the trail for 0.6 miles (1 km), then bear left at the junction. An old cabin, the former summer retreat of park superintendents, is part of the grove’s history. Look for dogwoods blooming here in the spring. Lukens Lake from White Wolf 4.6 miles (7.4 km) round trip; 400foot (122-m) elevation gain. 2-3 hours. Begin across from White Wolf Lodge Follow the trail through a mixed conifer forest to Lukens Lake, a small mountain lake surrounded by a meadow. The trail crosses the Middle Fork of the Tuolumne River and is wet and muddy until early August. At the lake, shooting stars and dozens of other species of wildflowers abound, often through July. Please stay on designated trails to protect the meadow. Harden Lake 5.8 miles (9.3 km) round trip; 355foot (122-m) elevation gain on the return trip. 2-4 hours. Begin across from White Wolf Lodge Hike along a gravel road—part of the

Crane Flat Yosemite National Park TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS Trails are not groomed in the Crane Flat area. Note that trail ratings are for average conditions. Icy or crusty conditions, or deep snow can make trails much more difficult. Crane Flat Winter Trails Yosemite National Park #1 Crane Flat Lookout Trail (1.5 mi., 2.4 km, one way): This trail is an uphill, rolling climb most of the way to the fire lookout, where the 360 degree views of Yosemite are spectacular. #2 Tuolumne Grove Trail (1 mi., 1.6 km, one way): This trail descends from the trailhead the entire way to the majestic giant sequoias. This is a popular trail both with snowshoers and hikers and is an arduous return ski. #3 Gin Flat Loop Trail (6.25 mi., 10.1 km, roundtrip): Start at the gate on the Tioga Road and go .25 mile (.4 km). From there you can continue up the Tioga Road or take the old Gin Flat Loop Trail up to Gin Flat. Either way, it’s about a 3-mile (4.8 km) climb, but then a nice ski down. Skiing back to the trailhead via the road is considerably easier than skiing back via the trail. #4 Crane Flat Campground Trail (1.75 mi., 2.8 km, roundtrip): Wind your way through and around Crane Flat Campground, then cross a meadow to join the Clark Range View trail. Turning north takes you back to the trailhead. #5 Clark Range View Trail (2 mi., 3.2 km, one way): This trail follows an old logging road with beautiful views of the Merced River Canyon and the Clark Range. #6 South Landing Road Trail (2.25 mi., 3.6 km, one way): This trail follows an old logging road with views of the Merced River Canyon and El Portal to the south. Rockefeller Grove Trail (2.25 mi., 3.6 km, one way): Park at the Merced Grove parking lot and walk across the road to pick up the old trail to the Rockefeller Grove. It’s a gradual 2-mile (3.2 km) climb to this grove of sugar pines. The trail is entirely wooded. In low snow years this trail may not be skiable. Merced Grove Trail (1.5 mi., 2.4 km, one way): The first half mile is level and easy, providing a good warm-up for the steep 1 mile (1.6 km) descent into this grove of giant sequoias. This trail requires heavy snowfall from a cold, lower-elevation storm to be skiable Trail Rating Legend: Easiest More difficult Most difficult Skiers and snowshoers, please make and maintain separate, parallel trails. If you are walking, please stay off the ski trails. Footsteps create holes in the snow, which can make skiing difficult and create hazards. 50¢ BEFORE YOU START Crane Flat Yosemite National Park Ski or snowshoe touring in Yosemite can be a magnificent experience, or it can be a disaster if certain simple preparations are ignored. Park rangers have assembled a set of suggestions which, when observed, can help ensure a safe trip even if you encounter stormy weather or unforeseen problems. KNOW THE RULES Plan your trip sensibly, keeping in mind your experience and physical condition. Remember that winter days are short and you may not be able to travel as far as you expect. Before you leave on a trip, let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll return. Keep track of others in your party. Always carry a map and compass and know how to use them. Unless you’re an expert with map and compass, stay on trails, which are located by orange markers. Consider carrying a GPS unit, if you know how to use one. Get a weather forecast (209/372-0200)—then be prepared for the unexpected. Even on short trips, carry proper gear and food for an unplanned bivouac. Always carry and drink plenty of water. If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Clothing and equipment suggestions: Wear wool, fleece, or polypropylene—a wool or synthetic hat is essential. These fabrics retain some warmth even when wet. Pack a waterproof jacket. Carry quickenergy food, water, waterproof matches, a flashlight, and protection from the sun. If you become lost or must bivouac unexpectedly, THINK! Stop early to prepare for the night. Don’t thrash around or panic; save your energy. Build a fire, if possible. Avoid wind and insulate your body from snow. Drink warm liquids, if possible; eat often and huddle together. Stay dry! Keep an eye on members of your party. Hypothermia can be recognized by unusually slow movements, unintelligible speech, and peculiar behavior. If a member of your party appears hypothermic, take quick action to keep him or her as warm as possible. If you have informed someone of your expected return and are overdue, remember that help probably is on the way. Maintain the attitude that you can and will survive. If someone in your party needs ranger assistance and you can safely ski out, go to the Crane Flat gas station or the Tuolumne Grove parking lot and call 911. Certain National Park Service regulations must be observed by winter backcountry users; these protect the park as well as visitors. • A wilderness permit for an overnight trips can be obtained at the Valley Visitor Center, Wawona Information Station, Badger Pa

Yosemite National Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Tuolumne Meadows Map and Area Information Take the Tuolumne Meadows shuttle bus along Tioga Road! See schedule posted at stops. To Yosemite Valley 12 Olmsted Point Pothole Dome May Lake Trailhead 11 10 Sunrise Tenaya Lakes Trailhead (west end of Tenaya Lake) lor Gay kes La Tioga Pass/ Gaylor Lakes Trailhead * see enlarged map below Lake 8 9 Tenaya Lake East End Lembert Dome Parking and 5 Picnic Area Visitor Center 7 6 Cathedral Lakes Trailhead Campground and Store 4 Tuolumne Lodge Wilderness Center Dog Lake Parking 3 Mono Pass Trailhead * 1 2 To Lee Vining * limited schedule to these stops Close-up of Tuolumne Meadows Area (not to scale) Area Information to Young Lakes to Young Lakes Parsons Lodge Pothole Dome Stables to Tenaya Lake 8 8 Ti o uo ga Ro ad 7 7 lu m n Please use the trail (across the road) to return to your vehicle when completing this loop.Do not walk along the roadway. Dog Lake Parking Lembert Dome Parking/Picnic Area Soda Springs T U O L U M N E T Dog Lake Lembert Dome 4 M E A D O W S ess Wildernnter Ce Da e R iver 5 Visitor Center Post Office, Grill & Store Ly For safety while hiking, carry water and be prepared for sudden weather changes. Please walk on official trails to protect fragile meadow ecosystems. Dogs, bicycles, and strollers are only allowed on roads open to vehicles. Day-hikers and backpackers must go to the bathroom at least 100 feet away from water, trail, and camp areas; bury human waste six inches deep; pack out toilet paper and all other trash. Parking: Park only in designated areas. Drive only on established roadways. Parking is very limited. Please walk or take the shuttle bus whenever possible. Food lockers are located at most parking areas. All food, trash and scented items should be removed from vehicles and placed in food lockers (this is required by law at night). Keep empty coolers out of sight. Ranger programs include nightly campfires and daily walks; see Yosemite Guide or postings for times and locations. Parsons Memorial Lodge: Exhibits and Summer Series programs are free and open to the public. See Yosemite Guide or postings for schedule. Food service is available at the Grill and Lodge. Groceries can be purchased at the store. to Glen Aulin und o gr amp C el na Fo r 1 2 3 Tuolumne Meadows Lodge John Muir Trailhead k l F ork “Twin Bridges” Dana Campfire Circle 6 to Cathedral Lakes to Elizabeth Lake Trail Information 7 Shuttle Stop Picnic Area Parking Restrooms to Lyell Canyon and Vogelsang 06/2016 Yosemite National Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Tuolumne Area Day Hikes * RT=roundtrip Easy (mostly flat) Moderately Strenuous (moderate elevation gain) Tuolumne Meadows: Soda Springs/Parsons Memorial Lodge Cathedral Lakes 1.5 miles (2.4 km) RT* 1 hour Lyell Canyon via the John Muir Trail 8 miles (12.8 km) 200-ft. elevation gain Plan on ~2 miles/hour depending on how far you go. Begin at Lembert Dome parking area (shuttle stop #4). Walk along the gravel road and pass the locked gate (signed Glen Aulin and Soda Springs). Soda Springs—carbonated, cold water bubbling out of the ground—is protected within a log enclosure. Historic Parsons Memorial Lodge offers exhibits (limited hours— see Yosemite Guide for schedule). A path to the bridge below the lodge continues to the Tuolumne Visitor Center. Begin across the road from Dog Lake parking area (shuttle stop #2). This trail passes through Lyell Canyon, along the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River. Early in the season, the trail can be muddy in places. There are several creek crossings, including Rafferty Creek (bridged) and Ireland Creek (unbridged). Spectacular Kuna Creek cascades down the side of the east canyon wall near the eight-mile mark. For a shorter trip, walk 1/2 hour each way to the Lyell Fork and “Twin Bridges.” 7 miles (11.3 km) RT* 4 - 6 hours 1,000-ft. elevation gain Glen Aulin 11 miles (17.7 km) RT* 6 - 8 hours, 800-ft. elevation gain on return Mono Pass 8 miles (12.9 km) RT* 4 - 6 hours 1,000-ft. elevation gain Moderately Strenuous (moderate elevation gain) Dog Lake or Lembert Dome 2.8 miles (4.5 km) RT* 3 hours, 600-ft. elevation gain to Dog Lake or 850-ft. to Lembert Dome Begin at the Dog Lake parking area (shuttle stop #2, just west of Tuolumne Lodge). The trail rises steeply for 0.75 mile to a signed junction. Turn left to reach the top of Lembert Dome for a spectacular view of Tuolumne Meadows and surrounding peaks. To reach Dog Lake, continue straight at the junction. Allow four hours for a leisurely four mile (6.4 km) roundtrip visit to both Dog Lake and Lembert Dome. Stay off domes during thunderstorms! Elizabeth Lake 4.8 miles (7.7 km) RT* 4 - 5 hours 1,000-ft. elevation gain Begin at Tuolumne Meadows Campground. The trail begins in the B loop of the campground and climbs steadily to a glacier-

Yosemite National Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Picnic Areas in Yosemite National Park Unless otherwise noted, all picnic areas in Yosemite have picnic tables, vault toilets, garbage and recycling receptacles. All picnic areas have grills except Cascades, Yosemite Creek, and Lembert Dome. No picnic areas have potable water. EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA 9/07 Yosemite National Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior To Tioga Road 3.I mi 5.0 km To Tioga Road 6.9 mi II.I km Picnic Areas in Yosemite Valley North All picnic areas in Yosemite Valley have picnic tables, vault toilets, garbage and recycling receptacles. All picnic areas except Lower Yosemite Fall and Church Bowl have grills. Keep Wildlife Wild Yosemite is home to black bears, mule deer, mountain lions, and hundreds of other species. Bears are quick learners, have a powerful sense of smell, and seek out food where it can easily be found. If a bear obtains human food, it may learn to return for more. For your safety and that of wildlife •• Keep your distance from animals, even if they approach you. •• Never feed wild animals. •• Dispose of trash in bear-proof trash cans or dumpsters. •• While enjoying your picnic, keep your food, trash, and other scented items within arm’s reach. •• If a bear approaches, make loud noises to scare the bear away. Yosemite Village Visitor Center Yosemite Falls Medical Clinic Church Bowl Lower Yosemite Fall North Lower Pines Pines Swinging Bridge Yosemite Lodge Upper Pines Day visitors may not picnic in the campgrounds. Sentinel Beach Curry Village El Capitan Northside Drive one -way El Capitan Bridge To Hwys 120 & 140 Pohono Bridge Bridalveil Fall To Hwy 41 Cathedral Beach rive e Dy hsinde-wa t u So o The Ahwahnee 

The Pioneer Yosemite History Center BACK TO THE FUTURE Issues such as preservation versus use, overcrowding, automobile traffic, and private land ownership in the park confounded the pioneers. Solutions to some issues elude us today. What is the future of Yosemite National Park? What role will you play in its preservation? How will you change Yosemite? How will Yosemite change you? The Pioneer Yosemite History Center The Pioneer Yosemite History Center Yosemite National Park 50¢ Yosemite National Park The scenery of Yosemite is world-renowned. Each year, millions of people are drawn to its thundering waterfalls, towering giant sequoias, unique geologic features, and magnificent high country. Many visitors are less aware of the stories of individuals that have both changed and been changed by Yosemite. At the Pioneer Yosemite History Center, the National Park Service commemorates the efforts of people, the events they experienced, and the issues they faced during the establishment of this great park. GREY BARN & COVERED BRIDGE The Pioneer Yosemite History Center consists of historic structures from different eras of Yosemite history. Originally constructed in different locations throughout Yosemite, they were moved to Wawona in the 1950s and 1960s. As you walk among them, it is important to remember that the area does not represent a village. Instead, each building represents a different chapter in the Yosemite story. Allow Yosemite history to come to life as you travel back in time to an era of horse-drawn wagons, covered bridges, and log cabins. This project made possible through a gift from the Jeangerard Foundation. Printed on recycled paper. © 2006. This brochure is dedicated to the memory of Rod Collier, whose love for Yosemite history and concern for environmental preservation influenced thousands of young people. Cover Photo Courtesy of Bob Roney; Sketches by Dov Bock. A place of pioneers who profoundly influenced the birth and growth of the national park idea. In the late 1800s, Wawona was the largest stage stop in Yosemite. After hours of bouncing and bumping along uneven dirt roads, inbound stages stopped for the night at the Wawona Hotel before making the eight-hour trip to Yosemite Valley. If a stage needed a repair before the sixteen-hour roundtrip journey, the grey barn was the place to visit. The Washburns, proprietors of the Wawona Hotel, used this barn for repairing stages. All Yosemite-bound traffic through this area crossed the covered bridge, which was built in 1857 by Galen Clark. Clark opened the first waystation for visitors in Wawona and later became the first guardian of the Yosemite Grant. He sold his land along the river to the Washburns, and they covered the bridge in the style of their native Vermont. Its restoration was the first step in the creation of the Pioneer Yosemite History Center. As you cross the bridge, listen for the low rumble of an oncoming stage and allow your imagination to return to the days of Yosemite’s pioneers. The Pioneer Yosemite History Center ARTIST CABIN Yosemite National Park HOMESTEAD CABIN Explorers, writers, and early tourist parties of the 1850s returned from Yosemite with stories of spectacular beauty. Artists were drawn to Yosemite, where they found inspiration in the magnificent scenery. Paintings, drawings, sketches, and photographs publicized and popularized Yosemite. Consequently, many people chose to travel the arduous route to Yosemite and experience the beauty firsthand. Thus, artists played a key role in increased awareness, tourism, and protection of Yosemite National Park. Painter Christian Jorgensen constructed this building on the banks of the Merced River near Sentinel Bridge in Yosemite Valley. ANDERSON CABIN Tourist parties provided business for local residents. George Anderson, a miner and blacksmith, worked as a guide in the late 1800s, and escorted visitors on expeditions in Yosemite. In 1875, he was the first person to climb Half Dome. He spent his winters in this building at Big Meadow (now called Foresta), and his summers in Yosemite Valley. Much of the high country around Yosemite Valley had been claimed by individuals in the late 1800s. The Hodgdon family, ranchers from the San Joaquin Valley, built this cabin on their homesteaded land in Aspen Valley and grazed cattle there each summer. In the late 1880s, John Muir and other preservationists grew concerned that the damage caused by cattle and sheep in the high country would impact the watershed and Yosemite’s waterfalls. Muir led the movement to preserve the high country, and helped establish the expanded boundaries of Yosemite National Park in 1890. Although Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove had been set aside by the federal government for protection by the State of California in 1864, prior claims to the land caused legal battles between residents and the government. Land claims would be fought for many years — the cabin represents such disputes.

Yosemite National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Yosemite National Park Hetch Hetchy Valley Hetch Hetchy Valley on August 11, 1911. Photo by Matt Ashby Wolfskill, courtesy of the Library of Congress. Introduction Hidden in Yosemite National Park’s peaceful northwest corner, Hetch Hetchy Valley is a treasure worth visiting in all seasons. In spring, two of North America’s tallest waterfalls plummet spectacularly over thousand-foot granite cliffs. The dramatic cliffs surrounding these waterfalls add to the grandeur that John Muir compared to the more well known Yosemite Valley. In 1870, Muir called Hetch Hetchy Valley “a wonderfully exact counterpart of the great Yosemite.” In the early spring through late fall, visitors have easy access to a vast wilderness filled with high-country lakes, streams, and wildlife. A rare snowy winter day gives adventuresome visitors a chance to explore on skis or snowshoes. Early History People have lived in Hetch Hetchy Valley for more than 6,000 years. American Indian cultures were prominent before the 1850s when the first Euro-Americans came looking for gold and a place to graze livestock. The valley name probably derived from the Miwok word, hatchhatchie, which means “edible grasses.” Miwok names are still used for features, including Tueeulala Fall, Wapama Fall, and Kolana Rock. The lifestyle of first inhabitants depended on the natural resources of the land. They would gather seeds and plants, hunt, and trade. Meadow plants were particularly valuable resources to these tribes. Today, descendants of these people still use milkweed, deergrass, bracken fern, willow, and other plants for a variety of uses including baskets, medicines, and string. Modern History As early as 1882, Hetch Hetchy Valley had been considered a potential site for a new reservoir. development. Until the early 1900s, Americans viewed wilderness as something to conquer and natural resources as infinite. Preservationists, led by John Muir, wanted the valley to remain untouched. They maintained that a dam could be secured outside “our wild mountain parks.” Muir and his followers launched a campaign to praise the virtues of Hetch Hetchy. For the first time in the American experience, a national audience considered the competing claims of wilderness versus The eight mile long Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and O’Shaughnessy Dam as seen today (photo by Greg Lawler) Flora and Fauna Hetch Hetchy is home to a diverse array of plants and animals. Gray pine, incensecedar, and California black oak grow in abundance. The distinctive manzanita bush is common, and many beautiful examples of this red-barked shrub are seen along the road. Spring and early summer bring brightly colored wildflowers including Dam supporters were convinced that a reservoir could offer tremendous social and economic benefits. The fastest growing city in the West, San Francisco was facing a chronic water and power shortage. In 1906, an earthquake and fire devastated San Francisco, adding urgency and public sympathy to the search for an adequate water supply. Congress passed the Raker Act in 1913, authorizing the construction of a dam in Hetch Hetchy Valley as well as another dam at Lake Eleanor. The first phase of construction on the O’Shaughnessy Dam (named for the chief engineer) was completed in 1923 and the final phase, raising the height of the dam, was completed in 1938. Today the 117-billion-gallon reservoir supplies pristine drinking water to 2.4 million Bay Area residents and industrial users. It also supplies hydro-electric power generated by two plants downstream. The reservoir is eight miles long and the largest single body of water in Yosemite. lupine, wallflower, monkey flower, and buttercup. Seventeen species of bats inhabit this area of the park, including the largest North American bat, the western mastiff. This large bat is only one of two bats in Yosemite whose echolocation can be heard by the human ear. Also, be alert to sightings of rattlesnakes and black bears. Exploring Hetch Hetchy Hetch Hetchy’s relatively low elevation provides for one of the longest hiking seasons in Yosemite, and the varied trails include something for everyone. Carry plenty of water and sunscreen and watch for rattlesnakes and poison oak. Overnight backpackers need a wilderness permit, which can be obtained at the Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station at no cost. Bear canisters are required for backcountry food storage for overnight hikers. • Wapama Fall is reached via a five-mile, round-trip hike that follows the shoreline of the reservoir with moderate up and downhill hiking. The trail includes spectacular views of Tueeulala and Wapama Falls. To begin the trail, cross the dam and pass through the tunnel. • The Lookout Point Trail begins at the entrance station. This two-mile hike involves moderate climbing and brings hikers to a rocky outcropping overlooking Hetch Hetchy. • The trail to Rancheria Falls continues past Wapama Fal

Yosemite National Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Photo by Dan Horner Yosemite Accessibility Guide January 2015 Welcome to Yosemite National Park! The park strives for full and equal participation for all visitors and continually upgrades facilities, programs and services to improve accessibility. This guide outlines a variety of accessible services, facilities, and activities available in Yosemite. Within each area, it describes ways for people with sight, hearing, and mobility impairments to enjoy Yosemite. If you do not need this guide after your visit, please return it to any visitor center or entrance station. The Yosemite Accessibility Guide is available at entrance stations, visitor centers and online at www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/upload/access.pdf. For general park information and descriptions of services, programs and activities, see the Yosemite Guide, available at entrance stations, visitor centers or online at www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/guide.htm. We welcome your comments and suggestions on ways to improve accessibility for visitors to Yosemite National Park. Discrimination on the basis of disability in federally conducted programs or activities of the Department of the Interior is prohibited. Contact Information: Accessibility Coordinator 209‐379‐1035 yose_accessibility@nps.gov United States Department of the Interior NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Yosemite National Park P.O. Box 577 Yosemite, California 95389 IN REPLY REFER TO: P4215 (YOSE‐PM) Message from the Superintendent: Yosemite National Park is a wonderful and beautiful place with towering trees, thundering waterfalls and massive granite formations. Set aside as a National Park in 1890, Yosemite is a place visited by almost four million visitors a year. Yosemite’s goal is to provide the highest level of accessibility to our visitors as possible. Each year has shown marked improvements in both physical and programmatic accessibility at Yosemite. The staff at Yosemite is working hard to correct and resolve accessibility deficiencies throughout the park. By using principles of universal design, Yosemite is committed to providing physical access to the greatest number of individuals. From designing and building new facilities to the rehabilitation of older buildings, accessibility has become a key component of all projects. The park also offers a free fully accessible shuttle bus service in Yosemite Valley to all park visitors. Yosemite has won the following Accessibility Awards: 2010 National Park Service Sustained Park Achievement – Provision and Improvement of Accessibility over a Sustained Period of Time, 2009 National Park Service National Accessibility Achievement Award for Programmatic Achievement – Improving Access to the National Park Service Programs and 2008 Programmatic Accessibility Achievement Award – Deaf Services Program. Yosemite provides American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters for visitors and has added captioning or provides ASL interpreters at all public films shown in the park. Additionally, we have available audio descriptions, podcasts and multiple publications in large print or Braille for visitors with visual impairments. During the last several years, the park has added accessible campsites in Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and the Tioga Road area. The campgrounds where these sites have been added now include accessible restroom facilities, paths of travel, and some campsites with raised tent platforms. Future plans include the addition of more accessible campsites each year until we meet or exceed the required number of accessible campsites. Many picnic areas parkwide have been rehabilitated to include accessible paths of travel, picnic tables, and grills. As Yosemite continues to address current accessibility issues it is important to remember that accessibility is an integral part of our mission. Providing accessible programs and facilities to the broadest population of our visitors is everyone’s task and responsibility. Don L. Neubacher Superintendent Accessibility Guide Yosemite National Park January 2015 Table of Contents 2 General Information 2 2 3 3 3 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 Access Passes Temporary Accessible Parking Placard Parking Service Animals Wheelchairs and Mobility Devices Rules for Use of OPDMDs Wheelchair and Bicycle Rental Shuttle Buses YARTS – Bus Service to Yosemite Telephones, Video Phone & TTYs Deaf Services Program Requesting a Sign Language Interpreter 7 Services 7 7 7 8 8 Sightseeing by Car Tours Trail Rides Gas Post Offices 8 Health Concerns & Medical Facilities 9 9 9 9 Weather Elevation Smoke & Fire Medical Facilities ‐ In & Around Yosemite 10 Learning About Yosemite 10 10 11 11 12 Ranger Interpretive Programs Films about Yosemite at Visitor Center On‐Line Resources, Videos & Webcams Publications Environmental Education 13 Lodging, Camping & Picnic Facilities 13 Lodging Information 14 Campground Reservations 15 Picnic Areas 16 Places of Interest in Y

World Heritage Sites in the United States Governor’s House, La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historical Site Red-footed booby, Papahaˉnaumokuaˉ kea Morning Glory Pool, Yellowstone National Park © HARVEY BARRISON © KRIS KRUG JEFF SULLIVAN PHOTOGRAPHY 2 Kluane /  Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay /  Tatshenshini-Alsek 1 Statue of Liberty Grand Canyon National Park © MICHAEL BELL PIXABAY/SKEEZE © MICHAEL LOYD Olympic National Park 3 WA SH I N GTO N - 19 81 Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park vii • ix vii • viii • ix • x A L A SK A (US), C A N A DA - 1979 Features temperate rainforest, glaciers, peaks, alpine meadows, old-growth forest, and wilderness coastline. Critical habitat for endangered species including northern spotted owl and bull trout. www.nps.gov/olym Over 24 million acres of wild lands and waters are changed by glaciers and volcanic activity. www.nps.gov/glba, www.nps.gov/wrst www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/yt/kluane www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore vii • ix © MIKE CRISS Montana (US), Canada - 1995 World’s first international peace park. Rich biodiversity and outstanding scenery with prairie, forest, alpine, and glacial features. www.nps.gov/glac www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/waterton/ Grinnell Point © MIKE KOCH Old Faithful © MARK STEVENS 23 © STEVE BOND Yellowstone National Park vii • viii • ix • x Renowned for geothermal features, Yellowstone has the world’s largest concentration of geysers. Protects grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. www.nps.gov/yell iii • iv I L L I N O I S - 19 82 With over 1,100 properties, the World Heritage List This urban complex flourished 1000– 1350 CE (Common Era). Regional center for prehistoric Mississippian culture. www.cahokiamounds.org shows a shared global commitment to preserve the world’s most important natural and cultural sites. Monks Mound Learn more about the World Heritage sites in the 22 4 Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Preserved for All Humanity W YO M I N G, M O N TA N A , I DA H O - 1978 © JIM WARK/AIRPHOTO United States, described here with selection criteria Redwood National and State Parks This gift from France to the United States is a symbol of international friendship, peace, progress, freedom, democracy, and human migration. Renowned for art and engineering. www.nps.gov/stli World Heritage Sites in the United States can be pur- Coastal mountain home to California brown pelicans, sea lions, bald eagles, and ancient redwood forest—the world’s tallest trees. www.nps.gov/redw i • vi N E W YO R K - 19 8 4 scription year, and websites. The Passport booklet C A L I F O R N I A - 19 8 0 Statue of Liberty 5 in Roman numerals (details other side), location, in- vii • ix Black bear, Great Smoky Mountains National Park chased at www.eparks.com. For more on the World Pixabay Heritage List: whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/us. © AMY HUDECHEK Natural Papahaˉnaumokuaˉkea iii • vi • viii • ix • x Cultural Mixed 21 6 H AWA I I - 2010 Independence Hall This vast living “cultural seascape” embodies kinship of people to place in Native Hawaiian cosmology. Includes seamounts, endemic species, critical habitats, and coral reefs. www.papahanaumokuakea.gov vi P EN N S Y LVA N I A - 1979 An international symbol of freedom and democracy, this 18th-century building is where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were created and signed. www.nps.gov/inde Greg McFall / NOAA 20 Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park © TODD LANDRY viii H AWA I I - 19 87 Earth’s greatest mass of volcanoes, including Mauna Loa and Kilauea, tower over a “hotspot” in the mantle. Continuous geologic activity builds an ever changing landscape home to rare and endemic species. www.nps.gov/havo 21 7 PACIFIC OCEAN 0 Hawaii Everglades National Park viii • ix • x 20 F LO R I DA - 1979 800 Kilometers 0 800 Miles North America’s largest subtropical wilderness has several vital habitats for plants and animals including Florida panthers and manatees. Key area for bird migration and breeding. www.nps.gov/ever NPS Yosemite National Park 19 vii • viii © CARLTON WARD JR. C A L I F O R N I A - 19 8 4 Glacial erosion helped sculpt this scenic landscape. Soaring granite cliffs, polished domes, high waterfalls, sequoia groves, wilderness, deep-cut valleys, and alpine meadow habitats. www.nps.gov/yose 18 Chaco Culture iii Castillo San Felipe del Morro N E W M E X I CO - 19 87 © ANGEL LOPEZ Prehistoric, monumental masonry structures in Chaco Canyon, along with a network of roads and outlier sites like Aztec Ruins, exhibit the vast influence of the ancestral Puebloan culture on the Southwestern landscape. www.nps.gov/azru, www.nps.gov/chcu © JOCELYN PANTALEON HIDALGO The 20th-century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site vi © OJEFFREY PHOTOGRAPHY P U ERTO R I CO - 19 8 3 ii Strategic defensive structures represent early European military architecture, e