Yosemite Guide

Yosemite National Park embraces a vast tract of scenic wildlands set aside in 1890 to preserve a portion of the Sierra Nevada mountains that stretches along California's eastern flank. The park ranges from 610 meters (2,000 feet) above sea level to more than 3,960 meters (13,000 feet) and of1ers three major features: alpine wilderness, groves of Giant Sequoias, and Yosemite Valley. The 325 kilometers (200 miles) of roads give access to all of these features either by car or by free shuttlebus in some areas. To get to know the real Yosemite, however, you must From Glacier Point the scenery spreads out in all directions, giving you a breathtaking view no matter which way you look. Looking east, you see Half Dome. y Mirror Lake is s ilt ing up 1 Two cl i mbers enjoy a spectacula r view and a well-e arned rest after achi evi ng th e ir goal and in a few years· time w ill be a meadow. y A Steller's Jay µ erches lA fres h snowfal l brings a hush to the park and g ives the skie r the opportunity of seei ng the familiar in another perspective. • Natures camo uflaging protects this mu le deer fawn. ' B i rd ing is a rewa rding past ime, especially as y our abili ty to ident ify b irds grows. leave your car and take a few steps on a trail. Yo u don 't have to walk far to discover the grandeur that can be found here and the values this special place offers. Thousands of people have come to Yosemite and left refreshed and relaxed and perhaps a bit more knowledgeable about what they want out of life. See what you can find. on the sea bed , which eventually was folded and twisted and thrust above sea level. Simultaneously molten rock welled up from deep within the earth and cooled slowly beneath the layers of sediment to form granite. Erosion gradually wore away almost all the overlying rock and exposed the granite. And even as uplifts continued to form the Sierra, water and then glaciers went to work to carve the face of Yosemite. Weathering and erosion continue to shape it today. The story of Yosemite began about 500 mi llion years ago when the Sierra Nevada region lay beneath an anci en t sea. Thick layers of sediment lay 1 Wherever you turn you 'll y The stage arri ves at the soon d iscover that t he beautifu l and ra re are commo nplace in Yose mite. Here the sun's last rays touc h Half Dome. Pioneer Yose mite H istory Cente r. -' The areas aro und Tioga Pass and T uol u mne Meadows offer man y trails into the h igh counry wilderness. Y El Cap ita n's sheer wa lls attract experienced rock climbe rs who have made numerous s uccessful assaults. A Camping i n Yose mite can be the sou rce o f many memories. l T ho ugh brown, this mothe r and c ub are black bea rs. on a branch for a brief rest. Tuolumne Meadows and the High Country This section of Yosemite has some of the most rugged , sublime scenery in the S i erra. In summer the meadows, lakes, and exposed granite slopes teem with life. Due to the short growing season, the plants and animals take maximum advantage of the warm days to grow, bloom, and store food for the. long, cold winter ahead . The Tioga Road, Calif. 120, crosses this area. This scenic highway, originally built as a mining road in 1882- 83, was realigned and modernized in 1961. The road passes through an area of sparkling lakes, meadows, domes, and lofty peaks that only 10,000 years ago lay under glacial ice. Scenic turnouts along the road afford superb views. At Tioga Pass the road crosses the Sierra's crest at 3 ,031 meters (9,945 feet), the highest automobile pass in California. Here you see two striking contrasts: to the west, peaks and meadows; to the east, high desert. Tuolumne Meadows (at 2,620 meters/8,600 feet) is the largest subalpine meadow in the Sierra. It is 89 kilometers (55 miles) from Yosemite Valley via the Tioga Road. Long a focal point of summer activity , it is also growing in popularity as a winter mountaineering area. In the summer Tuolumne Meadows is a favorite starting point for backpacking tri ps and day hikes. Th e meadows are spectacular in early summer, aboundi ng in wildflowers and wildlife. Rangers at the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center, open during the summer, can help you. A trip into the h igh country can be immensely rewarding. But remember that the elevation ranges from 2, 100 to 4,000 meters ( 7 ,000 to 13,000 teet). Even robust individuals find that vigorous exercise can make them short of breath. Slow down your pace; take lime to awaken your sense of wonder. Glacier Point Glacier Point is one of those rare places where the scenery is so vast that it overwhelms the viewer. Just below your feet a sheer rock cl iff , about 975 meters (3,200 feet) straight down, affords you a bird's-eye view the length and breadth of Yosem i te Valley. Across the valley y ou can see th e e ntire 739-meter (2,425-foot) drop of Yosemite Falls. Beyond , the panoramic expanse of the High Sierra stands out in awe-inspiring clarity. Interpretive signs identify the major peaks. Sunset and fullmoon nights are ideal times to visit the point. During full moon millions of stars o verhead and the pastel granite transform the lan dscape into a fai ry- land. In summer you c a n drive to Glacier Point (52 kilometers/ 32 miles from Yosemite Valley); in winter, when the road is closed at Summit Meadow, it is a favori te destination for cross-country skiers. But no matter how you arrive or when you go, G l acier Point offers what may be Yosemite's finest view. Giant Sequoia Groves The Mariposa Grove , 56 kilometers (35 miles) south of Yosemite Valley, is the largest of three Sequoia groves in Yosemite. The Tuolumne and Merced Groves are near Crane Flat. Despite human pressures, these towering giants, largest of all living things, have endured for thousands of years. Only in recent years, however, have we be gun to understand the G i ant Sequoia ecosystem. During the last 100 years protection has someti mes been inadequate and sometimes too much. For example, in the late 1800s tunnels were cut through two trees in the Mariposa Grove. At the other extreme, good intentions created another problem: fire protection led to adverse effects. The Sequoia is wonderfully adapted to the danger of fire. Its wood and bark are fire-resistant. Black s cars on a number of large trees that are still prospering indicate they have survived many scorching fire s . Sequoia reproduction also depends on fire. Its tiny seeds require mineral soil for ge rmination, and its seedlings need sun light. Frequent natural fires open the necessary seedbed and thin out competing speci es. But years of fire suppression have allowed forest debris to build up into a thi ck layer that stifles reproduction , and shade-to le rant species of trees have encroached . Prescribed burning in the groves by the National Park Service now simulates this vital natural process, and young Sequoias are more abundant. Yosemite Grant. Known as Clark 's Station , it served as an overnight stop for visitors in transit between Yosemite Valley and Mariposa. In 1875, the year the original Wawona Road was opened, the Washburn brothers purchased the area and built the Wawona Hotel that is sti ll in operation today. Wawona emphasizes Yosemite's human history. It is the settin g o f the Pioneer Yosemite History Center, a collection of furnished relocated historic buildings and hi toric horse-drawn coaches. As you look at these trees, keep in mind that they have been here since the beginni ng of histo ry of the western world. The Mari posa Grove's Grizzly Giant is 2 ,700 years old and is thought to be the oldest of all Sequoias. Private vehicles are not permitted beyond the parking lot in t he lower Mari· posa Grove. You can ride the free trams through t h e Grove from about May 1 to October 15. You can use the trails year round for either hiking or for cross-country skiing. Yosemite s wilderness is varied and offers day hiki ng and backpacking experiences for both the seasoned !liker and the novice. More than 1 ,210 kilo meters (750 miles) of trails offer a variety of c limate, e le vation, and spectacular scenery. Near t he crest o f the Sierra you can take both long and sho rt tri ps at e levations above 2,745 meters (9,000 feet). The higher regions offer a cool climate, while lower elevations are warmer and drier. Backcountry Wawona An Indian word that apparently meant " big tree," Wawona was the site of a wayside hostel bui lt in 1857 by Galen Clark, the first guardian of the For overnight backcountry trips you will need a wilderness permit (free at visitor centers and ranger stations throughout the park), appropriate equipme nt, good footgear, and desire. Be sure to read t he brochures you will receive with your per- Yosem1 e a ey To Upp« Yosemite F11il '"Ahwiyah Poin t Arch sca<J ·waShlngton Column ROYAL ARC HES Half Dome 2695 884 2 The Incomparable Valley," so it has been called, is probably the world's best known example of a glacier-carved canyon. Its leap i ng waterfalls, towering cliffs, rounded domes, and massive monoliths make ii a preeminent natural marv el. These attributes h o ve inspi red poets, painte rs, photographers, and millions of v isitors beginning w ith John Muir for more than one hundred years. Nowhere in Yosem i te is the sense of scale so dramatic. Yosemite Valley is characterized by sheer walls and a flat floor. Its evolution began when alpine g laciers lumbered through the canyon of the Merced River. The ice carved through weaker sections of granite, plucking and scouring rock but leavi ng harder, more solid portions-such as El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks - intact and greatly enlarging the canyon that the Merced River had carved through successive uplifts of the Sierra . Finally the glacier began to m o lt and the terminal m o raine left by the last glacia l a dvance Into the valley dammed the melting wate r to form ancient Lake Yosemite , which sat in the n e wly-carved U-shaped valley. Sediment eventuall y filled In the lake, forming the flat valley floor y ou see today. ihls same process Is now fill· ing ~ rror Lake at the base of Half Dome. L1oerty c.a 2157 7076 •sentlnal Rock 2145 0 .5Mi/e Dome Trall Activities, Services, and General Information The Yosemite Guide, a free newspaper, is your key to current park information. It contains a current listing of all interpretive programs, fac i lities and services, general information, and feature articles. The Guide is available at entrance stations, ranger stations, visitor centers, and other contact sites. Current road, weather and camping information is also available by telephone . Consult the Yosemite Guide or phone directory for numbers. Campgrounds are situated throughout the park; one in the valley and another at Wawona are open all year. No utility hookups are available, but all campgr_ounds have or are near water and restrooms. Eating facilities, stores, and lodging are available in Yosemite Valley and al Wawona , El Portal, Tuolumne Meadows, and While Wolf. Reservations for accommodations are recommended . Write to the Yosemite Park and Curry Co., Yosemite National Park, CA 95389 or call 209-373-4171. A special information packet for disabled visitors and wheelchair-emblem placards for vehicles fo r speci al driving privileges are available on request at entrance and information stations. Printed information in Spanish , Japanese, German, and French is also available on request for visitors needing it. The Yosemite Road Guide is a descripti ve booklet keyed to numbered posts along park roads. You can purchase a copy at most information stations and gift shops. Other publications about the park are available at outlets throughout the park or by writing to Yosemite Natural History Association, Box 545, Yosemite National Park , CA 95389. Protecting Yourself Each year, the vacations of a substantial number of visitors to Yosemite end in tragedy. Serious injuries and fatalities occur with frightening frequency and the loss of or damage to personal belongings is a common complaint. The causes of these incidents are varied, but they have a common denomi nator-the victims did not know that what they were doing was dangerous. Ability to recog- During winier the backcountry is receiving increased mountaineering use. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing have grown in popularity and open up a new world for the backpacker. The h igh country is a wonderland. Deep snow covers the land, and summer landmarks may be unrecognizable. But winter in the backcountry Is more demanding than summer. Good equipment is an absolute must, as is wool and down clothing. Proper pl anning is paramount to assure a safe and comfortable trip into the harsh Sierra winter envi ronment. Backcountry travel, both summer and winter, can be gratifying. However, you are experiencing the mountains on their terms , and the mountains are not very forgiving lo the careless or unprepared. When you get your wilderness permit, ask about the trail conditions, weather forecast, and special precautions you should lake in the area through which you will be traveling. Double-check your equipment and food , stay on established trails, don't shortcut switchbacks, and if you hike alone, tell someone where you 're going and when you expect to return . For horse and mule use check at all information and wilderness perm it stations . r.iote 1he V-shape of me valley trom wmcn f osemne Falls (739 meters/2,425 feet high) plunges. The valley is a mosaic of open meadows sprinkled with wildflowers and flowering shrubs, oak woodlands, and mixed-conifer forests of ponderosa pine, Incense-cedar and Douglas-fir. Wiidiife f rom monarch butterflies to mule deer and black bears flourishes in these communities. Around the valley 's perimeter, waterfalls, which reach their maximum flow in May and June, crash to t he floor. Yosemite, Bridalveil, Vernal, Nevada, and lllilouette are the most prom i nent of these falls, some of which have little or no water from mid-August through early fall. The Indian Cultural Museum and the Indian Village behind the Valley Visitor Center commemorate the Native Americans who inhabited this r egion long before It was 'discovered.' The Ahwahneechee Indians lived In the valley for several thousand years. Acor ns we re a food staple, as were the animals they hunted and fished. Take time to vis it the Valley Visitor Center where an orientation slide program and publications are available. Exhi bits highlight the valley's natural and human history. Rangers on duty will be glad to answer your questions or otherwise help you . In con•r • to the valley·s sheer walls, the Merced C•nyon • .:m g Calif. f40outside the park isa typical rl wer-c V-shaped canyon, for the glaciers did not extend t • far. Back from the ri m of the valley itself, forested slopes show some glacial polish. But fo r the most part these areas also were not olaclated. NOTE: When you arrive in Yosemite Valley, park your car and walk to the places you want to see. Distances are short. If you prefer, use the free shuttlebus system that serves the eastern half of the valley.Either way, you 'll save gas and frustra tion. ~ John Muir Trail Bicycle and {g Parking D Gas station Shuttl ebus and bicycles only f! Campground A Walk-in campground . . 5Kllometer Sentinel mil and observe all regulations. Above all remember to keep your impact to a minimum . Nevada Fall Jo'111 ~~'\\ --z_Mul~ Panorama Trail nize potential hazards is a valuable skill that experienced visitors develop quickly. Speed limits in Yosemite nowhere exceed 45 mi les p e r hour and are lower where posted. Most accidents occur because of excessive speed, coupled with careless driving. Many drivers look everywhere except where they are going - watch out for them! Driving off the roads is not perm itted. Bears are attracted by the odors of food people bring with them. In trying to obtain that food, bears cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage to vehicles, foodstuffs, and camping equipment each year. Please do not leave food insi de the passenger section of a car or in an unattended ice chest. To E::J Trai l ~ foot trail f··"··~ secure food properly, store it In an ice chest, then lock it in a trunk or recreational vehicle. Improper food storag e is a violation subject to fine. Additional infor mation on bears and p recautions that you should take will be given to you at the entrance station or a mpground registration station. as well as injuries caused by falls. Please do not scramble up cliffs or over rocks-take the trail. Rock climbing is for the experienced. For safety reasons horses and mules have the rig ht-of-way on trails; stand quietly al trailside until they pass. While hiking in steep terrain watch out for rock slides. Rivers, str ams, and waterfalls can be treacherous at all time$, but espec ially when water levels are high. Appro ach them cautiously and be alert for und ermined banks and slippery rocks. Fast currents and cold water are a deadly combination. Do not swim above waterfalls or in swift water. Valuables should not be left unattended. Store them securely and lock your veh i cle when you leave ii. If you camp, p lace lanterns , stoves , and other eq uipment inside your tent or vehicle when you leave your campsite. Report thefts promptly to a ranger. Trails are tile safest routes when travel ing off roads. Straying off trails res ults in lost children and hikers IN CASE OF EMERGENCIES CALL 911 . GPO 198 1 - 341· 578 184 Ae annt 198 1 Camping 1s permitted o nly 1n desig natP.rl cilmpgrounds St;iy1ng ovP.rnight o n roadsides or in oark1ng areas 1s not perm1tted. You m ust register for c ampsites on accordance w ith the onst ruct1ons posted at ca mpground entrance s . There Yosemite E::::j T hrough trail Caution. This map should not be used for hiking. All park regulations are strictly enforced to pro- Use appropriate USGS topographic maps. vide the highest possible degree of protecti on to Yosemite's resources E:::3 O 1 Kilometer 0 1 Mile ·Mono Pass 232 10<!04 Trail are camping fees and limits nn IP.ngth o f stay Trees and limbs t hat ArP. dead and down may be used for firewood on campg ro u nds Cutting standing trees or attached limbs. a live or dead. 1s proh1b1ted Campfires are permitted o n ly at rlP.signated camp, sites and firesites [xti n' g u ish them w ith water before leavi ng . Smolderong campfires can b urn down onto the grou nd and ' then late rall y fo r great d istances. Where t here 1s , suff1 c1ent fuel. t hey may bu rn bac k to t he surface Report all w ildfires to the nP.Arest rn ngP.r stat io n Pets must be ke pt o n le ash . They a re not al lowed on t rai ls. beaches. in the b;ic kcountry or in p ublic b u ild ings. Campers w it h pets a re restricted to certain cam pgro unds A board ing ken nel 1s ilvai lable at t he Yo sem ite V;illey sta b les. Fire arms must be unloaded an d cased at al l t imes w ithin the park . All park features are p rote cted Do no t d e fac e or remo ve a ny natural or historic featu re s. Do not pic k wi ld flowers o r ot her pl ants o r k il l. capture, feed , o r m olest w ildl ife m E! Campg round A Walk-in campground Cii) Food service and lodging £! High Sierra Camp (] Gas station Ranger station E levations are g iven in meters, With feet in italics. and visitors. • Haystack. Peak .• ·schoti Id P9al\ L t,,__ ·__ __,··f~ . Richardson Peak rs~~ " .J..0<: · S tde Mountul I, y ~1 I \_ I cathe dtal Peak "---- ~ 3335 . 10940 Mount Hoffmann· 3307 J --f-----,-----71'~-----t--- -.,..-~-+t---~1-.ll!l!!~H+---------10-c8~50'----+---\---'~--+-~-1--== ~~"=1----- ~ar;;:·Echo ~esks • ~ ~~nt Stant King 7 9092 Mount Ctark • 3512 t1~22 "' Merced Peak 3574 fl 726 f 'i , 17 -7: I ) ./ NA TION~\OREr / yr _/ ) \ )j I ~ >- ( ) 1 ·wawona Dome f .L.__ "\---~"'\.,_ r" ( 0 Administration Yosemite Nat io na l Park 1s administered by t he N ational Park Serv ice. U .S Departm ent o f t he Interior The supenntend enrs address is Yose m ite N at io na l Park. CA 95389. Fishi ng is permitted w ith a Cal iforn ia license. w h ich can be pu rchased at t he Village Sto re Spo rt Shop (su mme r) or Curry Village M ounta in Sh o p Fi rearms. Hunt ing or d isc hargi ng any k1nd o f w eapo n is prohibited 5 ; winte ri State r ul es appl y o n se aso n a nd catc h Urucorn Peak