Yosemite National Park

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Yosemite National Park is a United States National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Sierra Nevada mountains in east-central California. Yosemite is internationally recognized for its spectacular granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, giant sequoia groves, and biological diversity. The 750,000-acre, 1,200 square-mile park contains thousands of lakes and ponds, 1600 miles of streams, 800 miles of hiking trails, and 350 miles of roads.

yosemite Travel Guide : 1 Understand 1.1 History 1.2 Landscape 1.3 Flora and fauna 1.4 Climate 2 Get in 2.1 By car 2.2 By train 2.3 By bus 2.4 By shuttle 3 Fees/Permits 4 Get around 4.1 By car 4.2 By shuttle 4.3 On foot 5 See 5.1 Yosemite Valley 5.2 Wawona 5.3 Glacier Point & Badger Pass 5.4 Tuolumne Meadows 5.5 Crane Flat 5.6 Hetch Hetchy Valley 6 Do 6.1 Hiking 6.1.1 Yosemite Valley 6.1.2 Glacier Point 6.1.3 Tuolumne Meadows 6.1.4 Wawona & Mariposa Grove 6.1.5 Hetch Hetchy 6.2 Rock climbing 6.3 Horseback riding 6.4 Golf 6.5 Skiing 7 Buy 8 Eat 8.1 Yosemite Valley 8.2 Wawona 8.3 Tuolumne 8.4 Glacier Point 9 Drink 10 Sleep 10.1 Lodging 10.2 Camping 10.2.1 Yosemite Valley 10.2.2 Wawona 10.2.3 Glacier Pass 10.2.4 Crane Flat 10.2.5 Tioga Pass Road 10.3 Backcountry 10.4 Nearby 11 Stay safe 12 Get out 13 External links

Understand

History

Efforts to protect Yosemite Valley began as far back as June 30, 1864 when President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill granting Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias to the State of California as an inalienable public trust. This was the first time in history that a federal government had set aside scenic lands simply to protect them and to allow for their enjoyment by all people. The area became a national park on October 1, 1890 following several years of struggle by John Muir against the devastation of the subalpine meadows surrounding Yosemite Valley.

Despite its national park status, California controlled the initial grant area until 1906. Prior to ceding control, the city of San Francisco became embroiled in a bitter political struggle over the Hetch Hetchy Valley, in which the city wanted to dam the Tuolumne River as a source of drinking water and hydroelectric power. In 1913, conservationists led by John Muir lost the battle when Congress passed the Raker Act, authorizing the construction of O'Shaughnessy Dam. To this day, crusades to restore Hetch Hetchy are ongoing.

Landscape

Yosemite is best known for the massive granite cliffs and domes found within the park. The landscape began forming about ten million years ago when the Sierra Nevada was uplifted and then tilted to form its relatively gentle western slopes and the more dramatic eastern slopes. The uplift increased the steepness of stream and river beds, resulting in formation of deep, narrow canyons. About one million years ago, snow and ice accumulated, forming glaciers at the higher alpine meadows that moved down the river valleys. Ice thickness in Yosemite Valley may have reached 4,000 feet during the early glacial episode. The downslope movement of the ice masses cut and sculpted the U-shaped valley that attracts so many visitors to its scenic vistas today.

Flora and fauna

Yosemite has more than 300 species of vertebrate animals, and 85 of these are native mammals. Black bears are abundant in the park, and are often involved in conflicts with humans that result in property damage and, occasionally, injuries to humans. Visitor education and bear management efforts have reduced the bear-human incidents and property damage by 90% in the past few years. Ungulates include large numbers of mule deer. Bighorn sheep formerly populated the Sierra crest, but have been reduced to only a few remnant populations. There are 17 species of bats, 9 of which are either Federal or California Species of Special Concern. Over 150 species of birds regularly occur in the parks. Other species that are found within the park include bobcat, gray fox, mountain beaver, great gray owls, white-headed woodpeckers, spotted owls, golden-mantled ground squirrel, martens, Steller's jays, pika, yellow-bellied marmot, and white-tailed hare.

The vegetation in the park is primarily coniferous forest. Most notable among the park's trees are isolated groves of giant sequoias, the largest trees in the world, which are found in three groves in Yosemite National Park.

Climate

Weather can change rapidly during all seasons of the year, and will also vary greatly with elevation. When visiting it is wise to pack for any season with clothing that can be layered, ready to peel off or add on as conditions dictate. Always include some kind of rain gear; the park receives most of its precipitation in the months of January, February and March, but storms are common during the transitional spring and fall seasons, and spectacular thunderstorms may occur during summer.

For Yosemite Valley and Wawona (subtract 10-20°F (5-10°C) for Tuolumne Meadows), average weather is as follows:

• Summer: Typically dry, with occasional thunderstorms; temperatures from 50°F (10°C) to the low 90°F (30°C) range.
• Fall & Spring: Highly variable, with typical high temperatures ranging from 50-80°F (10-27°C) , with lows from 30-40°F (-1 to 4°C). Rain is less likely early in fall/late in spring and rain or snow is likely late in fall/early in spring.
• Winter: Snowy, rainy, or (sometimes) even sunny days are possible, with highs ranging from 30-60°F (-1 to 16°C) and lows in the high 20°F (-4 to 0°C) range.

Get in

By car

There are four major entrances into the park. All of these routes are relatively windy mountain roads and appropriate time should be budgeted for them.

• State Route 120 from the west from Oakdale. This is the fastest route from locations west (Bay Area) and northwest (Sacramento). Route 120 is a bit steep, so RVs and trailers should consider Route 140 instead. In winter, snow makes the lower elevations of Route 140 more attractive.
• State Route 140 west from Mariposa and Merced. This route mostly travels up the Merced river canyon into Yosemite Valley and is the most scenic western entrance. RV traffic can congest this road a bit too much in summer.
• State Route 41 north from Fresno and Los Angeles.
• State Route 120 from the east (Tioga Pass Road) from Lee Vining and points east. This road is "closed in winter" which can be as early as November and as late as June (and never earlier than May).

Note: During summer months traffic becomes heavily congested in Yosemite Valley, and parking can be nearly impossible to find. Summer visitors to Yosemite Valley are therefore highly encouraged to use the YARTS shuttle system (see below) to get into the park.

By train

Amtrak loves to advertise that you can take a train from the Bay Area to Yosemite. The train travels to Merced where you transfer to a bus which takes two hours to get to the park. As the train takes four hours to get to Merced from Emeryville and a car or bus only takes two, this is a pretty slow way to get there. Nevertheless, it's still a good choice for long-distance train travellers or train-lovers.

By bus

Many tour bus companies run tours from the Bay Area. Some will just take you to Yosemite Valley; others provide full tours to see the Giant Sequoias and/or Glacier Point.

• Extranomical Adventures, Ph: 1-866-231-3752, contact@extranomical.com (mailto:contact@extranomical.com), 1 (http://www.extranomical.com/). Offering one, two, three and five day trips that visit Yosemite Valley and Yosemite's sequoia groves. Bus and minivan trips start at $109 per person. This company provides pickups from downtown San Francisco hotels or from selected East Bay locations.
• Starline Tours, Ph: 1-800-959-3131 (from the US) or 001-323-463-3333 (abroad), info@starlinetours.com (mailto:info@starlinetours.com), 2 (http://www.starlinetours.com/). Offers pickups from downtown San Francisco hotels and selected East Bay locations, and offering 3.5 hours in Yosemite Valley for $116 per person.

By shuttle

The Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) (http://www.yarts.com/) offers reasonably-priced transportation into Yosemite Valley from towns east and west of the park including Merced, Mariposa, El Portal, Lee Vining and Mammoth Lakes. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time or from the shuttle driver, and round-trip fares are between $7 (from El Portal) to $20 (from Merced and Mammoth Lakes) into Yosemite Valley. When combined with the free shuttle service that operates within Yosemite Valley YARTS can eliminate many hassles for summer visitors.

Fees/Permits

Park entrance fees are $20 for private vehicles and $10 for individuals on foot, bike and motorcycle. All entrance fees are valid for seven days. The Yosemite Annual Pass is available for $40, allowing park entry for one year. Alternatively, the National Park pass can be purchased for $50, allowing free entry to all national park areas for one year.

Get around

By car

In general a car is a great way to tour the park, although during the summer Yosemite Valley can be so crowded that a shuttle bus is a vastly better option. Be aware that the Tioga Pass Road and the road to Glacier Point are seasonal and close as soon as the first major snow falls. Other park roads may close during storms, but in general are always open. Note that the speed limit in all areas of the park is fairly slow, and is strictly enforced by rangers with radar guns; the speed limits are for your own safety on the twisting mountain roads, as well as for the safety of pedestrians and the many animals that use the area.

The loop road through Yosemite Valley is now one-way. For many years this was a two-lane road, but motorists travelling slowly to admire the scenery often created a long backup of annoyed drivers, so the Park Service converted most of the roads in the valley into one-way roads to allow passing. As a result, when driving in the valley be aware that a wrong turn can send you on a one-way five-mile detour.

By shuttle

To limit traffic congestion the park service runs several free shuttle buses throughout the park (note that these are not the YARTS system):

• Yosemite Valley. Shuttles operate from 7:00 AM until 10:00 PM in the eastern portion of Yosemite Valley year-round, stopping at or near all accommodations, shopping areas, and major sights.
• Wawona-Mariposa Grove. Between spring and fall a free shuttle operates between Wawona and the Mariposa Sequoia Grove. Parking is often full at the grove, so the shuttle then becomes the only option for visiting.
• Badger Pass Bus. During the ski season a free bus travels twice daily between Yosemite Valley and the ski area.
• Tuolumne Meadows Shuttle Bus. During the summer season this bus provides access to points in and around Tuolumne Meadows.
• Tuolumne Meadows Hikers' Bus (fee charged). This bus travels in summer between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows, dropping hikers off along the way. To guarantee seating tickets should be purchased one day in advance by calling (209) 372-1240.
• Glacier Point Hikers' Bus (fee charged). This bus provides service between Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point, making stops along the way. To guarantee seating tickets should be purchased one day in advance by calling (209) 372-1240.

On foot

Although the road network covers the most popular sights in Yosemite, the vast majority of the park's area can only be accessed using the park's network of trails. Trails including the John Muir Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail lead to areas outside of the park's north and south borders.

See

The park is extremely large with more than can be seen in just a one or two day visit. The peak seasons for Yosemite are generally Spring, when the waterfalls in the Valley are strongest, and Summer, when the Tioga Pass and Glacier Point roads are open, giving visitors access to the higher meadows and to views of the Valley from above.

Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Valley is world famous for its impressive waterfalls, meadows, cliffs, and unusual rock formations. Yosemite Valley is accessible by car all year, but during the summer months traffic can feel like a city rush hour rather than a national park, making shuttle bus usage highly recommended.

Perhaps the most famous sight in the valley is the granite monolith of Half Dome, a mountain whose sheer face and rounded top looks like a giant stone dome that has been split in half. The imposing vertical face of El Capitan is legendary among climbers, and numerous lesser-known features line the valley.

Equally famous for its waterfalls, Yosemite Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in the world at 2425 feet (782 m), and is most impressive during the spring months. Bridalveil Fall is another easily accessible waterfall, while Nevada Fall and Vernal Fall can be reached by those willing to do some hiking.

Wawona

Wawona is the home to the historic Wawona Hotel, dating from the late nineteenth century. The Pioneer Yosemite History Center, a collection of historic buildings, is located just over the covered bridge from the hotel. Wawona is accessible by car year-round.

The Mariposa Grove is south of Wawona near the entrance station. The Mariposa Grove is the largest stand of giant sequoias (also known as Sierra redwoods or big trees) in Yosemite. The road to the Mariposa Grove is not plowed in winter and is often closed from sometime in November through March.

Glacier Point & Badger Pass

Glacier Point, an overlook with a commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and much of the Sierra Nevada mountain range is located 30 miles (one hour) from Yosemite Valley. The road ends at Glacier Point and a quarter mile long paved walkway leads to one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the park. The road is closed from sometime in November through early May or late June. From mid-December through early April the road is plowed only as far as the Badger Pass ski area and Glacier Point can be reached via skis or snowshoes only. Both downhill and cross-country skiing are available at Badger Pass from mid-December through early April.

Tuolumne Meadows

The Tioga Road (Highway 120 East), is generally open to vehicles from late May or early June through sometime in November. It offers a 39 mile scenic drive between Crane Flat and Tuolumne Meadows through forests and past meadows, lakes, and granite domes. Many turnouts offer broad and beautiful vistas.

Tuolumne Meadows is a large, open sub-alpine meadow graced by the winding Tuolumne River and surrounded by majestic peaks and domes. From sometime in November through late May or early June, this area is only accessible by cross-country skis or snowshoes. One of the easiest ways to explore the Meadows is to take the dirt road past the Dog Lake trailhead (along Tioga Rd.) for a quarter mile. There you'll find a metal gate and a fire road behind it. The road you're driving on curves sharply to the right here. Park and follow the road past the gate. The first mile of this road provides you with up-close views of the Meadow's beauty, particularly toward the left (south).

Crane Flat

Crane Flat is a pleasant forest and meadow area located 16 miles (30 minutes) from Yosemite Valley. Nearby are the Tuolumne and Merced Groves of Giant Sequoias, which are only accessible by foot. Crane Flat is accessible by car all year.

Hetch Hetchy Valley

Hetch Hetchy, a lesser known twin to Yosemite Valley (perhaps because its river has been dammed), is home to spectacular scenery and is the starting point for many less-used wilderness trails. Although the road to Hetch Hetchy is open year-round, it may close periodically due to snow in winter and spring.

Do

Hiking

Physically-fit travelers will enjoy hiking the Park's many trails and footpaths. Check with rangers for trail conditions; snow and hazards from falling rock close many trails in winter, and the cables on the Half Dome trail are only up from late May through early October (ascending Half Dome when the cables are not erected is possible but is dangerous and strongly discouraged).

Yosemite Valley

Many of the meadows have short trails, some of which are handicap accessible. For those staying in the valley, walking to get around is easy, scenic, and avoids the stresses of car travel in the valley.

• Lower Yosemite Fall. (0.5 mi / 0.8 km round-trip). This easy paved trail starts at the Lower Yosemite Fall shuttle bus stop and provides a good view of the falls with a close-up view of the lower fall. (Note: this waterfall is often dry from August through October.)
• Bridalveil Fall. (0.5 mi / 0.8 km round-trip). Another easy paved trail starting from the Bridalveil Fall parking area and leading to the bottom of Bridalveil Fall.
• Mirror Lake/Meadow (2 mi / 3.2 km to Mirror Lake, 5 mi / 8 km around the lake). Starting from the Mirror Lake trailhead shuttle bus stop, the trail leads along an old road to what is a large pond in spring and a meadow the rest of the year. The pond/meadow is at the bottom of Half Dome and provides excellent views. Those who are interested can also hike around the lake.
• Valley Floor Loop (6.5 mi / 10.5 km round-trip with cutoff, 13 mi / 21 km without). The loop trail around Yosemite Valley can be hiked in pieces or in full. Following the road in places, the trail can be shortened by crossing the bridge just east of El Capitan Meadow.
• Vernal Fall (Mist Trail) (3 mi / 4.8 km round-trip). This strenuous hike starts from the Happy Isles shuttle bus stop and leads to the top of Vernal Fall. From the Vernal Fall footbridge onwards the trail offers excellent views of the 317 foot (97 m) high Vernal Fall. Past the footbridge the trail becomes steep and may be slippery as it traverses 600 granite steps to the top of the waterfall.
• Nevada Fall (Mist Trail) (7 mi / 11.2 km round-trip). Nevada Fall is located further along the Mist Trail, past Vernal Fall. This strenuous hike leads to the top of Vernal Fall, up more granite steps, and to the top of Nevada Fall.
• Panorama Trail (8.5 mi / 13.7 km one-way). Starting from Glacier Point the Panorama Trail offers panoramic views of the valley and close-up views of three waterfalls (including lesser known Illilouette Fall) before continuing down the Mist Trail and ending at Happy Isles. From late May or early June through October, a fee-based hikers bus will take you up to Glacier Point.
• Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point (9.6 mi / 15.5 km round-trip). Starting from the Four Mile Trailhead just west of Swinging Bridge picnic area, this strenuous trail follows switchbacks up to Glacier Point. The trail offers spectacular views up and down Yosemite Valley. Visitors interested in a long day hike can return to Yosemite Valley via the Panorama Trail.
• Upper Yosemite Fall (7.2 mi / 11.6 km round-trip). Starting near the Camp 4 shuttle bus stop, this extremely strenuous trail switchbacks to the top of the 2,425 foot (739 meter) high Yosemite Falls. The trail provides great views of Half Dome and eastern Yosemite Valley. Those without the time (or energy) to make it to the top can hike about one mile to the railed-in Columbia Rock, which itself has great views.
• Half Dome (17 mi / 27.4 km round-trip). One of the most spectacular trails in the world, the Half Dome trail starts on the Mist Trail, travels past Nevada and Vernal Falls, and then continues rising through a pine forest before opening up near the summit of Half Dome. The final miles are a grueling trek up granite steps, followed by wired cables that lead up the steep ascent to the top of Half Dome. Views and scenery are unforgettable, but be prepared for crowds so heavy that lines form at the cables, especially during summer weekends. Hikers should be aware that the final climb up Half Dome's face via the cables can be exhausting and, for those with even a mild fear of heights, frightening.

Glacier Point

• McGurk Meadow, Bridalveil Creek, & Dewey Point (7 mi / 11.2 km round-trip). Starting at the McGurk Meadow trailhead parking area (west of the Bridalveil Creek Campground turnoff) this trail leads downhill to an old cabin built by John McGurk and a large meadow. Continue east (right) at the trail junction to get to Bridalveil Creek (4 mi / 6.4 km) or continue west to a Dewey Point (7 mi / 11.2 km), which has a spectacular view of western Yosemite Valley.
• Ostrander Lake (12.7 mi / 20.3 km round-trip). Beginning at the Ostrander Lake trailhead parking area (1.3 mi / 2.1 km east of Bridalveil Creek Campground), the first half of this hike gains little elevation; the second half gains about 1,500 ft (450 m). As the trail rises it offers views of the Clark Range before eventually arriving at Ostrander Lake.
• Mono Meadow (3 mi / 4.8 km round-trip). Starting from the Mono Meadow trailhead parking area (2.5 mi / 4 km east of Bridalveil Creek Campground) the trail descends steeply to Mono Meadow, an area which is wet, particularly early to mid summer (be sure to stay on the trail, even if it is muddy). Shortly after leaving Mono Meadow, the trail passes through an unmarked clearing with views of the Clark Range, Mount Starr King, and Half Dome.
• Taft Point (2.2 mi / 3.5 km round-trip). The trailhead is located at the Sentinel Dome/Taft Point trailhead parking area (6 mi / 9.6 km east of Bridalveil Creek Campground) and the relatively easy trail leads to the edge of Yosemite Valley. As the trail approaches Taft Point watch for fissures, which are deep cracks extending hundreds of feet downards. The railed-in Taft Point offers a breathtaking view of Yosemite Valley, 2,000 feet (600 m) below.
• Sentinel Dome (2.2 mi / 3.5 km round-trip). Starting at the Sentinel Dome/Taft Point trailhead parking area, (6 mi / 9.6 km east of Bridalveil Creek Campground), the Sentinel Dome trail is an easy hike that leads to the base of Sentinel Dome, where you can scramble up the granite slope of the dome (it is not especially steep on its northeast side). From the top, you have a spectacular 360° view of Yosemite Valley (including Yosemite, Vernal, and Nevada Falls) and parts of the high country.

Tuolumne Meadows

• Soda Springs & Parson's Lodge (1.5 mi / 2.4 km round-trip). Beginning at the Lembert Dome parking area, the trail follows the gravel road northwest past a locked gate. The Soda Springs are protected within a log enclosure. Carbonated water bubbles up through the ground, but drinking the water is not recommended due to possible surface contamination. Further along the trail is the historic Parson's Memorial Lodge, which offers exhibits.
• Dog Lake (2.8 mi / 4.5 km round-trip). Starting at the Dog Lake/John Muir Trail parking area the trail goes up steeply and crosses the Tioga Road, then continues up for 0.75 mi (1.2 km) to a signed junction. Continue straight to Dog Lake. Enjoy fishing and picknicking from this high country lake.
• Lembert Dome (2.8 mi / 4.5 km round-trip). A strenuous hike beginning at the Dog Lake/John Muir Trail parking area, this trail goes up steeply for 0.75 mi (1.2 km) to a signed junction. The trail to the left goes to the top of Lembert Dome. Expect a spectacular panoramic view of Tuolumne Meadows, Cathedral Peak, and Unicorn Peak.
• Dog Lake and Lembert Dome (5.0 mi loop). These two hikes can be combined in a loop that delivers some of the best scenery from any five-mile hike in the park. Do the lake first, before you get tired from the dome climb.
• Glen Aulin (11 mi / 17.7 km round-trip). A moderately difficult trail starting from the road near Tuolumne Meadows Stables, the trail follows the gravel road as it loops behind Soda Springs and drops to Glen Aulin. The route is noted for scenic cascades, particularly Tuolumne Falls, located 4 miles from the trailhead.
• Elizabeth Lake (4.8 mi / 7.7 km round-trip). Starting near the Tuolumne Meadows Group Campground this moderately difficult hike climbs steadily to the glacier-carved lake at the base of Unicorn Peak. To reach the trailhead, drive past the group campsites to where the road ends. There are restrooms there.
• Cathedral Lakes (7 mi / 11.3 km round-trip). From the Cathedral Lakes Trailhead the trail climbs steadily (1,000 ft / 305 m) to Upper Cathedral Lake. Near the top, it passes a spur trail to Lower Cathedral Lake.
• John Muir Trail through Lyell Canyon (8 mi / 12.9 km one-way). From the Dog Lake/John Muir Trail parking area this relatively flat trail (only 200 ft / 61 m elevation gain over 8 mi / 12.9 km) wanders through Lyell Canyon, mostly alongside the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River.
• Mono Pass (8 mi / 12.9 km). A moderately difficult trail that starts at the Mono Pass Trailhead (6 mi / 4.4 km east of Tuolumne Meadows) and climbs gently at first (1,000 ft / 304 m elevation gain) to a junction with Spillway Lake. The left fork then steeply climbs to Mono Pass, at 10,500 ft / 3,200 m. From the pass, Upper Sardine Lake is another 0.75 / 1.2 km down the pass to the east.
• Gaylor Lakes (2 mi / 3.2 km) A strenuous trail starting from the Gaylor Lakes Trailhead (at the Tioga Pass Entrance Station) and climbing steeply in the first 0.5 mi / 0.8 km (1,000 ft / 304 m elevation gain) to a ridge with views to both sides. At the ridge, the trail drops 200 ft / 61 m to a lake and meadows, which can be explored with side trails.
• Vogelsang High Sierra Camp, Lake, and Pass (15.8 mi / 25.5 km). Starting from the Dog Lake/John Muir Trail parking area, the trail's first 2 mi / 3.2 km, along the John Muir Trail, are relatively level. The Rafferty Creek Trail then splits off and begins a 1,200 ft / 366 m ascent to Tuolumne Pass, followed by a 160 ft / 49 m climb to the High Sierra Camp. You can continue to Vogelsang Lake (0.5 mi / 0.8 km further) and spectacular Vogelsang Pass (1.5 mi / 2.4 km further).

Wawona & Mariposa Grove

• Wawona Meadow Loop (3.5 mi / 5.6 km rount-trip). Starting at the golf course across the street from the hotel, the trail is a pleasant stroll on a fire road around the Wawona Meadow.
• Swinging Bridge Loop (5 mi / 8 km round-trip). A moderate hike leading from the Wawona Store to the swinging bridge, the trail follows the paved Forest Drive 2 mi (3.2 km) upstream from the history center and then continues on the dirt road for a short distance to the swinging bridge (which really does swing). Cross the bridge and bear left onto the dirt road, which soon becomes paved Chilnualna Falls Road. When you reach the Wawona Stable, walk into it towards the Covered Bridge, where you started this hike.
• Chilnualna Fall (8.2 mi / 13.1 km round-trip). From the Chilnualna Fall trailhead parking area, this strenuous hike leads past the cascades of Chilnualna Fall and all the way to the top of the fall.
• Alder Creek (12 mi / 18.7 km round-trip). Beginning at the Alder Creek trailhead parking area, this strenuous trail climbs through an open pine forest with abundant manzanita on the drier slopes.
• Wawona to Mariposa Grove (6 mi / 9.6 km one-way). Starting near the Moore Cottage at the Wawona Hotel this generally viewless hike leads to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. From late April through September, you can take the free shuttle bus from the grove back to Wawona.
• Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias (6 mi / 9.6 km round-trip). There are numerous trails leading through this grove of giant trees, all starting from the Mariposa Grove parking area. To reach the Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree, follow the trail that begins at the far end of the parking area. To reach Wawona Point, continue on the trail past the Grizzly Giant into the upper grove. The old road ascends to Wawona Point from near the Galen Clark Tree.

Hetch Hetchy

• Wapama Falls (5 mi / 8 km round-trip). Starting from the O'Shaugnessy Dam, this easy trail leads to the bottom Wapama Falls (and Tueeulala Falls in spring).
• Rancheria Falls (13.4 mi / 21.4 km round-trip). A moderately difficult hike that starts from the O'Shaugnessy Dam and provides numerous views of the Hetch Hetch Valley.
• Poopenaut Valley (3 mi / 4.8 km round-trip). This oddly named trail begins four miles from the Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station and provides quick access to the Tuolumne River, descending 1,229 feet (735 m) to the river below O'Shaugnessy Dam.
• Smith Peak (12.5 mi / 20 km rount-trip). A strenuous trail from the Hetch Hetchy Ranger Station to Smith Peak. Forests and meadows eventually give way to great views of the Hetch Hetchy area.

Rock climbing

The Valley also offers some of the most challenging and spectacular rock climbing in North America, with vertical faces 3,000 and more feet tall. At the current time, wilderness permits are not required for nights spent on a wall, but it is illegal to camp at the base of any wall in Yosemite Valley. Additional regulations:

1. Fight litter! Don't toss anything off a wall, even if you intend to pick it up later. Don't leave food or water at the top or on ledges "for future parties". Set a good example by picking up any litter you see, including tape wads and cigarette butts.
2. Don't leave fixed ropes as permanent fixtures on approaches and descents. These are considered abandoned property and will be removed.
3. Minimize erosion on your approach and descent. If an obvious main trail has been created, use it. Go slow on the way down to avoid pushing soil down the hill. Avoid walking on vegetation whenever possible.
4. If you need to build a fire for survival during an unplanned bivouac on the summit, use an existing fire ring. Building a new fire ring or windbreak is prohibited. Make sure your fire is completely out before you leave.
5. Clean extra, rotting slings off anchors when you descend. Bring earth-toned slings to leave on anchors.
6. Check the Camp 4 Kiosk or the Mountain Shop for the current Peregrine Falcon closures.
7. On first ascents: Please think about the impacts that will be caused by your new climb- Is the approach susceptible to erosion? Is there a lot of vegetation on the rock? "Gardening", e.g. killing plants, is illegal in Yosemite. Can the climb be done with a minimum of bolts? Motorized drills are prohibited.

Commercial guided climbing trips are also available:

• Yosemite Mountaineering School and Guide Service, Ph: (209) 372-8344, 3 (http://www.yosemitepark.com/activitylist.cfm?SectionID=80&PageID=237). Offers three-night Yosemite vacations with two days of rock climbing instruction for $469 per person (plus tax). Meals and lodging in Curry Village tents is included.

Horseback riding

There are still commercial horseback-riding concessions in the Yosemite Valley, Wawona and Tuolumne Meadows areas.

• DNC Parks & Resort, Ph: (209) 372-8427 (Tuolumne), Ph: (209) 375-6502 (Wawona), 4 (http://yosemitepark.com/content3col.cfm?SectionID=55&PageID=158). Offers two-hour ($51), half-day ($67) and full-day ($94) trail rides. Custom guided trips are also available.

Golf

There is a championship 18-hole golf course in Wawona Meadow in the South end of the Park, right next door to the Wawona Lodge and stables. Rates are $18.50 for 9 holes and $29.50 for 18 holes.

Skiing

Badger Pass is the oldest ski area in California, and offers both downhill and cross-country trails. For cross-country skiers the park offers over 350 miles of trails, with 90 miles of marked trails and 25 miles of groomed trails originating at Badger Pass. Downhill skiing options include ten runs at Badger Pass, with lifts operating daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM during the ski season. Note that the majority of these runs are for beginners and moderate skiers, so thrill seekers may wish to ski elsewhere. Lift tickets cost $5 for a single run or $35 for a full-day ticket. Both downhill and cross-country lessons are available.

Buy

Gift shops abound in Yosemite, with locations at Yosemite Village, Curry Village, Yosemite Lodge and Wawona. Camping supplies can be purchased at the Yosemite Mountain Shops in Curry Village and Tuolumne Meadows, as well as in the Village Sport Shop in Yosemite Village. Gas is available for purchase at Crane Flat, Tuolumne Meadow, Wawona, and in towns located outside of the park.

Eat

Groceries can be purchased in Yosemite Village, Crane Flat, Curry Village, Wawona, and Tuolumne Meadows.

Yosemite Valley

• Ahwahnee Dining Room, (209) 372-1489, 5 (http://yosemitepark.com/content2hdr.cfm?SectionID=33&PageID=85). An upscale restaurant in Yosemite Valley serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Be aware that there is a "resort casual" dress code for dinners, meaning shorts and jeans are not acceptable attire, and that dinner reservations are recommended.
• The Mountain Room, 6 (http://yosemitepark.com/content2hdr.cfm?SectionID=34&PageID=92). Open daily year-round, this dining room is located in Yosemite Lodge and offers dinner with a view of Yosemite Falls.
• Yosemite Lodge Food Court. Serving cafeteria-style meals in Yosemite Lodge. Offers breakfast, lunch and dinner year-round.
• Pavilion Buffet. Located in Curry Village, this buffet offers both a breakfast and a dinner buffet.
• Curry Village Taco Stand. Burritos, tacos, nachos, ice cream and beverages.
• Curry Village Pizza Patio. Pizza and salads. Open March through December.
• Curry Village Ice Cream & Coffee Corner. Open March through December.
• Village Grill. Fast food in Yosemite Village. Open from spring through fall.
• Degnan's Loft. Open year-round and offering pizza, salads and soups in Yosemite Village.
• Degnan's Cafe. Next to Degan's Loft, serving pastries, coffee and ice cream. Open year-round.
• Degnan's Deli. Open year-round and offering standard deli fare, located in Yosemite Village.
• Happy Isles Snack Stand. Offering drinks and snacks during the summer. Located near the Happy Isles nature center.

Wawona

• Wawona Dining Room. Fine dining, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, with a brunch served on Sundays.
• Wawona Lawn Barbecue. On Saturday evenings in summer the lawn outside of the Wawona Lodge hosts a barbecue featuring steak, chicken, hamburgers and corn-on-the-cob.
• Wawona Golf Shop Snack Stand. Snacks, beer, and other beverages on the golf course. Open daily from spring through fall.

Tuolumne

• Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, (209) 372-8413. Family-style meals served in a tent setting. Reservations are required for dinner.
• Tuolumne Meadows Grill. To-go food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Open daily in summer.
• White Wolf Lodge, (209) 372-8416. Located on the Tioga Pass Road and serving breakfast and dinner. Reservations are advised for dinner.

Glacier Point

• Glacier Point Snack Stand. Ice cream, sodas, and other nutritious fare.

Drink

• The Ahwahnee Lounge. An upscale lounge in Yosemite Valley, offering cocktails, wine, beer, and bar food (sandwiches, appetizers, salads) with seating available both inside and on the terrace. Opens at 11:00 AM daily, with live piano music most Friday and Saturday evenings.
• Mountain Room Lounge, 7 (http://yosemitepark.com/content2hdr.cfm?SectionID=34&PageID=94). In Yosemite Lodge, offering cocktails and bar food. Televisions are also placed around the room for those who have escaped to Yosemite but can't bear to miss the game.
• Pavilion Bar. In Curry Village, serving cocktails, beer, wine and fast food with both inside and deck seating.
• Wawona Cocktail Service. Within the Wawona hotel a cocktail service is available in both the lounge and on the veranda.

Sleep

Demand for lodging in Yosemite Valley in both the hotels and the campgrounds is extremely heavy, so you need to book well ahead of time during the late Spring, Summer and early Fall, although there are often vacancies during the Winter, late Fall and early Spring.

Lodging

• The Ahwahnee, Ph: (559) 253-5635, 8 (http://www.yosemitepark.com/content2hdr.cfm?SectionID=23&PageID=42). 99 luxury hotel rooms and 24 cottages in Yosemite Valley. The lodge is a national historic landmark and the most upscale lodging in the park, with rooms on one side of the hotel facing Half Dome and the other side facing Yosemite Falls. There is a small heated outdoor pool. Rooms and cottages start at $379 per night, with suites running as much as $936 per night.
• Yosemite Lodge, Ph: (559) 252-4848, 9 (http://www.yosemitepark.com/content2hdr.cfm?SectionID=24&PageID=46). Located near the base of Yosemite Falls, this lodge offers 245 rooms, but be aware that no rooms have air conditioning. Internet access (wireless and kiosks) is now also available. Room rates are from $110 to $162, with slightly lower prices during the winter.
• Wawona, Ph: (559) 253-5635, 10 (http://www.yosemitepark.com/content2hdr.cfm?SectionID=25&PageID=50). This historic lodge overlooks Wawona Meadow in the south part of the park along Route 41. Of the 104 rooms only 50 have a private bath. The lodge is rustic, with no telephones or televisions. Rooms rates are $175 for a room with a private bath, and $120 without. Rates are slightly lower in the winter.
• Curry Village, Ph: (559) 252-4848, 11 (http://www.yosemitepark.com/content2hdr.cfm?SectionID=26&PageID=54). Located in Yosemite Valley, Curry Village offers a wide range of lodging options ranging from "hotel" accommodations to tent cabins. Be aware that tent cabins and some wooden cabins are primitive and do not have private baths. Rates for tent cabins are from $64 to $71 per night, while cabins and motel rooms are from $80 to $113 per night.
• Housekeeping Camp, Ph: (559) 252-4848, 12 (http://www.yosemitepark.com/content2hdr.cfm?SectionID=27&PageID=58). Despite its name, Housekeeping Camp (located near Curry Village) offers 266 sturdy tents for visitor lodging. The "tents" have a concrete floor, concrete walls, canvas tops, and sleep six in bunk beds and double beds. Linen is not provided but may be rented for $2.50 per night. Rates are $67 per night (summer season only).
• White Wolf, Ph: (559) 253-5635, 13 (http://www.yosemitepark.com/content2hdr.cfm?SectionID=29&PageID=66). Located along the Tioga Pass Road, White Wolf is open from July through September and offers 24 tent cabins and 4 cabins with private bath. The tent cabins are wood frame on a raised wooden platform and include beds, linen, and a wood stove. Rates are $67 per night for tent cabins, and $91 per night for cabins with bath.
• Tuolumne Meadows, Ph: (559) 253-5635, 14 (http://www.yosemitepark.com/content2hdr.cfm?SectionID=28&PageID=62). Open from mid-July through September, Tuolumne offers 69 tent cabins in Tuolumne Meadows. These tent cabins have wooden frames, a concrete floor, and canvas walls. Bunks beds, linens, candles, and a wood stove are provided, while bathrooms and showers are located in a central facility. Rates are $75 per night.
• High Sierra Camps, Ph: (559) 253-5674, 15 (http://www.yosemitepark.com/content2hdr.cfm?SectionID=30&PageID=70). The five High Sierra Camps are villages of tent cabins located in Yosemite's backcountry, with most of the tent cabins holding four people (be prepared for mixed gender sleeping arrangements). Due to their remote locations the High Sierra Camps are normally visited as part of a horseback package tour or a hiking trek, with each camped spaced a day's hike apart. All of the High Sierra Camps include gourmet breakfast and dinner, and eat-in only reservations may be possible for those not needing accommodation. Some lodges may have hot showers, and all require that you bring your own linens. Rates are $126 per night. Demand for the High Sierra Camps is so high that reservations are handled by a lottery held from October 15 to November 30 (call for an application) with final assignments decided by March 31. Be aware that it is sometimes possible to get a High Sierra Camps reservation later if someone cancels.

Camping

Camping is by far the cheapest way of staying within the park, but campgrounds fill quickly during summer months and may require making reservations months in advance. Reservations can be made through reservations.nps.gov from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. PST, or by calling (800) 436-7275 or (301) 722-1257 outside the United States. Written reservation requests can be made by including desired location, type of equipment you will be camping in (i.e.,tent, RV,etc.), as well as method of payment. Send written requests to NPRS, P.O. Box 1600, Cumberland, MD 21502.

All campgrounds offer bear-safe food storage containers, potable water, and flush toilets. Pay showers and laundry are located in Curry Village in Yosemite Valley.

Yosemite Valley

• Upper Pines. $18 per night. Located in Yosemite Valley and open year-round, this campground requires reservations and offers 238 sites for both tents and RVs.
• Lower Pines. $18 per night. Located in Yosemite Valley, this campground is open from March through October, requires reservations, and offers 60 sites for both tents and RVs. Three larger sites are also available for groups of up to 12 people for $30 per night.
• North Pines. $18 per night. Located in Yosemite Valley, this campground is open from April through September, requires reservations, and offers 81 sites for both tents and RVs.
• Camp 4. $5 per person per night (note that up to six people may be assigned to each site). This walk-in campground is located in Yosemite Valley, open year-round, and offers 35 sites on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are tent only.

Wawona

• Wawona. $18 per night in summer, $12 per night from October through April. Wawona campground is open year-round, requires reservations, and offers 93 sites for both tents and RVs.

Glacier Pass

• Bridalveil Creek. $12 per night. The Bridalveil Creek campground is located along the road to Glacier Pass and is open from July through early September. The campground's 110 sites are first-come, first served, and sites are available for both tents and RVs.

Crane Flat

• Hodgdon Meadow. $18 per night in summer, $12 per night from mid-October through mid-April. This campground is located north of Crane Flat near the park entrance and is open year-round. Reservations are required from May through September, and offers 105 sites for both tents and RVs.
• Crane Flat. $18 per night. Crane Flat is open from June through September, requires reservations, and offers 166 sites for both tents and RVs.

Tioga Pass Road

• Tamarack Flat. $8 per night. Open from June through early September, this campground is located off of the Tioga Pass Road near Crane Flat and offers 52 tent and small RV sites on a first-come, first-served basis.
• White Wolf. $12 per night. White Wolf is open only from July through early September and is located along the Tioga Pass Road. The 74 sites are first-come, first-served for tents and small RVs only.
• Yosemite Creek. $8 per night. Open from July through early September, this campground is located off of the Tioga Pass Road and offers 75 sites on a first-come, first-served basis for tents and small RVs.
• Porcupine Flat. $8 per night. Porcupine Flat is located off of the Tioga Pass Road and offers 52 tent and RV sites from July through early September on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Tuolumne Meadows. $18 per night. The Tuolumne Meadows campground is open from July through September and offers 50% of its sites as reservation only, while 50% are first-come, first-served. 304 sites are available for both tents and RVs. Be prepared for chilly nighttime temperatures.

Backcountry

Backcountry permits are free and are required year-round for all overnight trips into Yosemite's wilderness. Wilderness areas operate under a quota system that limits the number of people who may begin overnight hikes from each trailhead, each day. While permits may be reserved, at least 40% of each trailhead quota is available on a first-come first-served basis the day of, or one day prior to, the beginning of your trip.

Permits can be obtained in person from the wilderness stations in Yosemite Village, Big Oak Flat, Tuolumne Meadows, Badger Pass, Hetch Hetchy and Wawona. In addition, permits can be reserved in advance from mid-May through September for a $5 fee. There are three ways to reserve a wilderness permit:

1. By phone. Reservations for summer trips are accepted from 2 days to up to 24 weeks in advance by calling (209) 372-0740. You must know your entry and exit trailheads prior to calling.
2. By mail. Reservation requests for summer trips are accepted from 2 weeks to 24 weeks in advance by writing to Yosemite Association, PO Box 545, Yosemite, CA 95389. See https://www.yosemitesecure.org/wildpermit/ for a list of information that must be included in written requests. If your requested trailhead and dates are available, you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail. A check for $5 payable to the Yosemite Association should be included in your request.
3. Online. Reservation requests for summer trips are accepted from 2 weeks to 24 weeks in advance online at https://www.yosemitesecure.org/wildpermit/.

All backcountry campers are expected to leave the wilderness in the same condition as they find it, meaning no trash, fire scars, or other evidence of your visit should be left behind. Backcountry campsites must be at least four trail miles from Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, Hetch Hetchy or Wawona, or at least one trail mile from any road. Groups are limited in size to 15 people. Pets, weapons, bicycles, strollers, and mechanized vehicles of any kind are not allowed in the wilderness areas, while fires are only allowed in existing fire circles, and are not allowed above 9600 feet elevation.

Bear canisters are required in areas within seven miles of a park road and highly recommended in all other areas. These cannisters should be used for food storage, as well as for storing scented toiletries such as soap, deodorant and toothpaste, and should be stashed at least 100 meters from your campsite. Cannisters can be rented from the ranger station where you pick up your backcountry permit for $5, good for up to two weeks.

Nearby

The least expensive motel option is to stay outside the park itself; the nearby towns of El Portal, Mariposa, Fish Camp, and Lee Vining have economical lodging. Be aware that despite names like "Yosemite View", no lodging outside the park has a view of the Valley. Lodging is particularly close to the park near the Route 140 entrance and the Route 120 East entrance. In addition, Yosemite is surrounded by National Forests that offer numerous campgrounds.

Stay safe

Over the years the park's bears have become accustomed to scavenging trash and food left out by humans, and will even break into cars and tents to get it. While not the larger grizzly bears that once roamed California, black bears are strong enough to tear a door off of a car with ease. Luckily they usually prefer to avoid humans, so they'll most likely do their work on vehicles left at trailheads or in parking lots. Prevention is remarkably simple: never leave food or scented items (deodorant, air fresheners) in your car or bring it into your tent. Bears have incredibly keen senses of smell and will detect anything left behind, so heed this warning. Bear-proof storage units are provided at park campgrounds and overnight parking areas: use them.

To avoid bear encounters while hiking, make noise so that the animal knows you are coming. This approach will also help to avoid encounters with mountain lions, which also inhabit the park. Other animals, such as the herds of deer which can be found in the park's meadows, can be equally dangerous; a young boy was killed by a deer in Yosemite Valley several years ago. Give all animals their space, and never feed any park wildlife.

Other natural dangers in the park come from the weather. Hypothermia can be a concern at higher elevations where temperatures can drop below freezing throughout the year. Dress in layers, and be prepared for storms and rapid changes in temperature. When storms are approaching avoid open areas such as the summits of the park's many granite domes; lightning strikes these areas regularly. If a storm does approach, get off of high, open ground. When hiking wear sturdy footwear and drink plenty of water - if you are thirsty that is an early sign of dehydration.

Do not attempt to get close to the waterfalls, especially in the spring. The force of the water will easily sweep a person off their feet and over the falls. Being swept over any of Yosemite's waterfalls is invariably fatal. Several people a year are swept away and sometimes the bodies are never found.

Currently, the greatest danger in the park comes from the thousands of park visitors. Petty thieves and traffic accidents are two issues to be aware of. Follow park speed limits, lock your vehicle, and be aware of your belongings, especially in Yosemite Valley. Violent crime is extremely rare in Yosemite, although in 1999 a woman and two teenage girls were murdered in the backcountry.

Get out

• Devils Postpile National Monument. This monument is located south of Yosemite off of highway 395 and protects unusual geologic features while also providing an access point to the High Sierra wilderness.
• Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Located south of Yosemite, these two parks are managed as a single unit and protect vast groves of giant sequoia trees as well as a backpacker's wonderland of pristine areas in the High Sierra.

External links

• Yosemite National Park Official Site (http://www.nps.gov/yose/)
• Yosemite National Park In-Depth (http://www.nps.gov/yose/home.htm)