Yosemite Labor Day

Lots of hard work by over 1000 firefighting personnel and numerous aircraft have largely snuffed the Motor Fire that had closed Highway 140 west of Yosemite.  That route between Mariposa and the park is now wide open, all evacuees have returned to the El Portal area, and there’s hardly any smoke remaining.  The weather forecast looks great for a long holiday weekend to close out the summer in the mountain playground/gym/shrine that is Yosemite.

Near the Sierra crest

In Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Falls is thinning, but looks remarkable for the beginning of September.  The Merced River is a bit higher than you found it last Labor Day weekend, but is definitely the place for a swim to escape the heat.  A lazy float down the river is a great way to see the Valley at this time of year.  The South Fork in Wawona is at a perfect temperature with its small pools. 

In the high country, you’ll find frosty mornings in the low spots at Tuolumne Meadows and higher elevations.  Days warm up quickly with the strong alpine sun, but it’s never as hot as the lower elevations will be.  We love hikes out of Tuolumne this time of year, when the snow, mud and bugs are gone, there are still some flowers, but the season is changing quickly into autumn dormancy.  Shorter days (we are 3 weeks from equinox) remind us that the first snows of winter will be drifting in before long.  You still want plenty of water, a hat with a visor or brim, and some strong sunscreen for yourself. 

Check your map for the day hikes to North Dome, Mt. Hoffmann, Glen Aulin, Cathedral Lakes, Gaylor Basin and Mono Pass to find a match for your time and energy.  Start early for peak bagging, take your time for meadow sauntering.  The east beach of Tenaya Lake provides a stunning place for sunning, surrounded by lodgepole pines, clear water, and granite domes. See the Yosemite Guide that you get at the park entrance (or at www.nps.gov/yose) for some suggested hiking trails and for ranger programs.  The park staff has had an unusual summer, with the delayed spring, some regretable visitor accidents, and now the fire near the park that disrupted operations.  Nonetheless, they’ll be happy to see you, answer your questions and share their park with its owners: you. 

As is the case all summer, park lodging and campsites are all already reserved or likely to be claimed by someone leaving home an hour before you do.  Get in line early for unreserved campsites at the campground offices in Tuolumne Meadows or Yosemite Valley.  Backpackers seeking overnight permits will always find space open each day on the less-popular (but uniformly delightful) trailheads. 

Be safe.  Protect your food from bears.  Stay hydrated and use sunscreen.  Fine Labor Day memories await.