First Time in Yosemite

Description:

The park's concessioner runs a series of good quality bus tours, from the popular 2-hour Valley Floor Tram Tours, with rangers narrating, to the all-day Grand Tours. The Valley tram is fondly known as the 'Green Dragon' for the greenish flatbed trailers which drag tourists around the loop. You'll learn a lot and many people ride the Green Dragon year after year. New for 2010 will be special subject (climbing, birds, geology, etc.) 3-hour Valley Trams. Longer tours go to Glacier Point, Mariposa Grove and to Tuolumne Meadows. Details are at the Delaware North website, or the tour desks at Curry Village, the Ahwahnee or Yosemite Lodge.

Description:

The byway provides motorists with an opportunity to experience astonishing scenery from a vehicle. For hiking enthusiasts, it offers some of the most beautiful High Sierra backcountry trails in California. National Park entrance fees are reduced for people entering on foot, bicycle or motorcycle or after their 62nd birthday. Points of interest along the route include: Big Oak Flat, Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, Merced Grove, Tuolumne Grove, Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Lake, Tioga Pass and Olmsted Point. Tioga Road / Big Oak Flat Road leads through Yosemite National Park in the High Sierra Region of California. From Route 395 near Lee Vining on the east end of the byway, head west on Route 120. From Route 49 near Groveland on the west, head east on Route 120.

Description:

The Yosemite Museum is located in Yosemite Village next to the Visitor Center. The site contains an Indian Cultural Exhibit and reconstructed Miwok-Paiute village, which is open daily 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed for lunch). The museum shop is open daily 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the summer months through November 28. It offers traditional Indian arts and crafts and books on related subjects.

Our Local Expert Says:

A genuinely superb way to avoid parking hassles and to spare the air.

Description:

Yosemite's popularity means there's potential for traffic problems and the air pollution that goes with it. The park service and concessioner have arranged an easy solution in the Valley's shuttle system. Leave your car in the Day Use Parking at Yosemite Village or Curry Village, and take a shuttle to 90% of the places you want to go: campgrounds, stores, restaurants, shops, trailheads, lodges, etc. The shuttles are free. They're hybrid fueled so produce few emissions. In summer they run every 10 minutes. Seasonally, there are even special buses that go direct to the Visitor Center from the Yosemite Village day use lot and one that'll take you all the way down-Valley to El Capitan Meadow. You'll find a map and schedule in the park's newspaper, the Yosemite Guide. Great deal!

Our Local Expert Says:

Along with Yosemite Valley, Abraham Lincoln protected these trees in 1864; the first time in history that a national government preserved land for the citizens simply because it was beautiful.

Description:

This grove was part of the world's first 'national park,' protected by the US government 8 years before Yellowstone. It's open all year, but you can only drive in during the summer and fall. In winter it's a couple mile walk, ski or snowshoe along the access road -very worthwhile. These trees are huge, up to 300' tall, and 25-30' across at the base. The Grizzly Giant is a main attraction, a mile's walk from the parking area. The famous Tunnel Tree fell down in 1969, but there's a second tree with a tunnel cut through it next to the Grizzly Giant.
Walking trails lace the grove of several hundred trees, and a small museum in the upper grove makes an informative and scenic stop. Those who don't want to hike on these slopes can take a 1.5 hour tram tour for $26, with headset narration in 6 languages.
Parking is limited so for much of the summer, plan to park at the Wawona Store and take a free shuttle every half hour. Trailers and RV's should not go up the narrow road into the grove.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you really only have time for one hike (and you're fit enough for this burly climb) this is the hike to do. Steep cliffs, the crashing Merced River and one gorgeous waterfall.

Description:

The Mist Trail parallels the John Muir Trail from Happy Isles to the top of Nevada Fall and many people make a loop of the two. Here we'll describe just the Vernal Fall section. The trail is paved or granite and is very popular for a good reason - astonishing scenery, a stiff ascent and an astounding 300' waterfall. Bring water, sun protection, and if it's May or June, consider bringing raingear, when the route beside Vernal Fall could be called the "Firehose Trail." The climb from Happy Isles runs steadily up a good paved surface with a few views of the Merced River's rapid descent. You first see Vernal from below at the footbridge, where in summer there is drinking water and a restroom. Another 20 minutes up and you'll reach the mistiest section. About 600 granite steps, with steel railings where needed, get you to the top of the fall.
Be careful of the slick granite as you top out on the stairs and descend to the edge of the fall. Aggressive ground squirrels haunt the top - do not feed them or leave your stuff unattended. Peer over the railing at the edge, back down the gorge you've just climbed. Be careful around the swiftwater-... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

A great education can be had between exhibits, the bookstore, the film and talking with rangers.

Description:

The Yosemite Valley Visitor Center is the heart of Yosemite Village and is open daily, with hours varying with the season. The visitor center is immediately west of the main post office in the park at shuttle bus stops #6 and #9. You'll find information, maps, books, a series of great natural and cultural history exhibits, and helpful rangers to get you oriented to visiting the park. Every half hour the park's award-winning film is shown in the Theater out back. The Indian Museum and Indian Village are adjacent.

Our Local Expert Says:

An enthralling stroll for any ability.

Description:

The trail to Lower Yosemite Falls is one of the easiest walks in the park, with the biggest payoff: staring up at a 300' waterfall. During the spring's snowmelt you may find yourself getting drenched as you gaze at this famous waterfall and listen to the amazing roar of the pounding water. By contrast, if you come in August there may not be a single drop of water - that's a Mediterranean climate; the falls are entirely fed by snowmelt. Start from Shuttle Stop 6 or Yosemite Village or Yosemite Lodge. This walk is likely to be crowded in summer but if you go early or late in the day, it's just you and the water. There is wheelchair access by staying on the eastern trail, and the trail is open all year.
The trail makes a nice loop, with several bridges over Yosemite Creek. There are numerous interpretive signs along the way that explain the history and natural history of the falls area through the seasons. John Muir lived in two different spots along this trail. A convenient restroom is near the trailhead. The popular 'Yosemite Frazil Ice' video was all filmed here; look for frazil ice in April.

Description:

In a neat demonstration of sedimentary processes, Mirror Lake has been gradually filling up with sand, so (except in the springtime) it is not as mirror-like as it once was. Nonetheless, the lake's banks do provide a glorious view straight up Half Dome's face. Start from Shuttle Stop 17. This is considered an easy walk, with a mild uphill grade. The distance is just about a mile, and if you didn't care about fully experiencing this nice part of Tenaya Canyon you could complete the round-trip in about an hour. This area can get crowded in summer. In winter hikers must start from Shuttle Stop 19, which adds another mile to the trip. In summer months, there is access for vehicles with current disability placards.

Description:

Open only in the summer, this is the place to start your visit if you're arriving from the east, or just to get oriented to the park's high country. The building is part of a historic CCC camp and has a few exhibits, a nice little bookstore, and the ever-helpful rangers and YA volunteers and staff to answer questions. There are restrooms outside. The TMVC is a half mile from the campground. Several hiking trails take off from here, with the trail across the street, over to Soda Springs being an excellent, easy introduction to this vast subalpine meadow. You're at 8600' so expect to gasp a little.

Description:

Degnan's is a social hub for Yosemite Village and it's overflowing at lunchtime. There's a lot to chose from, but their sandwich selection (all named for park landmarks) is great and the soups are just the thing on a chilly mountain day. Lots of beverage fridges, ice cream novelties, chips and candy can round out a meal for a picnic table outside or will fill your daypack for a hike to Mirror Lake or up Yosemite Falls. Open year-round.

Description:

The best thing about this restaurant is the view. The food's excellent too, with an emphasis on local organic ingredients, but the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Yosemite Falls are spectacular. There's not a bad seat in the house. We suggest the grilled chicken breast, which is flavorful and moist, as are the rainbow trout amandine and the Pacific salmon. Meals come with vegetables and bread. Soup or salad is extra. There are entrees for vegetarians and an amazing dessert tray. The Mountain Room also has a good wine list, and the Mountain Room Bar and Lounge (open Mon-Fri 4-10pm and Sat-Sun noon-10pm) has an a la carte menu available.

Our Local Expert Says:

You'll always find locals here; a good sign.

Description:

The Bug is loved by locals, by international visitors and by anyone open to a different kind of casual dining. People are friendly, most are there to see Yosemite, and it's easy to find a conversation with someone from Ireland or a group of rangers gathering off duty. Good coffee, wine, beer and always a different menu of tasty entrees and baked goods. Order off the menu board at the kitchen counter then relax by the fireplace, or in an easy chair with a Yosemite guidebook. The staff will find you with your food when it's ready. Open all year, with easy access to the park.

Our Local Expert Says:

Good enough for the Queen of England in 1984, good enough for Michael Jackson, Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, Brad Pitt and Mel Gibson...

Description:

The Ahwahnee Dining Room is a Yosemite tradition. This huge and elegant dining room somehow feels intimate despite its 34-foot ceilings. For breakfast, you can choose from frittatas or omelets, or enjoy a variety of salads or sandwiches for lunch. The dinner menu features entrees such as Salmon Ahwahnee served with Dungeness crab with bearnaise sauce and wild rice. The restaurant also has an extensive and award-winning wine list. Reservations are essential for dinner, and the evening dress code calls for jackets or sweaters for men older than 12 and dresses or pantsuits for women.

Description:

This is one of a few places in the park where you can have a cocktail or beer without eating dinner. The patio has tables with green umbrellas for shade. The view from the patio is of Yosemite Falls and it is spectacular. The bar offers wine, an extensive selection of microbrew beers and ales, and traditional cocktails as well as fun tropical drinks. A few nights during the month the lounge features live music.

Our Local Expert Says:

Strong, lively local color here for decades of mountain rowdiness.

Description:

Visit a real Gold Country institution filled with history, and artifacts. This icon and restaurant turns into THE music scene not only in Groveland, but in the whole area. Live music every weekend and special concerts too!

Our Local Expert Says:

An American art form, with top notch practitioners.

Description:

This is a classic American tradition to which everyone should be exposed: the ranger program with a campfire. Check listings in the current Yosemite Guide for what's going on while you're in the park. It may be a campfire with singing, a slideshow, music, a living history portrayal, a star program, or more. Yosemite Valley has the most programs, but rangers entertain and inform in the evening in Wawona, Tuolumne Meadows, Crane Flat, White Wolf and other places.

Our Local Expert Says:

An evening at this theater is worth planning into your park visit.

Description:

Here's a great way to learn something while being entertained by some top-notch performers; not something you might expect to find in a national park visit. You may have seen some of the Yosemite Theater's performers in the Ken Burns documentary, 'America's Best Idea.' Check the park's newsletter, the Yosemite Guide for what's playing when you're in the park. These exceptional evening programs are conducted in the theater behind the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, and are generally on most summer evenings. Tickets are sold in the visitor center right up to showtime. Recent features have included Lee Stetson's famed portrayals of John Muir, Shelton Johnson's Buffalo Soldier story and world-class rockclimber Ron Kauk narrating his award-winning film, "Return to Balance. Recent additions to the roster include Tom Bopp's old-time Yosemite music and some insightful outtakes with the videographers behind the "Yosemite Frazil Ice" film and others.

Description:

This 2-mile round-trip trail begins from the Dog Lake/John Muir Trailhead in Tuolumne Meadows. Find it by going in on the side road to Tuolumne Meadows Lodge. Bring water, snacks and a camera.

Begin hiking uphill and north from the trailhead. Soon you cross the highway and continue on up through forested switchbacks. Take your time at this elevation. The Dog Lake route continues straight ahead over the top of the ridge, while you'll go left along the ridge, still going uphill until the trail puts you onto the granite shoulder of Lembert. A bit of easy walking then a somewhat exposed class 2 hop puts you on top of the viewing platform for Tuolumne Meadows. Wind, sun and a lot of rock await you. The gentle Tuolumne River winds below, and you can see its source in the Lyell Glacier miles to the south.

Retrace your steps to descend, or go a bit further to Dog Lake, or circle around Dog Dome to come back to level ground to the west.

Description:

This trail begins from the Taft Point/Sentinel Dome Trailhead along Glacier Point Road. The trailhead is on the southern rim of the Yosemite Valley. This short hike leads to one of the most popular, and climbable, domes in the valley, and amazing views of the natural features within Yosemite Valley. The trail is well used, with its course obvious to hikers.

Description:

Yosemite Valley has more than 12 miles of bicycling trails on the flat valley floor that have a variety of prepared surfaces. These trails are also suitable for strollers, bikes with trailers and even wheelchairs, and they are one of the best ways to see the sights. You can rent bikes by the hour or by the day. Rentals are available at the Yosemite Lodge and at Curry Village, but not in the winter; spring and fall rentals depend on conditions. Helmets are mandatory and are provided free. Riding on hiking trails in the park is not permitted.

Description:

This replica of a Native American village gives you a taste of how the Miwok and Paiute peoples lived; the places where they prepared and cooked their food, and more. The village is setup in a more or less natural setting behind the Yosemite Museum Gallery. There is no fee for this attraction. Weather permitting, the staff of the Indian Cultural Exhibit puts on demonstrations of basket weaving, beadwork and game playing. These programs usually take place between 9a and noon and again between 1:30p and 4:30p.

Our Local Expert Says:

A must-stop in Yosemite Village

Description:

Yosemite's best known artist was trained as a classical pianist, but he married into a photography business and it is still run by the Ansel Adams family today. The Gallery is located in Yosemite Village, right next to the Valley Visitor Center, and it's open all year. Whether you're a photographer or not, the Gallery is worth a visit, for some unique shopping, rotating exhibits of various artists and photographers (many local), and a look at some of the master's work on display. There is jewelry, Native American craftwork, help with camera issues, a great selection of Yosemite and other books, as well as posters, videos, postcards, fine art prints, ceramics, etc.
Free camera walks go out with a local pro each morning in spring, summer and fall; reservations are strongly advised. High-level photography workshops are described on the Gallery's website. Ansel's inspiration lives on strongly in the digital age.