Yosemite's Best Nightlife

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 daily event is free, and is a great activity for the entire family. The strolls are taken at an easy pace and cover less than a mile. Each stroll is guided by local experts, and topics vary according to the interpreter's area of expertise. Topics usually highlight the natural history and culture of Yosemite National Park. The stroll begins at twilight at the Ahwahnee Hotel patio. It is best to check the schedule of activities in the lobby for daily topics and time changes. Tours take place in Spring, Summer, and Fall.

Description:

After hiking around the valley all day, this is a good place to sit down, relax, and learn about Yosemite and its inhabitants (plant, animal or human). Park rangers conduct the programs here, usually nature talks, and also act as commentators for the films they show. One of the favorites has been a film depicting Ansel Adams and his famous photographs of the park. Other programs have included a discussion on animals idigenous to the park and how they survive—as well as what to do if you see one of them in the wild. Program subjects and times vary; however, most start at 8:30p daily.