Teacher Resources: Visiting the Park

Every successful field trip begins with a plan. This web site contains information to help you create a trip plan to suit your class size, distance from Yosemite, and trip season.

Visiting the Park
Not Visiting the Park

Before You Arrive | When You Arrive | Helpful Resources | Maps | Teaching Recommendations

Before You Arrive: Trip Plan

The following steps will help you start your trip plan.

1. Arrange transportation and accommodations
   
   Most school districts have procedures for reserving school buses or hiring a commercial bus. In addition to a bus, we suggest that one of your adult helpers drive a car, which could be useful as emergency transportation. If your class is small enough to use automobiles and not a bus, be sure each driver has read Driving Tips.
   
   

2. Make camping or accommodation reservations
   
   If you are planning an overnight visit to Yosemite you may be able to make reservations. More detailed information on camping reservations is available in the Yosemite Guide. Reservations for lodging accommodations can be made by visiting the Yosemite web site. Reservations can be made up to a year and one day in advance.
   
   

3. Apply for an entrance fee waiver for educational study
   
   Park entrance fees can be waived for groups entering the park for educational activities. Apply at least two weeks in advance by visiting the Yosemite web site for a fee waiver application.
   
   

4. Get acquainted with Yosemite
   
   Dozens of books, guides, and maps are available for Yosemite. Two excellent items to read before you leave home are The Yosemite Guide (a free pre-trip planning guide), which is issued four times a year and contains current park information on many topics. The official park map/brochure also offers park information you can use when planning a field trip. For information on how to obtain these, see Helpful Resources. If possible, visit Yosemite before your trip to check out parking sites, roads, and facilities.
   
   Facilities in Yosemite have been adapted for the physically disabled and are continually being upgraded.
   
   

5. Be Focused

Your trip plan is also a lesson plan. Know the purpose of your visit and write down your objectives, itinerary, and goals. This is especially important if your class will be spending only one day in the park. The Teaching Sites section offers itinerary ideas.

Useful links to help plan your visit:

Resource Education Fee Waivers | Permit Application | Educational Visits