May 22, 2012
Yosemite National Park Announces Beginning of 2012 Fire Season
Yosemite fire managers have announced the 2012 Fire Season began yesterday, Monday, May 21. Fire season officially begins when seasonal firefighting equipment and personnel are in place, prepared and ready to respond. Additionally, grasses and other vegetation at the lower elevations have begun to dry out. This year, vegetation is drying out faster than average due to the low snowpack the park received over the winter.
May 22, 2012
Yosemite National Park Announces Half Dome Cables in Place on Friday, May 25, 2012
The cables allowing access for hikers to the summit of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park will be in place and open for the season on Friday, May 25, 2012, weather permitting.
May 21, 2012
Missing Hiker Found in Yosemite National Park (5/2012)
John Paul Chaufan Field, the missing hiker in Yosemite National Park, has been found safe and in good condition. He was spotted by the park’s contract helicopter at approximately 3:15 p.m. this afternoon near Edith Lake, approximately five miles east of Kibbie Lake, the point where he was last seen.
May 21, 2012
Yosemite National Park Searches for Missing Hiker
Yosemite National Park is searching for John Paul Chaufan Field, 22 years old, a college student who is attending the University of California at Santa Cruz (UCSC). Chaufan Field was last seen near Kibbie Lake in the Hetch Hetchy area of northwestern Yosemite National Park. He was last seen on Saturday, May 19, where he was on a backpacking trip with a group of fellow students from UCSC, who were conducting an outdoor recreation trip.
May 16, 2012
National Park Service Offers Free Entrance Passes to All Active Duty United States Military Members and Dependents
To show appreciation for those who serve in the United States (U.S) Military, the National Park Service (NPS) will begin issuing an annual pass offering free entrance to all 397 national parks for active duty military members and their dependents. The annual pass will be offered for the first time beginning Saturday, May 19, 2012, which is Armed Forces Day.
May 16, 2012
Yosemite National Park Announces Innovative Program to Address Transportation Issues
Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher announces an innovative partnership with gateway communities designed to enhance visits to the Yosemite region and reduce traffic congestion. Each of the four primary gateways to the park, along Highways 120 east and west, Highway 41, and Highway 140, has designed a program tailored to their specific community. The objective of these programs is to entice visitors to spend time in the communities before and after their Yosemite visit, which will help ease traffic congestion and expand parking availability within the park.
May 14, 2012
New Yosemite Falls Webcam Provides a Spectacular View of North America’s Highest Waterfall
The majesty of Yosemite Falls, North America’s highest waterfall, can now be viewed on Yosemite Conservancy's website thanks to a new webcam. The nonprofit organization is connecting people to Yosemite National Park using webcams and a variety of technologies.
May 11, 2012
Prescribed Fire Scheduled in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park Fire Managers are planning a prescribed fire in the northwest Wawona area in the southern portion of the park on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. The ignition of the burn is dependent on weather conditions. Favorable weather is expected throughout the week, which will allow for optimal smoke dispersion. The total prescribed fire area will include 846 acres and is estimated to take several days to one week to complete. This will be the first prescribed fire of the 2012 fire season.
May 02, 2012
Tioga Road to Open in Yosemite National Park (2012)
Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher announced today that the Tioga Road will open for the season on Monday, May 7, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. for all vehicle traffic. The Tioga Road, bounded on both sides by State Highway 120, is the popular east-west crossing of the Sierra Nevada. Vault toilets are available in several locations along the road. However, due to damage sustained to two transmission lines, the Tuolumne Meadows area will be without electrical power and visitor services until repairs can be made.
April 30, 2012
Yosemite National Park Participates in a Climate Friendly Bike Program
Yosemite National Park has initiated a commuter bike program in El Portal for employees that live within biking distance from work. Beginning last year, the park has made 20 multi-speed touring bikes available in which National Park Service (NPS) employees can check-out and us to commute to work, thus reducing transportation emissions. This also helps alleviate parking congestion issues in El Portal. The program is a partnership with Sustainable Actions and National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA).
April 19, 2012
Glacier Point Road to Open in Yosemite National Park (2012)
The Glacier Point Road in Yosemite National Park will open for the season on tomorrow, Friday, April 20, at 5:00 p.m. There will be limited visitor services available at Glacier Point. Vault toilets will be available, and there will be no running water. There is no projected opening date for the Bridalveil Creek Campground.
April 18, 2012
Yosemite Medical Clinic to Take Back Unwanted Prescription Drugs
The Yosemite Medical Clinic and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will accept unwanted prescription drugs from members of the public on Saturday, April 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The public is asked to bring in any unwanted, expired, and unused prescription drugs for proper disposal. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. The Yosemite Medical Clinic is located in Yosemite Valley and is open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
April 17, 2012
National Parks Institute Seeks Solutions for a New Generation
More than two dozen executives from around the world who are responsible for conservation of some of the most treasured places on earth are coming to California for help in making sure there’s a future for national parks.
April 17, 2012
Yosemite National Park Celebrates 4th Annual “Save the Frogs Day”
Yosemite National Park will be hosting the “Save the Frogs Day” on Saturday, April 28, 2012 beginning at 10:00 a.m. and lasting throughout the day. The public is cordially invited to participate in a day filled with interpretive nature walks, educational booths, films, and special guests, which are all centered on amphibian awareness. All of the events are free and originate in Yosemite Village in front of the Visitor Center. The event is sponsored by the National Park Service, the National Wildlife Federation, Save The Frogs, and DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc.
April 16, 2012
Fresno State Students Urge Their Peers to Visit and Cherish Yosemite National Park
Fresno State’s advanced public relations students are launching a multi- faceted public relations campaign encouraging students to safely visit and cherish Yosemite National Park. The “Escape, Explore, Exhale: 90 Miles to Your Wild Side” campaign targets young adults and invites Fresno State students to delve into nature and discover the natural beauty of the park this April.
April 13, 2012
Yosemite Grant 150th Anniversary Logo Unveiled in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park unveiled the logo for the Yosemite Grant 150th Anniversary during a ceremony yesterday, April 12, at Yosemite Lodge. Approximately 120 people attended the ceremony, which was held during the quarterly Yosemite Gateway Partners Meeting. The logo was created to help the park plan for the 150th anniversary of the Yosemite Grant, which will be commemorated on June 30, 2014. Park Superintendent Don Neubacher and representatives of the gateway communities unveiled the logo.
April 10, 2012
Yosemite National Park Celebrates National Park Week and Earth Day with Special Programs and Activities (2012)
Yosemite National Park will celebrate National Park Week and Earth Day beginning Saturday, April 21 through Sunday, April 29. Many special events and activities are being sponsored by the National Park Service (NPS), DNC Parks and Resorts at Yosemite, Inc. (the park’s primary concessioner), and the Ansel Adams Gallery.
March 19, 2012
Yosemite National Park Announces the Preliminary Alternative Concepts Workbook is now Available on the Park’s Website
Yosemite National Park announces the availability of the Preliminary Alternative Concepts Workbook for the Comprehensive Management Plan for the Merced Wild and Scenic River Plan (MRP) on the park’s website today. Hard copies of the workbook will be available next week. The goal of the MRP is to provide visitor access and protect resources within the Merced River corridor. The document provides a look at the preliminary alternative concepts of the MRP. This is the first opportunity for the general public to see what the park has developed, incorporating scientific analysis and public comment. These preliminary alternatives will be refined and become a part of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the MRP, which will be released in the fall. Copies of the workbook will also be provided to each individual attending the Workshops/Site Visits.
March 12, 2012
Yosemite National Park Ranger James Daniel Abbe Receives Valor Award
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar presented several prestigious Department of the Interior Valor Awards and the Citizen’s Awards for Bravery to National Park Service rangers, staff and citizens at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. last week. Among the recipients was James Daniel (Dan) Abbe, a Park Ranger at Yosemite National Park.
March 08, 2012
Summer Teen Program in Yosemite National Park Offers Academic Enrichment and Wilderness Adventure
NatureBridge, the largest residential environmental education partner of the National Park Service, opened registration today for its Summer Field Research Course at its Yosemite campus. The course consists of a two-week backpacking trip where teenage participants create and carry out their own ecological research project and learn about the natural history of the Sierra Nevada.
March 08, 2012
Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120) in Yosemite National Park to Reopen on Saturday, March 10, 2012
Yosemite National Park announces that the Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120 within the park) will reopen both lanes of traffic at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 10, 2012. The closure and road repairs were necessary after a large rockslide severely damaged the road on Sunday, January 22, 2012.
February 29, 2012
John Muir Descendent to Retrace Yosemite Valley Hike as One of Yosemite Conservancy’s Outdoor Adventures for 2012
Imagine strolling through Yosemite Valley some 140 years ago with naturalist John Muir listening to his poetic descriptions of Half Dome and learning about his legendary adventures. As one of Yosemite Conservancy’s unique Outdoor Adventures in 2012, visitors to Yosemite National Park can take a step back in time by retracing Muir’s steps with his great-great-grandson Robert Hanna and Muir actor Frank Helling. The four-mile hike this April will explore where Muir lived and worked in Yosemite Valley, and his favorite spots and discoveries.
February 29, 2012
Yosemite National Park = visitors, money and jobs
A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that more than 4 million visitors in 2010 spent $354.7 million in Yosemite National Park and in communities near the park. That spending supported more than 4,600 jobs in the area.
February 27, 2012
Yosemite National Park Announces Release of the Finding of No Significant Impact for the Curry Village Rockfall Hazard Zone Structures Project
Yosemite National Park announces the signing of the Curry Village Rockfall Hazard Zone Structures Project Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). This document records the decision of the National Park Service to remove the remaining 72 structures within the closed rockfall hazard zone at Curry Village. This action was described as Alternative 1 – Remove All Structures in the environmental assessment (EA) that was released for public review in August 2011.
February 17, 2012
Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120) in Yosemite National Park to Close for Rockslide Repairs
Yosemite National Park announces that the Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120) within the park will close at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 29, 2012, for the park to repair damage to the road caused by a large rockslide on January 22, 2012. The closure, in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week, is expected to last until early April. Crews will be working around the clock which necessitates a “hard-closure.”
February 16, 2012
Yosemite National Park Releases Environmental Assessment for the White Wolf Lodge Rehabilitation Project
Yosemite National Park announces the release of the White Wolf Lodge Rehabilitation Environmental Assessment (EA). The EA will be available for public review and comment from tomorrow, Friday, February 17, 2012, to Friday, March 23, 2012. The purpose of the White Wolf Lodge Rehabilitation Project is to improve the structural stability, accessibility, and operational efficiency of the main building and duplex cabins.
February 16, 2012
Yosemite National Park Announces Public Workshops, Site visits, and Webinars on the Merced River Plan
Yosemite National Park announces a series of Public Workshops, Site Visits, and Webinars for the public to engage in the alternative development process for the Comprehensive Management Plan for the Merced Wild and Scenic River (MRP). The meetings are a continuation of the park's outreach efforts from last fall in which the public was asked to provide input on what they would like to see included in the management alternatives evaluated in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) to be released later this year. The MRP is a very important plan and will guide the future management of Yosemite within the Merced River corridor. These spring workshops will be yet another chance for the public to review work in progress and provide input directly to park planners about a range of conceptual approaches to protecting river values and managing use within the corridor.
January 27, 2012
Highway 120 – Big Oak Flat Road Set to Reopen in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park announces that the Big Oak Flat Road (the continuation of Highway 120) within the park will reopen tomorrow morning, January 28, 2012, at 8:00 a.m. The park’s Roads and Trails Crew worked throughout the week to clear the road of debris and rocks after a large rockfall occurred late last Sunday evening, January 22, 2012. Two lanes have been reestablished on the road and it will be open to unrestricted traffic tomorrow morning.
January 26, 2012
Yosemite National Park Announces the Release of the Finding of No Significant Impact for the Ahwahnee Comprehensive Rehabilitation Plan
Yosemite National Park announces the signing of The Ahwahnee Comprehensive Rehabilitation Plan Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The FONSI records the decision of the National Park Service to adopt a long-term plan for the rehabilitation of The Ahwahnee (described as Alternative 3 in environmental assessment released for public review in July 2011). Yosemite National Park announces the signing of The Ahwahnee Comprehensive Rehabilitation Plan Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The FONSI records the decision of the National Park Service to adopt a long-term plan for the rehabilitation of The Ahwahnee.
January 24, 2012
Yosemite National Park Releases Environmental Assessment for Hiking to Half Dome
Yosemite National Park announces the availability of the Half Dome Trail Stewardship Plan Draft Environmental Assessment for public review. Public comments on the plan will be accepted from today, Tuesday, January 24, 2012 through Thursday, March 15, 2012. The Half Dome Trail Stewardship Plan was developed to address crowded conditions, visitor experience, and safety on the Half Dome Trail and encompasses the two mile section from the John Muir Trail to the summit of Half Dome.
January 23, 2012
Highway 120 Big Oak Flat Road Closed in Yosemite National Park
Due to a large rockfall that occurred at approximately 11:30 last evening, the Big Oak Flat Road (the continuation of Highway 120) is closed in Yosemite National Park. The road is closed between the Foresta Junction on Highway 120 (Big Oak Flat Rd.) and the Highway 120/140 (El Portal Road) Junction.
Yosemite Valley remains accessible via Highway 140 (El Portal Road) coming from Merced/ Mariposa and via Highway 41(Wawona Rd.) coming from Fresno/ Oakhurst. The Tioga Road remains closed. Foresta Road, between Foresta and El Portal, is not accessible.
Yosemite National Park remains open.
With a winter storm currently in the park, chain restrictions are in place on some park roads . For 24 hour road and weather information, please call (209)372-0200.
The Big Oak Flat Road will remain closed indefinitely.
January 17, 2012
Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park to Close this Evening
The Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park will close at 7:00 p.m. this evening, Tuesday, January 17, 2012. A series of wet weather systems, with the possibility of heavy snow at the higher elevations, are predicated over the next several days. This possible precipitation, coupled with cold temperatures, will result in hazardous driving conditions on the road.
January 13, 2012
Yosemite National Park Announces Extension of Interim Permit Program for the Half Dome Cables
Yosemite National Park will require Day Use Permits seven days per week for climbing the Half Dome cables during the summer 2012 season. This is an extension of the interim permit system that was implemented beginning in 2010. Permits will be required seven days per week to ascend the Half Dome cables. This is part of an interim program designed to address crowding and safety issues on the cables.
January 06, 2012
Yosemite National Park to Waive Entrance Fees for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Weekend 2012
In celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Yosemite National Park will offer free admission into the park starting Saturday, January 14 through Monday, January 16, 2012. The fee free waiver is for all visitors in honor of the holiday weekend.
December 15, 2011
Yosemite National Park Rangers Staffing in Gateway Community Visitor Centers
Yosemite National Park announces that Park Rangers will be staffing visitor centers in the gateway communities of Mariposa, Oakhurst, and Groveland from Saturday, December 17, 2011 through Monday, January 2, 2012. Park Rangers will be helping to staff the Mariposa Visitor Center, the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau in Oakhurst, and the Yosemite Chamber of Commerce in Groveland. The hours of each of the visitor centers varies.
December 14, 2011
Yosemite National Park Announces Extension of the Public Scoping Period for the Mariposa Grove Restoration
Yosemite National Park announces the extension of the public scoping period for the Mariposa Grove Restoration Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that will close on Friday, February 3, 2012. The socping her period has been open since August, 2011. The Mariposa Grove is the largest of the three giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) groves in Yosemite National Park and was part of the original Yosemite Grant signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1864 (the rest of the grant included Yosemite Valley). The park is asking for the public to help park managers identify issues and concerns that they would like considered for preparation of the EIS.
December 07, 2011
Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park to Reopen (2011)
After a temporary closure, the Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park will reopen to the public at 3:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, December 07, 2011. The Tioga Road, the popular east-west crossing of the Sierra Nevada in the northern portion of the park, has been temporarily closed due a high wind event in the Yosemite area.
December 06, 2011
Body Recovered in Yosemite National Park Positively Identified
Yosemite National Park has positively identified the body of Ramina Badal, 21 year old female, of Manteca, CA. Badal was found in the Merced River, approximately 120 yards below the Vernal Fall footbridge, by a Yosemite National Park Ranger at approximately 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 3, 2011. The footbridge is located approximately a half mile below the base of Vernal Fall.
December 05, 2011
Body of Missing Man Recovered in Yosemite National Park (2011)
Yosemite National Park has positively identified the body of Ninos Yacoub, 27 year old male, of Turlock, CA. Yacoub was found in the Merced River, approximately 100 yards below the Vernal Fall footbridge, by a Yosemite National Park Ranger at approximately 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 29, 2011. The footbridge is located approximately a half mile below the base of Vernal Fall.
December 02, 2011
Hetch Hetchy Road in Yosemite National Park Reopens
After a temporary closure, the Hetch Hetchy Road in Yosemite National Park has reopened to the public at 11:00 a.m. today, Friday, December 02, 2011. The Hetch Hetchy Road was temporarily closed on Wednesday, November 30 due to a high wind warning in the Yosemite area. Several trees fell along the roadway during the event, causing blocked access to the Hetch Hetchy Dam and the Hetch Hetchy area. Forestry crews were able to access the area this morning and clear the roadway of any remaining debris.
November 30, 2011
Tioga and Hetch Hetchy Roads to Temporarily Close in Yosemite National Park
The Tioga Road (Highway 120 east of the Crane Flat Gas Station) and the Hetch Hetchy Road in Yosemite National Park will be temporarily closing tonight, Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. A high wind warning has been issued for the Yosemite area starting tonight, through Friday morning, December 2, that may impact driving conditions along the roadway. The Tioga Road and the Hetch Hetchy Road will remain closed until further assessments can be made. An announcement will be made pending additional road closure changes.
November 23, 2011
Glacier Point Road in Yosemite National Park Closed for the Season
The Glacier Point Road in Yosemite National Park is closed for the season due to ice and snow. The road is currently closed at the Chinquapin and Wawona Road (Highway 41) junction, and will open to Badger Pass once the ski area becomes open.
The Tioga Road remains closed at this time due to ice and snow. A winter storm is expected in the Yosemite region Thursday evening and into Friday morning. Over the weekend, the road will be reassessed and there is a slight possibility it will reopen. If the road reopens, the park will issue a news release.
All roads within the Yosemite National Park are subject to chain control or temporary closures due to hazardous driving conditions. Tire chains may be required at any time during the fall and winter season. It is strongly recommended that all motorists carry tire chains while driving in the park during the fall and winter months.
For updated 24-hour road and weather conditions for Yosemite National Park, please call 209-372-0200.
November 18, 2011
Yosemite National Park Extends Comment Period for the Alternatives Development of the Merced River Plan
Yosemite National Park is currently working on developing alternatives for the Comprehensive Management Plan for the Merced Wild and Scenic River (MRP). This plan will provide the framework for management decisions regarding the Merced River and the Merced River Corridor in Yosemite National Park. The park contains 81 miles of the Merced River, which was designated a Wild and Scenic River in 1987.
November 16, 2011
Yosemite National Park Reopens Roads
After a temporary closure, the Tioga Road in Yosemite National park reopened to the public at noon today, Wednesday, November 16, 2011. The Tioga Road, the popular east-west crossing of the Sierra Nevada in the northern portion of the park, has been temporarily closed since November 3, 2011 due to an early season snowstorm that dropped almost a foot of snow in the higher elevations.
November 10, 2011
Lottery for Space at Historic Ostrander Ski Hut in Yosemite National Park Ends Nov. 16
Yosemite Conservancy is accepting lottery registration forms for the 2012 season at Ostrander Ski Hut, a popular overnight destination for those making the stunning 10-mile trek from Badger Pass Ski Area to Ostrander Lake in Yosemite National Park.
November 03, 2011
Yosemite National Park to Waive Fees for Veterans Day Weekend
In celebration of Veterans Day, Yosemite National Park will offer free admission on Friday, November 11 through Sunday, November 13, 2011. This fee free weekend is offered to all visitors in honor of current and retired members of the United States armed forces and their families.
November 03, 2011
Three Roads in Yosemite National Park to Temporarily Close Overnight
The Tioga Road (Highway 120 east of the Crane Flat Gas Station), the Glacier Point Road, and the Mariposa Grove Road in Yosemite National Park will be temporarily closing tonight, Thursday, November 3, 2011, at 8:00 p.m. A winter weather advisory has been issued and will be in effect from 8:00 p.m. this evening until 8:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. Up to seven inches of snow is expected above 6,000 feet in elevation. Temperature lows are expected to be 11° Fahrenheit tonight, and 5° Fahrenheit by Friday night.
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