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Yosemite National Park covers an area of 747,956 acres along the central western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in east-central California. Designated a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site in 1984, Yosemite is internationally recognized for its spectacular granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, giant sequoia groves, and biological diversity. More than 94% of the park is designated wilderness and 135 miles of the Tuolumne and Merced Rivers have been designated as part of the national wild and scenic rivers system. It takes an enormous effort to carry out the National Park Service (NPS) mission in a park as large and complex as Yosemite. Dedicated employees with a wide variety of skills and expertise work under the direction of five different divisions—and the Office of the Superintendent. Achieving the NPS mission in Yosemite also depends on productive relationships with our partner organizations. Yosemite DivisionsThe Office of the Superintendent is the executive office of the park and includes the superintendent, deputy superintendent, the chief of staff, the parkwide safety program, Hetch Hetchy program management, and the executive office staff. The Superintendent’s Office and the Yosemite Leadership Team are responsible for overall park leadership, internal management directives and strategic direction, and relationships with various organizations. The Division of Business Administration combines the functions of concessions management, fee revenue management (including operations of campgrounds and entrance stations), authorizing commercial park uses, and administrative functions. This division is responsible for the operation and maintenance of roads, trails, buildings, housing units, grounds, and utility systems. The division is also responsible for managing and maintaining the park’s vehicle and equipment fleets. Beyond the routine operation and maintenance functions, engineering support, facilities inventories, energy- use monitoring, mapping, surveying, and historic preservation are also Facilities Management Division responsibilities. Interpretation is the means through which the National Park Service (NPS) helps visitors to make emotional and intellectual connections to the meanings inherent in park resources. Good interpretation is a bridge leading people into new and fascinating worlds, inspiring new understanding, new insights, new enthusiasm, and new interests. Interpretation facilitates vital
This division provides the understanding, technical support, and scientific expertise to sustain the resources in a healthy, unimpaired condition for the benefit of present and future generations. RMS personnel accomplish these goals by developing the framework for science-based decision-making that aids in identifying issues and research needs, and mitigating threats that endanger animals, plants, air, water, soil, historic landscapes, historic structures, archeology and ethnographic resources. This division manages the park’s law enforcement, jail and paralegal services, wilderness education and stewardship, emergency services (emergency medical services and search and rescue), and fire and fire prevention. Additionally, this division provides 24/7 emergency dispatch communications for Yosemite and other park units, as well as overseeing park communications operations. 
Fire ManagementFire managers use three tools to mimic fire's natural function in the ecosystem: prescribed fire, mechanical thinning, and wildfire. 
Supporting Operations from Above
Aviation ManagementThe Yosemite Aviation Program supports fire management, search and rescue, medical evacuations, and law enforcement. 
Bear ManagementYosemite National Park managers work diligently to protect the American black bear so it can continue its existence most naturally. 
Park StatisticsFind out how many people visit Yosemite each year, what the park's budget is, how many campsites are in the park, and more! 
Wilderness ManagementNearly 95 percent of Yosemite is Congressionally designated Wilderness. Learn more about backpacking in the Yosemite Wilderness. 
Be part of Yosemite's Future
Park PlanningFind information about park planning efforts and participate in Yosemite's future! 
Visitor UseSocial science methods provides us with tools to understand how visitor behavior and characteristics affect park resources. 
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Last updated: October 15, 2026