by Alex Gugel , all rights reserved
![]() | Yosemite GuideDecember 1, 2021 - February 1, 2022 |
The December 2021 Yosemite Guide with information about trip planning, activities, scheduled events, and hours of operations for different facilities and services at Yosemite National Park (NP) in California. Published by the National Park Service (NPS).
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Yosemite Guide
Yosemite Guide December 1, 2021 - February 1, 2022
@YosemiteNPS
UPDATE
Wearing a face mask is required
in federal buildings regardless of
vaccination status. Check local
resources, area signage, and our
park website for updates, www.nps.
gov/yose.
Queen Mary at Badger Pass, Yosemite Research Library 003874
Experience Your America Yosemite National Park
Experience Your America Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Guide December 1, 2021 - February 1, 2022
Yosemite Guide December 1, 2021 - February 1, 2022
&
i
Experience Your America Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Guide December 1, 2021 - February 1, 2022
Things to Do
Winter in Yosemite
WELCOME
COVID-19 Information
Ask A Ranger
Drop by the visitor contact station located
Wearing a face mask is required in federal
behind the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center
buildings regardless of vaccination status.
to get park-related information and updates.
Thank you for helping keep yourself and others
Follow signs to park in Visitor Parking then
safe. Check local resources, area signage, and
follow signs to the Yosemite Valley Visitor
Center. Open 9am to 4pm.
park website for updates, www.nps.gov/yose.
WINTER SPORTS
How Will My Visit Be Impacted?
The COVID-19 pandemic will continue to
Badger Pass Ski Area
affect park operations in 2021. Visitation to
Badger Pass Ski Area opens on December
the park will be managed in accordance with
17, conditions permitting. Live information
recommendations from public health officials.
on winter sports is available by calling (209)
Visit the park website, www.nps.gov/yose for
372-8430; recorded information is available
more updates and safety information
at (209)372-1000. See page 5 for service hours.
Not Available or
Modified Services this Winter
Badger Pass A-Frame
Open daily, 9am to 4pm, when Badger Pass
Ski Area is open. Wilderness permits for the
Yosemite Valley Visitor Center (VC) is closed;
an outdoor visitor contact station is available
behind the VC.
Glacier Point area and crosscountry ski trail
information is available. Ranger led snowshoe
walks begin here, weather and conditions
permitting.
Badger Pass Shuttle (FREE)
The free shuttle service to and from Badger
Pass Ski Area begins December 17, weather
and road conditions permitting. Badger
Pass shuttle arrival and departure times are
subject to change due to traffic and weather
NPS Photo
Crane Flat Snow Play Area
outdoor adventures for people of all
A snow play area is open at Crane Flat
experience levels. Give us a call to join one of
Campground in winter when enough snow
our group classes or schedule a custom outing
is present. Please do not sled onto roadways!
designed specifically for your group. We offer
professional guides for Nordic skiers and
conditions.
Walking and Hiking
snowshoe trips. Reservations required. Call
Yosemite Valley has a wide range of year-
(209) 372-8444 or email yms@aramark.com
Badger Pass Shuttle Schedule
round walking and hiking possibilities. Stop
Yosemite Valley to Badger Pass Departures
Curry Village - 8:05am and 10:35am
Yosemite Village (YTS) - 8:10am and 10:40am
Ahwahnee Hotel - 8:15am and 10:45am
Yosemite Valley Lodge - 8:30am and 11am
by the visitor contact station behind Yosemite
Yosemite Conservancy Adventures
Valley Visitor Center for trail maps and
CUSTOM YOSEMITE EXPERIENCES
updated weather and trail conditions. (Open
Join a Yosemite Conservancy naturalist guide
9am to 4pm.)
for a customized experience that fits your
Custom Adventures: Experience the park
Badger Pass - 2pm and 4:30pm
Naturalist Programs
on personalized day hikes, birding walks,
Naturalists give regular programs about
stargazing programs and backpacking trips.
Ice Skating
Yosemite’s natural and cultural history. See
yosemite.org/custom-adventures.
Take the shuttle to Curry Village for a one-of-a-
page 5 for scheduled programs.
kind ice skating experience with a spectacular
view of Half Dome. Open Nov 22 through Mar
6, conditions permitting. See page 5 for hours.
ENTERING A NATIONAL PARK
Yosemite is a place where wilderness
prevails. Prepare yourself for a wild
experience. The National Park Service
is bound by its mission to protect
Yosemite’s natural and cultural resources
for the benefit and enjoyment of future
generations. Please, be attentive to
the regulations in place to protect park
resources (page 9) and those designed
for your safety (page 8).
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Fire – Police – Medical Emergency:
Dial 911
Medical Clinic (in Yosemite Valley)
Open Monday- Friday from 9am to 5pm.
(Closed holidays.)
Medical Clinic Phone: (209) 372-4637.
Some campgrounds are currently closed. Camp
4 is now available to first come, first served
camping.
Yosemite Theater and Yosemite Museum are
closed until Spring 2022
.
Yosemite Valley Shuttle System will resume
operations on December 17, 2021.
Select dining and shopping establishments are
open and encourage social distancing.
interests and schedule.
PROGRAMS AND GUIDED
ADVENTURES
Badger Pass to Yosemite Valley Departures
Many programs are canceled until further
notice, see page 4 for programs schedule.
Looking for ways to connect with Yosemite
Adventure Out With Yosemite
from home? Contact us to schedule a virtual
Mountaineering School
adventure: adventures@yosemite.org.
Yosemite Mountaineering School provides
ROAD AND WEATHER
INFORMATION
Within Yosemite National Park:
209/372-0200
Outside Yosemite National Park:
800/427-7623
PARK APP
Download the National
Park Service app for an
interactive map, hiking
trails, and park updates.
Find more information
on page11 of this Guide.
ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH
DISABILITIES
For a complete list of accessible services,
exhibits, and recreational opportunities,
pick up a Yosemite Accessibility Guide
at any park entrance station or visitor
center, or view online at www.nps.gov/
yose/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm, or call
a park Accessibility Coordinator at (209)
379-1035.
Sign Language interpreting is available
upon request. Contact Deaf Services
at (209) 379-5250 (v/txt). Two weeks
advance notice is requested.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
01
Things to Do
04
Programs and Exhibits
05
Services
07
Permit Information
08
Protecting Yourself
10
Feature Story
Back Yosemite Valley Map
Accessible parking spaces available west
of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center.
Where to Go and What to Do in Yosemite National Park
1
Experience Your America Yosemite National Park
Discover Yosemite
Let your curiosity guide you to new places
Entrance Fees
Non-commercial car, truck, RV, or van
with 15 or fewer passenger seats
(No per-person fee)
Vehicle Valid for 7 days
$35/Vehicle
Walking Yosemite Valley
Valley Visitor Center
Upper
Yosemite
Fall
Destinations on the east end of Yosemite Valleyare easily accessed on foot or by bike . The
walking time between popular destinations
Yosemite
Valley
Lodge
10
The Ahwahnee
5
30
Camp 4
Yosemite Pass $70,
Valid for one year in Yosemite.
Housekeeping
Camp
Chapel
5
Yosemite Falls Parking
Interagency Annual Pass $80
Valid for one year at all federal
recreation sites.
Lower
Pines
North
Pines
Mirror Lake
Trailhead
Yosemite Village Parking
Swinging
Bridge
Interagency Senior Pass $80
(Lifetime) For U.S. citizens or
permanent residents 62 and over.
Sentinel
Beach
25
Happy
Isles
Yosemite Valley Walking Map
- El Portal & Mariposa
Interagency Access Pass (Free)
(Lifetime)
For permanently disabled
- San Francisco
U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Upper
Pines
Curry Village Parking
El Capitan
Picnic Area
Interagency Annual Senior Pass $20
For U.S. citizens or permanent residents
62 and over.
Campground
Reservations
Curry
Village
Mist
Trail
Average Walking Times
5
Stanislaus
Cathedral National
Beach
Forest
Walking Routes
Campground
Interagency Military Pass (Free)
(Annual) for active duty US military,
US military veterans, and Gold Star
Bridalveil
families.
Fall
Parking
Picnic Area
Restroom
d
oa
aR
n
Interagency
wo
Wa
4th Grade Pass (Free)
Must present paper voucher.
0
N
1 km
1 mile
Walk-In Campground
Reservations
- Glacier Point
Lake
Eleanor
Fresno
Lodging Reservations
(888) 413-8869
www.travelyosemite.com
Group Sales Office: (888) 339-3481
White
Wolf
ga
Tio
ad
Ro
Yosemite
Creek
Hodgdon
Meadow
4
Merced
Grove
Trailhead
Crane
Flat
Yosemite
Valley 1
Foresta
140
r
Me d
rce
Glacier
Point
Tunnel
View
El
Portal
To
Merced
Valley
Visitor
Center
Tamarack
Flat
O ak
Tuolumne Meadows
Tioga Road closed to vehicles
in winter.
5
Tuolumne
Grove
Tioga
Pass
Entrance
Tenaya
Lake
Porcupine
Flat
120
To
Manteca
Arch Rock
Entrance
Yosemite
West
r
Rive
r
Me
2
Glacier
Point
Glacier Point Road closed to vehicles
(past Badger Pass) in winter.
Rd
Inyo
National
Forest
Badger Pass Ski
and Snowboard Area
Waw a Road
on
Yosemite Mariposa County
Tourism Bureau
(209) 742-4567; www.yosemite.com
Highway 120 East
Lee Vining Chamber of Commerce
and Mono Lake Visitor Center,
(760) 647-6629, www.leevining.com
Ranger Station
Wawona
Campground
Sierra
National
Forest
Food Service & Lodging
Wawona
Campground
3
Pioneer
Yosemite
History
Center
Gas Station
Mariposa Grove Road closed
Mariposa
to vehicles in winter.
Grove
South
Entrance 41
2
E4
Tuolumne
Meadows
d
oa
Mariposa County Visitor Center
(866) 425-3366 or (209) 966-7081
n
lum
iver
eR
(Wilderness
Permit Required)
Flat R
Highway 140/49
California Welcome Center, Merced
(800) 446-5353 or (209) 724-8104
www.yosemite-gateway.org
Tuo
B ig
Highway 132/49
Coulterville Visitor Center
(209) 878-3329
Hetch
120
E3
6
ce
d
Highway 41
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau
(559) 683-4636; www.yosemitethisyear.com
Big
Oak
Flat
Entrance
Ro
Hetch
Hetchy
Backpackers'
Campground
oad
Eve en R
rgre
Yosemite Area Regional
Transportation System (YARTS)
www.yarts.com
Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau
(800) 446-1333; www.tcvb.com
Hetc
hy
Hetch
Hetchy
Entrance
Regional Info
Highway 120 West
Yosemite Chamber of Commerce
(800) 449-9120 or (209) 962-0429
Hetch Hetchy
ad
O’Shaughnessy
Dam
To 395
&
Lee
Vining
Tio
ga
Ro
ad
Campground Reservations
Wawona
(877) 444-6777; www.recreation.gov
Ri
ve
To
Medical
Clinic
10
Individual Valid for 7 days
$20 (In a bus, on foot, bicycle, or horse),
To
W
20
Motorcycle Valid for 7 days
$30/motorcycle
To
Yosemite
Village
Lower
Yosemite
Fall
numbers in white circles show the average
To
Fresno
Sierra
National
Forest
0
5 km
5 miles
Yosemite Guide December 1, 2021 - February 1, 2022
Yosemite Valley
1
Yosemite Valley is world-famous for its impressive waterfalls, cliffs, and unusual
rock formations. It is open year round and can be reached via Highway 41 from
Fresno, Highway 140 from Merced, Highway 120 West from Manteca, and via the Tioga
Road (Highway 120 East) from Lee Vining in summer. The Valley is known for massive
cliff faces like El Capitan and Half Dome, its plunging waterfalls including the tallest in
North America, and its attractive meadows. While Yosemite Falls will be dry until rain and
snow recharge it, a moderate hike will take you to Vernal and Nevada Falls. Yosemite’s
meadows are great places to see wildlife and to photograph fall and winter scenery. Admire
El Capitan, the massive granite monolith that stands 3,593 feet from base to summit.
Whether you explore the Valley by foot, car or with a tour, the scenery will leave you in
awe and eager to see what’s around the next corner.
Yosemite Valley in Winter. Photo by Christine White Loberg
Glacier Point Road
2
Glacier Point, an overlook with a commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome,
and Yosemite’s high country, is located 30 miles (1 hour) from Yosemite Valley.
The road stays open as weather permits, however, overnight parking along it ends October
15. Glacier Point Road closes beyond the Badger Pass Ski Area after the first significant
snow fall. When the road is snow-covered and conditions permit, a system of cross-country
ski tracks are maintained on it. From Yosemite Valley, take the Wawona Road (Highway
41), then turn left onto Glacier Point Road. At Glacier Point, a short, paved, and wheelchair
accessible trail leads you to a stunning view looking into Yosemite Valley.
Wawona and Mariposa Grove
3
The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is located 36 miles (1¼ hours) south of
The view from Glacier Point. NPS Photo
Yosemite Valley via the Wawona Road (Highway 41), two miles from the park’s
south entrance station. While the Mariposa Grove Road closes to cars in the winter,
approximately from the end of November until mid-March, the road is open to hikers,
snowshoers, and skiers, and all trails in the grove remain open for cross-country skiing and
snowshoeing. The nearby Yosemite History Center in Wawona is a collection of historic
buildings associated with the people who came to Yosemite from all over the world to start
a new life and make the park what it is today.
Crane Flat and Tuolumne Grove
4
Crane Flat is located 16 miles from Yosemite Valley at the junction of the Big
Oak Flat and Tioga Roads. A number of hikes through pleasant meadows are
available—when snow covers the ground these turn into delightful ski and snowshoe
Snow at Wawona’s covered bridge. Photo by Christine White Loberg
tracks. To see giant sequoias, park at the Tuolumne Grove parking area located on the
Tioga Road, and walk one steep mile down to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias.
Or, park at Merced Grove trailhead and walk two steep miles down to this small grove.
These groves north of Yosemite Valley are smaller than the more-famous Mariposa
Grove, but are quieter and off limits to vehicles. Remember that the walk down is easier
than the walk back up.
Tuolumne Meadows and Tioga Road
5
The Tioga Road offers a 39-mile scenic drive past forests, meadows, lakes, and
granite domes. The road closes after the first big snowfall, and overnight parking
ends on October 15. The road’s elevation ranges from 6,200 feet to just under 10,000 feet.
Tuolumne Meadows embodies the high-country of the Sierra Nevada. The Wild and Scenic
Tuolumne River winds through broad sub-alpine meadows surrounded by granite domes
Tenaya Lake. NPS Photo
and peaks. It is the jumping off place for countless hikes, whether you venture out for a
day or a week. In winter, Tuolumne Meadows is often reached by skiers via the Snow Creek
Trail from the Mirror Lake trailhead, a short distance east of Yosemite Valley.
Hetch Hetchy
6
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, a source of drinking water and hydroelectric power for
the City of San Francisco, is home to spectacular scenery and the starting point for
many wilderness trails. The area’s low elevation makes it a good place to hike in autumn and
winter. The Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is located 40 miles (1¼ hour) from Yosemite Valley via
the Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120W) and the Evergreen Road. The Hetch Hetchy Road
is open from 8am to 5pm. Vehicles and/or trailers over 25 feet long, and RVs and other
vehicles over 8 feet wide are not permitted on the narrow, winding Hetch Hetchy Road.
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. NPS Photo
Winter Weather Driving and Chain Control Information:
Winter road conditions through Yosemite can vary
widely and may require tire chains. Chain
requirements are strictly enforced. For
updated 24-hour road and weather conditions for
Yosemite National Park, please call 209/372-0200.
Signs will indicate when chains are required. Here
is a summary of chain control signs on Yosemite
roads:
R1 - All vehicles without mud and
snow tires are required to install
chains/cables. Vehicles with mud
and snow tires do not, but must still
carry chains. See chain control regulations on www.nps.gov/yose for
vehicles towing trailers.
R 2 - Chains/cables must be
installed on ALL vehicles except
4-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles
with mud and snow tires. Fourwheel drive vehicles must have
4-wheel drive engaged.
R3 - ALL vehicles are required
to install chains/cables, regardless
of having *mud and snow tires or
4-wheel/all-wheel drive capability,
NO EXCEPTIONS.
*“M+S” will be on the side of your tires
if they are mud and snow tires.
3
Experience Your America Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Valley
Programs, Art, and Exhibits
Yosemite Valley Visitor
Center and Bookstore
massively expansive and powerful. Nature is in
constant change, and photography is particularly
well suited to capture and amplify the swirling
A visitor contact station is available behindthe
fluidity and the wonderfully serendipitous
visitor center for information and updates
moments born of the ephemeral. Photographing
from 9am to 4pm. The Yosemite Conservancy
nature is a very specific kind of exercise in
Bookstore will be operating as an outdoor“to-
mindfulness; to be out in nature with senses
go” store, daily from 9am to 4:30pm.
responsive, keenly aware of circumstances and
completely receptive, yielding to the present.”
YOSEMITE THEATER AND MUSEUM
Please join us at The Ansel Adams Gallery
Closed Fall and Winter of 2021
beginning November 14th to enjoy these noble
and striking photographs that showcase a
INDIAN CULTURAL VILLAGE
gratitude of our planet, placing it at “the pinnacle
Walk through the reconstructed Indian
of the reverential order.”
Village of Ahwahnee and learn about the
structures the Ahwahneechee lived in and
FUTURE EXHIBITION
the plants they used for survival. View the
SHADES OF WINTER
interactive displays and see the ceremonial
JANUARY 9TH, 2022 THROUGH FEBRUARY
roundhouse, bark houses, and sweathouse
26TH, 2022
members of the local tribes still actively use.
Located behind the Yosemite Museum in
The gallery will be hosting a group exhibition of
Yosemite Village.
photographs that honor a truly magical season
NPS Image
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
Snowshoe Walk Explore the Forest in
Winter (Begins December 18) 10am to 12pm
about our organization, and browse our full
Experience a variety of fine arts, hand-
at Badger Pass. Reservations required by 2pm
program calendar.
crafts, and a collection of Ansel Adams
the day before the snowshoe walk. No first-
original photographs. We offer half-day
come first-served availability for the walk.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
photography classes and private guided tours,
Limited to 30 people. Reservations must
Evening Campfire with storyteller
reservations required. Call 209/372- 4413 or
be made by calling 209-379-1899.
Mask
(December 24, 6:30 pm–7:30 pm) in
visit anseladams.com/photographyeducation.
required. Meet at Badger Pass Ranger Station
Yosemite Valley.
Located in Yosemite Village.
for naturalist led tour of winter landscape.
Winter Hike (January 22, 9am-3pm) in
Bring warm clothing. Expect a moderately-
Yosemite Valley.
CURRENT EXHIBITION
strenuous experience. Snowshoes provided.
Full Moon Hike (January 17, 7pm-9pm) at
REVERENCE - PLATINUM AND SILVER
Begins December 18. Mask required If
Badger Pass.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEFFREY CONLEY,
Badger Pass remains closed, this program
Dewey Point Snowshoe Walk (January 29,
NOVEMBER 14TH, 2021 THROUGH
will not take place.
8am-4pm) at Badger Pass.
JANUARY 8TH, 2022
Yosemite Conservancy
Or plan a Custom Adventure with one of our
Artist Jeffrey Conley writes: “For all of us, the
Join Yosemite Conservancy for a memorable
naturalists. Learn more and sign up:
Earth sustains our existence. In an otherwise
experience in the park this winter! Advanced
yosemite.org/adventures.
inhospitable known universe, our little blue
registration is required for all Conservancy
in Yosemite: Winter. We look forward to seeing
you in the valley during our favorite time of year.
BECOME A JUNIOR RANGER
Complete the activities that are the best fit for
you in the above self-guided handbook, sold for
$3.50 plus tax at stores throughout Yosemite
National Park and online. When you are done,
share your booklet with a park ranger at any
Yosemite visitor center during operating hours
to receive your Junior Ranger badge.
planet provides us absolutely everything.
adventures. Explore our website (yosemite.
The Ansel Adams Gallery
org) and follow us on social media to find
The Ansel Adams Gallery is open daily
in its range of character and texture, from
the latest updates from our team, learn more
from 10am to 3pm. (Closed Christmas Day.)
moments of delicate intimacy and subtlety to the
“I find the natural world to be endlessly wondrous
Illustration by Stefani Lacy
TIME
PROGRAMS - (NPS = National Park Service; YC = Yosemite Conservancy; TAAG =
The Ansel Adams Gallery = Accessible; $ = Program offered for a fee)
DURATION LOCATION
REMARKS
SU
M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
8:00am
Dewey Point Snowshoe Trek Reservations required. Register at Yosemite.org/
adventures. $ (YC)
8hrs
Badger Pass
Jan 29 only
X
9:00am
Winter Hike in Yosemite Valley Reservations required. Register at Yosemite.org/
adventures. $ (YC)
6hrs
Yosemite Valley
Jan 22 only
X
9:00am
In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams Register at The Ansel Adams Gallery. $ (TAAG)
4hrs
Yosemite Valley
9:00am
Ansel Adams’ Legacy and Your Digital Camera Register at The Ansel Adams Gallery. $
(TAAG)
4hrs
Yosemite Valley
9:00am
In the Field: Creative Smartphone Photography Register at The Ansel Adams Gallery.
$ (TAAG)
3hrs
Yosemite Valley
9:00am
Demystifying Digital Exposure Register at The Ansel Adams Gallery. $ (TAAG)
2hrs
Yosemite Valley
10:00am
Snowshoe Walk: Explore the Forest in Winter (conditions permitting) Reservations required by 2 pm the day before (209/379-1899) and masks required. (See above for details) (NPS)
2 hrs
Badger Pass
1:00pm
In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams Register at The Ansel Adams Gallery. $ (TAAG)
4hrs
Yosemite Valley
1:00pm
In the Field: Creative Smartphone Photography Register at The Ansel Adams Gallery.
$ (TAAG)
3hrs
Yosemite Valley
6:30pm
Evening Campfire Stories Reservations required. Register at Yosemite.org/adventures. $
(YC)
1hr
Yosemite Valley
Dec 24 only
7:00pm
Full Moon Snowshoe Hike Reservations required. Register at Yosemite.org/adventures.
$ (YC)
2hrs
Badger Pass
Jan 17 only
4
X
X
X
X
Begins December
18 if Badger Pass
is open.
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Yosemite Guide December 1, 2021 - February 1, 2022
Services in Yosemite
Schedule
YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE
Grocery Stores
YOSEMITE VILLAGE
Village Store
8am to 8pm
YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE
Gift/Grocery
8am to 8pm
CURRY VILLAGE
Gift/Grocery
10am to 6pm
WAWONA
Wawona Store & Pioneer Gift Shop
9am to 5pm
Gas and Service
Stations
The Yosemite Chapel, Yosemite Valley. NPS Image / Sheree Peshlakai
Hours listed are core hours and maybe extended during peak
visitation.
Food and Drink
YOSEMITE VILLAGE
Degnan’s Kitchen
7am to 11am, 11:30 to 6pm
The Loft at Degnan’s
Closed for the season.
THE AHWAHNEE
Dining Room
Breakfast: 7am to 10am
Lunch: 11:30am to 2pm
Dinner: 5:30pm to 8:30pm
(Advance reservations available for
hotel guests. Contact 209-372-1489 to
inquire about same-day reservations.)
The Coffee Bar Closed for the season
The Ahwahnee Bar 2pm to 9pm
YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE
Base Camp Eatery
Starbucks Coffee: Closed
Breakfast: 7:30am to 10am
Lunch: 11am to 3pm
Dinner: 4pm to 8pm
Mountain Room Bar
5pm to 9pm
Mountain Room Restaurant
Temporarily closed
CURRY VILLAGE
Seven Tents Pavilion
Breakfast: 7am to 10am
Dinner: 5pm to 9pm
Open weekends and holidays only after
Dec 17. Closed Jan 2 through Jan 27
Bar 1899
2pm to 9pm
Closed Jan 2 through Jan 27
Coffee Corner
6:30am to 11am
Closed Jan 2 through Jan 27
WAWONA AREA
Wawona Hotel
Closed for the season
BADGER PASS SKI AREA
Skiers Grill (downstairs)
8am to 4pm, beginning Dec 17
Snowflake Room (upstairs)
Friday: 12pm to 4pm
Sat/Sun/Holidays: 10am to 4pm
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
YOSEMITE COMMUNITY CHURCH
(The Chapel)
Resident Minister: Pastor Brent Moore
209/372-4831 • www.YosemiteValleyChapel.org
Sunday Service: 9:15am
Sunday Evening: 6:30pm
CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICES
Tuesday, December 24 at 4:00pm and 5:30pm
*Subject to Covid -19 policies. Please call the
chapel for current information before you travel.
CHURCH OF CHRIST (Non-denominational)
El Portal Chapel / Worship: Sunday 11am
Info: 209/379-2100
SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
No meetings at this time
Oakhurst Hotline: 559/683-1662
EL PORTAL
Pay 24 hours with credit or debit card
WAWONA SERVICE STATION
Diesel & propane.
Pay 24 hours with credit or debit card.
CRANE FLAT
Pay 24 hours with credit or debit card,
Store closed for the season.
Post Offices
YOSEMITE VILLAGE
Main Office
Monday - Friday: 8:30am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to noon
YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE
Monday - Friday: 12:30pm to 2:45pm
EL PORTAL
Monday - Friday: 8:30am to 5pm
Closed for lunch from 12:30pm to
1:30pm
WAWONA
Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm
Saturday: 9am to noon
Books, Gifts and
Apparel
Gift/Grocery
8am to 8pm
CURRY VILLAGE
Gift/Grocery
10am to 6pm
Mountain Shop
8:30am to 4:30pm
WAWONA
Wawona Store & Pioneer Gift Shop
9am to 5pm
BADGER PASS SKI AREA
Sport Shop
9am to 4pm, beginning Dec 17
Winter Recreation
BADGER PASS SKI AREA
Opens Dec 17, conditions permitting
Lift Operation 9am to 4pm
Lift Tickets 8:30am to 4pm
Ski School Desk 8:30am to 4pm
Tubing 10am to 11am, 11:30am to
1:30pm, and 2pm to 4pm
Nordic Shop Rentals 8:30am to 4:30pm
Alpine Rentals 8:30am to 4:30pm
CURRY VILLAGE
Ice skating
Opens Nov 22, conditions permitting
Monday-Friday 3:30pm - 6:00pm &
7:00pm - 9:30pm
Saturday/Sunday: 12:00pm - 2:30pm,
3:30 - 6:00pm & 7:00pm - 9:30pm
Holidays: 8:30am - 11:00am, 12:00pm
- 2:30pm, 3:30 - 6:00pm & 7:00pm 9:30pm
GLACIER POINT
Ski Hut
Closed for the season
Other Services
Medical Clinic - Yosemite Valley
(209) 372-4637
For emergency care CALL 9-1-1
Monday - Friday: 9am to 5pm,
Closed weekends and federal holidays
YOSEMITE VILLAGE
Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore
at Yosemite Valley Visitor Center
9am to 4:30pm
The Ansel Adams Gallery
10am to 3pm, Closed Dec 25
Village Store
8am to 8pm
THE AHWAHNEE
Gift Shop
9am to 8pm
Sweet Shop
8am to 9pm
Seaschultz and the dog team, Yosemite Valley, 1933RL 006272
5
Experience Your America Yosemite National Park
Hiking
Swinging Bridge, Yosemite Valley, NPS Image
Choose Your Adventure
What better way to enjoy the beauty of Yosemite than on foot. Ask a ranger at any visitor contact station for updated trail conditions and one of
several free day hike handouts.
WINTER TRAILS PREPAREDNESS
trees in the grove. While the Mariposa Grove
half-mile, self-guided nature trail. There is
Ski or snowshoe touring in Yosemite can
Road closes to cars from the end of November
no potable water at the parking area or in the
be a magnificent experience with proper
until at least March 15, the road to the grove
grove. Bring drinking water with you.
preparation. See page 8 for tips on how to
and all trails in the grove remain open to
protect yourself while adventuring in Yosemite.
hikers, snowshoers, and skiers. Wilderness
Merced Grove
permits are required for camping. There is no
Yosemite’s quietest stand of sequoias is the
water in the grove.
Merced Grove, a group of approximately 20
TRAILS IN WAWONA AREA
Yosemite History Center
big trees accessible only on foot. The first
Go back to a time of horse-drawn wagons, a
TRAILS IN CRANE FLAT AREA
half mile is level and easy, a good warm-up
covered bridge, and log cabins. A visit to the
Tuolumne Grove
for the steep 1 mile (1.6 km) descent into the
Yosemite History Center will highlight how
The trailhead for this grove of about 25
grove. This trail requires heavy snowfall from
Yosemite was the inspiration for national parks
sequoias is near the intersection of the Big Oak
a cold, lower-elevation storm to be skiable.
across America and around the world. The
Flat Road and Tioga Road at Crane Flat. This
There is no potable water at the parking area
Center is always open and informational signs
is a popular trail both with snowshoers and
or in the grove. Bring drinking water with
are found in front of each historic building.
hikers and is an arduous return ski. The trail
you. The grove is located 3½ miles north of
leads downhill from the parking area into the
Crane Flat and 4½ miles south of the Big Oak
Mariposa Grove
grove. The trail drops 500 feet (150 meters)
Flat Entrance along the Big Oak Flat Road
Located near Yosemite’s South Entrance, the
in one mile. The way down can seem much
(Highway 120 West). The trail is marked by a
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequioas is the park’s
easier than the uphill return to the parking lot.
sign and a post labeled B-10.
largest stand of giant sequoias, with about 500
Within the Tuolumne Grove there is an easy,
Bachelor and Three Graces, Mariposa Grove, NPS Image
Yosemite Valley Day Hikes
TRAIL / DESTINATION
STARTING POINT
DISTANCE / TIME
DIFFICULTY / ELEVATION
Lower Yosemite Fall
Across from Yosemite Valley Lodge
1.0 mile round-trip, 20 minutes
Easy
Upper Yosemite Fall Trail to Columbia Rock
Camp 4, across from Yosemite Valley Lodge
2 miles round-trip, 2–3 hours
Strenuous 1,000-foot gain
Top of Upper Yosemite Fall
Same as above
7.2 miles round-trip, 6–8 hours
Very Strenuous 2,700-foot gain
Mirror Lake (A seasonal lake)
East of North Pines Campground
2 miles round-trip, 1 hour
Easy
Vernal Fall Footbridge
Happy Isles
1.4 miles round-trip, 1–2 hours
Moderate, 400-foot gain
Top of Vernal Fall
Happy Isles
3 miles round-trip, 2–4 hours
Strenuous 1,000-foot gain
Top of Nevada Fall
Happy Isles
5 miles round-trip, 5–6 hours
Strenuous 1,900-foot gain
Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point
Southside Drive
4.8 miles one-way, 3–4 hours
one-way
Very Strenuous, 3,200-foot gain
Valley Floor Loop
Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead
13 miles full loop, 5–7 hours full loop
Moderate
Bridalveil Fall - CLOSED due to Construction
6
Yosemite Guide December 1, 2021 - February 1, 2022
Permit Information
Camping, Hiking, and Wilderness Use
Badger Pass A-Frame in winter. NPS Image
Wilderness Permits
Wilderness permits are required year-round for
all overnight trips into Yosemite’s Wilderness.
Self-registration quota sheets and permits are
available at Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, Hill’s
Studio in Wawona, Big Oak Flat Information
Station, Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station
and at the Badger Pass A-Frame (conditions
permitting). Bear canisters are only available
for rent at the Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore
located at the Valley Visitor Center. The process
for reserving wilderness permits in advance has
changed for the 2022 season. Permit reservation
requests can be made at www.recreation.gov/
permits/445859, 24 weeks to 7 days in advance.
The 60% reservable quota for each trailhead
first becomes available during a weekly lottery
24 weeks in advance. Any of the 60% that
are not confirmed during the lottery will be
released for advanced reservations, up to 7 days
in advance. For every permit lottery application
BIG OAK FLAT
6777. More information about the Half Dome
Self-registration wilderness permits for the
permit process is available at: nps.gov/yose/
Crane Flat area and Tioga Road trailheads
planyourvisit/hdpermits.htm.The process for
only are available on the front porch of the
hiking Half Dome as part of a wilderness trip
information station. Please come prepared with
has also changed for 2022. Please visit:
your own bear canister. The center is located
nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/
just inside the park entrance on Hwy 120W.
hdwildpermits.htm
to learn about the new
process.
GLACIER POINT
Self-registration wilderness permits for the
Camping Reservations
Glacier Point Road trailheads only are available
For the 2021 winter season, campgrounds that
at the Badger Pass A-Frame, conditions
willbe open are a portion each of Upper Pines
permitting.
and Camp 4. Upper Pines requires reservations
HETCH HETCHY
advance and are released on the 15th of each
Self-registration wilderness permits for the
month at 7am Pacific time.
which are available u