| 1. |
Get
Away From It All: Get out of your car whenever possible. A whole
other Yosemite opens up when you get away from cars and parking lots.
Yosemite has an excellent bike path system and bikes to rent. There
are lots of easy and beautiful hiking trails - check the Yosemite
Guide and Visitor Centers for current trail and road information.
|
| 2. |
Start
Early! Arrive at the most popular places before the crowds, from
7:30 - 9:30 a.m., or in the late afternoon or evening. Between 9:30
and 3:00, parking lots are full, shuttles, roads and facilities are
crowded. |
| 3. |
Take
a Break: Pick up your lunch and extra film before you start out
and take a mid-day break away from the crowds gathered at major sights
and visitor facilities. Enjoy a long lunch by a river or creek, at
a vista or a picnic area, in the woods or along a trail. Take a siesta
while others are in line or looking for a parking place. |
| 4. |
Dodge
the Heat: In the late Spring and through the Summer, mid-day temperatures
average 90 degrees in much of Yosemite. Take it easy in the middle
of the day and carry lots of water (a quart per person). Take sunglasses,
a hat, sunscreen and wear light clothing. Evenings can be surprisingly
cool, so carry a jacket if you're out late in the day, and don't forget
insect repellant. |
| 5. |
Learn
Something New about Yosemite: Yosemite has several great museums,
most are near good lunch spots. Find the Nature Center at Happy Isles,
Yosemite Museum and Indian Village (at the Valley Visitor Center),
Pioneer History Center in Wawona and the Mariposa Grove Museum. |
| 6. |
Let
Someone Else Drive: FREE shuttles will take you to a variety of
valley destinations. Take a shuttle one-way and walk a trail back.
The Valley tour, operated by the concessionaire, is well worth the
cost. |
| 7. |
Be
Nature Smart: Wild animals can be dangerous to people, and feeding
wild animals can kill them. Don't leave food where animals can get
to it, including in your car. Stay on trails - virtually all of Yosemite
is extremely sensitive to human activity. Don't drink untreated water,
and stay away from fast-moving streams. |
| 8. |
Do
Something Really Different: Yosemite at night can be truly astonishing.
Night hikes and stargazing can be great if you're prepared. Dress
warmly and stay on trails. Glacier Point is fantastic at night and
often amateur astronomers have telescopes in place for public viewing.
(Check with Visitor Centers for Glacier Point Road conditions). |
| 9. |
Eye
on the Sky: Weather in the Sierra Nevada is extremely changeable.
Especially at higher elevations, afternoon thunderstorms are common
and can be quite violent. Avoid exposed locations, as lightning strikes,
although exciting, can be deadly. Carry foul weather gear (poncho,
compact umbrella, etc.) on extended hikes. |
| 10. |
Slow
Down: Longtime devotees of Yosemite will tell you that, despite
the overwhelming monumental scenery of Yosemite, many of the real
wonders are very close at hand, or foot. Take your time as you walk
and remember to sit occasionally and look around you. The streams,
woods, meadows and wildlife of Yosemite offer many delights of a more
intimate nature. |
