Chapter 3: Exploring Yosemite

Yosemite National Park’s towering geologic formations, lush meadows, tumbling rivers, and spectacular waterfalls attract travelers from around the world. Yosemite is home to 3 of the world’s 10 tallest waterfalls and the largest single piece of exposed granite on the planet. And you don’t have to be a mountaineer to enjoy the beauty of the park—Yosemite’s most popular attractions are accessible to everyone. No matter where you go, you’ll find a view worth remembering.

Active Pursuits Hiking is the prime recreational pursuit here, and the best views of the park’s amazing waterfalls and geological formations are only accessible by foot. For starters, try the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall, the short hike to Sentinel Dome, and the trail to Cathedral Lakes in Tuolumne Meadows. Next, embark on a multiday backpacking trip on the John Muir Trail. The park is also one of the world’s top rock-climbing destinations. Skiing, rafting, and bicycling are also popular.

Tours Rangers give talks and lead hikes in Yosemite year-round, and there are a host of guided bus tours offered by DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite and a host of other companies. If you’re looking to break a sweat, DNC’s Yosemite Mountaineering offers guided hikes and Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides takes visitors on guided hiking, fishing, and climbing expeditions.

Facilities From Spartan tent-cabins to luxury hotels, Yosemite has a full range of options for overnight guests, most of them located in Yosemite Valley. The park also has 13 campgrounds, ranging from bare bones to downright civilized, as well as a pizzeria, a taqueria, a cafeteria, and several more upscale eateries. If you’re in need of four walls and a ceiling, it’s tough to top the Ahwahnee, one of the most luxurious—and expensive—accommodations in any national park.

Essentials

Access/Entry Points

There are four entrances to Yosemite: the Big Oak Flat Entrance and the Arch Rock Entrance from the west, the South Entrance, and the Tioga Pass Entrance from the east. See the “Yosemite National Park” map, to orient yourself. Upon arrival, make sure to get a copy of the biweekly Yosemite Guide for up-to-date information on ranger programs and other park events and activities.

Visitor Centers & Information

In the park, the biggest visitor center is the Valley Visitor Center and Bookstore, in Yosemite Village ( 209/372-0200), which provides all sorts of information, offers daily ranger programs, and is conveniently located near restaurants and shopping. You can talk with park rangers about your plans for exploring the park; check out bulletin boards that display information on current road conditions and campsite availability (they also serve as message boards for visitors); and view several exhibits on the park, its geologic history, and the history of the valley. This center provides information on bears and also explores the impact that humans have on the park. A shop sells maps, books, videos, postcards, posters, and the like.

Nearby is the Yosemite Valley Wilderness Center, with high-country maps; information on necessary hiking and camping equipment; trail information; and a ranger on hand to answer questions, issue permits, and offer advice about the high country.

Information is also available at the Wawona Visitor Center and the Big Oak Flat Information Station. In the high country, stop in at the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center ( 209/372-0263, although it’s always best to call 209/372-0200 in summer). For questions about visitor-related services, including tours and accommodations, call 209/372-1000 or 801/559-5000.

Fees

It costs $20 per car per week to enter the valley, or $10 per person per week if arriving on bicycle, on motorcycle, or on foot. The Yosemite Pass, for $40, covers entry into the park for a year. Also see “Special Permits & Passes.”

Camping at a Yosemite campground costs $5 to $20 a night ( 877/444-6777; www.recreation.gov). It’s best to book as far in advance as possible if you are planning to camp during the summer, especially in Yosemite Valley. If you’re unable to get your desired dates, it’s worth checking back—cancellations do occur. Reservations are accepted up to 5 months in advance, beginning on the 15th of each month. For example, a camper wanting a reservation for August 1 can apply no earlier than February 15. Additional campground information is available by phone or online ( 209/372-0200; www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/camping.htm).

Regulations

The regulations here are similar to those at most other national parks—don’t damage the resources, keep pets and bikes off the trails, observe campground quiet hours, and so on—but this is also bear country, so the storage of food, or anything that bears might think of as food, is also strictly regulated. In many cases, you’ll need to place food and items that smell like they might be food (perfume and even toothpaste) in bear-proof canisters or lockers. Regulations are posted throughout the park, and you’ll also receive information when you enter the park, but we strongly suggest that you carry as little food, cosmetics, and toiletries as possible.

Orientation

All four main entrances to the park meet in Yosemite Valley, the most popular of the park’s three destination points (the other two being Tuolumne Meadows and Wawona). The valley is a mile wide and 7 miles long, set at about 4,000 feet above sea level. The granite walls of Half Dome, El Capitan, and Glacier Point tower another 4,000 feet overhead. The picturesque Merced River, fed by several small brooks and creeks, winds lazily through the length of Yosemite Valley.

It’s relatively easy to find your way around Yosemite. All road signs are clear and visible. At first, Yosemite Valley might seem to be a confusing series of roadways, but you’ll soon realize that all roads lead to a one-way loop that hugs the valley’s perimeter. It is easy to find yourself heading in the wrong direction, so be alert whenever you merge and just follow the signs.

We recommend visitors use year-round shuttle-bus service in the Yosemite Valley; Wawona and Tuolumne Meadows offer a similar service during the summer months only. Driving in any of these places during peak season—or even off season in the valley—is not fun, so use the shuttles as much as possible.

Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Valley

Most people come to Yosemite to see this giant study in shadow and light. In spring, after the winter snow begins melting in the high country, waterfalls encircle Yosemite Valley, shimmering like a diamond necklace. There are beautiful wide meadows, towering trees, and the ever-present sound of rushing water in the background. The great irony is that the original park boundaries, established in 1890, excluded the valley. In addition to the natural phenomena found throughout the valley, there are a number of historical attractions worth exploring as well.

Yosemite Valley contains three developed areas: Yosemite Village, Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, and Curry Village. Except for the Ahwahnee Hotel—which is about midway between Yosemite and Curry villages—all the hotels, restaurants, and shops can be found in these areas. Curry Village (also called Camp Curry) and Yosemite Lodge offer the bulk of the park’s overnight accommodations. Curry Village is near shuttle-bus stop nos. 13A, 13B, 14, 15, 20, and 21. Yosemite Lodge is served by stop no. 8. Both locations have restaurants and a small grocery. The lodge has a large public swimming pool, and Curry Village has an ice rink open in winter.

Yosemite Village is the largest developed region within the valley and is served by shuttle-bus stop nos. 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, and 10. It is home to the park’s largest visitor center and the headquarters for the National Park Service in Yosemite. The village also has a host of shops and services, including a grocery store, restaurants, the valley’s only medical clinic, a dentist, a post office, and an ATM.

Check out the Yosemite Pioneer Cemetery, a peaceful graveyard in the shade of tall sequoias, with headstones dating back to the 1800s. There are about 36 marked graves, identifiable by horizontal slabs of rock, some etched with crude or faded writing. There are some Yosemite history notables buried here, such as James Lamon, an early settler who was known for his apple trees—they still bear fruit—and who died in 1875. Pick up the self-guiding booklet at the visitor center.

Next door, you’ll find the Yosemite Museum and the Indian Cultural Exhibit. Both attractions are free and provide a historic picture of the park, before and after it was settled and secured as a national treasure. The museum entrance is marked by a crowd-pleaser: the cross section of a 1,000-year-old sequoia with memorable dates identified on the tree’s rings. The tree section was cut in 1919 from a tree that fell in the Mariposa Grove south of the valley in Wawona. The Indian Cultural Exhibit strives to explain the life of the American Indians who once lived here, and members of regional tribes regularly speak or give demonstrations of traditional arts such as basket weaving. The Yosemite Museum Shop is next door and sells books and traditional Indian arts and crafts.

The village of the Ahwahneeche (a reproduction of a real Ahwahneeche village) is behind the museum and the Indian Cultural Exhibit. The village offers a free self-guided walking tour accessible from the back door of the visitor center. This exhibit guides visitors through the transformations of the Ahwahneeche, the tribe that inhabited Yosemite Valley until the mid-1850s. The village includes a ceremonial roundhouse that’s still in use.

The Ansel Adams Gallery ( 888/361-7622 or 209/372-4413; www.anseladams.com) sells prints and cards of images made by this famed photographer. The shop also serves as a small gallery for current artisans, with some of their works for sale.

Just a mile east of Yosemite Village on a narrow, dead-end road is the majestic old Ahwahnee Hotel (see “Where to Stay & Eat in Yosemite,” see chapter 5). Take the shuttle bus to stop no. 3. It’s worth a visit for anyone interested in architecture and design, but the rates start north of $500 a night in peak season, making it the most expensive lodging in any national park.

The Yosemite Valley Chapel is located on the south side of the Merced River, shuttle-bus stop no. 11. From the bus stop, walk across the bridge and to the left for just under a quarter-mile. Schedules for the worship services held in the chapel are posted in the Yosemite Guide newspaper and are available by phone ( 209/372-4831).

The LeConte Memorial Lodge is an educational center and library at shuttle-bus stop no. 12. Built in 1903, in honor of a University of California geologist named Joseph LeConte, the Tudor-style granite building hosts a number of free educational programs and talks, which are listed in the Yosemite Guide.

Beyond Curry Village at the valley’s far eastern end is the Happy Isles Nature Center, shuttle-bus stop no. 16. Summer hours are from 9:30am to 4pm daily; it is closed fall through spring. The nature center offers exhibits and books about the varied animal and plant life found in Yosemite; it’s a super place for children to explore. The park’s Little Cub and Junior Ranger programs, described under “Family Travel” in the “Fast Facts” section, are held here as well. Happy Isles is named for the three nearby inlets labeled by Yosemite’s guardian in 1880.

North of the Valley

Tuolumne Meadows

Hetch Hetchy and Tuolumne Meadows are remarkably different regions located on opposite sides of the park. Hetch Hetchy is on the park’s western border and can be reached by taking the Evergreen Road turnoff just outside the park’s Big Oak Flat Entrance. Tuolumne Meadows is on the park’s eastern border, just inside Tioga Pass, and is inaccessible by motor vehicle during the winter. (Tioga Rd. is the road that leads to the meadows.)

Hetch Hetchy is home to the park’s reservoir, passionately opposed by the famed conservationist John Muir and reviled by environmentalists to this day. Many believe that losing the battle over the reservoir exhausted Muir and hastened his death. Muir passed away in 1914, a year after the bill was signed to fund the dam project. Construction on the dam began in 1919 and was completed in 1923. The reservoir provides San Francisco with drinking water; the dam generates a bit of electricity for the city as well.

South of Hetch Hetchy are two large stands of giant sequoias. The Merced and Tuolumne groves offer a quiet alternative to the Mariposa Grove of Big Trees in Wawona. Both groves are accessible only on foot. The Merced Grove is a 4-mile round-trip walk that begins about 4 1/2 miles inside the Big Oak Flat Entrance. Although the trees here don’t mirror the majesty of the Mariposa Grove, the solitude makes this a real treat for hikers. The Tuolumne Grove (about 25 trees) can be reached by a 1-mile hike (a 1- to 2-hr. round-trip).

To get into Yosemite’s high country, go about 1 1/2 hours east along Tioga Road, which is closed in winter between Big Oak Flat and Tioga Pass. (You’ll need skis or snowshoes to access this area during the winter.) This subalpine region is low on amenities, making it the frequent haunt of those who enjoy roughing it, but even cushy-soft couch potatoes can enjoy the beauty up here. Glistening granite domes tower above lush green meadows, which are cut by silver swaths of streams and lakes. Many of Yosemite’s longer hikes begin or pass through here. The high country is explored at length in “Hikes & Other Outdoor Pursuits in Yosemite,” see chapter 4. There are some worthwhile sights here for anyone willing to venture away from the valley masses.

Olmsted Point ★★, located midway between White Wolf and Tuolumne Meadows, offers one of the most spectacular vistas anywhere in the park. Here the enormous walls of the Tenaya Canyon are exposed, and an endless view stretches all the way to Yosemite Valley. In the distance are Cloud’s Rest and the rear of Half Dome. To the east, Tenaya Lake, one of the park’s larger lakes (and an easily accessible one), glistens like a sapphire.

Impressions

The big Tuolumne Meadows are flowery lawns, lying along the South Fork of the Tuolumne River . . . here the mountains seem to have been cleared away or sit back, so that wide-open views may be had in every direction.

—John Muir

About 8 miles east of Tenaya Lake is Tuolumne Meadows, a huge subalpine area surrounded by domes and steep granite formations that offer exhilarating climbs. The meadow is a beautiful place to hike and fish, or just to admire the scenery while escaping the crowds of Yosemite Valley. Facing the north of the meadow is Lembert Dome, at about two o’clock; and then working clockwise, Johnson Peak, at seven o’clock; Unicorn Peak, at eight o’clock; Fairview Dome, at ten o’clock; and Pothole Dome, at eleven o’clock. Up the road is the central region of Tuolumne, where you’ll find a visitor center, a campground, canvas tent-cabins, and a store. Continue east to reach Tioga Lake and Tioga Pass.

Alpenglow

You’re in for a real treat if you position yourself with a view of the mountains and granite outcroppings around sunrise or sunset. The light of the rising and setting sun casts a rich, brilliant pink glow (known as alpenglow) on the landscape. This is a terrific time for photographing the area.

South of the Valley

Wawona

Mariposa Grove

This region, which includes Wawona and the Mariposa Grove of Big Trees, is densely forested. A handful of granite rock formations dot the area, but they are nothing like those found elsewhere. En route to Wawona from the valley, you’ll come across several wonderful views of Yosemite Valley. Tunnel View, a turnout accessed just before passing through a long tunnel along Wawona Road, provides one of the park’s most recognizable vistas, memorialized on film by photographer Ansel Adams. To the right is Bridalveil Fall, opposite El Capitan. Half Dome lies straight ahead.

Halfway between Yosemite Valley and Wawona is Glacier Point Road (closed in winter past the turnoff to Badger Pass Ski Area), which runs 16 miles to spectacular Glacier Point ★★★. From the parking area, it’s a short hike to an amazing overlook that provides a view of the glacier-carved granite rock formations all along the valley and beyond. At this point you will be at eye level with Half Dome, which looks close enough to reach out and touch. Far below, Yosemite Valley resembles a green-carpeted ant farm. There are also some pretty sights of obscure waterfalls that are not visible from the valley floor. Glacier Point has a geology hut and a day lodge for wintertime cross-country skiers. The day lodge morphs into a gift store/snack shack during the rest of the year. Glacier Point and the lodge are accessible both on foot and by bus (see “Organized Tours & Ranger Programs”).

Continue south on Wawona Road to reach Wawona, a small town that runs deep with history, located 30 miles from the valley. It was settled in 1856 by homesteader Galen Clark, who built a rustic way station for travelers en route from Mariposa to Yosemite. The property’s next owners, the Washburn brothers, built much of what is today the Wawona Hotel, including the large white building to the right of the main hotel, which was constructed in 1876. The two-story hotel annex went up 3 years later. When Congress established Yosemite National Park in 1890 and charged the U.S. Army with managing it, Wawona was chosen as the Army’s headquarters. For 16 summers, the cavalry out of San Francisco occupied the camp and mapped the park. When Yosemite Valley was added to the park after the turn of the 20th century, the cavalry picked up and relocated to the valley.

Near the Wawona Hotel are Hill’s Studio and the Pioneer Yosemite History Center. The studio keeps sporadic hours that are hard to pin down but are listed in the Yosemite Guide. This is the former workspace of noted 19th-century painter Thomas Hill; Hill painted a number of award-winning landscapes, including some recognizable ones of Yosemite.

The Pioneer Center offers a self-guided walking tour of cabins and buildings that were moved to this site in 1961 from various locations in the park. Each building represents a different period in Yosemite’s short history. During the summer, National Park Service interpreters dress in period clothing and act out characters from the park’s past. To reach the center, walk across the covered bridge. An entertaining 10-minute stagecoach ride is offered during the summer for a small fee.

Nearby, the Mariposa Grove is a stand of giant sequoias, some of which have been around for 3,000 years. They stretch almost 300 feet tall, are 50 feet in circumference, and weigh an average of 2 million pounds. The 500 trees here are divided into the Upper Grove and the Lower Grove. The easiest way to see the trees is from the open-air Big Trees Tram ( 209/372-4386 for reservations) that runs May through October. Cost is $25.50 for adults, $24 for seniors, and $18 for children; kids 4 and under ride free. Trams leave from the Mariposa Grove parking area; call for current hours. A guide provides commentary during the trip, which lasts about an hour and 15 minutes. The tram makes regular stops at the Grizzly Giant, Wawona Tunnel Tree, and Mariposa Grove Museum. It’s worth hopping out and walking around as often as possible. Just take the next tram back. All of the area is also accessible on foot. It is an uphill walk to the upper grove, 2.5 miles each way.

The Grizzly Giant is the largest tree in the grove. At “just” 200 feet, it is shorter than some of its neighbors, but its trunk measures more than 30 feet in diameter at the base. A huge limb halfway up the tree measures 6 feet in diameter and is bigger than many of the “young” trees in the groveThe Wawona Tunnel Tree had a tunnel 10 feet high and 26 feet long cut through it in 1881. Thousands of visitors were photographed driving through the tree before it toppled under the weight of heavy snow during a storm in 1969. No one saw the tree fall. Another tunnel tree, the California Tree, had a tunnel cut in 1895 and still stands near the Grizzly Giant, beckoning visitors to walk through it.

The Mariposa Grove Museum resides in Galen Clark’s first building. It was last refurbished in 1981 and is usually open from late spring into the fall from 10am to 4pm daily, featuring various exhibits. Books and educational materials are also sold here from late spring into fall.

The Highlights

Spectacular Yosemite Falls ★★★ is a three-part waterfall that stretches 2,425 feet skyward, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. In spring, snow runoff makes it a magnificent spectacle as spray crashes to the base of the falls, leaving visitors drenched. In the winter, cold temperatures help form a cone at the base of the waterfall, sometimes reaching 200 feet high—it looks like a giant upside-down snow cone. You can reach the base of Yosemite Falls by taking the shuttle bus to stop no. 6. It is also an easy walk from any parking lot near Yosemite Lodge.

Picturesque Mirror Lake ★, named for its nearly perfect reflection of the surrounding scenery, is slowly filling with sediment thanks to the forces of nature and, depending on the spring runoff, may be little more than a watering hole by late summer. Eventually, the sedimentation will turn the lake into a meadow. Still, the lake as it is captures beautiful images of Half Dome and North Dome, which tower above. It is surrounded by forest and has a fairly level, paved trail along its banks, which also offer places to sunbathe and picnic. It’s accessible (by vehicle) to people with disabilities; there’s a 60-foot elevation gain. Take the shuttle to stop no. 17.

The Mist Trail to Vernal Fall shows the power behind the water that flows through Yosemite. The trail itself can be slick and treacherous, but it is a pretty walk up 500 steps to the top of the waterfall. Miniature rainbows dot the trail as mist from the waterfall splashes below and ricochets back onto the trail. This walk is sometimes closed in winter due to ice, but there is a winter route to the top of the fall.

The remnants of a recent rockslide can be seen behind the Nature Center at Happy Isles. Several years ago, a granite slab collapsed with such force that it blew over hundreds of trees, claimed one life, and filled the valley with dust. Park officials decided to leave the landscape pretty much as it was post-slide, as a reminder of the tremendous geologic forces that shaped (and are still shaping) the park.

The view from Glacier Point ★★★ is one of the most spectacular vistas in the park. From this point far above the valley floor, visitors will find themselves at eye level with Half Dome and hundreds of feet above most of the park’s waterfalls. The white and silver rocks offer a stark contrast against the sky. To reach Glacier Point in summer, take one of the buses (check at tour desks for information) or drive south of the valley on Wawona Road to the turnoff for Glacier Point Road. Follow the winding road to the parking lot (allow about 45 min. from the valley) and walk a few hundred yards to the lookout. In winter, the road is closed and Glacier Point is accessible only on skis or snowshoes.

A drive toward the high country on Tioga Road offers other breathtaking views. Some of the grandest sights are at Olmsted Point ★★, which provides a panoramic view of the granite landscape. There are nearby picnic spots at picturesque Tenaya Lake. A bit farther along the road is the emerald-green Tuolumne Meadows, dotted with thousands of wildflowers during late spring and summer (see “Exploring the Backcountry”).

An off-season visit to Yosemite Valley, especially in winter, offers unique beauty plus the peace and quiet that was once commonplace. And although the high country is inaccessible by car—Tioga Pass Road and Glacier Point Road are usually closed to vehicles from mid-fall to early June, depending on snowfall—the valley becomes more accessible, as the number of visitors is greatly reduced. Snow dusts the granite peaks and valley floor, bends trees, and creates a winter wonderland for visitors. Lodging rates drop, and it is slightly easier to secure accommodations or a campground site, but even a day trip can be rewarding. Although many animals hibernate during the cold months, this is the best time of year to see the valley as it was before it became such a popular place.

Seeing the Park in 1 or 2 Days

This is a park that begs for an extended visit, but those with a limited amount of time will also have an enjoyable experience, especially if they make use of the park’s shuttle bus. The bus is free, easy to use, and operates year-round (though with fewer stops in winter). For that reason, we’ve included shuttle-bus stop numbers wherever possible throughout the valley sections in this book. Bus stops are well marked and within easy walking distance of all parking lots.

You can get on and off the shuttles at any point, but be sure to stop in the Valley Visitor Center (shuttle-bus stop nos. 5 and 9) for an orientation on the forces that carved the valley.

If you’re not interested in taking off and exploring alone, opt for one of the guided tours (see “Organized Tours & Ranger Programs”).

The base of Lower Yosemite Fall (shuttle-bus stop no. 6) is an easy walk from either Yosemite Village or Yosemite Lodge. From the base, you can see a portion of the magnificent water show. During peak runoff, it’s not uncommon to get wet, as the force of the fall sends spray in every direction. In late winter and early spring, a huge snow cone caused by freezing water rises up to 200 feet from the base of this fall.

Happy Isles (shuttle-bus stop no. 16) is another major attraction. Located at the convergence of several inlets, the valley’s nature center is an especially great stop for those traveling with kids, but the area gets most of its traffic because it is also the trail head for Vernal and Nevada falls, two picturesque staircase waterfalls that can be reached only by foot.

Next, we recommend a visit to Mirror Lake (shuttle-bus stop no. 17), a small lake named for the near-perfect way it reflects the surrounding scenery. It’s slowly filling up with silt and is less dramatic and mirrorlike than it used to be, but its shore still offers a beautiful view of Half Dome.

If you still have more time to explore, choose anything that piques your interest from a variety of hikes and activities. To make the most of your time, stick with the recommendations we list throughout the following chapters.

Seeing the Park by Car & Shuttle

In the eastern section of Yosemite Valley, two words pertain—shuttle bus. The only reasons to use your private vehicle are to enter and to exit. There are also shuttles that run in Tuolumne Meadows, connecting Tuolumne Meadows Lodge with Tioga Pass and Olmsted Point (shuttles run approximately every 30 min. 7am–7pm), and a daily free shuttle to and from Wawona from Yosemite Valley (leaving Wawona at 8:30am and returning from the valley at 3:30pm). There’s also a free shuttle from Wawona to Mariposa Grove. When the parking lot fills, the road closes, so the only way to get there is the shuttle.

Elsewhere in the park, however, a vehicle is more appropriate. If you want to see the view from Glacier Point or check out Hetch Hetchy, a car is a near necessity. However, you can always leave the driving to somebody else: Some organized tours are described below, or you can inquire at tour desks in Yosemite Village, the Ahwahnee, Yosemite Lodge, or Curry Village. Hiker’s shuttles to Glacier Point and Tuolumne Meadows ( 209/372-4386; www.yosemitepark.com) are available for about $25 and $15, respectively.

Taking Aim at Traffic

An estimated 7,000 cars enter Yosemite National Park on any given day, leaving many visitors mired in traffic jams. To help ease the traffic volume, an in-park bus system has been in operation for nearly a decade. The project, a joint effort between the National Park Service and the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS), shuttles visitors into Yosemite from nearby communities and commuter lots along the three highways leading into the park. For more information, visit www.yarts.com.

Organized Tours & Ranger Programs

The park offers a number of ranger-guided walks, hikes, and other programs. Check at one of the visitor centers or in Yosemite Guide for current topics, start times, and locations. Walks may vary from week to week, but you can always count on nature hikes, evening discussions on park anomalies (floods, fires, or critters), and the photography program aimed at replicating some of Ansel Adams’s works. (All photo walks require advance registration at the Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Village.) The evening programs outside at LeConte Memorial Lodge and Yosemite Lodge are great for young and old alike. There are also nighttime stargazing tours at Glacier Point.

Several organizations also host guided trips. The Evergreen Lodge offers tours of the park; also check out Incredible Adventures ( 800/777-8464; www.incadventures.com), which offers 1- and 2-day day tours of Yosemite from San Francisco for about $150 to $200 per day per adult. Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides ( 800/231-4575; www.symg.com) runs hiking, backpacking, fishing, and rock-climbing trips. A day hiking trip usually runs $365 or $395 for up to six people. DNC’s Yosemite Mountaineering ( 209/372-8344; www.yosemitemountaineering.com) offers a variety of guided hikes covering 2 to 6 miles for $10 to $40 per person.

Discover Yosemite Tours ( 800/642-4400 or 559/642-4400; www.discoveryosemite.com) conducts scheduled tours as well as customized trips. Costs run about $112 for adults, $56 for kids 3 to 15, and free for kids 2 and under. Tours are operated on small air-conditioned buses with huge picture windows; lunch is included. The sightseeing destinations include Mariposa Grove, Yosemite Valley, and Glacier Point. Geology, flora, and fauna are pointed out along the way. Stops are scheduled for lunch, shopping, and photo opportunities. Pickup can be arranged from various motels throughout Oakhurst and Bass Lake, as well as Mariposa and El Portal.

A variety of guided bus tours is also available. You can buy tickets at tour desks at Yosemite Lodge, the Ahwahnee, Curry Village, or beside the Village Store in Yosemite Village. Advance reservations are suggested for all tours; space can be reserved in person or by phone ( 209/372-4386; www.yosemitepark.com). Always double-check at tour desks for updated departure schedules and prices. Most tours depart from Yosemite Lodge, the Ahwahnee, or Curry Village, and adult prices range from $25 for a 2-hour tour to $92 for a full-day trip with lunch. Children’s rates are usually half that, family rates are available, and discounts are offered for seniors.

The 2-hour Valley Floor Tour is a great way to get acclimated to the park, providing a good selection of photo ops, including El Capitan, Tunnel View, and Half Dome. This ride is also available on nights when the moon is full or near full. It’s an eerie but beautiful scene when moonlight illuminates the valley’s granite walls and gives visitors a rare picture of Yosemite. Blankets and hot cocoa are provided. Dress warmly, though, because it can get mighty chilly after the sun goes down.

The Glacier Point Tour is a 4-hour scenic bus ride through the valley to Glacier Point. Tours also depart from Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Meadows. The Mariposa Grove trip takes 8 hours and is especially popular with hikers who want to explore the high country without relocating their camp from the valley floor. New in 2011, the Immersion Excursion focuses on a different topic, from geology to history. The trip lasts 2 hours; call for an up-to-date schedule.

If you’re staying in the valley, the National Park Service and DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite present evening programs on the park’s history and culture. Past summer programs have included discussions on early expeditions to Yosemite, the park’s flora and fauna, geology, global ecology, and the legends of the American Indians who once lived here. Other programs have focused on Mark Wellman’s courageous climb of El Capitan—he made the ascent as a paraplegic—and major threats to Yosemite’s environment. Inquire about current programs upon check-in at your hotel or at the information booth outside the visitor center. Although most programs are held in the valley, a few campgrounds offer campfire programs in the summer. There are also nighttime walks when the moon is full.

Spring through fall, the Yosemite Theater offers inexpensive theatrical and musical programs designed to supplement Park Service programs. They tend to repeat from year to year, but old favorites include a conversation with noted John Muir impersonator Lee Stetson, films on Yosemite, and musical performances.

The nonprofit Yosemite Conservancy ( 209/379-2317; www.yosemiteconsercancy.org) offers dozens of Outdoor Adventures ★, covering subjects from backpacking to natural history to photography. Most of the programs are multiday, with charges of about $100 per person per day (not including lodging and meals), and often include hikes or backpacking trips.