National Park Travel Blog

With information obtained from a joint investigation with the United States Forest Service and the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office, Yosemite National Park Rangers raided a large marijuana cultivation site in El Portal early Tuesday morning, August 24th, and seized 3,657 plants. The site was on land in both Yosemite National Park and the Sierra National Forest. The park worked with Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Detectives, an Officer from Mariposa County Probation, and Park Rangers from Point Reyes National Seashore. The total estimated worth of the seized marijuana is $14.6 million. 

Two Mexican National males, who were in the United States illegally, were taken into custody while working the cultivation site during the raid. One of the men was armed with a loaded .45 caliber pistol concealed under his clothing. Both subjects were wearing camouflage clothing at the time of their arrest.   

The marijuana plants growing in the site ranged in size from one plot of young one foot tall plants, to a mature plot that was in the process of being harvested with plants ranging from five to ten feet tall. In addition to seizing the 3,657 plants, several pounds of processed marijuana ready to be moved out of the site were also confiscated.   

The grow site suffered extensive resource damage, including damage to the native vegetation and landscape. There were hose lines, fertilizers, trash and human waste throughout the area.

“We want these growers to know that we will not tolerate this type of activity on public lands and we will continue to aggressively seek out and eradicate illegal marijuana growing operations,” said Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher. The operation concluded safely with only a few minor injuries to officers. Both suspects are currently in custody awaiting charges to be filed.

Two lightning caused fires in the northern portion of Yosemite National Park continue to burn in the areas of Lake Vernon and Harden Lake. The fire in the Lake Vernon area, known as the Vernon Fire, has grown from 160 acres to 230 acres in the past two days. The fire in the Harden Lake area, known as the Slope Fire, continues to progress slowly and current acreage is at 688 acres. 

Moderate smoke from both fires is visible in the Hetch Hetchy area, as well as along the Tioga Road near the White Wolf area.  All trails to Pate Valley from White Wolf have been closed due to fire activity related to the Slope Fire. Additionally, the trail from Tiltill Valley Trail Junction to Lake Vernon remains closed due to the fire activity of the Vernon Fire. Both trails will remain closed until further notice. The Tiltill Valley trail to Tiltill Mountain remains open.   The Slope Fire and the Vernon Fire are both located in Yosemite Wilderness and pose no threat to park facilities. The fires are being managed by Yosemite Fire Crews for ecological benefits. Fire is a natural part of the ecosystem. It reduces dead vegetation, stimulates new growth, and improves habitat for wildlife.

Tioga Road/Big Oak Flat Road takes you on a potentially epic journey through Yosemite National Park. Traveling through the home of the largest living beings, the tallest exposed chunk of granite, and some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, a trip down this byway should reside near the top of every traveler’s must-do list. Originally set aside by Abraham Lincoln in 1864 and later named as the second National Park in 1872, Yosemite National Park boasts rich historical value in addition to the obvious scenic values and recreation opportunities in the valley. Bring your camera, hiking boots, and plenty of supplies because regardless of the season, you’ll find the perfect trail to indulge your hiking passion along the byway. Before you head out, take a look at the Yosemite National Park website for descriptions and useful information about the various trails you’ll find throughout the park.

A casual explorer discovers countless wonders within minutes of the byway. Stroll among the giant sequoias in Toulumne Grove where these 30-foot-thick monoliths testify to thousands of years’ worth of experience. The 2.5-mile hike guides you over a short, smooth trail through the grove, which includes one hollowed-out tree you can walk through. But be prepared—this hike is strenuous for some. In the springtime, cool off in the spray created by countless roadside waterfalls or take one of the quick half-mile hikes to Bridal Veil Falls or Yosemite Falls, both just a few miles south of the byway in Yosemite Valley. Enjoy the refreshing spray from both falls in the spring and early summer, for Yosemite Falls often dries up from late July or August through October.

Though the views of massive spring waterfalls and soaring granite cliffs from Tioga Road/Big Oak Flat Road never fail to inspire, the busy summer season often finds the sites closest to the byway crowded with your fellow tourists. The majority of visitors rarely stray from the road, however, so a half-hour’s hike down any trail results in quiet communion with nature. And trails abound! Feeling adventurous? Take the 14-mile round trip hike to Cloud’s Rest. The trail begins at the midpoint of the byway at Tenaya Lake and ends on a tiny precipice with sheer cliffs on three sides. Stand atop Cloud’s Rest and take in the awe-inspiring views of Yosemite’s iconic granite domes and dense conifer forests surrounding you.

Many travelers head to Tioga Road/Big Oak Flat Road seeking a more strenuous vacation, following a philosophy that a true retreat from the office requires epic forays in wild areas, tempting danger and risking injury while pushing their own limits. These explorers find a surplus of opportunities along the byway. A rock climber’s dream come true, El Capitan also offers dedicated hikers an opportunity to brave a 17-mile hike past Eagle Point and Nevada Falls to stand atop the tallest piece of granite on earth. A few visitors tackle all 211 miles of the John Muir Trail, ending at the top of Mount Whitney, the highest point in the lower 48 states. Regardless of your motivation, a trip along Tioga Road/Big Oak Flat Road takes you through 64 miles of consistently inspiring beauty, culturally significant sites, and a bounty of hiking opportunities.

This article was produced by the National Scenic Byways Program, and more information about America’s Scenic Byways can be found at http://www.byways.org. If you’re planning a vacation in Yosemite National Park this year, then be sure to visit National Park Travel for more information about Yosemite National Park including lodging, things to do, weather, webcams, news, and much more.

Business boomed inside Yosemite National Park in 2009, with the highest number of visitors since a decade-long slump began amid the floods of 1997.

Park officials report that about 3.9 million people came to the park last year, about a half million more than in 2006, which marked the bottom of the slump. The number of people coming to see Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and other park landmarks has risen in each of the past three years, at exactly the same time the U.S. economy has been in a tailspin.

Park officials said they have some ideas why more people are visiting.

“With the economy being so bad, people are staying closer to home,” park spokeswoman Kari Cobb said. “Another thing we attribute it to is the Ken Burns film. That has reached a lot of people we haven’t necessarily been able to reach.”

“The National Parks: America’s Best Idea,” which documents the history of the parks, aired on PBS in the fall.

More people may be visiting, but they likely are not the same folks who came in years past. The floods of 1997 as well as policy decisions eliminated 353 of 828 camping sites in Yosemite Valley. The number of hotel and lodge rooms inside Yosemite Valley also has been reduced. Yosemite Valley receives 90 percent of park visitors.

With increased visitation and reduced lodging availability inside Yosemite National Park, it’s more important than ever to plan your Yosemite vacation as early as possible. Reservations are accepted up to one year in advance. For more information about Yosemite lodging, activities, weather, and more, visit www.nationalparktravel.com/yosemite.htm. You can also access videos of the national park by visiting the National Park Video Library. For information about other national parks, visit National Park Travel.

Tens of thousands of volunteers across the Americas join together annually during the Christmas Bird Count. The event provides a full day to celebrate birds. Since 1932, Yosemite’s participation has contributed more than 90,000 observations to the conservation event.

During the 109th Yosemite Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 14, 2008, participants identified 3,028 birds of 65 species. Highlighted by the 32 birders, separated into six groups to cover large expanses of the park, were a northern goshawk in the west end of Yosemite Valley, a merlin in Foresta, a northern mockingbird in El Portal and two red-breasted x red-naped sapsuckers–in El Portal and Foresta. Nine raptors, including sharp-shinned hawks, Cooper’s hawks, and peregrine falcons, were on the list, too. And, more than 500 band-tailed pigeons and American robins plus almost 400 Oregon dark-eyed juncos were spotted.  Past highlights include:   

Yosemite National Park is well known for it’s high population of black bears. These magnificent mammals are a major attraction for visitors; however, it’s important to remember that they are wild animals. Visitors should never approach or feed a bear. The park has strictly enforced rules and regulations with respect to wildlife.

Basic Biology 

• Color: Most are not black but brown or even blond or reddish brown 
  

• Weight: Average adult male is 300 to 350 pounds and female is 200 to 250 pounds 
  

• Diet: Mostly grasses and berries with acorns as a favorite food 
  

• Hibernation:  Reduce body temperature, pulse rate, and respiration to conserve energy 
  

• Reproduction: Females give birth while in a half-sleep hibernation mode to a litter of one to three cubs 
  

Young: Cubs remain with their mother until about 16 to 17 months of age.

American black bears (Ursus americanus) in Yosemite National Park have long been of intense interest to park visitors and managers. Seeing one of the approximately 300 to 500 black bears in Yosemite can evoke excitement, awe, and fear. Visitors who spot a bear sauntering across a meadow or eating berries in a wetland should consider themselves lucky. But, if the brown bear, also known as the grizzly, is on California state flag, why not look for it when in Yosemite? This is because, in California, there are no more grizzlies. When Euro-Americans arrived, they found a large population of grizzlies throughout the state. Grizzlies were a dire threat to life and property, however, and were killed in large numbers. By the early 1900s, few grizzlies and little of their prime habitat in the Central Valley remained. The last California grizzly was killed south of Yosemite in the Sierra foothills in 1922, according to one account. Black bears, in contrast to brown bears, have fared much better due to a combination of their greater adaptability around people and habitat stability. 

Black bears fascinate wildlife enthusiasts due to their curious physiology and behaviors. Most of Yosemite’s black bears, despite their name, are not black but are brown in color. Truly black black bears are rare in the Southwest. Black bears vary greatly in size— the largest black bear captured in Yosemite weighed 690 pounds, which is much larger than the typical male found here that weighs 300 to 350 pounds. Bears weigh the most in fall when gorging on acorns to gain fat to survive winter—consuming up to 20,000 calories a day. (That is a lot of calories, equating to a person eating 40 Big Mac sandwiches in a day.) Bears hibernate in hollow trees or logs, under the root mass of a tree, or in caves formed by the jumble of large rocks. While hibernating, bears enter a state of reduced body temperature, pulse rate, and respiration to conserve energy and do not defecate nor urinate but can metabolically extract energy from body wastes. Their “sleep” is not a deep one, which allows them to leave the den periodically. After emerging from winter dens, bears feed largely on meadow grasses, which are low in nutrition but sustain them until berries of various plant species ripen to provide higher calories. Bears also eat ants, termites, and insect larvae ripped out of logs or dug from the ground. Visitors who encounter a bear should keep their distance out of safety and respect for themselves and the animal. If visitors see a black bear in undeveloped areas, they should remain at least 50 yards from it. If they encounter a bear in developed areas, they should stand their ground and scare the bear away by raising their arms and making loud noises. Black bears may show dominance by bluff charging, especially when guarding food or cubs. Attacks are rare, and no one has been killed by a black bear at Yosemite.Park managers attempt to preserve this species that can be negatively affected by humans. First, visitors should drive the speed limit, reminded by signage placed where a bear has been hit by a vehicle. Next, visitors should avoid poor food storage practices. Management efforts by the Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group and the Wildlife Conservation Society study how to better make humans aware of their actions. Bear management attitudes have changed since the early days of the park’s history when little was done to keep bears from becoming conditioned to human food. Decades ago, the National Park Service maintained several bear feeding areas in the park where bears were fed for entertainment reasons. 

When visiting, visitors should expect black bears to attempt amazing acts to obtain human food. If food has been left in a car, bears will break vehicle windows, bend car frames, and pop open camper shells. To get into a trunk, they will enter the passenger area and claw through the back seat. Visitors should take every precaution to keep human foods out of reach of the park’s bears.

For more detailed information about Yosemite National Park, visit www.nationalparktravel.com/yosemite.htm. You can also make reservations for lodging and activities in Yosemite National Park by visiting the National Park Travel website.

If you’re planning to visit Yosemite National Park during the Christmas holidays, then you should consider making reservations for the famous Bracebridge Dinner. This spectacular Christmas pageant takes place in the Grand Dining Room of the Ahwahnee Hotel, which is transformed into the majestic hall of the “Squire Bracebridge”. Set in a manor hall with 50-foot beamed ceilings and huge windows with views of snow-covered mountains, this spectacular Christmas festival includes a fine dinner with entertainment by jugglers, singers, and court characters as they tell the story of Lord Merrick Bracebridge and his household.

Step back in time to old England, enjoy fine dining, experience grand entertainment, and make a Christmas memory that will last a lifetime. Attend the Yosemite National Park Bracebridge Dinner at the luxurious Ahwahnee Hotel. This year, the Bracebridge Dinner takes place on December 15, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24, and 26, 2008. This magnificent event is extremely popular, and advance reservations are required.  Enjoy Yosemite National Park during the beautiful Christmas season, and experience the famous Bracebridge Dinner.  For more information about Yosemite National Park, visit www.nationalparktravel.com/yosemite.htm

Yosemite National Park is one of America’s most popular national parks, and it offers a wide variety of lodging options for the park visitor.  The most luxurious lodging accommodation inside Yosemite National Park is clearly the Ahwahnee Hotel, and it comes with a luxury price too at a nightly rate in excess of $400 per room.

For more budget-minded travellers, the Lodge at Yosemite Falls (also known as Yosemite Lodge) and Curry Village offer in-park lodging at more economical rates.  It’s important for Yosemite visitors to understand that the park lodging sometimes sells out months in advance; and thefore, it is important to make lodging reservations as early as possible.  In addition to the lodging mentioned thus far, there are numerous vacation home rentals available inside Yosemite National Park.

The Yosemite View Lodge and Cedar Lodge are also favorites among Yosemite National Park visitors, because they are located just outside the park entrance on Highway 140.  The Tenaya Lodge is another luxurious facility, and it’s located just outside the south park entrance on Highway 41.  The Tenaya Lodge offers luxury rooms for a nightly rate in excess of $300 per room, but it also offers many favorable amenities for Yosemite visitors that prefer the finest accommodations.  Yosemite National Park indeed offers a wide variety of lodging ranging from the luxury of the Ahwahnee Hotel and Tenaya Lodge to the family accommodations of Yosemite Lodge, Curry Village, Yosemite View Lodge, and Cedar Lodge to basic tent camping.  There’s something for everyone at Yosemite National Park.

Just remember to make your Yosemite National Park lodging reservations as early as possible, because lodging at the park often sells out months in advance.  Early planning leads to a smooth and more enjoyable vacation experience.  You can get detailed information about Yosemite National Park lodging at www.nationalparktravel.com/yosemite_lodging.htm.

For general information about Yosemite Park including major attractions and weather, visit www.nationalparktravel.com/yosemite.htm.