Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [428]
VISITOR CENTERS
In the park, the best and biggest visitor center is the Valley Visitor Center in Yosemite Village (☎ 209/372-0200 ). The year-round center offers tour information, daily ranger programs, lodging, and restaurants. The rangers here are helpful, insightful, and knowledgeable. Inside, information boards update road conditions and campsite availability, and serve as message boards. Maps, books, and videos are for sale. There are several exhibits on the park, its geologic history, and the history of the valley. Nearby is Yosemite Valley Wilderness Center, a small room with high-country maps, information on necessary equipment, and trail information. A ranger at the desk answers questions, issues permits, and offers advice about the high country. Elsewhere, the Wawona Information Station and Big Oak Flat Information Center dispense general park information. In the high country, stop at the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center for information and advice.
FEES & PERMITS
It costs $20 per vehicle per week to enter the park, or $10 per person per week if arriving on bike or on foot. Camping costs $5 to $18 a night.
Camping in the backcountry and fishing both require permits. See "Fishing" (under "Other Sports & Activities") and "Overnight Hikes," later in this chapter for more information.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS & WARNINGS
In addition to the usual regulations about not damaging the natural resources, staying on established trails, and the like, special regulations at Yosemite are aimed at protecting the park's bear population, which has become much too familiar with the habits of humans. Under no circumstances should food be left in tents, cabins, or cars. There are storage lockers and bear-proof containers throughout the park—use them. Never feed a bear, or any animal for that matter.
SEASONS & CLIMATE
For general information on the climate of Yosemite, see the "Seasons & Climate" section of chapter 32, which covers nearby Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. The climate there is very similar to Yosemite's. The high country in Yosemite receives up to 20 feet of snow annually, and visitors who plan a winter trip should be well experienced in winter travel.
SEASONAL EVENTS
January to February: Chefs' Holidays. Yosemite entertains nationally renowned chefs, who share their secrets with participants. Each session, which includes several talks and demonstrations throughout the day by noted chefs, concludes with a banquet in the Ahwahnee Dining Room. Cost is $140 per person. Packages that include overnight accommodations at the Ahwahnee are available. Call ☎ 559/252-5676 for reservations.
November to December: Vintners' Holidays. California's finest winemakers hold tastings in the Ahwahnee Great Lounge. Each session concludes with a Vintners' Banquet. Cost is $140 per person (includes gratuities and wine). Two-, 3-and 5-night packages are also available. Call ☎ 559/252-5676 for reservations.
December 15 to December 26: The Bracebridge Dinner. This event transports diners to 17th-century England, with music, song, and course upon course of delectable dishes. This popular event requires reservations, which are secured by lottery. Applications are available December 1 to January 15 and are due February 15 for the following year. Expect to pay around $330 per person. Call ☎ 559/ 252-5676 for more information.
If You Have Only 1 Day
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 use the park's free shuttle bus. The bus operates year-round, with fewer stops in winter. Bus stops are well marked and within easy walking distance of all parking lots. We've included shuttle bus stop numbers wherever possible throughout the valley sections of this chapter.
You can get on and off the shuttles at any point, but be sure to stop at the Valley Visitor Center (shuttle bus stop no. 5 or 9) to see an exhibit on how the