• Choose a category
• All
• Classic-Fiction

OUTFITTERS AND EXPEDITIONS

Tuolumne Meadows Stables

(Off Tioga Rd., 2 mi east of Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center 95389 | 209/372–8427 | www.yosemitepark.com) runs two-, four-, and eight-hour trips—which cost $53, $69, and $96, respectively—and High Sierra four- to six-day camping treks on mules, beginning at $625. Reservations are essential. Wawona Stables (Rte. 41, Wawona 95389 | 209/375–6502) has two- and five-hour rides, starting at $53. Reservations are essential. You can tour the valley and the start of the high country on two-hour, four-hour, and all-day rides at Yosemite Valley Stables (At entrance to North Pines Campground, 100 yards northeast of Curry Village 95389 | 209/372–8348 | www.yosemitepark.com). Reservations are required for the $53, $69, and $96 trips.

RAFTING

Rafting is permitted only on designated areas of the Middle and South Forks of the Merced River. Check with the Valley Visitor Center for closures and other restrictions.

OUTFITTERS AND EXPEDITIONS

The per-person rental fee at Curry Village raft stand (South side of Southside Dr., Curry Village 95389 | 209/372–8319 | www.yosemitepark.com | $20.50 | Late May–July) covers the four- to six-person raft, two paddles, and life jackets, plus a shuttle to the launch point on Sentinel Beach.

ROCK CLIMBING

Fodor’s Choice

The granite canyon walls of Yosemite Valley are world-renowned for rock climbing. El Capitan, with its 3,593-foot vertical face, is the most famous and difficult, but there are many other options here for all skill levels.

OUTFITTERS AND EXPEDITIONS

The one-day basic lesson at Yosemite Mountaineering School and Guide Service (Yosemite Mountain Shop, Curry Village 95389 | 209/372–8344 | www.yosemitepark.com | $80–$190 | Apr.–Nov.) includes some bouldering and rappelling, and three or four 60-foot climbs. Climbers must be at least 10 (kids under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian) and in reasonably good physical condition. Intermediate and advanced classes include instruction in belays, self-rescue, summer snow climbing, and free climbing.

SWIMMING

The pools at Curry Village (209/372–8324 | www.yosemitepark.com) and Yosemite Lodge (209/372–1250 | www.yosemitepark.com) are open to nonguests for $5, late May through early or mid-September. Additionally, several swimming holes with small sandy beaches can be found in midsummer along the Merced River at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley. Find gentle waters to swim; currents are often stronger than they appear, and temperatures are chilling. To conserve riparian habitats, step into the river at sandy beaches and other obvious entry points. TIP →Do not attempt to swim above or near waterfalls or rapids; fatalities have occurred.

WINTER SPORTS

The beauty of Yosemite under a blanket of snow has long inspired poets and artists, as well as ordinary folks. Skiing and snowshoeing activities in the park center on Badger Pass Ski Area, California’s oldest snow-sports resort, which is about 40 minutes away from the valley on Glacier Point Road. Here you can rent equipment, take a lesson, have lunch, join a guided excursion, and take the free shuttle back to the valley after a drink in the lounge.

ICE-SKATING

Curry Village ice-skating rink.

Winter visitors have skated at this outdoor rink for decades, and there’s no mystery why: it’s a kick to glide across the ice while soaking up views of Half Dome and Glacier Point. | South side of Southside Dr., Curry Village 95389 | 209/372–8319 | $8 per 2 hrs, $3 skate rental | Mid-Nov.–mid-Mar. afternoons and evenings daily, morning sessions weekends (hrs vary).

SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING

Badger Pass Ski Area.

California’s first ski resort has five lifts and 10 downhill runs, as well as 90 mi of groomed cross-country trails. Free shuttle buses from Yosemite Valley operate during ski season (December through early April, weather permitting). Lift tickets are $38, downhill equipment rents for $24, and snowboard rental with boots is $35.