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Activities
ADVENTURES IN LEARNING
Field Seminars
Yosemite Association has numerous learning adventures scheduled through the year. These are detailed in our Outdoor Classroom section. We also provide numerous individuals, families and groups with their own naturalist for an active educational experience of Yosemite.
BACKPACKING
Renting Camping Gear
Day packs, backpacks, sleeping bags, foam pads, gaiters and snowshoes are rented with limited availability through the Yosemite Mountaineering School. Call 372-8344 to check for availability. If the Mountaineering School is not open, equipment cannot be rented. Tents, boots and baby carrier backpacks are not rented in the park.
Guided trips Yosemite Association and Yosemite Mountaineering School both offer guided backpack trips. YMS trips can include meals, YA includes expert naturalist instruction, free park entry and free camping the nights before and after the trip.
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BICYCLING
Bikes and bikes with baby trailers are rented at Yosemite Lodge and Curry Village, weather permitting. See the map in the Yosemite Guide for bike paths. All bikes must stay on paved bike paths and established roads in Yosemite (i.e., no mountain biking off-road in the park). There is also a four-mile trail where bikes can be ridden that begins across from the Wawona Hotel. There are numerous dirt roads available in the national forest just outside the park.
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FISHING
See the NPS website to be certain of current regulations: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/fishing.htm.
Places to Fish
In general, fishing is poor in Yosemite Valley. Fishing is generally better in the high country. The Merced River is stocked west of the park boundary. Lakes in surrounding national forest units are regularly stocked.
Guided Fishing Trips
The Yosemite Association offers an occasional flyfishing course and can arrange custom guided trips; 209/379-2321. The Yosemite Mountaineering School may offer guided fishing trips, too. Call the Mountaineering School for details.
Fishing Regulations License: Visitors 16 years and older must have a valid annual or per-day California State fishing license. One adult accompanying a child under 16 years needs a license even though the adult may not be fishing. Licenses must be visibly displayed on clothing. Licenses are available year-round at the Village Sports Shop, the Wawona Store and the El Portal Market, and seasonally at the Tuolumne Meadows Store.
Fishing Season: Last weekend in April through November 15 in all park rivers and streams. Lakes may be fished year-round but are not typically accessible in winter. Mirror Lake is considered a river and open to fishing during fishing season. A 2-mile stretch of the Merced River in El Portal is designated as a Wild Trout Stream and has a year-round season using only barbless hooks.
Regulations: No fishing from bridges. The portion of the Merced River in Yosemite Valley is restricted to the use of artificial flies and lures having barbless hooks (no bait) and catch-and-release for the native rainbow trout.
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HANG GLIDING
Hang gliding is permitted only for those with a Hang IV certification and only through the sponsorship of the Yosemite Hang Gliding Association at www.yhga.org.
Parachuting and Parasailing in Yosemite
"BASE jumping" was permitted from El Capitan on a trial basis in the 1980s. However, due to the excessive number of injuries and abuses of safety restrictions, the activity is now prohibited. Parasailing and paragliding are not permitted.
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HIKING
Where to Walk and Hike
Visitors should refer to the hiking section of the Yosemite Guide for descriptions of the most popular trails in Yosemite Valley. There is more complete information at park visitor centers, the Wilderness Centers, and information stations on hiking trails throughout the park. For people wanting detailed information, we suggest you purchase trail maps or books before your trip. Rangers encourage people to stay on the trails, pack out trash, beware of seasonal hazards, know their limits and carry water, food, map, compass, matches, layered clothing, sun protection, etc. Do your best to Leave No Trace.
Guided Trips
The Yosemite Association conducts numerous guided trips with top-notch instructors. These trips are detailed on our Outdoor Classroom pages. The Yosemite Mountaineering School can also conduct guided hikes.
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HORSEBACK
Stables are located in the Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, and Wawona. Call Valley Stables at (209) 372-8326, Tuolumne Meadows Stables at (209) 372-8427, or Wawona Stables at (209) 375-6502 for reservations. Two-hour, four-hour, and all-day rides are available. Children must be at least 7 years old and 44" tall. Maximum weight is 225 lbs.
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ROCK CLIMBING
Climbing Locations
The NPS does not recommend specific areas for rock climbing. Ask rangers at the Valley or Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Centers and study the numerous climbing guidebooks available. Climbing closures are usually in effect each year to protect sensitive peregrine falcon nesting sites. Check with park visitor centers or wilderness centers for current closures.
Learning to Rock Climb
Learn to climb, or improve your gym skills with the Yosemite Mountaineering School and/or the various climbing guide books sold in visitor centers. During spring through fall, the Yosemite Mountaineering School offers lessons in Yosemite Valley; in summer at Tuolumne Meadows.
Seeing Climbers
There are various areas where climbers can be seen. One of the best location to see climbers up-close practicing their technique is at Swan Slab (across from Yosemite Lodge - between Yosemite Falls and Camp Four). With binoculars, climbers can often be seen on El Capitan in late spring, summer, and early fall. In summer, climbers are often visible along the Tioga Road near Tenaya Lake and in Tuolumne Meadows.
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SWIMMING
Public pools: There are pools at Curry Village and the Yosemite Lodge. They are free to guests of those facilities. There is a charge for those who are not guests. Lifeguards are on duty. Pools at The Ahwahnee and Wawona Hotels are for guests only.
Rivers & lakes: There are no designated public swimming areas in the park's rivers, streams or lakes. People swim at their own risk and need to beware of cold, energy-sapping water, deceptively swift currents and dangerous traps associated with fallen trees, large boulders, sharp rocks, steep banks and hazards from human litter (e.g., broken glass, shredded cans). Diving and jumping from bridges is prohibited. It can result in serious injuries and fatalities and disruption to the river habitat.
May Lake and the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir are closed to swimming.
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