Adventure Program FAQ

All programs are wheelchair accessible. However, for Explore Yosemite’s Night Sky, prior accommodations need to be made by calling the adventure line at 209-379-2647. Dogs are not allowed on our programs.  

How do I register? 

All programs require online registration. Sign up at https://yosemite.org/experience/naturalist-walks/. If you need help, call us at 209-379-2647. 

Note: If a date is greyed out on the calendar, it means the program is full or unavailable that day. 

After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with details on where and when to meet, directions, and what to bring. If you don’t see the email, check your “Spam,” “Promotions,” or search for “[email protected]” in your “All Mail” folder. 

Where does the program meet? 

The program meets in the heart of Yosemite Valley Village. Exact details will be sent in the confirmation email upon registration.  

What can I expect on this walk? 

This is a general overview of the park, covering its flora, fauna, geology, and history. Each guide has a unique style and focus. The walk covers 2-3 miles of flat, mostly paved ground in Cook’s Meadow. Family and stroller friendly. 

What happens in bad weather? 

For Sunset Walks, if heavy rain or snow is forecasted, we’ll notify you via text and email. The guide will still meet the group in case some don’t receive the notice. For light rain or snow, the walk will continue. Programs also proceed if there’s snow on the ground. 

All programs are wheelchair accessible. However, for Explore Yosemite’s Night Sky, prior accommodations need to be made by calling the adventure line at 209-379-2647. Dogs are not allowed on our programs.  

How do I register? 

All programs require online registration. Sign up at https://yosemite.org/experience/naturalist-walks/. If you need help, call us at 209-379-2647. 

Note: If a date is greyed out on the calendar, it means the program is full or unavailable that day. 

After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with details on where and when to meet, directions, and what to bring. If you don’t see the email, check your “Spam,” “Promotions,” or search for “[email protected]” in your “All Mail” folder. 

Where does the program meet? 

The program meets in the heart of Yosemite Valley Village. Exact details will be sent in the confirmation email upon registration. 

What can I expect on this walk? 

The program is an hour or more of storytelling and information about the night sky. You’ll relax on tarps in a grassy field while the naturalist uses a laser pointer to highlight stars, planets, and constellations. Topics include star science, constellations, planetary science, light speed, meteors, and mythology from various cultures. No telescopes are used. 

What happens in bad weather or during a full moon? 

In light clouds or light rain, the program may proceed in a modified format. You’ll be notified by text or email if it’s canceled due to heavier precipitation. Last-minute cancellations will be announced by the naturalist at the meeting spot. 

Moon Note: Around the full moon, star visibility may be reduced, but the naturalist will focus on visible constellations and moon-related stories. 

Is the star program suitable for kids? 

Yes, but it depends on the child. The program offers introductory to intermediate information. You’re welcome to leave early if your child becomes uninterested or disruptive.

Camping & Lodging 

Shared camping is included in the program fee and accommodates up to six people per site, with a bear locker, table, fire pit, and two parking spaces. Each program has a minimum of 2 shared sites. Tent camping is guaranteed, but no RVs, campers or car camping are allowed. No discount is offered if you opt out of shared camping.  

Campsites vary by program and may be at Upper Pines, Crane Flat, Tuolumne Meadows, or Porcupine Flat.  

National Park Service campgrounds have cold running water and flush toilets, but no showers or electricity (except in bathrooms). Showers are available at Curry Village for a fee.   

For a private site, RV, or car camping, you must reserve independently at your own cost. 

Lodging is available for an additional fee with select programs. Lodging varies by program and may be at Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village, Evergreen or Rush Creek.  

What can I expect on the backpacking trips? 

Our backpacking trips are led by experienced Yosemite Conservancy Naturalist Guides who enhance your experience with their in-depth knowledge of the park. Participants must bring their own food and gear, though mandatory bear-proof canisters are provided. All trips are physically demanding, even at the introductory level, with hikes at high elevations. We offer programs for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced hikers, but participants must be in excellent physical condition and properly equipped. For safety, trip leaders may ask unprepared or physically unfit participants not to continue with the program.  

Your fee covers instruction with an expert naturalist, park entrance fee, shared campsite, wilderness permit and a bear-proof canister (as needed).  

What can I expect on the multi-day programs?  

 Camp at a base camp and explore from there on a Naturalist-led day program. These day programs are led by our expert Naturalists and cover an array of topics of the park and vary by program.  Hiking is an integral part of practically every course, so you must be in good physical condition to participate. You don’t have to camp to participate in these programs. 

Your fee covers instruction with an expert naturalist, park entrance fee and shared campsites.  

What do the three Experience Levels mean?  

Experience Levels: 

• Easy: Requires walking on fairly flat trails, moving at a slow pace and stopping often to discuss the surroundings. Traveling 1-5 miles on foot throughout the day without much elevation gain, and carpooling when needed to higher elevations. Programs that occur at elevations 2000-6000 ft elevation.  

• Intermediate: Generally, requires hiking 4-6 miles per day with an elevation gain of 200-900 ft. Check specific programs for additional information on mileage and elevation gain. Programs that occur at elevations 6000-9500 feet. 

• Advanced: Generally, requires difficult hiking and intense physical activity, covering 6-10 miles or more per day with an elevation gain of over 1,000 feet. Programs that occur in higher elevations over 9,000 feet. 

Can Yosemite Conservancy arrange a private guided hike for my group or family? 

We love doing this! We regularly plan and lead Custom Adventures for corporate groups, tour companies, school groups, friends, families or individuals looking for a companion to hike with and learn from. Learn more & submit an inquiry online, or call 209-379-2647 to get started arranging a special adventure for your group with one of our top-notch naturalists. 

How do I inquire about Custom Adventures? 

Fill out our online inquiry form here. We will respond in 48 hours excluding National Holidays and weekends. In our response, we will confirm our availability, offer recommended start times, and recommend the meeting location.  

What is included in a Custom Adventure?   

Custom Adventures are tailored to your schedule and interest. We will arrange a convenient meeting location in the park based on your lodging.  We usually keep the itinerary loose to be decided with your naturalist once you meet up.  On our Custom programs you will learn information and stories on Yosemite’s dynamic natural and cultural history. Your naturalist will ensure you move around the park efficiently and see the highlights.  You can enjoy off the beaten path locations while on easy or moderate hiking trails, you’ll seek out unique views, and destinations. It will be an incredible and interactive experience! 

What is not included in a Custom Adventure?  

We do not include meals, gear or transportation. If your program involves driving, you can carpool (if space and comfort of the group is allowed), caravan, or drive separately. These options will be discussed at the program and decided based on what makes the most sense for the itinerary. You can inquire with your hotel to arrange lunches.   

*For winter programs we will provide snowshoes if conditions allow for this activity. This is included in the fee for the program.  

Where should I stay?  

It is best to make your lodging arrangements before reaching out to arrange a Custom Adventure.   

Can I book a guided hike up Half Dome?  

The Conservancy does not offer private guided trips up Half Dome. However, you can check out Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides (SYMG) an incredible guiding agency.  Here’s their site: Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides

General Yosemite Information: 

For the most up to date information about the park and programs being offered, we highly recommend reviewing the Yosemite Guide.  

Where should I stay?  

For registered participants, fees cover the cost of camping at shared campsites. 

Additionally, a limited number of hotel rooms or tent cabins are available for participants at an additional cost through Yosemite Hospitality (the concessionaire that manages the park’s lodging, food, and retail operations). Check the specific program for lodging upgrade information.  

You’re also welcome to find lodging on your own outside the park in the surrounding gateway communities. 

How do I get to Yosemite?  

Most participants drive to Yosemite since it is some distance from urban areas.  

Major airports near Yosemite include Fresno, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Reno (in summer). 

We encourage taking public transit when possible. Here are some options: 

• Extranomical Tours offers daily bus tours to Yosemite from San Francisco.  You can take these tours one-way, then obtain your lodging on your own, then use it to return to San Francisco when you choose.   

• Take Bart from San Francisco to Amtrak in Tracy. 

• Amtrak San Joaquins: Take the Amtrak train to the Merced station and then hop on our thruway bus partner, YARTS, for a seamless ride into Yosemite. Book your ride via Amtrak San Joaquins to help reduce your carbon footprint and emissions in the park.  

• YARTS: Buses operate throughout the Yosemite region and service all of the surrounding gateways to the park.  

Please note that not all course meeting sites are accessible by public transportation. Feel free to contact the office to see if your program is accessible by public transportation: 209-379-2647 

Are the gas stations or charging stations in the park? 

Yes, there are charging stations throughout the park. To learn more, check out the Electric Vehicle Charging Map. 

Gas stations are limited in the park. The only two stations are in Wawona and Crane Flat. It is best to fill up the gas tank BEFORE arriving at the park.  

What are the roads like in the winter? 

Snowy or icy road conditions are common in the mountains of California, including Yosemite, from fall through spring. When these conditions exist, federal regulations (in Yosemite) and state law (outside Yosemite) require that you use chains or cables in order to reduce the chances of accidents. Chain requirements are strictly enforced. To learn more about the chain requirements visit this website.  

For current road and weather conditions call the NPS 24-hour hotline at 209-372-0200 (press 1, then 1) or visit NPS.gov/Yose. 

Your vehicle should be prepared for winter conditions. This includes: 

• Having a good ice scraper/snow brush and snow shovel in your car 

• Making sure your radiator has fresh antifreeze 

• Checking your tire chains for fit and making certain your battery is in good condition. 

• Most of the time, chains are not required if you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle running M&S rated tires, however park officials do require even 4-wheel drive vehicles to carry tire chains in case the roads get really icy. 

• Full tank of gas or charge.  

Do cell phones work in Yosemite? 

Reception is unreliable in the park. Verizon and AT&T work better than other carriers. You can get service with these two carriers in Yosemite Valley but on the highways entering Yosemite Valley, there is usually no service. We ask that phones be kept on silent mode during our programs.