Program Overview: Believe it or not, spring in Yosemite Valley is more than just spectacular sights. During this relaxing weekend adventure, you’ll also tune in to the sounds of the season.
Spend Saturday and Sunday morning looking and listening for the many birds that make their year-round or seasonal homes in the park — from swifts and woodpeckers to orioles and blackbirds. Your naturalist guide will lead your group on casual hikes in the Valley, pointing out the telltale songs and signs of different bird species and the important roles they play in the Yosemite ecosystem. While you’re peeking at beautiful birds with your binoculars and listening for their spring songs, you might also enjoy a waterfall or two.
Get a sneak peek at some of Yosemite’s colorful songbirds in the “Birdsongs” episode of Yosemite Nature Notes.
Know Before You Go:
- Program date: Saturday, April 24, and Sunday, April 25; 7:30 am–2:30 pm
- Program location: Yosemite Valley
- What’s Included
- Two full days of guided instruction by a Yosemite Conservancy Naturalist Guide
- Park entry pass (valid for program dates only)
- Shared tent camping (camping dates cannot be altered)
- No discount is available if you choose not to use the gate pass or campsite.
- Camping Information: Arrive Friday, April 23, after 12 pm. Depart Monday, April 26, by 11 am. Two campsites are shared between all participants, each with space for 5–6 tents and equipped with a picnic table, bear locker, and fire pit. Within two weeks of registration, select “Camping” or “Not Camping” in your online portal to reserve your spot in a shared campsite. Spaces are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis. Access your portal through your confirmation email, and check your spam folder if needed.
- Camping Location: Upper Pines in Yosemite Valley
- Important Notes: Due to the shared nature of the campsites, we cannot accommodate RVs, campers, or car camping. If you would like a private campsite, have an RV/camper, or plan to sleep in your car, you’ll need to make your own reservation. Please note that camping is reserved for program participants only.
- Lodging Upgrade: Upgrade to Yosemite Valley Lodge for an additional cost using our dedicated room block. A limited number of rooms are available on a first come, first served basis, so we recommend booking early. The room block expires 30 days before the program, at which point any remaining rooms are released for public booking. Lodging dates match the camping dates. Upgrade instructions will be included in your confirmation email after registration.
What’s Not Included
- Gear or meals during your program
- Camping gear or meals in the shared campsites
- Transportation
Experience Level: All levels welcome!
