Program Overview: Celebrate spring in Yosemite Valley on a day devoted to water. Late March is the perfect start to the season for the Valley’s waterfalls — summer crowds have yet to arrive, and snowmelt sends Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, and their seasonal neighbors roaring off the cliffs. On this guided walk along the Valley floor, you’ll take in the falls and learn what makes them run. Your naturalist guide will explain how the Sierra Nevada snowpack drives the Valley’s hydrology, why these falls hit their stride in spring and fade by late summer, and how the glacially carved granite creates the hanging valleys and sheer drops that make Yosemite’s falls so dramatic. Along the way, you’ll also look at how this seasonal pulse of water shapes the meadows, riverbanks, and the plants and animals that depend on it.
Know Before You Go:
- Program date: Friday, March 26; 9 am–3 pm
- Program location: Yosemite Valley
- What’s Included
- One full day of guided instruction with a Yosemite Naturalist
- Free day on March 27, to explore the park on your own
- 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 Thursday, March 25, after 12 pm. Depart Sunday, March 28 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 Campground 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!
