Celebrate the start of spring in Yosemite! Join a naturalist guide for a day hike in the Merced River Canyon, west of Yosemite Valley. As you enjoy a stroll beside the snowmelt-fed river, you’ll explore Sierra Nevada ecology, and look for orange poppies, vibrant blue lupines and other early spring wildflowers. Along the way, you’ll learn how to use mobile apps to identify different plant and animal species, and share your observations with a growing community of digitally connected citizen scientists. By the end of the day, you’ll be ready to take your new knowledge — and handy apps — on your own naturalist explorations!
Included with your registration:
- Full-day guided hike in the Merced River Canyon, west of Yosemite Valley (starting at 9 am in El Portal, lasting about eight hours).
- Park entry (as needed).
- Camping included, if needed; limited sites are shared among all the participants (reservation arrives Saturday, March 30, and departs Monday, April 1) at Upper Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley. We cannot adjust these dates.
Note: There is no discount if you choose not to use our gate pass or campsites. Information about upgrading your accommodations to stay at Yosemite Valley Lodge will be emailed to you after you sign up. The option to upgrade expires 45 days before the program.
