Program Overview: Yosemite’s glacially sculpted cliffs are famous throughout the world and naturally inspire awe among those who come to see them. Join us to get an insider’s look at the cliffs from park scientists who study the animals that inhabit this vertical world. Two animals that we will really focus on are bats and peregrine falcons. We’ll learn about the lifestyles of these animals, the challenges that they face, and why the Yosemite Conservancy is invested in monitoring and learning about them.
A biologist will spend time showing us the equipment and techniques used to learn about bats, including thermal and infrared gear and acoustic equipment. This will be a unique “cliff track and sign” workshop. While the bats won’t be audible or out and visible at this time of day, you’ll learn where you can go to see and hear them on your own in the evening and night. After this wonderful day in the park, expect to fall in love with, and find a new form of respect for these flying mammals.
A park peregrine surveyor will teach us about these falcons and what it took to ensure that they are thriving in the park today. With spotting scopes and knowledge of where to find them, we will hope to see these birds in action. We’ll learn about their history in Yosemite, the inspiring story of their recovery, and what we are still doing to ensure their continued success.
In addition to these animals, we will explore other birds, reptiles, amphibians, plants, lichen, fungus, moss, and more to get a better understanding of cliff ecology in Yosemite. Return home with a perspective on Yosemite’s cliffs that very few visitors get!
For a preview of the peregrine story in Yosemite, watch the “Yosemite Peregrines: A Story of Hope” episode of Yosemite Nature Notes.
Know Before You Go:
- Program dates: Saturday, May 31 through Sunday, June 1, from 7:30 am–2:30 pm each day.
- Program location: Yosemite Valley
- What’s included: Two full days of guided instruction by a Yosemite Naturalist, and shared tent camping (camping dates cannot be altered). There is no discount if you choose not to use the included gate pass or campsite.
- Camping dates: Participants can arrive on May 30 after 12 pm and must depart on June 2 by 11 am. There are two shared campsites among all the participants. We guarantee tent camping only. If you choose to bring a recreational vehicle, we cannot guarantee you will have a parking spot. Please be prepared to tent camp. A picnic table, bear locker, and fire pit are provided at each site. Campsites fit six people per site.
- Campground location: Upper Pines Campground
- Lodging: Upgrade to Yosemite Valley Lodge for an additional fee. Lodging dates match camping dates. Lodging blocks expire 30 days prior to the program. Details on using our Group Code to book lodging will be emailed to you immediately after you register.
- Experience level: All levels welcome.
What’s not included:
- Gear or meals during your program.
- Camping gear or meals in the shared campsites.
- Transportation.
