Program Overview: Discover the botanical beauty of northwestern Yosemite during this two-day guided program. In this lesser-known and highly underrated corner of the park, you’ll explore wildflowers, wetlands, and the fascinating science of meadow hydrology and ecology.
With a naturalist guide, you’ll explore the spring blooms of Hetch Hetchy. Along the way, sharpen your plant identification skills for trees, wildflowers, and shrubs, and learn about their ecological and cultural significance.
One day of the program includes meeting National Park Service hydrologist Cat Fong, along with your Yosemite Conservancy Naturalist Guide, at Ackerson Meadow — the largest mid-elevation meadow in Yosemite and the site of the park’s largest wetland restoration project. They will share updates on research, conservation efforts, and progress in restoring this vital habitat.
Learn more about Ackerson Meadow.
Know Before You Go:
- Program date: Friday, May 15, and Saturday, May 16, 9 am–3 pm
- Program location: Hetch Hetchy and Ackerson Meadow
- What’s Included
- Two full days of guided instruction with a Yosemite Conservancy Naturalist Guide and National Park Service hydrologist
Free day on Sunday, May 17, 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.
- Two full days of guided instruction with a Yosemite Conservancy Naturalist Guide and National Park Service hydrologist
- Camping Information: Arrive Thursday, May 14, after 12 pm. Depart Monday, May 18, by 11 am. Two campsites are shared between all participants, each with space for 4–5 tents and equipped with a picnic table, bear locker, and fire pit.
- Camping Location: Hetch Hetchy
- 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 Evergreen lodge for an additional fee. A block of rooms is reserved for program dates only. Lodging blocks expire 30 days prior to the program and are then released to the public. Booking details, including the Group Code, will be emailed 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!
