Four
Seasons of Fun
 Winter
A winter snowfall
cloaks the towering trees and granite monoliths in a mantle of white.
When the clouds part, an endless blue sky and a million crystalline reflections
are revealed. Yosemite's winters invite thoughtful reflection by the glow
of a fire or exhilarating recreation on skis, skates, or snowshoes.
Spring
Spring is the time to come experience nature's joy of renewal. Waterfalls
thundering with winter snow melt, dogwoods blossoming in the shadow of
incense cedars, meadows dressed in a profusion of wildflowers, and a doe
with her newborn fawn - declare the reawakening of Yosemite.
 Summer
A parade of sunny days are the perfect backdrop for the wealth of recreational
choices during Yosemite's summer season. Possibilities include river swimming,
horseback riding, hiking, ranger-led walks, and campfire programs. Warm
summer nights invite you to witness Yosemite's waterfalls shining under
lunar rainbows.
Fall
Crisp
days and the radiant gold and red hues of autumn leaves paint the backdrop
for seasonal change. Bring your camera and be ready to capture the ever-changing
play of light and beauty of Yosemite.
Winter
Activities
ICE SKATING - Ice
skate in the shadow of Half Dome at the Curry Village Ice Rink.
RANGER SNOWSHOE WALKS
- Join a ranger for a two-hour snowshoe walk at Badger Pass to explore
the forest in winter.
SKIING - Badger Pass
is a great family ski resort with downhill, snowboard, and cross-country
ski lessons and equipment rental available.
SLEIGH RIDES - Yosemite
Trails Pack Station offers Belgian draft horse-drawn sleigh rides.
SNOWPLAY - Bring your
own sleds, saucers, and innertubes for great winter fun at Goat Meadow.
Spring,
Summer & Fall Activities
BACK COUNTRY HIKING
- Plan a day or overnight hike with The Redwoods as your home base.
BARN DANCES - Learn
how to square dance at the Gray Barn in the Pioneer Yosemite History Center
in Wawona.
BICYCLE RENTALS -
Rent a bike at Yosemite Lodge or Curry Village and explore the 12 miles
of bikeways in Yosemite Valley.
FISHING - Fish from
the banks of the South Fork of the Merced River or from a boat on Bass
Lake.
GLACIER POINT - Plan
an evening picnic at Glacier Point and enjoy a ranger-led program as you
gaze at High Sierra vistas.
GUIDED DAY TRIPS -
Rock climb, fly fish, birdwatch, or hike on a custom hike or tour, or
with a private guide from a local guide company.
HORSEBACK RIDING -
The Wawona Stables and the Yosemite Trails Pack Station offer guided one-hour
to full-day trail rides.
MARIPOSA GROVE OF
GIANT SEQUOIAS - Hike or take a tram tour through the Mariposa Grove where
you can see trees over 2,700 years old and measuring more than 25 feet
wide.
MERCED RIVER RAFTING
- Spend a lazy summer day floating on the Merced River in Yosemite Valley.
NATURE CENTER AT HAPPY
ISLES - This family-oriented nature center includes a wildlife diorama,
tracking tips, and interactive exhibits.
PIONEER YOSEMITE HISTORY
CENTER IN WAWONA - See horse-drawn wagons, walk across a covered bridge,
and visit historic buildings out of Yosemite's past.
RANGER WALKS, TALKS,
AND CAMPFIRE PROGRAMS - Choose from a variety of ranger-led programs at
many Yosemite Park locations.
RIVER SWIMMING - Take
the plunge or sunbathe at Flat Rocks or Swinging Bridge swimming holes.
STAGE RIDES - Experience
the adventure of horse-drawn stage travel in Yosemite.
TIOGA ROAD AND TUOLUMNE
MEADOWS - Explore the High Sierra with a day trip across the Tioga Road
to Tuolumne Meadows.
WAWONA GOLF COURSE
- Try your skill on the historic nine-hole Wawona Golf Course.
YOSEMITE MOUNTAIN
SUGAR PINE RAILROAD - A four-mile scenic railroad excursion on The Logger
Steam Train or on Jenny Railcars is not to be missed.
YOSEMITE THEATRE -
A variety of evening performances are given at the Yosemite Valley Visitor
Center auditorium.
Year
Round Activities
The following exhibits and programs are available year round:
- Yosemite Valley
Visitor Center
- Yosemite Museum
- Indian Cultural Exhibit and Art Gallery
- Indian Village
of The Ahwahnee
- Ansel Adams Gallery
- Yosemite Cemetery
- Yosemite Association
Field Seminars
- Interpretive Walks,
Talks, and Programs
- Yosemite Valley
Floor Tour
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to Discover Yosemite
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