Planning a trip to Yosemite National Park

When to Go

Avoid holiday weekends in spring and summer, if possible -- park campgrounds are usually full June through August -- and expect some crowds in late spring and early fall as well. Winter is a great time to visit Yosemite: Not only is the park virtually empty, but there are also a number of winter-only activities, from cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating to downhill skiing and sledding at Badger Pass. Keep in mind that the high country along Tioga and Glacier Point roads is inaccessible to motor vehicles from mid-fall to early June, when deep snow closes the roads.

Climate

The climate at both Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canyon varies considerably, depending on the region of the park. A good rule of thumb is to remember that the higher you go, the cooler it gets. So pack a parka on any trip that climbs above the valley floor or ventures into the backcountry.

In summer, Fahrenheit temperatures at lower elevations (such as Yosemite Valley) can climb into the 90s (30s Celsius) and higher, and plummet into the 50s (10s Celsius) at night. Afternoon temperatures average in the 60s and 70s (10s-20s Celsius) in spring and fall, and again, evenings are usually cool. Afternoon showers are fairly common fall through spring. Winter days average in the 40s and 50s (5-10s Celsius), and it seldom drops below 0°F (-18°C), although much of the land above 5,500 feet is buried beneath several feet of snow.

The high country gets up to 20 feet of snow half the year, so visitors should be experienced in winter travel. November through March, it is wise to expect snow and be prepared. Remember, particularly wet winters lead to incredibly stunning and powerful spring waterfalls, especially in Yosemite.

Banks, government offices, post offices, and many stores, restaurants, and museums are closed on the following legal national holidays: January 1 (New Year's Day), the third Monday in January (Martin Luther King, Jr., Day), the third Monday in February (Presidents' Day), the last Monday in May (Memorial Day), July 4 (Independence Day), the first Monday in September (Labor Day), the second Monday in October (Columbus Day), November 11 (Veterans' Day/Armistice Day), the fourth Thursday in November (Thanksgiving Day), and December 25 (Christmas). The Tuesday after the first Monday in November is Election Day, a federal government holiday in presidential-election years (held every 4 years, and next in 2012).

Health & Safety

Health hazards range from mild headaches to run-ins with wild animals, but the latter happen less frequently than car accidents in the parks. To be on the safe side, you might want to keep a first-aid kit in your car or luggage, and have it handy when hiking. It should include, at the least, butterfly bandages, sterile gauze pads, adhesive tape, an antibiotic ointment, pain relievers for both children and adults, alcohol pads, a pocketknife with scissors, and tweezers.

The most common health hazard is the discomfort felt as visitors adjust to the parks' high elevations. Altitude sickness is a process that can take a day or more. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, muscle pain, and lightheadedness. Doctors recommend that, until acclimated, travelers should avoid heavy exertion, consume light meals, and drink lots of liquids, avoiding those with caffeine or alcohol.

Wildlife are to be treated with utmost respect in the parks, for your health's sake and theirs. Keep your distance -- at least 100 yards if possible -- from any wild animal.

Two waterborne hazards are Giardia and Campylobacter, with symptoms that wreak havoc on the human digestive system. Untreated water from the parks' lakes and streams should be boiled for at least 5 minutes before consumption, treated with iodine pills, or pumped through a fine-mesh water filter specifically designed to remove bacteria.

Safety 

The following are some general safety tips for visitors to Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canyon:

• Although some of the bridges that cross rivers and streams look inviting, resist the temptation to use them as diving boards -- it's not only dangerous, but also illegal.

• Trails, especially ones over rock and granite, can be slick. Be especially careful along any rivers or creeks, such as Mist Trail in Yosemite, where wind and water can make for treacherous conditions.

• Always carry more than enough water, especially when going into higher elevations where the body requires more hydration.

• Under no circumstances should food be left in tents, cabins, or cars. There are storage lockers and bear-proof containers throughout the park -- use them.

• Under no circumstances should you feed a bear -- or any wild animal, for that matter.

• Always carry a map if you go hiking, even for short day hikes.

Another note on safety: Nothing will ruin a trip to the parks faster than sore or wet feet. Take some time planning your travel wardrobe. Bring comfortable walking shoes that are broken in, even if you plan to keep walking to a minimum. If you want to do some serious hiking, get sturdy boots that support your ankles and wick away water. Early in the season, trails may be wet or muddy; late in the fall, you can get snowed on. The more popular trails are sometimes also used by horses, which can make stream crossings a mucky mess.

Wear clothing in layers, and bring a small backpack so that you can take those layers off and on as the temperature, altitude, and your physical exertion change. Cotton is a no-no in the backcountry; synthetic fabrics are recommended because they dry much faster. Gloves or mittens are useful before the park heats up, or in the evening when it cools down again, even in summer.

The atmosphere is thin at higher altitudes, so protect your skin. Bring a strong sunblock, a hat with a brim, and sunglasses. Insect repellent, water bottles, and a first-aid kit are also recommended.

Visitor Information

If you're planning a visit to Yosemite National Park, you can get general information on accommodations, weather, and permits from the park's touch-tone phone menu at tel. 209/372-0200 or online at www.nps.gov/yose. You can buy books and maps from the nonprofit Yosemite Conservancy, P.O. Box 230, El Portal, CA 95318 (tel. 209/379-2317; www.yosemiteconservancy.org). For information on much of the lodging within Yosemite National Park, contact concessionaire DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, P.O. Box 578, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389 (tel. 801/559-5000; www.yosemitepark.com). Information on lodging and activities outside the park is available from the visitor centers and chambers of commerce in the park's surrounding cities. If you're coming from the west on CA 120, contact the Tuolumne County Visitor Center in Sonora (tel. 800/446-1333 or 209/533-4420; www.tcvb.com) or the Yosemite Chamber of Commerce in Groveland (tel. 800/449-9120 or 209/962-0429; www.groveland.org). On CA 140, contact the Mariposa County Visitors Bureau (tel. 866/425-3366 or 209/966-7081; www.homeofyosemite.com). On CA 41, south of the park, call the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau in Oakhurst (tel. 559/683-4636; www.yosemitethisyear.com). From Lee Vining on the park's eastern boundary, contact the Lee Vining Chamber of Commerce (tel. 760/647-6629; www.leevining.com). There's a California Welcome Center at 710 W. 16th St. in Merced (tel. 800/446-5353 or 209/724-8104; www.yosemite-gateway.org).

Access/Entry Points

There are four entrances to Yosemite: the Big Oak Flat Entrance and the Arch Rock Entrance from the west, the South Entrance, and the Tioga Pass Entrance from the east. Upon arrival, make sure to get a copy of the biweekly Yosemite Guide for up-to-date information on ranger programs and other park events and activities.

Visitor Centers & Information

In the park, the biggest visitor center is the Valley Visitor Center and Bookstore, in Yosemite Village (tel. 209/372-0200), which provides all sorts of information, offers daily ranger programs, and is conveniently located near restaurants and shopping. You can talk with park rangers about your plans for exploring the park; check out bulletin boards that display information on current road conditions and campsite availability (they also serve as message boards for visitors); and view several exhibits on the park, its geologic history, and the history of the valley. This center provides information on bears and also explores the impact that humans have on the park. A shop sells maps, books, videos, postcards, posters, and the like.

Nearby is the Yosemite Valley Wilderness Center, with high-country maps; information on necessary hiking and camping equipment; trail information; and a ranger on hand to answer questions, issue permits, and offer advice about the high country.

Information is also available at the Wawona Visitor Center and the Big Oak Flat Information Station. In the high country, stop in at the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center (tel. 209/372-0263, although it's always best to call 209/372-0200 in summer). For questions about visitor-related services, including tours and accommodations, call tel. 209/372-1000 or 801/559-5000.

Fees

It costs $20 per car per week to enter the valley, or $10 per person per week if arriving on bicycle, on motorcycle, or on foot. The Yosemite Pass, for $40, covers entry into the park for a year.

Camping at a Yosemite campground costs $5 to $20 a night (tel. 877/444-6777; www.recreation.gov). It's best to book as far in advance as possible if you are planning to camp during the summer, especially in Yosemite Valley. If you're unable to get your desired dates, it's worth checking back -- cancellations do occur. Reservations are accepted up to 5 months in advance, beginning on the 15th of each month. For example, a camper wanting a reservation for August 1 can apply no earlier than February 15. Additional campground information is available by phone or online (tel. 209/372-0200; www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/camping.htm).

Regulations

The regulations here are similar to those at most other national parks -- don't damage the resources, keep pets and bikes off the trails, observe campground quiet hours, and so on -- but this is also bear country, so the storage of food, or anything that bears might think of as food, is also strictly regulated. In many cases, you'll need to place food and items that smell like they might be food (perfume and even toothpaste) in bear-proof canisters or lockers. Regulations are posted throughout the park, and you'll also receive information when you enter the park, but we strongly suggest that you carry as little food, cosmetics, and toiletries as possible.

Special Permits & Passes

American parks and monuments are some of the biggest travel bargains in the world. If you plan to visit a number of national parks and monuments within a year, buy an America the Beautiful -- National Parks and Federal Interagency Annual Pass for $80 (good for 365 days from the date of purchase at nearly all federal preserves). Anyone age 62 or older can get an Interagency Senior Pass for a one-time fee of $10, and people who are blind or who have permanent disabilities can obtain an Interagency Access Pass, which costs nothing. All passes are available at any park entrance point or visitor center. While the Interagency Senior and Interagency Access passes must be purchased in person (to verify age or disability), Interagency Annual Passes are also available online at http://store.usgs.gov/pass.

You'll need a backcountry permit to camp overnight in the wilderness sections of these parks. Reserving a permit costs $5, plus $5 per person in Yosemite and $15 per group in Sequoia & Kings Canyon; it's a good idea to reserve one in advance during the high season. For permits in Yosemite, call tel. 209/372-0740 or stop by any Wilderness Permit Station. In Sequoia & Kings Canyon, call tel. 559/565-3766. Information is also available online at www.nps.gov/yose for Yosemite or www.nps.gov/seki for Sequoia & Kings Canyon.

Elsewhere in the parks, the usual permits and regulations apply. All anglers 16 and over must have valid California fishing licenses.

Tips for Gay and Lesbian Travelers

Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canyon are generally gay-friendly. However, gay culture and nightlife are very limited in the gateway towns.

Money

Frommer's lists exact prices in the local currency. However, rates fluctuate, so before departing, consult a currency exchange website such as www.oanda.com/currency/converter to check up-to-the-minute rates.

Yosemite is a premium-priced destination, with lodging and meals priced accordingly high, especially during the summer season. In fall and spring, room rates drop precipitously. Sequoia & Kings Canyon are more moderately priced. There are ATMs in most of the developed areas in all of the parks.

For help with currency conversions, tip calculations, and more, download Frommer's convenient Travel Tools app for your mobile device. Go to www.frommers.com/go/mobile and click on the Travel Tools icon.

What Things Cost in US$

Admission into the parks for 7 days 20.00

Double room in Yosemite, moderate 150.00-200.00

Double room in Yosemite, expensive 500.00

Cabin in Yosemite 100.00-200.00

Campsite in either park 5.00-20.00

Dinner main course 10.00-30.00

1 gallon of premium gas 4.00

Sustainable Travel & Ecotourism

These parks are incredibly beautiful and a joy to experience, and it is our responsibility as park visitors to keep them that way. Don't feed the animals. Don't litter. Don't take anything home that you didn't buy or bring with you. Share trails and walkways, and stay on them. If this sounds like something you learned in grade school, it is, but sometimes people need a gentle reminder that 50 million years of work deserves respect.

It's relatively easy to be a good outdoor citizen -- it's mostly common sense. Pack out all trash, stay on established trails, be careful not to pollute water, and do your best to have as little impact on the environment as possible. Some hikers go further, carrying a small trash bag to pick up litter. As the park service likes to remind us, protecting our national parks is everyone's responsibility.

Nonetheless, heavy summer auto traffic and the annual impact of millions of human beings have raised questions about the sustainability of these national parks. But a visit to Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canyon can still be a relatively green vacation. In Yosemite, concessionaire DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite (tel. 801/559-4884; www.yosemitepark.com) has implemented numerous environmental initiatives, including a recycling program, non-native plant-removal initiatives, and biodiesel-powered vehicles. Campgrounds have recycling bins near the entrances.

Perhaps the best way to think about sustainability is by connecting with the parks' wild soul via hikes on the trails and overnights in the campgrounds. One of the best ways to lessen one's impact is to go off the grid on an overnight backpacking trip. Backpacking is a refreshing counterpoint to modern life that will give perspective on the issues of sustainability and personal energy dependence. See Leave No Trace (www.lnt.org) for more on the backpacker's ethic to leave any campsite in the same condition -- or better -- than when you found it.

Entry Requirements & Customs

Passports

Virtually every air traveler entering the U.S. is required to show a passport. All persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport. Note: U.S. and Canadian citizens entering the U.S. at land and sea ports of entry from within the Western Hemisphere must now also present a passport or other documents compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI; visit www.getyouhome.gov for details). Children 15 and under may continue entering with only a U.S. birth certificate or other proof of U.S. citizenship. For information on obtaining a passport, see the following:

Australian citizens should contact the Australian Passport Information Service (tel. 131-232, or visit www.passports.gov.au).

Canadian citizens should contact the Passport Office, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G3 (tel. 800/567-6868; www.ppt.gc.ca).

Irish citizens should contact the Passport Office, Setanta Centre, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 (tel. 01/671-1633; www.foreignaffairs.gov.ie).

New Zealand citizens should contact the Passports Office, Department of Internal Affairs, 47 Boulcott St.reet, Wellington, 6011 (tel. 0800/225-050 in New Zealand or 04/474-8100; www.passports.govt.nz).

U.K. citizens should visit the nearest passport office, major post office, or travel agency, or contact the Identity and Passport Service (IPS), 89 Eccleston Sq.uare, London, SW1V 1PN (tel. 0300/222-0000; www.ips.gov.uk).

U.S. citizens should check the U.S. State Department website (travel.state.gov/passport) or call the National Passport Information Center (tel. 877/487-2778) for automated information.

Visas 

The U.S. State Department has a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allowing citizens of the following countries to enter the United States without a visa for stays of up to 90 days: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. (This list was accurate at press time; for the most up-to-date list of countries in the VWP, consult http://travel.state.gov/visa.) Even though a visa isn't necessary, in an effort to help U.S. officials check travelers against terror watch lists before they arrive at U.S. borders, visitors from VWP countries must register online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding a plane or a boat to the U.S. Travelers must complete an electronic application providing basic personal and travel eligibility information. The Department of Homeland Security recommends filling out the form at least 3 days before traveling. Authorizations will be valid for up to 2 years or until the traveler's passport expires, whichever comes first. Currently, there is a US$14 fee for the online application. Existing ESTA registrations remain valid through their expiration dates. Note: Any passport issued on or after October 26, 2006, by a VWP country must be an e-Passport for VWP travelers to be eligible to enter the U.S. without a visa. Citizens of these nations also need to present a round-trip air or cruise ticket upon arrival. E-Passports contain computer chips capable of storing biometric information, such as the required digital photograph of the holder. If your passport doesn't have this feature, you can still travel without a visa if the valid passport was issued before October 26, 2005, and includes a machine-readable zone; or if the valid passport was issued between October 26, 2005, and October 25, 2006, and includes a digital photograph. For more information, go to http://travel.state.gov/visa. Canadian citizens may enter the United States without visas but will need to show passports and proof of residence. Citizens of all other countries must have (1) a valid passport that expires at least 6 months later than the scheduled end of their visit to the U.S.; and (2) a tourist visa.

For information about U.S. visas, go to http://travel.state.gov and click on "Visas."

Medical Requirements

Unless you're arriving from an area known to be suffering from an epidemic (particularly cholera or yellow fever), inoculations or vaccinations are not required for entry into the United States.

Tips for Travelers with Disabilities

People visit these parks to witness their beauty, and that can be done in a host of different ways -- you don't have to hike 5 miles or climb to the top of a waterfall. Some of the most rewarding moments come from quiet, still observation.

Be sure to inquire about the National Park Service's free Interagency Access Pass, available to the blind and those with permanent disabilities.

In Yosemite, there are some fairly level paved trails around the valley floor, including the ones to Mirror Lake and Happy Isles, and the paved bike trail is also accessible to wheelchairs. Ask for information on accessible points when making reservations. An accessibility brochure is available at park entrances and visitor centers, and wheelchairs can be rented at the Yosemite Medical Clinic (tel. 209/372-4637) and the Yosemite Lodge Bike Rental Stand (tel. 209/372-1208).

In Sequoia & Kings Canyon, the visitor centers in the Foothills, Lodgepole, and Grant Grove are wheelchair accessible. Paved trails lead to the General Sherman Tree and General Grant Tree. In Giant Forest, there are a few paved trails (including Big Trees Trail). There are modified picnic tables at Hospital Rock and Big Stump. Special requests should be directed to tel. 559/565-3134.

Wheelchair Getaways (tel. 800/642-2042 or 859/873-4973; www.wheelchair-getaways.com) rents specialized vans with wheelchair lifts and other features for those with disabilities, with outlets in Los Angeles and Sacramento.

Special-Interest Vacations

Academic Trips

The nonprofit Yosemite Conservancy (tel. 209/379-2317; www.yosemiteconsercancy.org) offers dozens of Outdoor Adventures, covering subjects from backpacking to natural history, to photography. Most of the programs are multiday, with charges of about $100 per person per day (not including lodging and meals), and often include hikes or backpacking trips.

Adventure Trips

Part of concessionaire DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Yosemite Mountaineering (tel. 209/372-8344; www.yosemitemountaineering.com) offers a variety of guided climbing and backpacking trips.

Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides, based in Santa Cruz (tel. 800/231-4575; www.symg.com), offers hiking, backpacking, fishing, and rock-climbing trips. Trips last from a day to over a week; prices run about $150 to $200 a day.

Austin-Lehman Adventures, based in Billings, Montana (tel. 800/575-1540; www.austinlehman.com), offers guided family-oriented multiday hiking tours in Yosemite. Five-night trips run about $1,900 to $2,500 per person, lodging included.

Backroads, based in Berkeley (tel. 800/462-2848 or 510/527-1555; www.backroads.com), offers a variety of guided biking and hiking tours in the Yosemite area. Rates are about $2,500 to $3,500 per person for 6 days.

The World Outdoors, based in Boulder, Colorado (tel. 800/488-8483 or 303/413-0938; www.theworldoutdoors.com), offers a variety of trips, including multisport adventures that feature hiking and biking in Yosemite. Rates range from $1,900 to $2,600 per person for 6 days.

Additionally, the Evergreen Lodge has excellent in-house recreation programs that include guided trips in and around the park.

Calendar of Events

For an exhaustive list of events beyond those listed here, check http://events.frommers.com, where you'll find a searchable, up-to-the-minute roster of what's happening in Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canyon.

January to February

Chefs' Holidays. Yosemite hosts nationally renowned chefs who share their culinary secrets with participants. Packages that include accommodations at the Ahwahnee are available. Call tel. 801/559-5000 for reservations.

March

Heritage Holidays. Started in 2002 to celebrate the Ahwahnee's 75th birthday, this is a nostalgic treat for visitors, with many events -- concerts, lectures, and movies -- free and open to the public. Lodging packages at the Ahwahnee and the Yosemite Lodge at the Falls are available. Call tel. 801/559-5000 for more information.

November to December

Vintners' Holidays. California's finest winemakers hold tastings in the Ahwahnee's Great Lounge. Each session concludes with a Vintners' Banquet. The four-course gala event, held in the Ahwahnee Dining Room, pairs four wines with specially selected food. Two- and three-night packages are available. Call tel. 801/559-5000 for reservations.

December

The Bracebridge Dinner. Held on 8 evenings from December 15 to the day after Christmas, this event transports diners to 17th-century England, with music, food, and song. The festivities take place in the Ahwahnee Dining Room, bedecked with wreaths, banners, and traditional yuletide decorations. This popular event requires reservations, which are secured by lottery. Applications are available from December 1 to January 15 and are due February 15 for the coming year. Prices change from year to year, but expect to pay around $500 per person. Call tel. 801/559-5000 for more information.

Tips for Travelers with Pets

Pets are not particularly welcome at national parks. In Yosemite, pets are not allowed on unpaved trails or in buildings; they must be leashed at all times and may never be left alone. Pets are permitted in all campgrounds except Camp 4 Walk-In, Tamarack Flat, and Porcupine Flat. There's a dog kennel (tel. 209/372-8348), open daily from 8am to 4:30pm in the summer, at the stable in Yosemite Valley. Dogs must be at least 6 months old and weigh over 20 pounds (or under 20 lb. in a dog carrier); a license and proof of current shots must be faxed over beforehand. The fee is $9.50 per day; call for reservations.

Getting Around

By Car

The most popular way to get around the parks is by car. It follows that, in peak season, the roads can get swamped with traffic, hitting a zenith around 3 or 4pm in the afternoon. Trips including both Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canyon nearly demand a car to get between the two areas.

Taking Aim at Traffic -- An estimated 7,000 cars enter Yosemite National Park on any given day, leaving many visitors mired in traffic jams. To help ease the traffic volume, an in-park bus system has been in operation for nearly a decade. The project, a joint effort between the National Park Service and the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS), shuttles visitors into Yosemite from nearby communities and commuter lots along the three highways leading into the park. For more information, visit www.yarts.com.

By Bus

Daily bus transportation into Yosemite is provided by the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System, or YARTS (tel. 877/989-2787 or 209/388-9589; www.yarts.com). Buses are not subject to park entrance delays during peak season.

Within Yosemite National Park, there are free shuttles in Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, and Wawona, and a free bus between Wawona and the valley in summer and between the valley and Badger Pass in winter. For a fee, there are also buses between Tuolumne Meadows and the valley, and between the valley and Glacier Point.

Staying Connected

Telephones

Many convenience groceries and packaging services sell prepaid calling cards in denominations up to $50. Many public pay phones at airports now accept American Express, MasterCard, and Visa. Local calls made from most pay phones cost either 25¢ or 35¢. Most long-distance and international calls can be dialed directly from any phone. To make calls within the United States and to Canada, dial 1 followed by the area code and the seven-digit number. For other international calls, dial 011 followed by the country code, city code, and the number you are calling.

For reversed-charge or collect calls, and for person-to-person calls, dial the number 0, then the area code and number; an operator will come on the line, and you should specify whether you are calling collect, person-to-person, or both. If your operator-assisted call is international, ask for the overseas operator.

For directory assistance ("Information"), dial tel. 411 for local numbers and national numbers in the U.S. and Canada. (A fee may apply.) For dedicated long-distance information, dial 1, then the appropriate area code plus 555-1212.

Mobile Phones

The parks have several cell towers in developed areas. Cell service is widely available on the floor of Yosemite Valley and parts of Tuolumne Meadows; in Sequoia & Kings Canyon, it is available in the villages but largely unavailable on the roads and in wilderness areas. Cell service is available in all of the gateway cities, but the signal can be weak.

Internet & Wi-Fi

In Yosemite, Internet access is available at Degnan's Cafe on fee-based terminals. Wi-Fi is available at Yosemite Lodge for a fee, and to guests of the Ahwahnee and Curry Village. In Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Wi-Fi is available at Wuksachi Lodge and in Grant Grove Village. Internet access is widely available in all of the gateways.

Tips for Families

Yosemite schedules a number of children's programs. Kids ages 3 to 6 can join the Little Cubs, and those from 7 to 13 can become Junior Rangers, by completing projects in a booklet ($3 for Little Cubs and $3.50 for Junior Rangers); those in the Junior Ranger program also collect a bag of trash and participate in a ranger program. Upon completion, Little Cubs receive a button; Junior Rangers get a patch. The booklets are available at the Nature Center at Happy Isles, Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows visitor centers, and the Wawona and Big Oak Flat information stations.

Free ranger-led walks and talks, many suitable for kids, are held at various locations throughout the park. The programs vary by season, so check your Yosemite Guide (handed out at park entrances) to find out what's happening during your visit. The Happy Isles Nature Center (shuttle-bus stop no. 16) has displays and dioramas of park animals that children will enjoy.

Getting There

By Plane

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (tel. 559/621-4500; www.fresno.gov), located 90 miles from Yosemite National Park's South Entrance at Wawona, is the nearest major airport, serving over 25 cities with more than 100 flights daily. Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air (www.alaskaair.com), Allegiant Air (www.allegiantair.com), American Airlines (www.aa.com), Delta Air Lines (www.delta.com), and US Airways (www.usairways.com) all service Fresno airport.

By Car

Yosemite is a 3 1/2-hour drive from San Francisco and a 6-hour drive from Los Angeles. Many roads lead to Yosemite's four entrances. From the west, the Big Oak Flat Entrance is 88 miles from Manteca via CA 120, which passes through the towns of Groveland, Buck Meadows, and Big Oak Flat. The Arch Rock Entrance is 75 miles northeast of Merced via CA 140, which passes through Mariposa and El Portal. The South Entrance is 64 miles north of Fresno and passes through Oakhurst, Bass Lake, and Fish Camp. From the east, the Tioga Pass Entrance is the only option; it's 10 miles west of Lee Vining via CA 120, although this route is usually open only in the summer. To check on statewide road conditions, call tel. 800/427-7623 in California (tel. 916/445-7623 outside of the state) or visit www.dot.ca.gov.

Although not available within the national parks, most of the major car-rental companies can be found in Fresno, including Advantage (www.advantage.com), Alamo (www.alamo.com), Avis (www.avis.com), Budget (www.budget.com), Dollar (www.dollar.com), Enterprise (www.enterprise.com), Hertz (www.hertz.com), National (www.nationalcar.com), Payless (www.paylesscarrental.com), and Thrifty (www.thrifty.com).

International visitors should note that insurance and taxes are almost never included in quoted rental-car rates in the U.S. Be sure to ask your rental agency about additional fees for these. They can add a significant cost to your car rental.

By Bus

Daily bus transportation into the park from Merced, Mariposa, and other nearby communities is provided by the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System, or YARTS (tel. 877/989-2787 or 209/388-9589; www.yarts.com). Buses are not subject to park entrance delays during peak season. From Merced, there are several YARTS departures daily from the airport, the Amtrak train station, and the Greyhound bus terminal. Round-trip fare is $25 for adults, $18 for children 12 and under and seniors 62 and older. There are stops in Mariposa at several lodgings and the visitor center, with round-trip rates of $12 for adults and $8 for children and seniors. These prices include park admission.

Greyhound (tel. 800/231-2222; www.greyhound.com) also links Merced with many other California cities.

By Train

Amtrak (tel. 800/872-7245; www.amtrak.com) serves Fresno and Merced on its San Joaquin route.

Tips for Senior Travelers

Anyone 62 or older can get an Interagency Senior Pass for a one-time fee of $10. The passes are available at any entrance point to Yosemite or Sequoia & Kings Canyon. The Interagency Senior Pass must be purchased in person in order to verify age.

Fast Facts

Area Codes -- The area code for the Yosemite area is 209.

Business Hours -- Stores are typically open from 8 or 9am until 7 or 8pm. Banks are generally open from 8 or 9am until 5 or 6pm.

Doctors -- In Yosemite National Park, the Yosemite Medical Clinic (tel. 209/372-4637), in Yosemite Village, is open daily in summer and Monday through Friday the rest of the year.

Drinking Laws -- The legal age for purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages in the U.S. is 21; proof of age is required and often requested at bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, so it's always a good idea to bring ID when you go out. Do not carry open containers of alcohol in your car or any public area that isn't zoned for alcohol consumption. The police can fine you on the spot. Don't even think about driving while intoxicated. Beer, wine, and liquor are widely available at businesses inside and outside of the parks and bars stay open as late as 2am.

Electricity -- Like Canada, the United States uses 110 to 120 volts AC (60 cycles), compared to 220 to 240 volts AC (50 cycles) in most of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Downward converters that change 220-240 volts to 110-120 volts are difficult to find in the United States, so bring one with you.

Embassies & Consulates -- All embassies are in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. Some consulates are in major U.S. cities, and most nations have a mission to the United Nations in New York City. If your country isn't listed below, call for directory information in Washington, D.C. (tel. 202/555-1212), or check www.embassy.org/embassies.

The embassy of Australia is at 1601 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (tel. 202/797-3000; www.usa.embassy.gov.au). Consulates are in New York, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

The embassy of Canada is at 501 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001 (tel. 202/682-1740; www.canadainternational.gc.ca/washington). Other Canadian consulates are in Buffalo (New York), Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle.

The embassy of Ireland is at 2234 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202/462-3939; www.embassyofireland.org). Irish consulates are in Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and other cities. See website for complete listing.

The embassy of New Zealand is at 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202/328-4800; www.nzembassy.com). New Zealand consulates are in Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Seattle.

The embassy of the United Kingdom is at 3100 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202/588-6500; http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk). Other British consulates are in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle.

Emergencies -- Call tel. 911.

Legal Aid -- While driving, if you are pulled over for a minor infraction (such as speeding), never attempt to pay the fine directly to a police officer; this could be construed as attempted bribery, a much more serious crime. Pay fines by mail or directly into the hands of the clerk of the court. If accused of a more serious offense, say and do nothing before consulting a lawyer. In the U.S., the burden is on the state to prove a person's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and everyone has the right to remain silent, whether he or she is suspected of a crime or actually arrested. Once arrested, a person can make one telephone call to a party of his or her choice. The international visitor should call his or her embassy or consulate.

Mail -- At press time, domestic postage rates were 28¢ for a postcard and 44¢ for a letter. For international mail, a first-class letter of up to 1 ounce costs 98¢ (75¢ to Canada and 79¢ to Mexico); a first-class postcard costs the same as a letter. For more information, go to www.usps.com.

If you aren't sure what your address will be in the United States, mail can be sent to you, in your name, c/o General Delivery at the main post office of the city or region where you expect to be. (Call tel. 800/275-8777 for information on the nearest post office.) The addressee must pick up mail in person and must produce proof of identity (driver's license, passport, and the like). Most post offices will hold mail for up to 1 month and are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, and Saturday from 9am to 3pm.

Police -- Call tel. 911. National Park Service rangers serve as police in the parks, as do county officials.

Smoking -- Smoking is banned in all public places in the parks and bars and restaurants in the gateway towns. Many establishments offer an outdoor smoking area.

Taxes -- The United States has no value-added tax (VAT) or other indirect tax at the national level. Every state, county, and city may levy its own local tax on all purchases, including hotel and restaurant checks and airline tickets. These taxes will not appear on price tags. Taxes total around 7% to 11% in the parks and the gateways.

Time -- As with all of California, the parks are on Pacific Standard Time (PST). When it's 9am in Yosemite (PST), it's noon in New York City (EST) and 5pm in London (GMT). The continental United States is divided into four time zones: Eastern Standard Time (EST), Central Standard Time (CST), Mountain Standard Time (MST), and Pacific Standard Time (PST). Alaska and Hawaii have their own zones. For example, when it's 9am in Los Angeles (PST), it's 7am in Honolulu (HST),10am in Denver (MST), 11am in Chicago (CST), noon in New York City (EST), 5pm in London (GMT), and 2am the next day in Sydney.

Daylight saving time (summer time) is in effect from 1am on the second Sunday in March to 1am on the first Sunday in November, except in Arizona, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Daylight saving time moves the clock 1 hour ahead of standard time. For help with time translations, and more, download our convenient Travel Tools app for your mobile device. Go to www.frommers.com/go/mobile and click on the Travel Tools icon.

Tipping -- In hotels, tip bellhops at least $1 per bag ($2-$3 if you have a lot of luggage) and tip the chamber staff $1 to $2 per day (more if you've left a big mess for him or her to clean up). Tip the doorman or concierge only if he or she has provided you with some specific service (for example, calling a cab for you or obtaining difficult-to-get theater tickets). Tip the valet-parking attendant $1 every time you get your car.

In restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, tip service staff and bartenders 15% to 20% of the check, tip checkroom attendants $1 per garment, and tip valet-parking attendants $1 per vehicle.

As for other service personnel, tip cab drivers 15% to 20% of the fare, tip skycaps at airports at least $1 per bag ($2-$3 if you have a lot of luggage), and tip hairdressers and barbers 15% to 20%.

For help with tip calculations, currency conversions, and more, download our convenient Travel Tools app for your mobile device. Go to www.frommers.com/go/mobile and click on the Travel Tools icon.

Toilets -- You won't find public toilets or "restrooms" on the streets in most U.S. cities but they can be found in hotel lobbies, bars, restaurants, museums, department stores, railway and bus stations, and service stations. Large hotels and fast-food restaurants are often the best bet for clean facilities. Restaurants and bars in resorts or heavily visited areas may reserve their restrooms for patrons. There are public restrooms at many pulloffs on the road in the parks, as well as at all visitor centers and many trail heads.