Here are a few suggestions to help you plan your time in Yosemite to best advantage. This is a summer schedule—in winter see special programs posted on bulletin boards at hotels.
Do not hurry through Yosemite—take the time to at least visit all points of interest in the Valley and do not leave the park without seeing the Mariposa Grove of Big Trees and the wonderful panoramic view from Glacier Point.
GENERAL
Visit the Yosemite Museum, located in the New Village, open 8 a. m. to 5 p. m. Interesting exhibits of the geology, Indians, early history, trees, flowers, birds, and mammals of Yosemite. Wild-flower garden and demonstrations of native Indian life in back of museum. Short talks on geology of the Valley given several times each day. Library, information desk, and headquarters for nature guide service. Maps and booklets.
Take the auto caravan tour of the Valley floor with your own car, starting from the museum at 9:30 a. m. and 2 p. m. A ranger-naturalist leads the caravan and explains the interesting features of Yosemite on this free trip of about 2 hours around the Valley, every day except Sunday and holidays.
A daily tour of the Valley in open stages is an ideal way to see the most in a short time. Inquire at Camp Curry, Yosemite Lodge, or the Ahwahnee for rates and schedules on stage transportation.
Visitors desiring to make an unescorted tour of the Valley should take the Valley floor loop road, stopping at points of interest which are signed. See detailed map of Valley. See the wonderful view of the whole expanse of the Valley from the east portal of the 4,233-foot tunnel, a short, easy drive of 1½ miles up the new Wawona Road, just west of Bridalveil Fall.
Take trips afield with a ranger-naturalist. See posted daily schedules.
During July and August a naturalist leads a party once each week on a 7-day hiking trip through the spectacular high-mountain regions of the park, stopping each night at a High Sierra camp. See bulletins posted at hotels and camps.
Visit the fish hatchery at Happy Isles.