7 National Parks Requiring Reservations This Summer

Above, Yosemite's Half Dome from Yosemite Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Summer is just around the corner, which means travelers will be flocking to our national parks.

But, some parks will be requiring reservations to control crowding. Travel + Leisure has posted a list of seven national parks requiring reservations.

They begin with:

If you’re going to visit a national park this summer, make sure you prepare, in some cases, by making a reservation.

Summer is a popular time to visit the United States’ national parks, but travelers should be aware that some of the popular destinations in the national parks system require a reservation to visit. Each park can determine their own system, and some parks haven’t determined whether reservations will be required this year. Last year, Mount Rainier National Park required reservations for timed entries, but according to the website recreation.gov, “no decisions have been made if timed entry reservations will be required for the 2025 summer season.”

Seven national parks require reservations, whether that is for vehicle entry or hiking permission. 

To read more, go here. 

Black Bears Are Scaling Yosemite's Half Dome

Above, Half Dome. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Black bears inhabit Yosemite National Park in California. They're pretty much everywhere. Campsites in Yosemite Valley each have a bear-proof storage bin for campers to use.

Recently, evidence of a black bear at the top of the park's Half Dome was recently found.

From the Spokane, Washington The Spokesman-Review:

Climbers who summit Yosemite’s Half Dome can expect panoramic views of the national park’s luscious valley – but now park rangers say they might also spot traces of black bears, or even the animal itself.

Park rangers recently found evidence pointing to the presence of a black bear at the top of Half Dome, Yosemite officials said. The animals are natural climbers and, unlike people, do not need 425 feet of cable to scale the quartz rock formation’s 46-degree angle.

“This observation serves as a good reminder that bear safety applies EVERYWHERE in Yosemite,” park officials said on Facebook. “For the safety of people and animals alike, keep your friends close and your food closer.”

Yosemite officials reminded visitors to keep smelly objects like food or sunscreen locked away in lockers or canisters. On the trail, hikers should keep backpacks and other items within reach lest they be ransacked by bears or the Half Dome ground squirrels.

Bear encounters are not uncommon in Yosemite, which is home to an estimated 300 to 500 black bears. The animals usually cause property damage or snatch food. People are rarely injured, and no one has died of a bear attack in Yosemite, according to the park service.

 

Above, a North American black bear. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.

8 Best Things To Do In Yosemite

Above, the bottom of Yosemite Falls. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, I have been to Yosemite National Park, the last time being in 2016. I reserved (early) a campsite in Yosemite Valley at North Pines Campground in April. A few months later, I drove through Yosemite on Tioga Road from U.S. 395 in the Owens Valley to U.S. 99 in the San Joaquin Valley.

Although it rained much of the time I was camping there, I did enjoy the experience.

Lonely Planet has an article on the 8 best things to do in Yosemite National Park. 

They begin it with:

Yosemite National Park is one of those dazzling, large-than-life destinations with a beauty that must be seen firsthand to truly appreciate it.

Renowned landscape photographer and environmentalist Ansel Adams did a good job introducing the public to this iconic park in the 1930s, when he began documenting its magic in black and white. Close to 100 years later, Yosemite remains an iconic photographic locale attracting close to five million visitors each year.

In California’s Sierra Mountains, Yosemite is the third-oldest national park in the US, established in 1890 and home to more than 700 miles of hiking trails, numerous waterfalls and captivating granite cliffs and buttresses with names like Half Dome and El Capitan. You’ll also find towering sequoia trees, diverse wildlife, sparkling turquoise and aquamarine lakes, scenic byways and a historic lodge that takes you back about a century in time.

Here are our 8 top picks for the best things to do in Yosemite National Park.

Above, a morning view of Half Dome. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

6 Years Ago: Yosemite National Park

Above, following my walk to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls.

Leave it to Facebook to remind me of where I was and doing six years ago this week.

In was in April 2016 that my cat Sierra and I took a little trip to Yosemite National Park for some camping at North Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley.

Above, The Beast at North Pines Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The trip was in the middle of the trademark dispute between the government and Delaware North, the former concessionaire of Yosemite's visitor services. Several of Yosemite's attractions were renamed due to the dispute and lawsuit. The names were reverted back following the settlement of the lawsuit.

Above, a view of Half Dome from North Pines Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Still, I had a good time enjoying the park, even though it rained there much of the time. I made good use of the shuttle system to get around Yosemite Valley. I made my camping reservations the previous November then they opened up. Thanks to my senior lifetime national park pass, I didn't have to pay to enter.

The night before arriving at Yosemite, I stayed at the Blackstone North RV Park in Fresno. It was a nice RV park, one that I would stay at again should the opportunity arises. 

Above, a cigar store Indian at Bravo Farms. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Along the way, I stopped for a break and lunch at Bravo Farms Cheese Factory in Traver. If was a fun stopover with good food and shops to explore.

Above, Sierra enjoying the coffeemaker box. She couldn't fit in it now. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was an enjoyable trip, one that I would recommend.

RV Trip: 10 Reasons To Go

Above, Yosemite National Park's Half Dome. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A California-oriented website, California News Times, has posted an article of ten reasons why you should go on an RV trip.

The interesting thing about the site is that I've never heard of California News Times before. Or, at least I don't recall it. 

Anyway, the reasons given are good and make common sense, especially in these pandemic times.

They start it with (I had to fix some of their typographical errors):

RVs are the perfect way to see the world, whether you’re a nature lover or a luxury traveler.

On an RV you are able to explore new places and experience different cultures. And if you’re looking for a fun and affordable vacation, this is just for you.

Before you buy an RV, you should probably opt for RV rental. And if you need some good reasons to take an RV trip in the first place, you can check out the following.

To read more, go here. 

Yosemite National Park Reopening Date Decided

Above, Half Dome as seen from North Pines Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The powers-that-be in California have decided that Yosemite National Park will be ready for reopening next week.

According to the Mercury News:

After being closed for more than two months due to the coronavirus pandemic, Yosemite National Park is ready to reopen as soon as next Wednesday or Thursday, but the plan hinges on state health officials granting approval for campsites and hotels to reopen in the surrounding communities to handle many of the overnight visitors. 

A June 1 letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom and state health officials from the leaders of Mariposa, Mono, Tuolumne and Madera counties urges approval, and says that under a plan developed by park officials, Yosemite is prepared to reopen “on or about June 11.” 

The park, an international tourist destination renowned for its massive water falls, granite rock walls and Sierra forests, closed March 20. The first major step to welcoming back visitors begins Friday, when parks officials will allow people with overnight wilderness backpacking permits and permits to climb Half Dome, to enter the park.

To read more, go here. 

Yosemite Shuts Down To All Visitors

Above, Yosemite's Half Dome. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Like a Chinese water torture, facilities, lodging and campgrounds were closed in Yosemite National Park little by little over the past few days.

Now the park itself is closed to all visitors.

The Los Angeles Times reported:

Yosemite National Park shut down to all visitors Friday, according to a park release. The park closed at 3 p.m. “at the request of the local health department,” the statement said.
There will be no access permitted into the park until further notice. The closure will be enforced 24/7. 

The landmark Ahwahnee Hotel as well as other lodgings and restaurants closed Tuesday as a precaution over coronavirus concerns. The closure was said to last through March 31. The park earlier this week also closed campgrounds and canceled events and ranger-led activities. 

Other closures vary from park to park. Entry fees have been waived to avoid contact between members of National Park Service staff and members of the public.

To find out what closures and what remains open, the article includes that, too.

To read more, go here. 

Yosemite Guide Recommended Gear

Above, Yosemite's symbol, Half Dome. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who plan to visit Yosemite National Park and, while there, hike, there are a few things (five of them) that Outside Online says one needs to bring along.

They begin with:

Yosemite National Park hosts an annual average of 4 million visitors, who flock year-round to experience the hulking granite, tumbling waterfalls, and iconic trails of the High Sierra. As a guide in the Valley, I often see people who are ill-prepared for their trip. There are a few items we recommend beyond staples like a backpack, headlamp, sun protection, and a pair of broken-in boots that will greatly enhance your experience in the granite gem of the West, no matter the season.

To see what they are, go here. 

Men's Journal: Top 10 National Parks You Need To Visit This Fall

Above, Yosemite's Half Dome behind the trees. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the best times of the year to travel and see national parks is autumn (spring is good, too).

But which ones are the top national parks for an autumn visit?

Don't fret, for Men's Journal has posted a list of the top ten national parks to visit in autumn.

They begin with:

With the temperatures turned down, nature’s colors turned up, and the kids back in school, fall is the ultimate time to book a trip to national parks. You not only get fewer crowds and even better landscape views, but your trip becomes a little more spontaneous thanks to the unpredictable weather—whether it’s extra-cool nights or a freak snowstorm. 

“Fall is my favorite season to visit national parks for a variety of reasons, depending on location,” says Heather Gyselman, REI adventure travel North American program manager. “In the west and midwest, the crowds are gone and there’s a hush in the air. You no longer have to jostle for a spot at favored overlooks, and it’s almost like the parks are letting out a deep long sigh. There are pops of colors here and there, which contrast beautifully against bright blue skies, shades of evergreen trees, and jagged peaks. And in the east, parks just show off. It’s nature’s firework show and a finale to the long hot summer.” 

To help you choose the location that serves up nature’s best scenes, we asked Gyselman and a few other experts their go-to spots for the season. Book a trip, plan your activity of choice, and enjoy the colorful display.

To read more, go here. 

Half Dome 2019 Preseason Lottery

Above, a view of Half Dome from North Pines Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Want to hike to the top of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park? Well, here's your chance!

The park just announced when the preseason lottery for permit tickets will take place.

YubaNet.com reported:

March 5, 2019 – Yosemite National Park announces that the 2019 preseason lottery for Half Dome permits will open at 7:00 am PDT on Wednesday, March 13, 2019. For the latest information on the Half Dome preseason lottery, please visit https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hdpermits.htm.

To read more, go here. 

2019 Pre-Season Half Dome Ticket Lottery Delayed

Above, a dawn's view of Half Dome. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who plan to hike Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, the pre-season lottery for tickets has been delayed.

According to National Parks Traveler:

The 2019 preseason lottery for Half Dome permits at Yosemite National Park will be delayed for an unknown amount of time this year due to a transition to a new contracted provider. 

The lottery typically opens March 1. You can track developments with this matter at this website. 

All hikers are required to have permits to ascend the subdome steps and the Half Dome cables seven days a week when the cables are up. Park rangers install the cables each spring and take them down each fall, based on weather and trail conditions. The cables are typically up from late May to early October.

To read more, go here. 

Yosemite Above, Below and On The Rocks

Above, Half Dome from North Pines Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whether or not one has been to Yosemite National Park will find a photo essay on experiencing the park from about, below and on the rocks to be interesting.

The photo essay was posted by Adventure Sports Network and the photographs are just spectacular.

It begins with:

Throughout my life, I've heard whispers about Yosemite National Park. But it wasn't until I moved out to the mountains and began immersing myself in the climbing community and culture, that the destination gained more weight. Now, the allure of the park was too strong to deny. 

I arrived in the light of the full moon on a crisp fall evening. My first vision of the massive Half Dome (4,787 feet tall) appeared lit by moonlight as we descended the windy road into the valley. I've lived through some pretty amazing full moon experiences the past few months (including the Netherlands, and an all-night float through the last stretch of the Grand Canyon ) but entering Yosemite for my introductory pilgrimage was possibly the most spectacular so far.

To read more and see the photographs, go here. 

Climbers Killed In El Capitan Fall

Above, El Capitan is shrouded in clouds. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yosemite National Park's season isn't on a good start.

Last week, a climber on Half Dome fell to his death in rainy conditions. Now, two people fell from El Capitan.

USA Today reported:

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. – Officials say two people have been killed after they fell while climbing El Capitan at Yosemite National Park. 

The National Park Service says it happened around 8 a.m. Saturday while the two people were climbing the Freeblast Route. 

Park rangers and search and rescue personnel responded to the scene but the climbers didn’t survive the fall.

To read more, go here. 

Deaths On Half Dome

Above, a morning view of Half Dome. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I was never fond of heights or hiking, I would never be one of those who would climb up Yosemite National Park's Half Dome, even in my younger days.

But many people have climbed Half Dome successfully, but there has been a few fatalites.

The Mercury News takes a look at the fatalities that took place on Half Dome over the years.

They begin their article with:

The last segment of the hike up Yosemite’s Half Dome is memorable — and, to many, nerve-wracking — but deaths there are rare. 

The fatal fall of a hiker last week has turned attention to the safety of the cable route up the national park’s iconic rock. 

In the almost 100 years since cables were installed to help hikers climb the steep pitch of the dome, eight people have died from falling on that stretch. Of those fatal falls, four occurred when the rock was wet and at least one was caused by a hiker’s collapse from illness.

To read more, go here.