Yosemite National Park

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

An Accessibility Guide to Yosemite Welcome to Yosemite! To make your visit more enjoyable, Yosemite National Park is continually upgrading facilities for greater accessibility. This brochure provides descriptions of facilities and services, as well as different areas of the park and their accessibility. It will be updated regularly as conditions and information change. If you have specific questions or suggestions about facilities not covered in this brochure, contact Don Fox, Accessibility Coordinator, by calling 209/379-1160, by email at [email protected], or by mail to his attention at National Park Service, P.O. Box 700, El Portal, CA 95318. HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE The designation accessible indicates access for persons using wheelchairs in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). Information in this brochure describes basic facilities, services, and programs in Yosemite National Park. It does not contain a complete description of activities and services. Keep in mind that some facilities and areas are open only on a seasonal basis, or during certain hours of the day. New information will be made available on the park’s web site at www.nps.gov/yose. For current hours of operation for facilities and services, see the Yosemite Today newspaper. Not all lodging facilities or activities (tours, etc.) in the park are accessible. When making a reservation, ask for full descriptions of facilities and services designated as accessible. For detailed information on the different areas of the park, consult the Yosemite Guide; for a schedule of activities and facilities hours, consult Yosemite Today. Both of these publications are free and can be obtained at entrance stations and visitor centers throughout the park. They are also posted on the park’s web site at www.nps.gov/yose. GENERAL PARK INFORMATION Elevation The elevation in Yosemite Valley is 4,000 feet. The roads leading outside of the Valley range from 3,000 feet to almost 10,000 feet in the Tuolumne Meadows area. The Tioga Pass Entrance Station crosses the crest of the Sierra Nevada range at 9,945 feet. The Glacier Point overlook of Yosemite Valley is 7,214 feet. Wawona is at 4,000 feet and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias reaches from 5,600 feet in the lower grove, to 6,600 feet in the upper grove. Visitors with heart or respiratory conditions should be cautious against overexertion. These high elevations can be dangerous and visitors who are at risk should contact their physician before traveling to high elevations. To avoid dehydration, be sure to carry and drink plenty of water.

Yosemite National Park Accessibility Guide (12/24/02)

Page 1

Medical Services The Yosemite Medical Clinic is located in Yosemite Village. Hours of operation vary seasonally. For current business hours, see Yosemite Today or call 209/372-4637. Emergency service is available 24 hours a day and is accessible through the rear emergency entrance. Services include a limited pharmacy, lab, x-ray, and physical therapy. Paramedic/ambulance service is also available 24 hours a day. Wheelchair rental is available through the medical clinic at a rate of $10 per day. They are also rented at the Yosemite Lodge and Curry Village bike rental stands for $5.50 per hour or $21.50 per day. The nearest hospitals outside of Yosemite are located in Mammoth Lakes (southeast of the park off of Highway 395), and in Mariposa (west of the park off of Highway 140). Oakhurst (south of Yosemite, on Highway 41) has an urgent care facility. Hospitals with a complete range of services are located in Fresno, Merced, Modesto, and Sonora. See Additional Medical Information at the end of this brochure. Temporary Access Placard A temporary access placard is available at park entrance stations and visitor centers. When displayed on your vehicle dashboard, it allows driving on some paved roads normally closed to vehicle traffic (e.g., Happy Isles Loop Road and Mirror Lake Road in Yosemite Valley). Check for restricted hours of use. Please drive with caution at a speed of 15 miles per hour with your emergency flashers on. These roads are shared with pedestrians and bicyclists. Entrance Fees The Golden Access Passport waives entrance fees for citizens or permanent U.S. residents who have been medically determined to be permanently disabled and, as a result, are eligible to receive benefits under federal law. The passport admits the permit holder and passengers in one private, noncommercial vehicle. It is available at park entrance stations, information stations, and visitor centers. Parking Designated spaces are marked with the international access symbol. These are reserved for visitors whose vehicles display an access placard or license plate. Service Animals Service animals must be leashed at all times. They are allowed on shuttle buses, on Yosemite Valley trails, in wilderness areas, on stock trails, and in all concessioner facilities. These regulations do not apply to service animals in training. Fire in Yosemite Fire in Yosemite is as natural as snow in winter and sun in summer and is important for maintaining healthy forests. Naturally occurring wildland fires—often ignited by lightning— generally are allowed to burn. Prescribed burns are intentionally ignited by trained fire crews in order to clear the unnatural build-up of forest material in developed areas. Both types of fires are strictly monitored by Yosemite fire management staff. Additionally, campgrounds can be very smoky. In order to improve air quality in Yosemite Valley during the months of peak visitation, campfires are only permitted between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. May 1 through October 15.

Yosemite National Park Accessibility Guide (12/24/02)

Page 2

You may notice smoky skies during a spring, summer, or fall visit. Visitors with respiratory conditions should call ahead (209/372-0200 for recorded information—press 2, then 6 to speak with a ranger) or visit the park’s web site (www.nps.gov/yose) for an update on fire conditions in the park. In Winter During the fall, winter, and early spring months, roads and sidewalks can be icy or slippery. Most Yosemite Valley sidewalks are kept clear of snow; however they can quickly become icy. Be sure to use caution when traveling on roads and sidewalks in winter. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION To and From Yosemite National Park The Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) offers round-trip transit service to Yosemite from outlying communities. Expanded summer service is offered mid-May to midSeptember. Daily service from Mammoth Lakes runs in July and August. Buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts. Call 48-hours in advance to make arrangements for those passengers requiring individual attention. For a schedule and service information visit the YARTS web site at www.yarts.com or call toll free 877/98-YARTS (877/989-2787) or 209/388-9589. Amtrak has trains from San Francisco to Merced and from Los Angeles to Fresno and Merced. Check with Amtrak for connector bus service to Yosemite. Call 800/872-7245 or visit www.amtrak.com. For specific accessibility information, visit online www.amtrak.com/plan/accessibility-index.htm. Within Yosemite Valley Free shuttle buses operate daily in the east end of Yosemite Valley. Accessible buses are identified with the international access symbol and are equipped with a front door wheelchair lift and tie-downs for two wheelchairs. If you require service, ask any shuttle driver when the next bus with lift equipment is expected to arrive at your stop. For route, see Yosemite Today. Outside Yosemite Valley Free shuttle bus service runs from the Wawona Store to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias spring through fall, however no lift equipment is available. Yosemite Concession Services provides a tour to Wawona and the Mariposa Grove seasonally by motor coach; no lift equipment is available and this tour is offered for a fee. Bus service (for a fee) is available from Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Meadows once per day during the summer. These buses are not wheelchair accessible. Contact the Yosemite Lodge Tour Desk at 209/372-1240 for schedule and fare information. YARTS bus service to the bTuolumne Meadows area may also bev available during the summer. For a schedule and service information visit the YARTS web site at www.yarts.com or call toll free 877/98-YARTS (877/989-2787) or 209/388-9589. Free shuttle bus service is available during the summer along the Tioga Road from Olmsted Point to Tioga Pass. This shuttle services the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center, store, grill, Tuolumne Meadows Campground, and Tuolumne Meadows Lodge. A shuttle bus with a lift is available.

Yosemite National Park Accessibility Guide (12/24/02)

Page 3

FOOD SERVICE Dining in Yosemite Valley Accessible structures are located in Yosemite Village at Degnan’s Deli and Café and the Village Grill (ramps on west and north sides). The Loft, located upstairs on the second floor of the Degnan’s complex, is not accessible. Additional accessible food services can be found at The Ahwahnee dining room, bar, and patio; the Yosemite Lodge food court and Mountain Room restaurants; Curry Village Pavilion, pizza patio and bar, and taqueria. Dining outside Yosemite Valley The dining room at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge has two risers and has no accessible restroom. The Glacier Point gift and snack shop is accessible. The Wawona Hotel dining room is accessible with assistance. At the Badger Pass ski area, the first floor food service area and deck are accessible with assistance. GAS STATIONS Gasoline is available at Wawona, Crane Flat, Tuolumne Meadows (summer to early fall only), and in El Portal. Attendants are available to assist with gasoline service during business hours. 24-hour pay-at-the-pump services is also available with a debit or credit card. Check Yosemite Today for hours of operation. POST OFFICES Accessible parking and a letter-drop box are located behind the main post office in Yosemite Valley (located in Yosemite Village). Enter from the service road just north of the Degnan’s complex off of Village Drive. WHEELCHAIR RENTAL Wheelchair rental is available at the Yosemite Valley Medical Clinic ($10 per day; 209/9724637) or at the Yosemite Lodge and Curry Village (seasonally; 209/372-8319) bicycle rental stand ($5.50 per hour or $21.50 per day). Check Yosemite Today for hours of operation. A hand-cranked bicycle and tandem bike are also available for rent at the Yosemite Valley bike rental stand. Reservations are strongly recommended by calling 209/372-1208. Check Yosemite Today for hours of operation. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION National Park Service Most educational programs in Yosemite are accessible to students with disabilities. Tram rides through the Mariposa Grove accommodate students who are unable to hike, for example. The Environmental Living Program at Wawona’s Pioneer Yosemite History Center and the Parks As Classrooms programs have served students with a wide range of specific needs. Yosemite staff works with teachers and school districts to ensure that every student can be included in field trips, camping excursions, and other educational park activities. For further information, contact the Education Branch at 209/375-9505. Yosemite Institute Yosemite Institute is a nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, offering residential field science programs for child and adult groups. Programs may be tailored to accommodate specific needs. For more information, contact Yosemite Institute at 209/379-9511 or visit online at www.yni.org/yi. Yosemite National Park Accessibility Guide (12/24/02)

Page 4

SERVICES FOR VISITORS WITH SIGHT IMPAIRMENTS Visitor Centers and Museums Rangers in any of the park’s visitor centers, wilderness centers, or museums can provide personalized services, information, and interpretation about the park. Check at park visitor centers to arrange for assistance. The Yosemite Valley Visitor Center has a magnifying half-globe for easier viewing of maps. Check at the front desk. Yosemite Valley The park’s orientation film, Spirit of Yosemite, is captioned and may be viewed with Audio Description and foreign language translation at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center’s West Auditorium Theater. Check at the Valley Visitor Center to arrange for a listening device. Also, One Day in Yosemite, a 7-minute trip planning video describes some of the highlights of a Yosemite visit. The Bank of America Versateller machine, located outside the Art Activity Center, has Braille numbers and instructions. The Yosemite Valley Visitor Center has two relief maps of Yosemite Valley and the park (in the main exhibit hall) as well as a few tactile exhibits relating to the geologic story of Yosemite Valley. Directly outside of the Yosemite Museum is a cross-section display of a giant sequoia tree that visitors are free to touch. Additionally, the Indian Cultural Exhibit has tactile objects relating to the culture and lifestyle of the Ahwahneechee people. An interpreter is available to give personal assistance with advance reservation. The Indian Village of Ahwahnee has some outdoor exhibits with audio commentary. In Yosemite Valley, the Nature Center at Happy Isles (open summer only) has many tactile objects relating to Yosemite’s native plants and animals. Visitors with sight impairments may also enjoy the natural sounds of the Merced River at this location, as water crashes over boulders. An easy paved trail winds around the Nature Center area and leads over a foot bridge to the Happy Isles. There are numerous wayside exhibits in the area, however none are available in alternative formats. During the summer, a volunteer at the Nature Center may be able to assist with narrating the outdoor exhibits. There are several benches for seating in the outdoor exhibit area and an accessible restroom is available adjacent to the shuttle bus stop. This is a great place for children and their families. Just west of the Lower Yosemite Fall area and across Northside Drive from Yosemite Lodge is an area know by locals as Swan Slab. This is a remarkable location where visitors can get up close to and touch a granite wall. In some places, visitors can feel the glacial polish created by the heat and friction of the rivers of ice that once flowed through Yosemite Valley. The area can be accessed via a roughly paved trail from the Lower Yosemite Fall parking area and shuttle bus stop #6. Extraordinary granite boulders—some as big as a house—can be found just steps away from the paved trail to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall. On the east side of the Lower Yosemite Fall Bridge, there are areas just off of the trail (not paved) where visitors can approach the granite walls. This is also a regular practice area for climbers.

Yosemite National Park Accessibility Guide (12/24/02)

Page 5

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias An open-air tram tour runs daily during the summer and fall for a 1-hour narrated tour of the Mariposa Grove. Disabled visitors with an accessibility placard may elect to drive behind the tram with narration available on audiocassette at no charge. The Mariposa Grove Museum (open seasonally), located in the upper grove, portrays the natural history of the giant sequoias. Tactile objects and personalized assistance are available. Publications for Visitors with Sight Impairments There are currently no park publications printed in Braille. Development of Braille and large print materials will be forthcoming; watch the park’s web site (www.nps.gov/yose) for updated information as these publications are made available. SERVICES FOR VISITORS WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENTS Sign Language Interpretation In summer and during limited off-season hours, a National Park Service ranger is available to provide American Sign Language interpretation for ranger programs. 24-hour advance arrangements are suggested. All requests are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Special groups can request interpreter services in advance of a visit. Inquire at visitor centers or phone 209/372-4726 (TTY only) or 209/372-0298 (voice). To arrange for ASL interpretation of a paid tour, contact the Yosemite Lodge tour desk at 209/372-1240. Assisted Listening Devices Assisted listening devices may be available for ranger-led programs in Yosemite Valley. Check at the Visitor Center desk. Captioned Programs Inside the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center all video displays are closed captioned, including One Day in Yosemite, which is a 7-minute video describing Yosemite’s popular features. The park’s inspirational orientation film, Spirit of Yosemite, is shown daily in the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center West Auditorium Theater. Closed captioning and Audio Description are available. Check at the Visitor Center desk for details. Telephones with Volume Controls Volume control phones are located at most public pay telephones throughout the park. TTY Service TTY phones are available for visitor use at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, for guests at Curry Village, Yosemite Lodge, and The Ahwahnee. TTYs are available at pay phones just outside the Curry Village front desk, inside the Yosemite Lodge lobby, and at The Ahwahnee in the mezzanine area. Park information via bTTY Lodging reservations in Yosemite via TTY Yosemite campground reservations via TTY

Yosemite National Park Accessibility Guide (12/24/02)

209/372-4726 559/255-8345 888/530-9796

Page 6

ACTIVITIES IN YOSEMITE VALLEY Visitor Center Accessibility The Valley Visitor Center, Yosemite Museum, Indian Cultural Exhibit, and Museum Gallery entrances are all accessible. The Visitor Center has automatic doors on the front and rear entrances. The entrance ramp begins with a 14.8% grade and increases to a 17.2% grade near the back door to the auditoriums. When the Visitor Center is open during business hours, visitors may access the East and West Auditoriums through the Visitor Center front doors, then proceed through the exhibit area. When the Visitor Center is closed, use the sidewalk to the left of the Visitor Center’s front entrance, go past the restrooms, and up the ramp to the rear doors of the Visitor Center. A steep walk of 11.9% to 11.5% grade leads to the auditorium doorways. Ranger-Led Activities See Yosemite Today for a complete listing of interpretive programs. Those marked with an accessibility symbol indicate programs suitable for visitors in wheelchairs. However, unless noted in the program description, most interpretive programs involve easy walking and strolling on well-traveled paths and trails. Nature Center at Happy Isles The Nature Center at Happy Isles is open in summer. To get there by shuttle bus, exit at the Happy Isles shuttle stop (see Yosemite Today for route). An accessible restroom and snack stand are located at the shuttle bus stop. To reach the Nature Center, follow the paved walkway approximately 100 yards. To reach the Nature Center by car, display an access placard and proceed down the Happy Isles Loop Road beyond the sign indicating “authorized vehicles only.” Proceed past Upper Pines Campground. At the shuttle bus stop, turn right on the paved road. Park in the designated area next to the restrooms. Follow the signs to the Nature Center. The Nature Center has family-oriented exhibits and interactive displays exploring Yosemite’s wildlife and natural history. An accessible Happy Isles nature trail is located near the Nature Center, with outdoor exhibit panels detailing Happy Isles’ four distinct environments: forest, river, talus, and fen. Outdoor exhibits also tell the geologic story of rockfalls in Yosemite. There are ample benches for sitting and enjoying the quiet beauty of this area. In spring and summer, visitors can hear the roar of the river as it crashes over large boulders. A short trip out to the isles of Happy Isles gives visitors a glimpse at vital riparian habitat along with the refreshing spray from the rapids. Paved Trails There are over 12 miles of paved, 2-lane multi-use trails in Yosemite Valley. Many of these trails travel through forested areas or along the river. Nearly the entire trail system is negotiable. However one short section at Superintendent’s Bridge includes steps that ascend and descend the bridge, and there is a steep section near Housekeeping Camp. Trail maps can be purchased at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, or obtain a bicycle trail map from any bicycle rental location. Bridalveil Fall This is perhaps one of the first stops for many visitors on their way in to Yosemite Valley. Spectacular views of this year-round fall (albeit a trickle come autumn) can be enjoyed right from the parking lot. Rainbows are common as is the whip of wind that can cause this fall to spray up. A short paved trail leads to the base of the fall, but it is steep in places and is not Yosemite National Park Accessibility Guide (12/24/02)

Page 7

advisable for people in wheelchairs or visitors in need of walking aids. (The lower and middle portions of the trail have a 14% grade for the first 76 feet; the last 15 feet of trail are at a 24% slope.) Another viewing area is located in a sizable turnout just past where the road makes a “Y” for traffic heading toward Wawona. Lower Yosemite Fall This is perhaps one of the most visited areas in Yosemite Valley. From the Lower Yosemite Fall parking area, visitors can take in tremendous views of the world’s fifth tallest waterfall. A paved trail leads approximately 1/2 mile from the parking lot to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall. However, the last 80 feet rise to a slope of 13.75% just before the flat viewing platform and bridge. Just before the rise, visitors can experience enormous boulders that seem to breathe with intermittent warm and cool spots. This is a great place to feel Yosemite’s granite up close. In spring, visitors can enjoy the spray of the Lower Fall as it plummets 320 feet to the boulders below. Although be careful and watch your step as the walkway and bridge can become wet. A separate unisex accessible restroom is located at the trailhead near the northern end of the parking lot. The Lower Yosemite Fall area can also be reached by taking the free shuttle bus (see Yosemite Today for schedule and route map). Work is currently underway to create a fully accessible loop trail in the Lower Yosemite Fall area. Watch the park’s web site for project updates (www.nps.gov/yose/planning). Self-Guiding Trails The Miwok in Yosemite is a short loop trail that winds through the Indian Village of Ahwahnee, a reconstructed Miwok-Paiute village located behind the Yosemite Museum in Yosemite Valley. Portions of this trail are paved. The area in the center of the Indian Village is level but unpaved. A Changing Yosemite is a 1-mile nature trail that begins at the paved bicycle path near the Visitor Center shuttle bus stop. This trail travels through oak woodland and open meadow areas and offers some of the best views of the surrounding scenery, including Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. A new accessible boardwalk crosses Cook’s Meadow, which is abundant with plant species and wildlife during much of the year. A brochure exploring the changes that have led to the Yosemite we experience today is available at the trailhead The Mirror Lake Interpretive Trail is a short loop adjacent to Mirror Lake, a seasonal lake on Tenaya Creek and in the shadow of Half Dome. Visitors can enjoy a close-up view of Half Dome while witnessing the succession of this lake as it is naturally becoming a meadow. The trail can be reached taking the shuttle bus to the Mirror Lake stop and travelling 1 mile on the paved road to the lake. The last 100 yards up to the lake are too steep for wheelchair access. Visitors with an access placard can also drive on this road and park at the accessible parking spaces. The trail begins here. Vault toilets and a pay telephone are the only services at Mirror Lake. Wayside exhibits explain the natural and cultural features of the area. Trail Rides Visitors with specific needs will be assessed on an individual basis and should contact the stable at least 24-hours in advance to arrange a trail ride. Restrooms at the Yosemite Valley Stable and Tuolumne Meadows Stable are not accessible; the Wawona Stable is equipped with an accessible portable toilet. For additional information, contact the stables: Yosemite Valley, 209/372-8348; Tuolumne Meadows (summer only) 209/372-8427; or Wawona (summer only), 209/375-6502. Yosemite National Park Accessibility Guide (12/24/02)

Page 8

Sightseeing by Car Many of Yosemite’s finest scenic views and points of interest can be viewed by automobile. Purchasing the Yosemite Road Guide, which contains maps and descriptions keyed to roadside markers on Yosemite’s major roads, may enhance your tour. These, as well as other helpful publications, are available at park visitor centers and retail outlets. Publications can also be purchased online from the Yosemite Bookstore operated by the nonprofit Yosemite Association at www.yosemite.org. Tours A variety of tours are conducted on motor coaches and open-air trams. A few of the buses and trams are accessible to visitors using wheelchairs. Contact Yosemite Concession Services tour desks to purchase tickets and determine if tours are available to meet your needs. Tour desks are located year-round at Yosemite Lodge and seasonally at Curry Village and Yosemite Village (behind the Village Store). Tours depart from Yosemite Lodge. An open-air tram tour of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is also available (spring through fall). Disabled visitors may elect to drive behind the tram with a pre-recorded narration on audiocassette at no charge. However, there is a charge for all tram passengers. For more information, check online at www.yosemiteparktours.com. The Ansel Adams Gallery Open daily, this gallery offers the work of Ansel Adams, contemporary photographers, and other fine artists. An accessible ramp is located at the front of the Gallery. Access to the upper store level is via an 8% walk or 3 steps. For more information, contact the Gallery at 209/3724413 or visit online www.anseladams.com. Art Activity Center The Art Activity Center is located near the Yosemite Village Store and offers free art classes daily throughout the summer and fall. Many classes are accessible. Call 209/372-1442 for information and a schedule of classes.

Yosemite National Park Accessibility Guide (12/24/02)

Page 9

ACCESSIBILITY & ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE OF YOSEMITE VALLEY Northern Area of Yosemite Hetch Hetchy The O’Shaughnessy Dam, built between 1919 and 1923, impounds the Tuolumne River forming the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. An accessible roadway (closed to motor vehicles) crosses the dam to the tunnel entrance and through the granite tunnel. Accessible restrooms are available in the backpackers’ parking lot. The roadway to Hetch Hetchy has a 25-foot vehicle length restriction and is closed at night to all vehicles. There are no accessible designated parking spaces available at Hetch Hetchy. Big Oak Flat and Tioga Roads (Highway 120) The Big Oak Flat Information Station is open summer with variable off-season hours. Check Yosemite Today for availability and hours of operation. The station has an accessible information desk, NPRS campground reservation desk, wilderness center, and restrooms. Tioga Road This spectacular National Scenic Byway crosses Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada, offering roadside exhibits at vista points. (The Yosemite Road Guide, available at visitor centers and stores throughout the park [or order online www.yosemitestore.com], identifies many points of interest along the way.) Tioga Road is closed November through late May or early June, beginning at Crane Flat, just beyond the Yosemite Institute campus. The parking area for the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias is located near Crane Flat, between the gas station and the Yosemite Institute campus. The former route of the Big Oak Flat Road leads downhill from Crane Flat into the Tuolumne Grove, a cluster of about 25 trees. Now closed to traffic, this paved road drops steeply for about a mile where the first trees can be seen. It is a moderate walk downhill, but the uphill return can be strenuous. Accessible restrooms are located at the Tuolumne Grove, Murphy Creek Picnic Area at Tenaya Lake, and at the east end of Tenaya Lake. The Tenaya Lake Picnic Area is located at the east end of Tenaya Lake. Access to the water is along soil trails; the beach is not accessible. Some portions along the northern side of Tenaya Lake have a paved sidewalk. Tuolumne Meadows The Visitor Center, open in summer, is a great facility to learn about Yosemite’s high country. To get there, drive through the parking lot and turn right up the incline on a service road. Park in the designated area and use the rear entrance ramp by following the paved path in front of the Visitor Center around to the rear of the building. Services in Tuolumne Meadows include a gas station (attendant available to assist during business hours; see Yosemite Today); mountaineering school and store (located at the gas station); the Tuolumne Meadows Store/Grill/Post Office; the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge ( not accessible); a wilderness center; free shuttle bus system with accessible buses; trail rides (see earlier Trail Rides section); and campground reservation office. Accessible restrooms are located at the Tuolumne Meadows Store/Grill; accessible vault toilets can be found at the Lembert Dome parking area. Neither Tuolumne Meadows Lodge nor Yosemite National Park Accessibility Guide (12/24/02)

Page 10

Tuolumne Meadows Campground is accessible for overnight accommodations. Entrance to the Lodge dining room has two risers. The dining room does not have accessible restrooms. Southern Area of Yosemite Glacier Point Road and Glacier Point The Glacier Point Road offers some of the park’s easiest access to some of the Sierra’s most spectacular high country views. Wildflowers abound along the road in July. And the road crosses Bridalveil Creek, the origin of Yosemite’s Valley’s Bridalveil Fall. Glacier Point, a world-renowned vista point, is accessible via a 300-yard paved trail from the main parking lot. Follow the signs to the overlook. Restrooms, snack bar, and a gift shop are accessible. A bronze, 3-dimensional model(located on the terrace below the gift shop) explains and identifies the geologic features. Washburn Point This spectacular overlook provides larger-than-life views of Half Dome and the eastern crest of the Sierra Nevada. From this vantage point, visitors can take in the “granite staircase” waterfalls—Nevada and Vernal Falls. Illillouette Falls is also visible. Named for the famed Washburn brothers who built the first road from Wawona to Yosemite Valley, Washburn Point is located on the Glacier Point Road, just prior to Glacier Point. Parking spaces are not designated. Badger Pass Ski Area (winter only) California’s oldest operating ski area, Badger Pass, is approximately 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley and is located at 7,200 feet. Disabled and sit-ski lessons are offered by advance reservation. Call 209/372-8430. On the first floor of the Badger Pass Lodge, the food service area, deck, and restrooms are accessible. The Lodge requires assistance for entry with wheelchair. The parking area has three accessible spaces. Wawona Road (Highway 41) Wawona Hotel The registration lobby and dining room can be reached from the entrance ramp at the rear of the hotel (there is one step up into the lobby area). From the front parking area, follow the ramped walk along the left-hand side of the hotel toward the rear entrance. The dining room restroom is not accessible. There is no accessible lodging available at the Wawona Hotel. Facilities in Wawona include a gas station (attendant available during business hours; see Yosemite Today); grocery/gift shop, golf course and golf shop, swimming pool, tennis court, and trail rides (see earlier section on “Trail Rides”). Meadow Loop Trail Although this trail is not paved or accessible, it is an easy walk that originates near the golf course. The trail is a pleasant, shady stroll along a dirt fire road that circles the meadow. The entire loop is 3 1/2 miles, but can be completed in short sections. Pioneer Yosemite History Center A collection of structures from Yosemite’s 19th century past (cabins, stables, covered bridge) are viewable from outside where plaques describe their history. Terrain surrounding the structures Yosemite National Park Accessibility Guide (12/24/02)

Page 11

is not paved. Interiors are not accessible. An accessible restroom is located near the parking lot. Assistance is advisable. Wawona Information Station at Hill’s Studio Located on the grounds of the Wawona Hotel, Hill’s Studio was the gallery and art studio of famous 19th century landscape painter, Thomas Hill. Today it serves as an information station. Two accessible parking spaces are available. A mechanical lift is located at the rear of the studio. Visitors need to inform staff when use of the lift is required. Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Automobiles with accessibility placards may drive through the grove behind any scheduled tram tour (offered from late spring through fall). An audiocassette tour tape is available. The trams are not equipped with lifts. The Big Trees Gift Shop has a ramped entrance. Accessible restrooms are located in the parking lot.

Yosemite National Park Accessibility Guide (12/24/02)

Page 12

CAMPING Accessible campsites may be reserved through the National Park Reservation System (NPRS). The Campground Reservation Office located in the parking area at Curry Village is accessible. Camping reservations can also be made by writing to NPRS, P.O. Box 1600, Cumberland, MD 21502. To reserve sites by phone, call between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Pacific time 800/4367275 in the United States and Canada. By TTY, dial 888/530-9796. International callers should phone 301/722-1257. To reserve a campsite online, visit www.reservations.nps.gov. Phone and online reservations may be made using Visa, Mastercard, or Discover cards. Camping in Yosemite Valley Wheelchair accessible campsites are available at Lower Pines Campground. The three sites— #3, #5, and #14—are equipped with a power receptacle for charging electric wheelchairs; however, this power system is not adequate for life support systems (e.g., oxygen machines). Several tables have extended tops. The main road serves as the access route to the restroom. Camp 4 walk-in campground (first-come, first-served) has no designated accessible sites. However, a dirt access route from the parking area leads to many level sites. The restroom is accessible. There are no designated accessible parking places. Camping Outside Yosemite Valley Two sites at Wawona Campground are reserved for visitors with mobility impairments; these are available on a first-come, first-served basis. An accessible restroom is nearby. Accessible Camping Outside Yosemite National Park There are accessible campgrounds available outside of Yosemite National Park. It is advised that you call ahead for availability and exact accessibility information. Check the camping page in the Yosemite Guide newspaper for phone information or view it online at www.nps.gov/yose/trip/guide. The accessible campgrounds outside of Yosemite National Park vary in their level of difficulty. Call the National Recreation Reservation Center (877/444-6777) for information on the various accessible campgrounds. Also this center has a web site that allows you to make reservations online at www.reserveUSA.com. Accessible campgrounds are listed along with their level of difficulty. LODGING Guest lodging in Yosemite is provided by Yosemite Concession Services Corporation. Reservations are strongly advised (call 559/252-4848; TTY 559/255-8345; or online at www.yosemitepark.com). Please describe your specific needs (i.e., hearing, mobility, etc.) as rooms not designated “accessible” may offer limited usability and the approach may be difficult in rain or snow. Lodging in Yosemite Valley The Ahwahnee has one cottage and several hotel rooms with accessible bathrooms and shower stalls. The ground floor of the hotel has an accessible passenger loading zone, an accessible front desk, dining room, bar, gift shop, patio, telephone, and drinking fountain. An accessible unisex restroom on the mezzanine is identified by a sign and can be reached by an accessible elevator. Valet parking and designated accessible parking spaces are available. Most walkway surfaces are paved, although the approach to The Ahwahnee is wood plank flooring. Yosemite National Park Accessibility Guide (12/24/02)

Page 13

Yosemite Lodge has one accessible hotel room with an accessible bathroom and shower. Parking spaces are located close to the registration building. The front lobby and tour desk are accessible by a ramp (at the west end of the front complex) leading to the covered walkway into the lobby; also from a ramp at the east end of the registration building. Accessible restrooms, restaurants, and gift shops are available. An outdoor amphitheater offers evening programs throughout the spring through fall. Most walkways are paved. See Yosemite Today for programs and hours of operation. Curry Village has ten usable cabins without bath with flat door entrances that do not meet current accessibility standards. Assistance is needed in approaching the separate restrooms, which have accessible stalls and showers. Two cabins with bath are usable. Units may be difficult to approach in rain or snow. An accessible dining pavilion, Mountain Shop, gift shop and grocery, patio bar and pizza, bike and raft rental (seasonal), ice skating rink (winter only), and tour desk are available. Walkway surfaces include asphalt, sand, and wood. Designated accessible parking spaces are located nearby. An outdoor amphitheater offers a variety of evening programs during the spring through fall. Food service is not available at Curry Village during the winter months. See Yosemite Today for programs and hours of operation. Housekeeping Camp, located along the Merced River just west of Curry Village, has no accessible sites; however some units are usable with assistance. These rustic accommodations offer 3-sided canvas structure with beds and eating area. Walkway surfaces include asphalt and sand. Accessible restrooms are located in Section H. Accessible showers and laundry facilities are also available. See Yosemite Today for hours of operation. Outside Yosemite Valley Currently, there are no accessible lodgings at Tuolumne Meadows, White Wolf, or Wawona. You may wish to check with Yosemite Concession Services for any changes in the future at 559/252-4848 or visit online at www.yosemitepark.com. PICNIC AREAS [This section is under construction. More information to come.] InYosemite Valley, the El Capitan Picnic Area has a designated parking space with immediate paved access to a level, paved picnic site. This site also has a picnic table with an extended table top. The vault toilet is wheelchair accessible.

Yosemite National Park Accessibility Guide (12/24/02)

Page 14

ADDITIONAL MEDICAL INFORMATION Listed below is information that could be of assistance during your visit to Yosemite National Park. Hospitals Northern Inyo Hospital 150 Pioneer Lane Bishop, CA 93514 760/873-5811 Mammoth Hospital 185 Sierra Park Road Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 760/934-3311 Fresno Community Hospital 301 East 13th Street Merced, CA 93637 209/385-7000 Valley Children’s Hospital 9300 Valley Children’s Place Madera, CA 93638 559/353-5150 Madera Community Hospital 1250 Almond Avenue Madera, CA 93637 559/673-5101 Oakhurst Community Medical Center 48677 Victoria Lane Oakhurst, CA 93644 559/683-2992 John C. Fremont Hospital 5810 Hospital Road Mariposa, CA 95338 209/966-3631 Tuolumne General Hospital 101 Hospital Road Sonora, CA 95370 209/533-7100 Sonora Community Hospital #1 South Forest Road Sonora, CA 95370 209/532-3163 Yosemite National Park Accessibility Guide (12/24/02)

Page 15

Doctors Medical Center 1441 Florida Avenue Modesto, CA 95352 209/578-1211

Yosemite National Park Accessibility Guide (12/24/02)

Page 16