Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park

National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior

Accessibility Guide
Welcome to Yosemite National Park! The park strives for full and equal
participation of all visitors and continually upgrades facilities to make them
more accessible. This guide outlines accessible park services, facilities,
and activities. Within each area, it describes ways for people with sight,
hearing, and mobility impairments to enjoy Yosemite. Symbols in the left
margin mark accessibility features. (If you do not need this guide after your
visit, please return it to any visitor center or entrance station.)

Guide information is current as of August 2008. For additional accessibility
questions, call 209/379-1035 or e-mail yose_accessibility@nps.gov.
Discrimination on the basis of disability in federally conducted programs or
activities of the Department of the Interior is prohibited.

For general descriptions of services, see the Yosemite Guide (available at
entrance stations and visitor centers), or go to www.nps.gov/yose.

Contents
General Park Information ............................................................................................. 2
Entering the Park.......................................................................................................... 2
Temporary Accessibility Placard .................................................................................. 2
Parking ......................................................................................................................... 3
Service Animals............................................................................................................ 3
Services ......................................................................................................................... 3
Food ............................................................................................................................. 3
Gas............................................................................................................................... 3
ATMs............................................................................................................................ 3
Wheelchair Rental ........................................................................................................ 4
Bicycle Rental .............................................................................................................. 4
Telephone Services...................................................................................................... 4
Post Offices .................................................................................................................. 4
Health Concerns............................................................................................................ 5
Weather........................................................................................................................ 5
Elevation ...................................................................................................................... 5
Smoke and Fire ............................................................................................................ 5
Medical Facilities .......................................................................................................... 6
Staying in and near Yosemite ...................................................................................... 7
Getting Around Yosemite ............................................................................................. 9
Learning About Yosemite........................................................................................... 10
Yosemite by Region .................................................................................................... 11

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General Park Information
Yosemite National Park, set aside in 1890, embraces spectacular mountain and
valley scenery in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Park highlights include
Yosemite Valley’s high cliffs and waterfalls; Wawona's history center and historic
hotel; the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias; Glacier Point's spectacular view of
Yosemite Valley and the high country (summer through fall); Tuolumne
Meadows, a large subalpine meadow surrounded by high mountain peaks
(summer through fall); and Hetch Hetchy, a secluded valley with a reservoir
formed by a dam on the Tuolumne River. Yosemite offers unparalleled natural
views and soundscapes, and natural objects for tactile exploration. These
opportunities are available in all areas of the park.


Entering the Park
U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are blind or permanently disabled are
eligible for the Access Pass. This free, lifetime admission pass is valid at National
Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Tennessee Valley Authority
sites.

The Access Pass must be obtained in person and with proof of eligibility. The
pass is nontransferable and does not cover or
reduce special recreation permit fees or fees
charged by concessionaires. In Yosemite, the
pass is available at park entrance stations,
information stations, and visitor centers; it admits
the pass owner and accompanying passengers
in a private vehicle. (At parks that charge
individual fees, the pass admits the pass owner
and other persons accompanying the owner, such as care assistants.)

The Access Pass also provides a 50 percent discount on federal use fees
charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, parking, boat
launching, and specialized interpretive services.

Visitors must supply the pass number when making a camping reservation. In
some cases where use fees are charged, only the pass owner receives the 50
percent price reduction. For more information about fees in national parks, see
www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm.

Temporary Accessibility Placard
For visitors who are temporarily disabled or who do not have their permanent
accessibility placard with them, temporary placards are available at park
entrance stations, campgrounds, and visitor centers. When displayed on a
vehicle dashboard, the placards allow parking in designated accessible spaces
and driving on some paved roads closed to other private-vehicle traffic, such as

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the Happy Isles Loop Road and Mirror Lake Road. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and
shuttle buses share these roads, so emergency flashers must be used, and the
speed limit is 15 mph.

Parking
Designated accessible spaces are marked with the international access symbol
and are reserved for vehicles displaying an accessibility placard or license plate.

Service Animals
In Yosemite, service animals are allowed in all facilities and on all trails, with the
exceptions of stock trails and areas closed by the superintendent to protect park
resources. Service animals must always be leashed. Service animals in training
and pets are subject to other park regulations (see
www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/pets.htm). Traveling times in the park may be
longer than anticipated. When traveling with an animal, carry water, and allow for
stops. Dispose of pet feces in a trash bin.


Services

Food
Food-service facilities in Yosemite are wheelchair-accessible except:
• The Loft is located on the second floor of the Degnan’s Complex in
Yosemite Village. (The Loft is scheduled to have an elevator by 2009.)
• Tuolumne Meadows Lodge has two steps and no accessible restroom.
• The Wawona Hotel dining room has a steep ramp, a 2-inch threshold, and
narrow doors at the back entrance; however, some visitors in wheelchairs
can enter with assistance. No accessible restrooms are available.

Gas
Gas stations are located in El Portal, Wawona, Crane Flat, and (in summer)
Tuolumne Meadows. Pay-at-the-pump service is available with a debit or credit
card 24 hours a day. Check Yosemite Guide for more details. Attendants can
assist with fuel service during business hours.


ATMs
See Yosemite Guide for locations. The Bank of America Versateller (at the
Yosemite Art and Education Center in Yosemite Village) has Braille functions and
a plug for a headset.




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Wheelchair Rental
Manual wheelchairs and electric scooters can be rented seasonally at the
bicycle-rental stand at Yosemite Lodge and Curry Village; reservations
suggested, call 209/372-8319. Check Yosemite Guide for hours of operation.

Bicycle Rental
Bicycles can be rented seasonally at Yosemite Lodge and Curry Village rental
stands. A tandem bicycle (for visitors with sight and other impairments) and a
hand-cranked bicycle are available. Reservations suggested; call 209/372-8319.
Check Yosemite Guide for hours of operation.

Telephone Services
Cell-phone signal strength is marginal in most of Yosemite.

There are pay phones throughout the park; most have volume control.

TTY pay phones are available in several locations: at the Yosemite Valley Visitor
Center, in the lobby of Yosemite Lodge, and in the mezzanine of The Ahwahnee.
Free TTY phone kits are also available for guests to take to their rooms at
Yosemite Lodge and at The Ahwahnee. The Wawona Hotel has TTY phone kits
to use in conjunction with the phone in the manager’s office. Curry Village has
kits, too, which include smoke alarm, light flasher doorbell and shake-awake, but
have no phones in the room in which to use a TTY device.

• TTY general park information


o 209/372-4726
• TTY Yosemite lodging reservations


o 559/252-2846
• TTY Yosemite campground reservations
o 877/833-6777


Using a TTY, deaf callers can also dial 711 for free relay service, which provides
an operator to assist people who are deaf in making calls to voice-only numbers.

Post Offices
See Yosemite Guide for post office locations in the park. The main post office
(located in Yosemite Village) has accessible parking and a letter-drop box behind
the building. Enter from the service road just north of the Degnan’s Deli off
Village Drive.





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Health Concerns

Weather
Temperatures in Yosemite vary widely depending on season, elevation, and time
of day; they can change rapidly and unexpectedly. Summer daytime
temperatures usually range from the 90s in Yosemite Valley and Wawona to the
70s in Tuolumne Meadows; nighttime lows usually range from the 50s in
Yosemite Valley and Wawona to the 30s in Tuolumne Meadows. Snowy, rainy,
or even sunny days are possible in winter, with daytime highs in Wawona and the
Valley ranging from the 30s to 50s and lows, in the upper 20s.

Pay attention to the weather, and be aware of extreme temperatures. Dress
appropriately for the season (in layers, if possible); bring rain gear. Carry and
drink plenty of water, and take rest breaks during physical activity.


Elevation
Yosemite Valley is 4,000 feet above sea level. Outside the Valley, elevations
range from 2,000 feet to nearly 10,000 feet above sea level. In southern
Yosemite, Glacier Point is at 7,214 feet; Wawona is at 4,000 feet; and the
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias ranges from 5,600 feet in the Lower Grove to
6,600 feet in the Upper Grove.

Maximum elevation on roads entering Yosemite Valley:
Approach
Road
Highest Road Elevation
From South
Wawona Road via Hwy 41 N
6,039 ft at Chinquapin
From West
Big Oak Flat Road via Hwy 120 E 6,192 ft at Crane Flat
From West
El Portal Road via Hwy 140 E
4,000 ft at Yosemite Valley
From East
Tioga Road via Hwy 120 W
9,945 ft at Tioga Pass
(June to Nov)

Smoke and Fire
In Yosemite, fire is natural and important for maintaining healthy forests, and
smoky skies are possible in spring, summer, and fall. Wildland fires—often
ignited by lightning—generally are allowed to burn. Trained fire crews use
prescribed burns to clear unnatural build-up of plant material in developed areas.

Campgrounds also can be very smoky. To improve air quality in Yosemite Valley
during crowded months, campfires are limited to the hours between 5:00 p.m.
and 10:00 p.m., May 1 through October 1. There are no time restrictions during
the rest of the year (however, campfires must always be attended).


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Visitors with respiratory conditions should call 209/372-0200 (press 3, then 5 to
speak with a ranger during business hours on weekdays), or visit the park’s web
site (www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/firemanagement.htm) for a fire update.


Medical Facilities
In Yosemite
The Yosemite Medical Clinic is in Yosemite Village. Services include a limited
pharmacy, a laboratory, X-ray services, and physical therapy. Hours of operation
vary seasonally, but emergency and paramedic/ambulance services are
available 24 hours a day. The rear emergency entrance is accessible to
wheelchairs.See Yosemite Guide or call 209/372-4637.


Outside Yosemite
The hospitals nearest to Yosemite are located in:
• Mariposa (west of the park, off Highway 140)
• Oakhurst (south of the park, off Highway 41) Urgent Care facility ONLY.
• Mammoth Lakes (southeast of the park off Highway 395; not accessible
from Yosemite in winter)

Hospitals outside Yosemite with a range of services include:
Northern Inyo Hospital
Oakhurst Community Medical Center
150 Pioneer Lane
(Urgent Care only)
Bishop, CA 93514
48677 Victoria Lane
760/873-5811
Oakhurst, CA 93644

559/683-2992
Mammoth Hospital

185 Sierra Park Road
John C. Fremont Hospital
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
5189 Hospital Road
760/934-3311
Mariposa, CA 95338

209/966-3631
Mercy Medical Merced Community

Campus
Tuolumne General Hospital
301 East 13th Street
101 Hospital Road
Merced, CA 95340
Sonora, CA 95370
209/385-7000
209/533-7100


Valley Children’s Hospital
Sonora Regional Medical Center
9300 Valley Children’s Place
1000 Greenley Rd.
Madera, CA 93638
Sonora, CA 95370
559/353-5150
209/536-5000


Madera Community Hospital
Doctors Medical Center
1250 Almond Avenue
1441 Florida Avenue
Madera, CA 93637
Modesto, CA 95352
559/673-5101
209/578-1211

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Staying in and near Yosemite

When reserving campsites or lodging, describe specific needs and ask
for full descriptions of facilities and services.


Camping

Reservations
Seven of Yosemite’s 13 campgrounds are on a reservation system. Campsites
may be reserved through the National Recreation Reservation Service by
phoning 877/444-6777 in the United States and Canada or 518/885-3639 from
outside the United States and Canada. TTY users may dial 877/833-6777. To
reserve a campsite online, visit http://www.recreation.gov. Phone and online
reservations may be made using Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or
Discover cards. For more information on camping, see
www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/camping.htm. The Valley Campground
Reservation Office is in the Curry Village parking area and is wheelchair-
accessible. Visitors with Access Passes receive a 50 percent discount on
camping in Yosemite. (Pass holders must give their number when making a
reservation and present the card upon check-in.)

Camping in Yosemite Valley
Three campgrounds in the Valley offer accessible campsites, suitable for
wheelchairs. Lower Pines includes sites #7, 13 (with a raised tent pad), 14, 18,
and 20. Upper Pines includes sites #21 (with a raised tent pad), 27, and 42.
North Pines includes sites #111, 113, and 119 (with a raised tent pad). All sites
mentioned have accessible fire rings and picnic tables with extended tops.
Electric power to charge a wheelchair can be found at Lower Pines accessible
site #14.

Camp 4 walk-in campground (first-come, first-served) has a dirt access route
leading to many level sites; however, none is designated accessible and there
are no designated accessible parking spaces. The restroom is accessible.

Camping Elsewhere in Yosemite National Park
Plans are underway to make sites at campgrounds outside Yosemite Valley
accessible. Crane Flat and Wawona campgrounds should have accessible sites
available in the spring of 2009.

Camping Outside Yosemite National Park
Campgrounds, some of which might be accessible, are available in areas outside
Yosemite; see www.yosemite.com/tripplan/camping.html. For more information,
call the National Recreation Reservation Service (877/444-6777); or visit online
at www.recreation.gov.

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Lodging
Guest lodging in Yosemite is provided by DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc.
Reservations are recommended (call 801/559-5000 or TTY 559/252-2846; or
visit online at www.YosemitePark.com). See Yosemite Guide for hours of
operation. Describe specific accessibility needs, so that an appropriate room may
be offered. Some Valley lodging facilities have a kit for deaf visitors with a TTY,
light flasher smoke alarm, light flasher doorbell, and shake-awake.

Lodging in Yosemite Valley
The Ahwahnee has four fully accessible hotel rooms, four partially accessible
hotel rooms and two fully accessible cottages. The ground floor of the hotel has
an accessible passenger-loading zone, 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 elevator. Walkway
surfaces are paved; the covered approach to the front door is wood planking.
Valet parking and designated parking spaces are available.

Yosemite Lodge has five accessible hotel rooms with accessible bathrooms and
showers. The front lobby and tour desk are accessible by ramp (at the west end
of the front complex) leading to the covered walkway into the lobby, and from a
ramp at the east end of the registration building. Accessible restrooms,
restaurants, and gift shops are available. An outdoor, accessible amphitheater
offers evening programs spring through fall. Most walkways are paved.
Designated parking spaces are available near the registration building.

Curry Village has two accessible cabins with bathrooms, one accessible hotel-
standard room, six accessible cabins without bathrooms and 12 accessible
canvas tent cabins (four with heat). Accessible shower and restroom facilities are
nearby for accommodations that do not have private bathrooms. Walkway
surfaces are asphalt and connect to all major services. The dining pavilion,
grocery/gift shop, pizza patio and bar, and mountaineering shop are accessible.
An accessible outdoor amphitheater offers evening programs spring through fall.
Designated parking spaces are available.

Housekeeping Camp offers 3-sided canvas structures with beds, a place to
prepare meals, and a concrete patio with a picnic table; linens are not provided
but can be rented, and laundry facilities are available. Walkway surfaces include
asphalt and sand. An accessible restroom and shower are located in Section H.

Lodging Elsewhere in Yosemite National Park
Currently, no accessible lodgings are available at Tuolumne Meadows, White
Wolf, or Wawona. For updates, call DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite at
801/559-5000 or TTY 559/252-2846, or visit online at www.YosemitePark.com.



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Getting Around Yosemite

Shuttle Buses
Free accessible shuttle buses operate in several areas of the park (for more
information, see Yosemite Guide, or call 209/372-1240). The buses have
wheelchair lifts and tie-downs. Bus drivers can help passengers on and off buses
or notify them of stops. Ask for assistance.
• Yosemite Valley: throughout the Yosemite Village area (year-round) and
to El Capitan Bridge and Tuolumne Meadows (summer only).
• Wawona: from the Wawona Store & Pioneer Gift Shop to the Mariposa
Grove of giant sequoias (summer only)
• Tuolumne Meadows: from Olmsted Point to Tioga Pass (summer only)

Note: Shuttle service is not available from the Valley to southern Yosemite,
including Wawona.

Sightseeing by Car
Many of Yosemite’s fine views and points of interest can be seen from park
roads. Sightseeing guidebooks and other information are available at park visitor
centers and retail outlets and can be purchased online from the nonprofit
Yosemite Association at www.yosemitestore.com.

Tours
Fee-based, open-air Valley Floor trams run within the Valley. Fee-based
enclosed motor coaches make trips from Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne
Meadows, Glacier Point, and Grand Tour (includes the Valley, Glacier Point and
the Mariposa Grove). Accessible tour vehicle for the above trips can be made
available by prior arrangement. Contact DNC Parks & Resorts at the Yosemite
Lodge tour desk, at Curry Village tour desk or at Yosemite Village tour desk
(summer only). Call 209/372-4386 for schedule and fare information. Tours
depart from Yosemite Lodge. Call 24 hours in advance to reserve a space.

Trail Rides (seasonal)
Stables in Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and Tuolumne Meadows offer trail rides.
They can tailor rides to specific needs; call at least 24 hours in advance:
Yosemite Valley, 209/372-8348; Tuolumne Meadows (summer only) 209/372-
8427; or Wawona (summer only) 209/375-6502.

The Wawona Stable has an accessible portable toilet, but restrooms at the
Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows Stables are not accessible.





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Learning About Yosemite

Visitor Centers and Museums
Rangers in the park’s visitor centers, wilderness centers, and museums are
knowledgeable about Yosemite and are there to assist visitors. They can provide
personalized services, information, and interpretation about the park.

Ranger Interpretive Programs
See Yosemite Guide for a complete list of ranger activities, which range from
campfire programs and all-day hikes to talks about Yosemite topics. Ask at any
visitor center for details, or visit online at www.nps.gov/yose.

Sign Language Interpretation
In summer and during limited off-season hours, a National Park Service ranger
may be available to provide American Sign Language interpretation for ranger
programs. Please make individual or group reservations at least two weeks in
advance. All requests are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Inquire at
visitor centers, or phone 209/372-4726 (TTY). For ASL interpretation on paid
tours, call the Yosemite Lodge tour desk at 209/372-1240.

Assisted-Listening Devices
Ask at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center about assisted-listening devices for
ranger-led programs and tours in Yosemite Valley, Wawona, Glacier Point and
Tuolumne Meadows. Lodging facilities at Curry Village, Yosemite Lodge and The
Ahwahnee have assisted listening devices that are available for interpretive
programs. Guests should contact the DNC Parks & Resorts tour desk at
209/372-1240 in advance to request the device at a program.

Park Publications
Many park publications—including books, maps, and other media—are available
at visitor centers and retail outlets throughout the park, or online at
www.yosemitestore.com.

A version of this accessibility guide is produced in Braille and is available at the
Visitor Center. Park information can be downloaded from Yosemite’s web site
(www.nps.gov/yose), and the font size increased to improve readability for those
needing large-print materials.

Environmental Education
The National Park Service and two nonprofit park partners offer a variety of
environmental education programs for children and adults.

National Park Service: Most educational programs in Yosemite are accessible
to students with disabilities. Yosemite staff members work with teachers and

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