VALLEJO – With winter just around the corner, all visitors to California’s National Forests should continue to plan ahead before visiting and recreate responsibly once there. Early snowfall has already begun on some forests and road conditions will begin to impact access so please ensure that your vehicle is snow ready before you go. Visitors are encouraged to view the ...

For the interactive 360° VR experience, go to https://www.virtualyosemite.org/virtual-tour/#node291 A short distance east of Yosemite, and just beyond the south shore of Mono Lake lies a series of volcanic craters, some as old as 40,000 years, created by rhyolitic eruptions. The newest of these is Panum Crater – believed to have formed only 650 years ago. Panum’s eruptions produced lava ...

The icy 4 Mile Trail led me from the Yosemite Valley floor, starting where the old Leidig Hotel stood back in 1870, up to Glacier Point, full of wonderful views of the snowy high country. Where: Yosemite National ParkDistance: 9.84 MilesDifficulty: Moderate to StrenuousElevation Range: 3,979′ – 7,207′Date: November 16, 2020Maps: El Capitan Topographic QuadDog Hike? No I parked at ...

For the interactive 360° VR experience, go to https://www.virtualyosemite.org/virtual-tour/#node299 With oncoming winter weather and expected snows, Tioga Road was finally closed for the season this past week. Depending on the length and depth of winter snows ahead, it will likely reopen in May or June of next year. When it is open, traveling eastward down Tioga Road from Tioga Pass ...

I can’t resist the way that snow looks contrasted with Giant Sequoias, so I headed up to Merced Grove for a half day. Yosemite National Park has 3 Giant Sequoia Groves and some say that Merced Grove is the least visited. It was a very nice hike down the historic Old Coulterville Road to check out the 20 or so ...

For the interactive 360° VR experience, go to https://www.virtualyosemite.org/virtual-tour/#node305 The first snow of the season in Yosemite can sometimes arrive while fall colors are still on display. Such was the case this first weekend of November, 2020, as seen above in a view from Leidig Meadow. The snow beautifully highlights the textures of the granite peaks surrounding Yosemite Valley, while ...

A storm was on the way that would close Tioga Road but would it close for a short period or for the season? I wasn’t about to miss the opportunity to visit some of the higher country in the Tioga Pass area while I could get there so I headed up to the glacial fed Conness Lakes as they were ...

The free benefit will take effect on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, 2020, and will continue indefinitely, providing veterans and Gold Star Families with unfettered access to the public land and waters for which they fought. “This country is deeply indebted to the dedicated men and women who have served in the military, and to the families of those who made ...

Yosemite National Park – Nov 13, 2020 –  Yosemite is experiencing much needed winter weather conditions, with snow impacting all four wildfires this past week. This will be the final update on the following incidents unless significant change occurs. Road closures are in effect due to weather and snow. Trail closures remain in effect until further notice. Residual smoke may ...

I had a three bear day while I snuck in some exercise checking out fall color on the Yosemite Valley Loop. Yellow Black Oaks and Maples, along with Red Dogwoods reflected along the Merced River! Where: Yosemite National ParkDistance: 12.12 milesDifficulty: EasyElevation Range: 3,869′ – 4,105′Date: November 4, 2020Maps: El Capitan and Hetch Hetchy Reservoir Topographic QuadDog Hike? NoHorseback Trail? ...