I am really fascinated with seeing our nearby waterfalls while they are roaring with their spring melt and I was in need of a good workout, so I headed up to Yosemite to hike along the Panorama Trail where I could view 4 of these famous waterfalls. And I had a couple of surprises along the way . . . ...

By C. Lee-Roney, NPS YOSEMITE — Highway 140 between Crane Creek and Parkline has become a killing zone for thousands of California tortoiseshell butterflies. This species emerges in spectacular numbers in some years (last in 2010), and is thought to be the source of Mariposa County’s name, which is Spanish for butterfly. Please help minimize the number of butterflies killed by ...

YOSEMITE — With record snow pack this year, rivers are running very fast and cold, posing a potential danger to park visitors. Authorities are asking people to stay a safe distance from rivers during spring runoff, which is expected to last several more weeks. On Thursday, May 25, Yosemite National Park Rangers conducted a Swiftwater Rescue Training and Water Safety Day on the ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — Good news for anyone who has experienced delays recently on Highway 41 associated with the massive tree removal project that began last fall. After taking out 15,179 trees at a cost of $5.7 million, Caltrans spokesman Cory Burkarth says the hazard tree removal along the Highway 41 corridor north of Oakhurst will cease for the season. The last day for tree ...

Planning your next vacation? While having fun in the sun, consider these five tips to make sure your trip is a healthy one. Avoid Tanning, Be Sun Safe Thinking about getting a “healthy tan” over vacation? Think again. Any increase in skin pigment (called “melanin”) is a sign of damage. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause wrinkles and dark ...

YOSEMITE — Yosemite National Park anticipates an extremely busy Memorial Day weekend, with high visitation from Friday, May 26, until Monday, May 29. Visitors are encouraged to arrive at Yosemite before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Once in the park, visitors are urged to park their vehicles at the Yosemite Village, Yosemite Falls or Half Dome Village parking areas ...

YOSEMITE — Join members of Yosemite Audubon as they spend time on foot looking for woodpecker species, raptors, dippers, swifts and warblers, covering approximately two miles of remarkably diverse habitat in Yosemite National Park. The event takes place on Saturday, May 20, in Foresta, also known as Big Meadow. The group will meet in El Portal at 7:45 a.m. and make stops along the ...

The Merced River had reached flood stage, gently spilling its banks into areas within Yosemite Valley. Waterfalls were reacting from our recent heat with a display that we hadn’t seen in years. And, on top of that, the dogwoods were blooming. How could I resist a trip to Yosemite Valley to check it all out? Where: Yosemite National Park Distance: ...

YOSEMITE — Park officials have announce the closure, for one night only, of Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120) into Yosemite National Park. The closure will be in effect from 9 p.m. on Monday, May 15, to 5 a.m. on Tuesday, May 16. Officials say this closure is necessary for paving on the roadway, which was severely damaged in late ...

MADERA COUNTY — YARTS buses will start rolling up Highway 41 to Yosemite National Park starting Monday, May 15, thanks to funding from the Fresno Council of Governments (COG) and the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS). Now that YARTS has resumed service on the busy corridor, residents and visitors alike will be able to access round-trip public transportation to and ...