YOSEMITE – A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 3,853,404 visitors to Yosemite National Park in 2012 spent over $378 million in communities near the park. That spending supported 5,162 jobs in the local area. “Yosemite National Park is proud to welcome visitors from across the country and around the world,” said Don Neubacher, Yosemite Superintendent.

YOSEMITE – Half Dome cables day use permits for the 2014 hiking season will be available for reservation starting Saturday, Mar. 1, through Monday, Mar. 31. Permits to hike to the top of Half Dome are required seven days per week and reservations will be distributed via a lottery system. Successful parties will be notified in mid-April. A maximum of ...

YOSEMITE – Yosemite Renaissance is celebrating its 29th year with an exhibit of 49 paintings, photographs, prints and sculptures by 45 artists. Drawn from over 700 entries, this year’s exhibit includes a broad range of works from the representational to the abstract, all interpreting the majesty of Yosemite and the Sierra.

Park also Honors Galen Clark, the First Guardian of Yosemite YOSEMITE – Yosemite National Park has restored the Yosemite Cemetery through a grant from Yosemite Conservancy. To commemorate the restoration, Yosemite National Park and California State Parks will conduct a dedication ceremony. The ceremony will also celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Galen Clark, the first Guardian of ...

YOSEMITE – NatureBridge, the largest residential environmental education partner of the National Park Service, opened registration for the Summer Field Research Course at its Yosemite campus. This two-week immersive backcountry expedition will give participants the opportunity to conduct rigorous field science investigations in one of the most iconic national parks in the country.

YOSEMITE – Golfing and horseback riding in Wawona and skating in Curry Village will remain a part of the Yosemite experience, according to the latest news release from Yosemite National Park. On Friday, Feb. 14, the Park announced the release of the Merced Wild and Scenic River Final Comprehensive Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS): “This plan will protect ...

MADERA COUNTY – The lack of snow and the cost of insurance for a very short season has forced the cancellation of this year’s Mountain Area Ski School (MASS) program. “It is with great displeasure that we announce that the MASS season of 2014 will have to be cancelled,” said organizer Matt Casey in an email to volunteers. Casey says ...

YOSEMITE – The first Youth in Yosemite Short Film Contest has announced its winners for 2014. “We received a wide array of entries celebrating Yosemite from many different perspectives and through unique film styles,” say organizers. “Judging is always exciting and of course, a very difficult task, and we thank everyone who participated as a judge and honor all of ...

YOSEMITE – Yosemite National Park Ranger Aaron Smith received the Pacific West Region Harry Yount Award, given annually for excellence in “rangering.” Smith was recognized for his overall impact, record of accomplishments, and excellence in traditional ranger duties. He will be considered, along with six other National Park Service regional award winners, for the National Harry Yount Award.

YOSEMITE – Yosemite National Park’s Badger Pass Ski Area opens for downhill skiing on Saturday, Feb. 8, after the recent storms in Yosemite National Park. The free shuttle to and from Badger Pass from Yosemite National Park lodges will begin service on opening date.