YOSEMITE – Three Yosemite National Park employees were honored on July 4th by Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke at the 73rd Honor Award Convocation Ceremony in Washington, D.C. Park Ranger Jesse McGahey, Park Ranger Philip N. Johnson, and Firefighter/Paramedic Nick Bliss received the Valor Award of the Department of the Interior for heroic actions, courage, and professionalism exhibited in ...

YOSEMITE — Compared to this week in 2017 (the lowest year on record for bear incidents), park rangers say bear incidents in 2018 are down by 63% and damage amounts (in dollars) are down by 39%. Compared to this week in 1998 (when incidents in the park peaked), bear incidents in 2018 are down by 99%, and damages are down ...

YOSEMITE — Rangers in Yosemite National Park say Porcupine Flat Campground is open as of Friday, July 6. Located in the northern area of the park along Tioga Road, Porcupine Flat is first come, first served and is $12 per night per site. There is no potable water at this campground. Trailers and recreational vehicles are not recommended. Please call ...

YOSEMITE — Rangers say Bridalveil Creek Campground opened Sunday, July 1. Bridalveil is first come, first served and is $18 per night for family sites. Bridalveil Creek’s three horse camp sites will not be opening at this time due to hazard tree removal. An opening date for horse camps will be announced as soon as they are habitable. Horse camp ...

YOSEMITE — With many people road-tripping to make the most out of the July 4th break and summer vacation, one option has emerged as the most popular and hassle-free way to visit some of the largest trees on earth. Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park recently reopened following three years of restoration. Amtrak San Joaquin train and ...

YOSEMITE — Thanks to the Yosemite Conservancy and the San Francisco Zoo, Yosemite National Park now has the makings of a robust population of California red-legged frogs in Yosemite Valley, after decades of absence. In the early 1950s American bullfrogs were introduced in Yosemite Valley. According to the Department of Fish and Wildlife, American bullfrogs were intentionally introduced into the western United States as a ...

MADERA COUNTY — Caltrans is advising commuters of one-way traffic control on State Route 41 this week, between Avenue 15 and State Route 145, for grinding and paving work. The following day-time one-way traffic control will be in effect, weather permitting: On Tuesday June 26 and Wednesday June 27, segments of State Route 41 between Avenue 15 and State Route 145 ...

I had never hiked to the top of the Devil’s Dance Floor. I had tried but failed last year but we succeeded this year! We headed off trail and reached the top, a huge granite flat rock that looks like an aircraft carrier deck with views of Foresta, Bridalveil Fall and beyond! Where: Yosemite National Park Distance: 8.80 Miles Elevation ...

Everyone I know has been breathing a sigh of relief for the rain that has once again filled our wells and reservoirs, while bracing for the impact of summer sunshine on the landscape. If you haven’t already lined someone up to take care of the weed whacking, you may want to get that on your “to do” list. And while you’re ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — An easy-going group of like-minded, ultra-competent individuals, the Sierra Freepackers unit of the Back Country Horsemen of California (BCHCSFP) is comprised of a small but committed unit of volunteers, currently 50 members strong. Despite their moderate size, the group consistently ranks among the highest per capita for volunteer hours in trail maintenance, public awareness and education, logging ...