“Ramble to the summit of Mount Hoffmann, eleven thousand feet high, the highest point in life’s journey my feet have yet touched.” (John Muir: My First Summer in the Sierra, 1911, p. 199.) We rambled in John Muir’s footsteps but didn’t make it to the top. We did explore around beautiful May Lake, up along the mountain, and even spotted ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Sierra Nevada above 7,000-feet, from Yosemite National Park to Kings Canyon and the Tulare County Mountains. The Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21 through 8 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 22. Heavy snow is possible with total snow accumulations of ...

With so many special events and activities taking place over the next several weeks, we thought it would be helpful to compile a timely list of all the entertainment-related and community-oriented holiday happenings in the mountain area between now and December 25. If we missed anything, let us know and we’ll gladly add it to the Big Local List of ...

YOSEMITE —  As Yosemite National Park officials work to protect bears by reducing the number of incidents between bears and humans, bear activity in Yosemite National Park continues to decrease. Compared to this same week in 2017, the lowest year on record, bear incidents in 2018 are down by 43 percent and damage amounts in dollars are down by 64 ...

YOSEMITE – Yosemite National Park has announced that winter operations in the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias to begin on Friday, Nov. 30. The Mariposa Grove will be closed to automobiles for the winter season beginning on Friday. The Mariposa Grove Shuttle Service also ends for the season on Nov. 30. Visitors can use the South Entrance parking area and ...

YOSEMITE – The Tioga and Glacier Point Roads in Yosemite National Park will close to all vehicular traffic beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 20, due to incoming winter weather. The road will reopen as weather and road conditions permit. This is not necessarily a seasonal closure. A series of winter storms are expected to pass through the Yosemite ...

A weather forecast of 16 degrees and 25 mph winds didn’t deter us from bundling up and heading to the Kuna Crest for my last fishing adventure for this year. Icy creeks led the way to Bingaman Lake where we also met up with some beautiful wildlife. Where: Yosemite National Park Distance: 8.65 Miles Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous Elevation Range: ...

FISH CAMP — The covered ice rink at Tenaya Lodge opens for the season this month, giving skaters the best of both worlds — shelter from the elements, yet still open to the great outdoors — and auspiciously close to bonfire, delicious food and tasty beverages for kids and adults, as well. Tenaya’s sparkling white ice rink measures an expansive 80-feet ...

MADERA COUNTY — As the holiday season begins to draw near, our local Marine Corps League Detachment 1121 members gear up for the annual campaign that has been making Christmas wishes come true for needy children since 1947. Now, the 2018 Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign in Eastern Madera County has begun with the placement of toy donation boxes ...

YOSEMITE — In honor of Veterans Day on Sunday, Nov. 11, the entry fee to Yosemite National Park is waived for all visitors. This fee free weekend is offered to all park visitors in honor of current members, retired members, and reserve members of the United States Armed Forces and their families. The National Park Service has honored Veterans Day ...