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Yellowstone.
There's really nothing quite like it in North America,
and the world for that matter.
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And for most of us we'll never see anything else like it in our lifetime.
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Yellowstone, the first park in the world,
and it is America's Park.
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On this video trip to Yellowstone National Park,
we'll take you on an excursion of sights and sounds you'll never forget.
We'll tell you what makes Yellowstone one of the most unique spots on Earth.
You'll get a brief history of how it became the first national park in the world.
We'll take you on a tour of the park to view some of its amazing sights.
We'll also cover some basic rules for the park.
Then we'll look at a few things you will need to know before you visit,
like what kind of accommodations there are inside the park,
recreational activities, how and when to see wildlife,
how to get there, how to get around, what to expect from the weather,
and a lot more.
But we've got a lot to see and do, so let's get going.
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Yellowstone National Park is a 3,472 square mile expanse of land in northwestern Wyoming.
The northern and western edges of the park spill over the borders into Montana and Idaho.
To give you an idea just how big it is,
you could fit both the states of Delaware and Rhode Island inside the park's 2.2 million acres.
Now that's big!
Also, Yellowstone sits just about on top of another spectacular area,
the Grand Teton National Park, which is the subject of another tape.
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Yellowstone's gentle hilly terrain is set atop a large plateau with an average altitude of 8,000 feet.
The mountain peaks within the park rise to about 10,000 feet above sea level.
The landscapes and climate zones are diverse, ranging from desert-like areas to quiet, rolling green meadows,
to dense lodgepole pine forests, alpine meadows, dramatic wild canyons,
and the most spectacular sights of all, the park's incredible hydrothermal features, unlike any other in the world.
There are only two areas similar to Yellowstone in the world, in Iceland and New Zealand,
but they hardly compare to the dramatic sights found here in Yellowstone.
The park offers more than 10,000 steaming, hot, bubbling, and exploding attractions,
led by the most famous geyser of them all, Old Faithful.
The park is also one of the largest and most diverse wildlife refuges in the world.
All these attractions make Yellowstone one of the most popular parks in the world,
with more than 2.6 million visitors a year.
But before we head off on our park tour, park historian and North District naturalist Tim Manns
will help us take a look at Yellowstone's past.
Most people in the world who are interested in parks and knowledgeable about them
think of Yellowstone as being the first national park in the world.
It was established as a national park by an act of Congress on March 1st, 1872.
This region of the country was one of the last explored, really, in the United States.
In 1872, Yellowstone was a very remote area which had been explored only to a minor degree
by three expeditions in 1869, 70, and 71.
And as a result of those expeditions confirming what had only been rumors
about things like geysers and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Yellowstone Lake,
they confirmed the reality of those things and were impressed enough by what they saw
to go on a campaign, really, some of the members of this expedition,
to convince Congress to set aside this land as a national park, to close it to settlement.
It was all public property at the time but was open to settlement
by people making claims under the Homestead Act.
So Yellowstone became a national park in 1872.
There were no other national parks at the time.
There was no national park service, of course.
So nobody really had any expertise or knowledge about how to operate a national park.
In fact, Congress assumed that operating the park would require virtually no budget at all.
So there was no appropriation to care for it.
A superintendent was assigned but he had no salary.
And in fact, in his five years of service, Nathaniel Langford, the first superintendent,
visited Yellowstone all of twice.
Gradually, Congress provided some funds to hire people to protect the park.
But the people who were hired to do that were not very adept at the job
and there weren't enough of them.
In 1886, the government sent the United States Cavalry to Yellowstone.
They arrived here on August 16th of that year in order to begin the job
of administering and protecting the first national park.
While the Army was here, they built Fort Yellowstone among whose buildings were standing right now.
Beginning in 1891, these buildings were constructed through 1913
as a place for the Army to live and to operate out of while they protected Yellowstone.
Teddy Roosevelt was one of the more famous visitors to the park throughout its history.
When he arrived to dedicate the park in 1903, Roosevelt brought British naturalist John Burroughs with him to win a bet.
Burroughs felt the wildlife of Europe was much heartier, bigger and stronger than the wildlife of North America.
Well, Teddy disagreed and the two made a wager on the proposition.
With a U.S. Cavalry escort, Teddy headed into the park with Burroughs
and the rough rider won his bet.
The natives who have inhabited this area for thousands of years thought of it as a sacred place,
a land shrouded with mystery and filled with spirits.
In fact, even today, this part of the park looks and feels almost prehistoric.
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The Yellowstone region has undergone massive changes during the past two and a half billion years.
Several mountain ranges have heaved upward only to be worn down again by wind and weather.
Ancient seas have covered the area.
What remains is a massive basin underlain by a continuing changing maze of fissures
and drainage systems that reach far below the surface to the Earth's incredible heat.
The results, geysers blasting skyward, hot springs brightly colored by minerals and algae,
massive terraced hot springs, noisy steam vents in the Earth's crust, and gurgling mud pots.
There's so much to see in Yellowstone that you just can't give it justice in a single day.
In fact, give yourself at least three days to make your visit here a memorable one.
Now, the most popular way to get to the sites of Yellowstone is in the comfort of your car or recreational vehicle.
With 370 miles of road in the park, Yellowstone is a motor stream and you have the Army Corps of Engineers to thank.
Park historian Tim Manns explains. You can imagine how inaccessible the place was.
It's mountainous, there are lots of canyons, thermal areas, real challenges for road builders.
But by the time the Army left, Yellowstone had what for its day was a very good road system built by the Army engineers
that allowed people to readily see the major features of the park.
It was the Army, in fact, who just a century ago came up with the idea of what we today call the Grand Loop or the Figure 8 road system.
The major roads of Yellowstone follow a big Figure 8 which, not by coincidence but by design,
happens to go by all the major features of the park, establishing a kind of standard tour of Yellowstone which is still followed today.
The 142-mile Grand Loop is accessible from any of the five main entrances to the park.
Actual driving time is hard to estimate because of the low speed limit, the number of cars, and the fact that the roads are narrow.
If your time in the park is limited, we suggest you pick one of the five general park regions to concentrate on.
Those regions include the Hot Springs area, Geyser Country, Lake Country, Canyon Country, and the Lamar Valley in the northeast.
Okay, now we're here. What do we do? It's a pretty common question, especially for the first-time visitor.
That's what we're about to find out. We're going to take you on a quick road trip to show you some of the sights you can expect to see.
This first tour of the park covers the region from Old Faithful to Mammoth Hot Springs,
and on it you'll see Yellowstone's most spectacular hydrothermal features.
In the southern part of the park, even before you get to Geyser Country, you'll see beautiful mountain scenery,
including the spectacular Moose Falls, the 600-foot deep Lewis River Canyon, Lewis River Falls, and Lewis Lake.
But it's Old Faithful, the world's most famous geyser that most people want to see.
Though you can't set your watch by it, the park rangers use scientific formulas to predict its eruptions, which takes place 21 to 23 times a day.
The area of Upper Geyser Basin and south to Old Faithful is one of the most interesting and renowned in the park.
So, plan your tour to start at the Old Faithful Visitor Center just a few hundred yards from the geyser.
The visitor center can provide you with information and tour maps.
The entire area is a gem that needs to be explored at close range.
Forget the car and just take your time to explore the many geysers,
springs, waterfalls, and emerald pools that cover the landscape of this unique area.
Another popular area is Mammoth Hot Springs near the north entrance.
Here, the earth continues to build the spectacular terraces of calcium carbonate at a rate of two tons per day.
This is a major feature of the park and definitely worth spending an hour or two wondering about.
Self-guided tours are a good way to see and learn the fascinating geology of the springs.
Other sites not to miss in this tour include Obsidian Cliff, a mountainside made of dark volcanic glass crystals.
The Norse Geyser Basin is a favorite area for viewing a great variety of thermal activity.
Elk Park, between Norse Junction and Madison Junction, is the best place to view the regal elk.
National Park Mountain, a trip down Firehole Canyon Road where you can see the beautiful and warm water Firehole Falls,
the Lower Geyser Basin, Fountain Point, Clipsedra Geyser, Firehole Lake Drive,
which takes you by Yellowstone's most powerful geyser, the Great Fountain,
and the Madison River is one of the best trout fishing streams in the world.
The area from Mammoth Hot Springs to Tower Junction and the canyon area
covers the next logical tour region, the northeastern part of the park.
The most dramatic site in this region is the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
You can stand on the rim of the canyon and see the river that made it 1,000 feet or more below.
You'll find awesome cascades of plunging water at the Lower Falls and at the Upper Falls.
There are two excellent areas for viewing bison, elk, deer, moose, and other wildlife in this region,
the Lamar Valley between Tower Junction and the northeast entrance and Hayden Valley along the Yellowstone River
between the canyon and Yellowstone Lake.
Watch for these other sites on this tour, Mud Cauldron, Mud Volcano, and Mud Geyser north of Yellowstone Lake,
the panoramic view from atop Mountain Warshburn, a petrified forest on Specimen Ridge,
yet another spectacular waterfall, this one 132-foot Tower Falls at Tower Junction,
the odd overhang of Yellowstone Cliff, the needle, a thin rock spire sculptured by ages of erosion,
Roosevelt Lodge, built at the site of the Rough Rider, Teddy Roosevelt's Yellowstone encampment.
The lake area in Yellowstone means one thing, the clear, cold, and impressive waters of Yellowstone Lake,
North America's largest mountain lake, 20 miles from the north to the south, 14 miles from east to west.
Yellowstone Lake covers 136 square miles and has 110 miles of shoreline.
Its average depth is 139 feet, but there are parts that exceed 300 feet in depth.
This tour takes you from the east entrance to the park around the northern shore of the lake to the West Thumb area.
Drives along the shoreline are unforgettable.
The Bay Bridge Marina, Lake Village, and Grant Village on the northern and western shores of the lake
provide complete commercial visitor services.
Other sites to look for in the tour of the lake area include the famous fishing bridge where the lake pours into the Yellowstone River.
Now, while visitors can't fish from the bridge, they can see one of the best trout spawning shows anywhere.
Lake Butte overlook, a worthwhile side trip just east of the Yellowstone Lake to see one of the park's most spectacular views.
A final note for you drivers out there, the roads in Yellowstone are being rebuilt section by section,
so you'll experience some road closures when you are there.
Just check with a visitor center or ranger station for road closure schedules.
Remember, when you tour the park, stop often, savor the sights and sounds,
read about the geology, the habitat, the wildlife, and the environment, and enjoy the vestus that lay before you.
The National Park Service puts out a great wealth of information to make your grand tour enjoyable and informative.
Part of that information includes rules, regulations, and precautions to be taken in the park.
All of the park's wildlife should be considered just that, wildlife.
Don't approach, harass, or feed the animals, even the small ones.
Now, these animals are fast.
A bear, for example, can run up to 30 miles per hour, faster than the world record holder in a one-heart yard dash.
And bison are even faster, and those horns can do a lot of damage, so please be careful.
If you vacation with a pet, keep it on a leash while in the park.
Pets are not allowed on the park trails, in the backcountry, or on the boardwalks.
The hot springs in the geyser area pose a significant danger to those who stray from the designated trails and boardwalks.
These areas are fragile and unstable, as well as dangerous, and the waters are boiling hot.
Boating and fishing in the park are by permit only. Check in with any ranger station for permits.
Camping and fire building are permitted only in designated areas.
If you plan a backcountry trip, obtain a backcountry permit and discuss your plans with a ranger.
Follow these three basics about backcountry treks.
Hike with at least one other person.
Always register at the trailhead before assaulting the trail, and learn how to store your food in bear country.
Here's North District Park Ranger Steve Fry.
Proper storage means essentially keeping that food and garbage away from, or out of the reach of, bears.
In the backcountry, that means hanging your food and your garbage a sufficient distance above the ground
to include its accessibility to bears.
In frontcountry, campgrounds, that means storing your food and garbage inside your vehicle.
Off-road traveling is not allowed in the park.
The speed limit throughout the park is 45 miles per hour and lower in some posted areas.
Use the pull-outs to stop along the way for sightseeing and keep an eye out for bicyclists and hikers along the roadways.
Yellowstone's fantastic geologic features are matched only by the rich diversity of wildlife throughout the park.
Quite literally, Yellowstone is the country's largest single wildlife preserve.
Remember, we are only visitors to the park.
The wildlife is to be seen and appreciated from a distance.
For you wildlife enthusiasts, one of the best times to visit the park is in the spring, when you can see the cute, newborn animals.
If you do plan to visit in the spring before Memorial Day, call ahead for information on weather and road conditions and bring your bug spray.
Mosquitos hatch in the spring, but they usually are gone by mid-June.
The fall is an exceptional time to visit the park.
This is the time of the rut or mating season.
To hear the elk bugle is truly an experience.
Though Yellowstone is noted for its diversity of wildlife, it seems to be most noted for its bears.
During our tour of the park, we ran across famous wildlife cinematographer, Gordon Eastman, and an associate as they were filming a grizzly in action.
He's over here.
Okay, there's an elk right here, beneath this tree.
He's coming right over behind the elk.
This is going to be interesting, what that elk does.
Stop her down. Put it between.
What, you want it between 16 and 11?
I'm right on 16.
Oh, he isn't running full bore. He's just trying to run that cow off.
Yep.
Is he going to look back where her calf is?
She'll stop and look back and try to look right at her calf.
Well, I got her run off. Yep, there she is.
He was looking for a calf is what he was looking. Now watch, he'll go back and he's going to go back, isn't he Ron?
Yeah.
And check out for a calf.
Yeah.
He's looking for a calf to kill.
He's going to inspect that whole ground.
Isn't that amazing?
This is the kind of sequence that when you're a wildlife photographer you really get excited about.
Check with park rangers to find out the best time and places to see the wildlife you're interested in during your visit.
Here are a few general recommendations from the park service.
As we said before, early morning and late evening are the best times to spot wildlife during the summer.
For moose, Hayden Valley between Fishing Bridge and Canyon and Pelican Creek east of Fishing Bridge.
For bison, the Hayden Valley.
For waterfowl, the Yellowstone River in the Hayden Valley.
For elk, bison, pronghorn, and coyote, the Lamar Valley.
For bighorn sheep, Mount Warshburn.
For elk and moose, Midway and Upper Geyser Basin and the Lewis River area near the south entrance.
For mule deer, the Old Faithful Lake and canyon areas and the region between the north entrance and tower junction.
And speaking of wildlife watching, we bumped into Gordon Eastman again.
This time they were filming bison cautiously crossing a stream.
There's been more injuries and more fatalities by the bison.
Yep. That one that's smelling the water, he's next.
All bulls. It's a bull convention.
You notice the other one waiting, just patiently like they got a pecking order of where they belong in that line.
And they probably do.
No, he's not allowed to go until the other one goes.
Pretty hesitant there.
Look at his tail.
The minute his tail goes straight up, they go.
Look at that one switching, see. I don't like this business.
Switch my tail back and forth.
Feel for the bottom.
It isn't there.
Does nose right down in there.
Trying to smell the bottom.
Now the tail goes up and he goes.
Little thing that's kind of interesting.
The bison weren't the only cautious ones.
Gordon and the crew commented that when they found bison, they preferred to be on the opposite side of the river from them.
The animals, they said, were unpredictable, dangerous, and fast, despite their docile look.
Now here's an example of a terse getting too close to be safe.
Yellowstone offers its visitors plenty of recreational activities.
Here's a rundown of what you got to choose from.
Bus tours whisk you through the park, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Hop on one of the many tour boats that ply the frigid waters of the Yellowstone Lake.
Guides highlight the points of interest and help you spot wildlife along the shores.
And for those who feel like stepping back in time, Stagecoach rides originate from Roosevelt Lodge
and take you through the park like it was done a century ago.
For the slightly more adventurous, saddle up at one of the three stables located at Roosevelt Lodge,
Mammoth Junction, and Canyon Junction for a few hours of horseback riding.
Yellowstone is cobwebbed with more than 1,000 miles of trails, providing rich outdoor experiences for all level of hikers.
The more popular areas in the park have self-guided nature trails.
Bicycling is permitted on public roads in the park, in parking lots and along designated routes.
But bikes are prohibited on the backcountry trails and boardwalks.
We strongly recommend wearing helmets and high visibility clothing,
since the roads are narrow, winding, and have no shoulders.
Boating is permitted on several lakes inside the park.
However, you must obtain a permit for any type of boating.
Our boats are a lot of Yellowstone and Lewis Lake, and there are speed restrictions in some areas.
All river streams are closed to boating, with one exception,
the portion of the Lewis River between Shoshone and Lewis Lake.
Boats can be rented at Bridge Bay and Grant Village.
Fishing in the park is like a dream, but fishing regulations within the park are stringent.
Many areas are catch and release or fly fishing only, and live bait is strictly prohibited.
You can rent both tackle and boats, plus guides and group fishing boats are available.
As you can see, Yellowstone Recreation isn't just limited to warmer months of the year.
Winter recreation fans can find some of the best snowmobiling,
cross-country skiing, and winter camping in the country in Yellowstone.
The roads within the park are maintained during the winter,
providing excellent access to this scenic winter wonderland all year round.
And for the hearty, combine your skiing or snowmobiling with bracing winter camping,
a sport growing in popularity in this region.
Snow coach bus tours are available in the winter on a regular basis,
either from West Yellowstone or Old Faithful, inside the park.
Meals and lodging are available at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge throughout the winter months.
Other winter accommodations are available outside the park in West Yellowstone, Gardner, and Cook City.
There are plenty of recreational activities, lodging, restaurants, and scenery available to travelers
on the way to and from the towns and areas surrounding the park.
You'll need to contact the state and local tourism office for more detailed information,
but here's a quick look at the nearby towns.
Cody, Wyoming, at the east entrance to the park is a slice of the Old West,
an hour's drive through the beautiful Wapiti Valley.
Cody has something for everyone, including plenty of restaurants and motels,
a nightly rodeo in the summer,
and the Buffalo Bill Historical Center with four museums in one building,
the Buffalo Bill Historical Museum,
the impressive Whitney Gallery of Western Art with its Remington's, Russell's, and more,
the Plains Indians Museum,
and the Winchester Firearms Museum.
This is a great place to spend a rainy day or even a few hours on a spectacular western sunny day.
The Montana communities of Silver Gate and Cook City sits just outside the park at the northeast entrance.
The Cook City General Store is worth a visit, almost like stepping back in time.
Red Lodge, Montana is about an hour away from this entrance.
This scenic area offers every conceivable outdoor activity,
hunting, fishing, camping, whitewater sports, dude ranching, and great sweet rolls.
The community of Gardner, Montana, just outside the north entrance to the park,
has a full range of recreational activities, lodging and restaurants available to the traveler.
The rustic town of West Yellowstone guards the west entrance to the park.
For the western adventure, West Yellowstone has lodging, restaurants, outfitters, guides, and other activities.
The south entrance to the park is through the Grand Teton National Park.
Remember, you can visit both parks for the price of one.
Well, this about wraps up the first part of our video trip to Yellowstone National Park.
Now we're going to share some information with you to help make your trip to Yellowstone easier and a lot more fun.
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Most people who visit Yellowstone drive there in the family car or recreational vehicle.
Major park roads are usually open from early May through the end of October,
but adverse weather conditions can delay the openings and step up the fall closing dates.
If you plan spring or fall visits to the park, call first to make sure the roads are open.
During the winter, roads are kept open for automobiles from the north entrance to Mammoth Hot Springs
and to Cook City, Montana, near the northeast entrance.
However, snowstorms can close these roads at any time.
United Express and other commercial air service fly year-round to all cities in the Yellowstone area,
including Cody and Jackson, Wyoming, Idaho Falls, Idaho, Bozeman and Billings, Montana.
Air service is available to West Yellowstone, Montana from June to early September.
Rental cars are available in all five cities served by year-round commercial air service.
Bus service is available year-round to West Yellowstone and to Gardner, Montana.
The level of service varies with the season.
Commercial bus service is available to the park daily during the summer months from Cody and Jackson, Wyoming.
There are also easy-to-follow road signs located at all junctions throughout the park.
Inside the park, hotels, lodges and cabins offer a variety of settings and price ranges that nearly all visitors can enjoy.
There are a few general guidelines to follow to ensure a hassle-free vacation.
Reservations are a must and should be made well in advance of your arrival through TW Recreational Services,
which operates all the facilities within the park.
Confirmation of accommodations will not be sent until a deposit for the first night for each hotel you plan to use has been made.
This is handled directly through the central reservation center
and must be made within 14 days of when the reservations are placed.
Cancellations and refunds can be made up to 38 hours prior to your scheduled arrival without losing your deposit.
Here's a quick look at the lodging facilities in the park operated by TW Recreational Services.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins, located at the northwest boundary of the park.
The Roosevelt, another outstanding rustic lodge located at Tower Junction in the north area of the park.
Canyon Lodge, near the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, offers single-story units with private baths and showers.
The Lake Yellowstone Hotel, the Grand Dom of the park, was originally completed in 1891.
The hotel offers suites, high and medium-priced rooms, and nearby cabins with baths.
The Lake Lodge and Cabins offers rustic cabins, cottages with showers.
Grant Village, located on Lake Yellowstone's southwestern shore, offers private baths with showers in every room.
Old Faithful Inn, built in 1903 and 1904, is worthy of a visit, even if you don't plan to stay.
The Old Faithful Lodge has a wonderful view of its namesake geyser.
Guests stay in vintage cabins, with or without showers, at moderate prices.
Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Cabins are the only accommodations available during winter months.
More than a dozen campgrounds are located inside the park.
Campgrounds are open from mid-June to mid-September, and sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Get to your campsites early. Campgrounds usually fill up by midday.
All backcountry camping and fires require special permits, available from park rangers.
The park service is experimenting with the nationwide Tickatron Campground Reservation System for several campsites in Yellowstone and other national parks.
Reservations can be made up to eight weeks in advance through Tickatron.
At least five of the park's campgrounds have dump stations for recreational vehicles.
Madison, Bridge Bay, Fishing Bridge, Canyon Village, and Grant Village.
The LP gas is available in the park at Old Faithful, Grant Village, and Fishing Bridge.
Since most park visitors travel by car, you'll no doubt wear warm weather clothing while in the car.
But remember, the weather in the West can change fast and radically, from sizzling hot to blistery cold, in a matter of a few hours.
During any visit to the park, always bring cold weather clothing, worn in layers or carried in a day pack,
especially if you take a lengthy hike or go out on Lake Yellowstone.
If you plan to hike, make sure you have comfortable, good shoes or boots to avoid blisters and sore feet.
Medical care is available in three locations within the park at these locations.
The Lake Clinic Pharmacy and Hospital, the Old Faithful Clinic, and the Mammoth Clinic.
Emergency help is available by dialing 911.
Before setting off on a long or overnight hike, register with the closest ranger station to the trailhead.
This will help them find you if you don't return on time.
While the crystal clear and icy cold water found in the mountain streams in many national parks may seem inviting to drink,
don't do it. You'll see animals drinking the water, but humans must take several precautions.
Drinking untreated natural water can result in a severe intestinal disorder called GR Diocese.
It can also infect your dog or cat if you're traveling with house pets.
Carried in both humans and animals, deacontamination is common in surface water supplies like lakes, streams, and rivers.
Here are three basic ways to protect yourself from GR Diocese.
The most effective protection is to carry your own water from a known safe drinking water supply.
The next most effective method is to boil water obtained locally for at least a minute at low altitude and three to five minutes at high altitude.
And the least effective method is to filter the water with a high quality filter that can remove particles as small as one micron.
The moderate fee for automobiles and motorcycles entering Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks is good for seven days.
Persons entering on foot, bicycle, or by bus are each charged the same fee for a seven-day entrance permit.
For travelers who may be visiting one or more parks or other federal recreational facilities, there are five special passes available.
The Golden Eagle Pass is an annual entrance pass to all national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and wildlife refuges.
The Golden Age Passport is a lifetime entrance pass to all of the same facilities for people who are 62 years of age or older.
The passport also provides a 50% discount on federal use fees inside the facilities.
It does not cover fees charged by private concessionaires.
The Golden Access Passport is a similar lifetime entrance pass for persons who are blind or permanently disabled.
This passport also provides for the 50% discount on federal use fees, but does not cover fees charged by private concessionaires.
The annual pass and lifetime passports can be purchased by mail or in person from most National Park Service,
U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offices or facilities.
Individual national parks, monuments, historic sites, and recreational areas sell an annual parks pass
which permits unlimited entry at the specific National Park Service facility in which you are interested.
Here are some sources for more travel information.
Well, this about wraps up our look at Yellowstone National Park. Hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.
Thank you for watching.
Thank you for watching.
Thank you for watching.
The Grand Canyon is truly one of the most unique wonders on Earth.
It is a mosaic of inspiring vistas and landscapes of unparalleled beauty, a masterpiece carved by the winds and waters of time.
This is the Grand Canyon of the Colorado, one of nature's finest achievements.
On this video trip, we'll explore the canyon from rim to rim and travel to the depths of the Intergorge.
We'll travel to side canyons and witness the beauty of this natural wonderland that only a few people ever see.
We'll talk a little bit about the history of the canyon and its first inhabitants.
We'll visit the park's most prominent attractions and other popular points of interest.
We'll show you firsthand what to be expecting regarding lodging and camping facilities, the curio shops and tours,
the historic and scenic trails to the inner canyon, the ever-popular mule trips, and the ultimate challenge of whitewater rafting on the Colorado River.
All this and many other activities and services that are available to you when you visit Grand Canyon National Park.
Well, we're burning daylight, so let's get going.
Grand Canyon National Park is located in the northwestern corner of Arizona.
The eastern boundary of the park is almost directly north of the city of Flagstaff.
Flagstaff is almost 78 miles from the park's south entrance.
The south rim of the park is accessed from the east by Route 64.
The east entrance is about 30 miles from the town of Cameron.
If you enter the park from the east, you'll have to follow East Rim Drive about 25 miles before you reach the park headquarters
and the visitor's center located in Grand Canyon Village.
The south entrance to the park is accessed by using Route 64 and 180 and the town of Toussillon.
The south rim gets the bulk of the four million or so tourists that visit the park each year.
The north rim portion of the park is only a few miles from the south rim as the crow flies, but it's a good five hours drive by road.
The north rim is accessed by using East and West Route 89 alternate and then Route 67 south to the north entrance.
Grand Canyon National Park encompasses approximately 1,100 square miles
and includes some of the most diverse geologic and climactic settings you'll find anywhere in the world.
Six of the seven climactic belts recognized throughout the world are represented in the Grand Canyon region.
The canyon floor reveals a lower Sonoran Desert environment while the north rim gives the appearance of southern Canada.
Two different worlds, so to speak, yet only a few miles apart.
The average depth of the canyon is about one mile.
The canyon itself consists of about 2,000 square miles that are stretched out along 277 miles of the Colorado River.
The river descends almost 2,200 feet in that span.
The Colorado is one of the great river systems in the United States.
It's over 1,400 miles long and the area it drains totals nearly 12 percent of the United States.
The Colorado averages 300 feet in width and is up to 100 feet deep and flows at an average rate of four miles per hour.
The Colorado flows west through the Grand Canyon, later bends south and empties into the Gulf of California in Mexico.
With an altitude ranging from 1,200 to 9,000 feet, the Grand Canyon sets the scene for a variety of plants and animals,
each one seeking out a niche within the canyon's fragile ecosystem.
At the lower depths of the inner gorge, you can see some of the oldest exposed rocks on this planet.
The erosion of the Grand Canyon has taken place over 10 million years,
a very small amount of time relatively compared to the age of the rock layers which it has exposed.
The schist rock that we're floating through now is nearly 2 billion years old, half the age of the Earth,
and up on top of the canyon are sedimentary layers which are 250 million years old.
That's a quarter of a billion years old.
So the canyon itself is a very young feature which gives us such irregular patterns of erosion
and the desert climate does not grow lots of vegetation so the geology is revealed.
This vast wilderness of stone was once a gentle sloping plain with a meandering river channeling its way westward.
As pressures within the Earth slowly uplifted the surface, they caused the river to run faster and deeper.
As a result, the channel continued to deepen and the land on both sides began to erode.
Adding to this process was water from heavy rains and melting snows.
Ah, but the work is not finished.
The powerful forces of the river, rain, snow, heat, frost, and wind,
are still carving fantastic shapes of precipitous bluffs and towering buttes.
Scientists estimate that it has taken 3 to 6 million years to carve the greatest canyon of them all,
the Grand Canyon of the Colorado.
Now, let's talk briefly about man's influence on the Grand Canyon.
The Grand Canyon has been home to people for over 4,000 years.
Around 2,500 B.C., the earliest inhabitants of the area left small split-twig figurines in caves of the Red Wall limestone.
These figurines are thought to be a form of hunting magic.
Little else remains to tell us about their lives.
The best evidence of prehistoric man living here dates back to over 1,000 years ago.
People known as the Anasazi built dwellings of stone and mud.
They made pottery, stone tools, and farmed its fertile soils.
Nearly 2,500 archaeological sites have been found at the Grand Canyon, representing occupation throughout the past 4,000 years.
Visitors are reminded that federal law forbids the removal of artifacts or the defacement of these archaeological sites.
All artifacts must be left in their original locations.
Visitors should walk around and not through walls or mounds or lean on them.
Anasazi ruins lay scattered throughout the canyon and can be seen by those who float the river,
by hiking the canyon trails, or by walking along the canyon rim.
Today, five Indian tribes live in the region, the Hopi, Navajo, Havasupai, Paiute, and the Halapai.
The first non-native American to discover the Grand Canyon of Arizona was Don Lopez de Cartanez in the year 1540.
The young captain led a squad of Coronado's Spanish expeditions into the region now known as the Grand Canyon.
The captain was quick to report his dismay of the impassable barrier before him and his men.
But the canyon's beginning fame is without a doubt the result of explorations by Major John Wesley Powell.
In 1869, Major Powell set out with a small expedition party of four boats to run the length of the Green River in Wyoming
and the Colorado to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
During the daring ride, Powell would lose two of his boats,
but he proved the canyon could be explored by those who felt up to the rigors of this extreme and dangerous environment.
The one-armed Major Powell had himself strapped to a chair so he could stay in the boat as they ran the rapids.
It would be difficult to realize Powell's undaunted courage until you experience running the mighty Colorado in one of today's modern rafts.
News of Powell's exploits was widely publicized and led to greater public awareness of the southwest.
Before Powell, this region was largely overlooked by mapmakers.
As the news spread, the potential for the tourism in the canyon area was soon realized.
Around 1880, John Hans, an ex-minor, made some improvements on the existing Indian trails hoping to impress the tourists.
Within a few years, there were hotels and camps scattered from the rim to the canyon floor.
The Santa Fe Railroad built a spur from Williams to the south rim in 1901 and the El Tovar Hotel about three years later.
During the early years, many tried to capitalize on the canyon's scenic wonders, but failed.
Only the Santa Fe and the Fred Harvey Company were able to succeed in the tourist business.
Efforts to preserve the Grand Canyon into a national park began shortly after Yellowstone became a park, but it took nearly 30 years to accomplish.
It was only through the relentless efforts of two presidents, Benjamin Harrison and Theodore Roosevelt, that the Grand Canyon was finally established as a national park in 1919.
There are three major areas of importance for the traveler to consider when planning or visiting
Grand Canyon National Park, the south rim, the north rim, and the inner canyon.
The geographic makeup of Grand Canyon National Park will require little time and travel if you expect to visit both rims.
If you are traveling from the north, we suggest you visit the north rim first, that is, unless you plan to travel back through that area.
The distance by road between the north and the south rim is 215 miles.
If you are traveling to the park from the south or east, we suggest that your first stop be the visitor's center and park headquarters located in Grand Canyon Village on the south rim.
At the visitor's center, you can get current information on the park and all the activities that may be occurring during your visit.
First, we recommend you pick up a copy of the Grand Canyon National Park Guide.
It's free for the asking and it's filled with valuable information.
There are separate guides printed for the north rim. They are limited and only available on request.
When planning your trip to the Grand Canyon, ask for the specific guides to the north and the south rim if you plan to visit both areas.
The guides list all the facilities, services, and activities that are available throughout the park.
There are also maps, pamphlets, books, and schedules available at the south rim visitor's center as well as a fine selection of books for sale.
Park rangers will be happy to answer any questions you may have to make your visit to Grand Canyon National Park safe and memorable.
The museum is also located in the visitor's center.
While you are there, you can see firsthand the old wooden boats that were once used to navigate the mighty Colorado River.
And be sure to take a few minutes and watch the slide program in the auditorium for an informative introduction to the Grand Canyon before you leave the center.
There are two ways to tour the south rim by foot trail and by shuttle bus and the best place to begin is at the visitor's center since it is centrally located.
The walking tour is easy and there's plenty of things to see and do.
The foot trail is paved west to Maricopa Point and east to Grandure Point and the Yavapai Museum.
You can begin your walking tour immediately behind the visitor's center where the Mather Amphitheater is located.
The Amphitheater is the site for many ranger talks, lectures, and photography programs that occur during the tourist season.
For those interested in the daily auditorium schedules, slide programs, and canyon orientations, you should refer to your free Canyon Guide tabloid or inquire at the visitor's center.
Here's a list of the programs that are available.
The spectacle of stone and light.
The Grand Canyon of the Colorado.
Colm and the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon of picture panorama.
And Pressures in Paradise.
These slide and film presentations range from 15 to 25 minutes in length.
We suggest you plan to see as many of them as possible to get the full impact of the Grand Canyon and its historical past.
As we continue walking west, we approach the edge of the south rim and a magnificent view of the canyon unfolds.
This vantage point is known as the Lodge Area.
Here you will get spectacular views of the canyon as well as historic lodges and curio shops.
The historic El Tovar Lodge, built in 1904, is one of the first on the canyon rim, as is the Thunderbird, Cochina, and Bright Angel Lodges.
The Lodge Area is the park center for curio shops and studios.
The Hopi House and Burkamp's Curios are favorite tourist stops, as is the Cold Studio.
The lodges also have gifts and curios available in the lobbies.
If you're looking for a token of the Grand Canyon or the Great Southwest to take home, you'll find it here in the Lodge Area.
At the west end of the Lodge Area is the Bright Angel Trailhead.
The Bright Angel Trail is just one of the many trails that switch back their way to the depths of the inner canyon.
We'll cover the popular hiking trails in more depth a little later in the video.
The paved foot trail continues along the rim from Bright Angel Trailhead to Maricopa Point.
The walk is about one and one-half miles one way, so take along a canteen of water,
because there's no water available on the west rim until you arrive at Herman's Rest, and that's at the end of the loop.
And oh yes, keep in mind, walking and hiking along the canyon rim can be an enjoyable experience,
but you must avoid getting too close to the edge. Footing here can be unstable and extremely dangerous.
As you travel along the rim trail, you'll get plenty of photographic opportunities as you encounter overlooks and historic sites,
and you'll take plenty of film. For those of you who prefer to ride instead of walk,
the west rim interchange is just a short distance from the Bright Angel Trailhead.
The west rim interchange is the beginning of west rim drive.
Here, tourists wishing to see the sights on the west rim can do so by walking or taking the west rim shuttle.
Private vehicles are not permitted on the west rim during the summer months.
A handicapped can get a special permit at the visitor's center.
The shuttles run every 15 minutes between 7.30 a.m. and sunset, and they are free.
The round-trip ride is 16 miles. It's a scenic ride that offers plenty of opportunities to see the canyon from many vantage points.
You may get off at any designated point and walk between points and board a later bus to continue the loop.
The footpath parallels west rim drive. Some west rim shuttle buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and ramps.
Those in need should check at the visitor's center or the west rim information booth for schedules.
Views of the canyon from on the west rim vary with each point.
Trail View Overlook offers an excellent view of Bright Angel Trail as it winds its way to and from the inner canyon.
Maricopa Point, named for the Maricopa Indians, offers a fine view of the gorge,
pre-Cambrian rocks, the oldest exposed rocks, and the greatest stop is Powell Memorial.
The memorial was dedicated on May 20, 1918 to honor Major John Wesley Powell
and his five-man crew for their explorations into the Grand Canyon by boat in 1869.
At Hopi Overlook, you can step into the past as you view the inactive orphan mine.
Hopi Overlook provides east and west views of the canyon and is a popular sunset viewing point.
From Mojave Point, you can see a portion of the Colorado River and the famous Hermits Rapids.
Just five miles beyond Mojave is Pima Point, considered by many to have the finest view of the canyon.
The Colorado River is also visible from Pima Point.
At the end of the rim is Hermits Rest.
Hermits Rest is a log and stone structure.
It was built in 1914 and was named for Louis Boucher, who came to the canyon in 1891.
Boucher operated a copper mine and a small tourist camp near here.
The South Rim Visitor Center is almost centered between east and west points of interest.
For this reason, the center makes an ideal place to begin your tour of the Canyon South Rim.
Now, let's take a quick tour of the East Rim.
The East Rim Drive offers views of the canyon and the Colorado River, as well as numerous others.
The Painted Desert, San Francisco Peaks, Indian Ruins, and the Desert Watchtower among them.
As you travel east, you'll pass Yaqui Point.
Yaqui Point is popular because of the view you can get of Wotan's Throne to the northeast.
Wotan's Throne is a large, flat-topped butte, named by the scientist who made the first topographic map of the Grand Canyon.
Yaqui Point is also the trailhead of the Kaibab Trail.
It is here the Kaibab begins its descent to the Phantom Ranch, located at the bottom of the canyon.
Grandview Point is an elevation than most points along the South Rim.
Receiving more moisture, it supports large stands of ponderosa pine.
Gamble oak, pinyon pine, and juniper.
The trail from Grandview Point leads to Horseshoe Mesa, where Pete Berry laid claim to the last-chance copper mine in 1890.
Moran Point was named for the famous 19th century landscape artist Thomas Moran,
whose impressive works helped convince Congress to establish Grand Canyon as a national park.
Just east of Moran Point is the Tucson Museum and Ruin.
The Tucson Museum features exhibits about the prehistoric and historic Indian cultures which inhabited the Grand Canyon.
A self-guided trail leads you through the 800-year-old Amisazi Ruin that adjoins the museum.
The museum is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
A short distance from the Tucson Ruins is Lippen Point and the Tanner Trailhead.
A nine-mile hike on the trail leads to the Unker Delta.
Along the trail are ruins of the prehistoric Amisazi Islands that date back nearly a thousand years,
as you approach the end of Eastern Point and Desert View.
From Navajo Point, you can get an excellent view of Escalante Butte and the Colorado River.
Desert View encompasses a broad range of scenic vistas, some of which include the Painted Desert,
the Hall of the Navajo Indians, Marble Canyon, Sea Lion, and the Vermilion Cliffs.
Desert View is also the location of the Watchtower.
The Watchtower was erected in 1932.
The tower stands 70 feet high and 30 feet wide.
It has a large observation room on the ground floor and was modeled after an Indian kiva.
The Watchtower provides a panoramic view of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River,
and from its highest point on the South Rim reaches over 7,500 feet above sea level.
Desert View Lookout also has a trading post, general store, and limited RV camping space.
The overlooks on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon number far less than those of the South Rim,
but nevertheless, they are just as beautiful.
Main points of interest on this rim include Bright Angel Point, Point Imperial, and Cape Royale,
each one providing scenic views of the canyon that make the trip to this remote area of the park well worth the visit.
There are daily tours from Grand Canyon Lodge to Cape Royale and Imperial Point.
Tickets can be purchased at the Lodge Desk.
Unlike the South Rim, there is no shuttle bus on the North Rim.
However, there is a daily bus from the town of Toussillon to the North Rim.
Inquire at any Lodge Transportation Desk for schedules.
Music
One of the most popular pastime activities in the Grand Canyon is hiking and backpacking on the rims and canyon trails.
This is one way to experience the canyon's rich beauty and its immense size.
The canyon offers two forms of hiking trails, the rim trails, which are posture,
and the inner canyon trails, which are considerably more physical.
These trails are excellent alternatives to visitors who are not prepared for a physical challenge,
who are accompanied by small children.
For those physically prepared to hike the inner canyon from the South Rim,
there is the Challenge of Bright Angel, South Kaibab, Rim to River, Grandview, and Hermit Trails.
These trails vary in length and difficulty.
Many have side trails to scenic areas and historic sites.
For those visiting the North Rim, there are numerous day hike trails into the canyon.
Popular North Rim trails include Bright Angel Point Trail, Transit, Uncle Jim,
Widforce, Ken Patrick, Cape Royale, Cliff Springs, and last but not least, the famous North Kaibab Trail.
These trails vary in length from a half mile to nine and one half miles one way.
The North Kaibab Trail is the only maintained trail into the canyon from the North Rim.
Trails in the canyon vary in difficulty and can be extremely dangerous.
Hikers should refer to trail guides for specifics before proceeding.
Some trails are only for the experienced desert hiker.
Now for some suggestions for hiking the canyon safely.
Water is the most important item you should carry and drink plenty of.
Eat a good meal before you start your hike and carry plenty of high-energy snacks.
Comfortable footwear is essential. This is no time to break in boots.
Take along a first aid kit. It should contain sunscreen, band-aids, a signal mirror, maps, and a flashlight.
Here's North Rim Ranger Tom Cox.
The other thing you should be thinking about is what time of day you hike in the canyon.
Since you're hiking in a desert environment, you should plan on traveling early in the morning and late in the afternoon
and drinking plenty of fluids and staying very hydrated.
Even if you don't feel thirsty, you're putting out a lot of water from your system.
And if you don't keep up those fluids, then you're probably going to see a ranger under less than ideal circumstances.
Hikers and backpackers should be aware of the symptoms of hypothermia, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke and how to treat them.
It could mean life or death.
If you hike the canyon trails, you'll more than likely encounter mules along the way.
Hikers should remain still and quiet until the mule strings have gone by.
The wrangler will advise you of the proper procedures.
Hiking permits are needed for overnight hiking only. Day hikes do not require a permit.
Reservations or a request for overnight hikes may be sent to this address.
A location guide service and equipment rental is available on the North and South rims.
Contact the South Rim Visitors Center or the Backcountry Office for trail maps, permits, brochures, and guides to hiking safety in the park.
While the crystal clear and icy cold water found in the mountain streams in many national parks may seem inviting to drink, don't do it.
You'll see animals drinking the water, but humans must take several precautions.
Drinking untreated natural water can result in a severe intestinal disorder called geodiasis.
It can affect your dog or cat if you are traveling with house pets.
Carried by both humans and animals, geodia contamination is common in surface water supplies like lakes, streams, and rivers.
Here are three basic ways to protect yourself from geodiasis.
The most effective protection is to carry your own water from a known safe drinking water supply.
The next most effective method is to boil water obtained locally for at least a minute at low altitudes and three to five minutes at high altitudes.
And the least effective method is to filter the water with a high quality filter that can remove particles as small as one micron.
Say, are you looking for a unique vacation treat?
Well, if you are, consider taking a mule trip to the Inner Canyon.
The views are awesome and the experiences, one you'll long remember, I can assure you.
Mule rides are so popular that trips from the South Rim are booked almost a year in advance.
Mule trips to the Inner Canyon from the North Rim are a little easier to get without advance reservations.
Mule trips from the South Rim range from one to three days with overnight stays in the bottom of the canyon at the Phantom Ranch.
Trail rides from the North Rim range from half a day to a full day with rim trail rides available by the hour.
Here's how to make your reservations for your mule trip to the Inner Canyon.
Here's the address and phone number for the South Rim.
And now the address and phone number for the North Rim.
And how about this, the ultimate in excitement and adventure, running the rapids of the mighty Colorado.
This is your chance to see the canyon as few seldom do, from the bottom up.
You are one-on-one with nature and the forces that carve their way a mile deep through granite formations that are over two billion years old.
River Guides will take you to side canyon waterfalls and vistas not seen from the canyon rims.
There are Indian ruins, artifacts, and petroglyphs at the reach of the hand.
And then there is the thrill of running more than 70 sets of rapids that range up to 10 on the scale of difficulty.
Not to mention the hearty aroma of meals cooked over an open fire, sleeping under the stars, and meeting people from far and distant places.
You have this and more waiting for those who dare to challenge the mighty Colorado.
Let's listen to Kelly Smith, a River Guide for Adventures West.
Now today we have it state-of-the-art. We're sitting on nylon neoprene rafts. We have very efficient propane stoves, very good menus, and 15,000 people a year come down here and share this Grand Canyon with us on commercial boating trips.
We have a very excellent safety record. You're safer on this river than you are traveling down the interstates from town to town.
There are numerous river running concessionaires operating on the Colorado River through Grand Canyon National Park.
They provide a variety of river trips and services, including support for private river expeditions.
Most trips are from one day to seven days or more in length.
Trips depart from Lee's Ferry, which is above the canyon entrance.
Partial river rafting trips depart from Phantom Ranch, which is only accessible by hiking down from the rim.
Or you can start your trip from the Bartan Ranch, located near Whitmore Wash at mile 187 on the river.
Guests are flown in by helicopter for three- and four-day flow trips from Whitmore to Lake Mead.
Individuals wanting to run the river without guides must obtain a permit from the National Park Service.
For more information and a list of current concessionaires, contact the Grand Canyon Park Visitor Center or any lodge transportation desk.
The Grand Canyon is home to more than 70 species of mammals, 250 species of birds, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians.
We'd like to caution you while you're in the park that the wildlife seems attractive, and a lot of people like to think that they should feed the wildlife.
Like it if you think about the fact that when the people aren't here, the wildlife has to pretty much exist on its own.
And the National Park is a game preserve where we try to keep the wildlife wild rather than depending upon potato chips and that type of thing for their source of energy.
Also, you might want to walk up and pet a deer, wouldn't really want to recommend that.
First, it's a wild animal. Second, it shouldn't have that kind of human contact.
And third, with their horns and their hooves, they can be somewhat dangerous to you, the visitor.
Helicopter and fixed-wing air tours of the canyon fly daily from Tucson, the Grand Canyon Airport, and other locations in the great southwest.
While you are in the park, reservations can be made at any Grand Canyon Lodge transportation desk.
A list of the air tour operators is also available upon request from the visitor center.
If you prefer to tour a little more down to earth, there are bus tours available in the park to Desert View, Hermits Rest, as well as sunset tours on a daily basis.
Inquire at any lodge information desk or at the visitor center for time schedules.
Camping and our national parks seem to go hand-in-hand, and that's no exception in Grand Canyon National Park.
On the south rim, Mather Campground, located in Grand Canyon Village, is operated by the Park Service until December 1st.
Reservations can be made up to eight weeks in advance through any Tickatron outlet or participating National Park Service area.
You can also check at the campground entrance for daily campsite availability and reservation details.
There are no hookups available at Mather Campground. The campground has 318 tenting and RV sites.
There are 84 full hookup trailer and RV sites available at Trailer Village, located next to Mather Campground.
You can register daily between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or phone this number for further information.
Camping is also available on a first-come, first-served basis at Desert View, located 26 miles east of Grand Canyon Village on East Rim Drive.
The North Rim Campground has 82 sites with no hookups. Showers are available nearby.
The North Rim Campground closes October 22nd. Stays are limited to seven days per season.
Reservations for groups may be obtained by writing to Group Campground Reservations, National Park Service, North Rim, Arizona, 86052.
Now, here's a list of the out-of-park campgrounds. On the South Rim, Camper Village, located in Tucson, and 10X Forest Service Campground, located in the Kaibab National Forest.
On the North Rim, Forest Service Camping is available at Dumont Park Ground, located five miles north of Grand Canyon, at Jacob Lake Campground.
Reservations can be made through Wix-Tix. Jacob Lake Campground and RV Park is located a quarter mile south of Jacob Lake on Highway 67.
There are 80 sites with hookups and 50 tent sites available.
Open camping on the Kaibab National Forest surrounding the Grand Canyon National Park is open to at-large camping.
In-park service campsite reservations may be made 24 hours a day through Tickatron by calling these numbers.
Tickatron accepts MasterCard and Visa.
Now, for those of you who'd rather rough it easy, there are plenty of fine lodges, motels, and cabin sites available in and out of the park.
Here's a list of the in-park lodges located in Grand Canyon Village.
And the Moki Lodge, located just outside the park boundary.
For in-the-park lodging reservations on the South Rim, call or write this address.
On the North Rim, the in-park service is provided by the historic Grand Canyon Lodge. Frontier and Western cabins are also available.
For reservations, call this number.
Out-of-the-park lodging is available on the South Rim in the town of Toussillon.
Toussillon is located just outside the park's south entrance.
On the North Rim, there's lodging at Jacob Lake and the Kaibab Lodge just outside the park.
All lodges have food and beverages, and facilities are open to guests and park visitors.
Reservations in advance are recommended for in-park and out-of-the-park lodging, especially during the summer months.
You know, when it comes to in-the-park services, the Grand Canyon Village has everything a small town would have.
And then some. At the Mather Center, you'll find a bank, post office, and a full-line grocery store.
At Campers Services, there's ice, showers, laundry facilities, and an RV dump station.
A few doors down from Campers Service is the backcountry reservations office and the Grand Canyon Trail Guides headquarters.
There's a telegraph at the park lodge's main office, which also houses the garage with 24-hour emergency service and a mechanic on duty daily.
The village has a health center that provides medical service 24 hours a day, a pharmacy, and even dental service.
An emergency 911 service is available on the North and South Rim of the park.
From lodge or hotel rooms, dial 9-9-1-1.
Most of the in-park services on the North Rim are centered around the Grand Canyon Lodge complex and the North Rim Campground.
There is a general store for provisions and supplies, laundry, showers, and a service station for fuel and propane.
The post office is located in the Grand Canyon Lodge, as is the restaurant and a curio shop.
Religious services are held each Sunday on the North and South Rim.
For mass schedules and interdenominational services and ministries, contact the South Rim Visitors Center.
And when it comes to transportation, there is just about every mode you can think of at the Grand Canyon.
There are taxis, shuttles, tour buses, horses, and even mules, and you can't expect much more than that.
And last but not least, you can rent a car from the Grand Canyon Airport rental desk.
Here are the telephone numbers.
Commercial bus service is available between Grand Canyon National Park and Flagstaff or Williams, Arizona.
Greyhound offers service to these cities from points nationwide.
For more information regarding transportation, contact any hotel or lodge transportation desk.
The climate in the Grand Canyon is the canyon itself.
Visitors should bring rain gear any time of the year.
In winter, you should be prepared for cold, wet weather, even if you are hiking the canyon.
The South Rim elevation is 7,000 feet above sea level and is open all year.
Summer temperatures range from the 80s to the low 50s.
Winter temperatures from the high 30s to minus 10 degrees are common.
Snow can be expected from mid-November to April.
Temperatures are usually moderate in late spring and fall.
The North Rim elevation exceeds 9,000 feet in some areas and is open from late May through October, weather permitting.
Summer temperatures on the North Rim are about five degrees cooler than the South Rim.
During the winter months, Highway 67 to the North Rim is closed and no services are available.
The Rim is open, however, to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
For North Rim weather access, write to the backcountry office at the following address.
The inner canyon is open all year from South Rim access points.
Summer only from the North Rim.
Travel is by foot or mule.
Summer temperatures in the canyon range from the low 70s to excess of 100 degrees.
In the winter months, temperatures range from the mid-50s to the low 30s.
Snow is rare on the bottom, but rain is common.
Pets are permitted in the park, but must be physically restrained at all times.
Pets are not allowed on the trails below the Rim.
The only exception is guide dogs for the blind or deaf.
Kennels are available in the village.
Bicycles are permitted in the park, but only on paved roads or secondary dirt roads.
There are no bicycle rental facilities in the park.
The closest rentals are in Flagstaff, 80 miles to the southeast.
Fishing in Grand Canyon National Park requires an Arizona fishing license.
Licenses are available at Babbitt's General Store in the village.
Tucson and the South Rim of the park is the hub for the out-of-the-park services in the region.
While you're in town, don't forget to stop at the IMAX Theater.
Their shows of the Grand Canyon are a must-see.
But there's a lot more to see and do in the Tucson area,
so for more information on activities and services, contact the Grand Canyon Tour Center in Tucson.
Out-of-the-park services on the North Rim are limited compared to the South Rim.
Most services will be found at the campgrounds and lodges mentioned earlier.
A moderate entrance fee that is good for both the North and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park
is charged all motor vehicles entering the park.
This entrance permit is good for seven days.
Persons entering by foot, bicycle, or by bus are also charged a fee for a seven-day entrance permit.
For travelers who may be visiting one or more parks or other recreational areas during the year,
there are four special annual and lifetime passes available.
The Golden Eagle Pass is an annual entrance pass to all national parks,
monuments, historic sites, recreational areas, and wildlife refuges that charge fees.
The Golden Age Passport is a lifetime entrance pass to all of the same facilities
for people who are 62 years of age or older.
The passport also provides a 50 percent discount on federal use fees inside the facilities.
It does not cover other fees charged inside the park.
The Golden Access Passport is a similar lifetime entrance pass for those who are blind or permanently disabled.
This passport is also good for a 50 percent discount on federal use fees,
but does not cover other fees charged inside the park.
The annual pass and lifetime passports can be purchased by mail or in person
from most National Park Service Offices and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Offices or facilities.
Individual national parks, monuments, historic sites, and recreational areas
sell an annual parks pass which permits unlimited entry to the specific facility.
These passes can be purchased by mail or in person at the national park facility in which you are interested.
Now, here's how to write for a listing of books, maps, and pamphlets available on the Grand Canyon area.
The Grand Canyon.
It's a magnificent example of the forces of nature unfolding before your very eyes.
It's odds-firing vistas that constantly change with the angle of the sun.
It's a wilderness of stone, sculptured by cascading waterfalls,
and a raging river that beckons those who dare to tame its mighty rapids.
There's only one place on Earth like it, and it's here at Desert Southwest.
This is truly the greatest canyon of them all.
This is the Grand Canyon of the Colorado.
The Grand Canyon of the Colorado.
The Grand Canyon of the Colorado.
The Grand Canyon of the Colorado.
The Grand Canyon of the Colorado.
The Grand Canyon.
The Grand Canyon.
The Grand Canyon.
The Grand Canyon.
The Grand Canyon of the Colorado.
The Grand Canyon of the Colorado.
On this video trip, we'll journey throughout Yosemite
and discover its many natural attractions,
from the valley floor to the far reaches of the backcountry.
We'll stand atop towering points
and talk about Yosemite's fascinating formation and geology.
We'll chat a bit about the history of the park,
its patriarch naturalist John Muir,
and the tireless efforts to preserve the area as a natural wonderland.
We'll point out some of the park's premier attractions,
some of the fine accommodations and services both in and out of the park,
what to expect and whether during your visit,
the many species of wildlife you'll see on your way,
the countless recreational opportunities, and so much more.
We'll visit quaint art galleries,
step back in time and tour an ancient Indian village,
talk with a park ranger,
and drink in all of the sights and sounds
that are at the beautiful hinterland called Yosemite.
Your personal guided tour is ready now, so let's get started.
Yosemite National Park is situated on the western flank
of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in east central California.
Easily accessed by four major routes and entrances,
the nearest large city is Fresno, about 65 miles to the southwest.
Highway 41 is the major route leading to the park's south entrance from Fresno.
Another major access route which leads to the park from the San Joaquin Valley
is Route 140 from Merced,
taking you about 67 miles to Yosemite's southwest or arch entrance.
Here, you'll enter the park through a narrow, short archway
carved out of a huge granite boulder.
The west central, or Big Oak Flat entrance,
is accessible via Highway 120 from the town of Mantica
off Interstate 99 east of San Francisco.
From the freeway, the drive is about 110 miles to the park boundary.
Should you be entering from the east,
a breathtaking scenic route from the town of Lee Bining
ever climbs up the eastern face of the Sierra Nevadas
to the Tioga Pass entrance, situated at nearly 10,000 feet in elevation.
All roads into the park provide ready access to Yosemite's major features.
We'll talk about specific directions a little later.
Yosemite National Park, a naturally formed architectural masterpiece,
encompasses 1,189 square miles and is bigger than the state of Rhode Island.
Within its boundaries lie the remnants of one of the most monumental glacial carvings
in granite, geological sedimentation and erosion ever seen on this planet.
Scientists estimate that nearly 500 million years ago,
the process of formation began.
At that time, the Sierra Nevada region hovered beneath an ancient sea.
All sorts of sediments deposited on the ocean floor,
building to depths of thousands of feet.
The lower layers were formed and compressed into rocks
and later slowly raised by the contortions of the Earth
to form a mountain range that ran northeast to southwest.
As the mountains rose, molten rock beneath the surface began to form and expand,
creating the granite that would become the Sierra Nevada.
But the spectacular granite formations and valleys that one sees today
were masterfully carved by huge glaciers,
which began with the advent of the Ice Age about 2 million years ago.
These slumbering glaciers of untold force carved their way
through the canyons of the Merced and the Hecheche.
The ice slipped away and scoured the weaker sections of granite,
but left some of the more solid portions intact.
The end result was U-shaped valleys which were sculpted to reveal
some of the most massive and awe-inspiring domes, rock faces, spires and peaks ever created.
On the valley floors were left wide, lush meadows and deep, cool lakes
when the Ice Age receded 10,000 years ago.
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Another amazing aspect of Yosemite is that there are five major life zones within its boundaries.
Here, a visitor can stand in a grove of live oaks and chaparral at 2,000 feet
in country that looks very much like the foothills of northern Mexico.
Called the Upper Sonoran Zone, this special environment has an intriguing beauty all its own.
On the other end of Yosemite scale is the Arctic Alpine Zone,
situated from 11,000 to 13,000 plus feet,
where the adventurist can gaze upon lofty mountain peaks and serene alpine valleys
that look very much like they could be found in the Alaskan backcountry.
Situated in between are yet three other life zones
with distinct environments that are just as invigorating.
The transition zone, which ranges from approximately 3,000 to 7,000 feet,
is a peaceful place where the wind whispers through stands of ponderosa and yellow pine trees,
where lush meadows and wildflowers carpet the forest floor,
and where sleek Sierra mule deer rest in the shadows of incense cedar and big leaf maple.
Rising yet again up to 9,000 feet, we find ourselves in the Canadian Life Zone of Yosemite.
Following its namesake, this is a zone where the air is thin yet clear,
where the Jeffrey pine and golden aspen of the fall paint a landscape unparalleled by few other mountain retreats.
Here, cool groves of red fir and dainty subalpine plants provide the backdrop for a place of refreshment and renewal.
And if that isn't enough, one can step even higher to 11,000 feet or so
through another of Yosemite's realms, the Hudsonian Zone.
This is Timberline Country, where the earth turns to shale and stone,
where the whitebark pine somehow finds life in the crevice of a boulder,
and where man is but a seasonal visitor.
Yes, all of these special niches can be found within the confines of Yosemite.
As naturalist John Muir once wrote, never before have I seen so glorious a landscape,
so boundless in affluence of sublime mountain beauty.
Now, let's journey back in time a bit and talk about the park's colorful and intriguing history.
People came upon the Yosemite scene about 4,500 years ago, according to historians.
Native Americans of the Miwok ancestry built thatched huts and cedar lodges on the valley floors.
They gathered black oak acorns, hunted the plentiful mule deer, and fished in Yosemite's bountiful streams.
Every summer, they gathered with their neighbors to the east, the Mono Lake Paiutes,
to trade acorns and other items native to Yosemite for pinion pine nuts, obsidian, animal skins, and blankets.
They left little trace of their wanderings and occupation,
and lived in peaceful coexistence with their Indian neighbors and the land.
Though the first sighting of Yosemite Valley by non-Indians was probably made by the Joseph R. Walker Party
as they crossed the Sierra in 1833,
the actual entry into the valley floor by whites wasn't until 1849
when two miners stumbled into the area tracking a wounded bear.
That was the same year of California's famous gold rush,
and soon hordes of miners flocked to the region in search of their fortune.
Conflicts with the Indian people who were bent on protecting their homeland became a common occurrence.
Formed to punish the Natives for their behavior,
a group with soldiers called the Mariposa Battalion entered Yosemite Valley in March of 1851 in pursuit of offenders.
Held in awe of the valley's spectacular beauty and sure they had made an important discovery,
members of the battalion proceeded to name the area Yosemite, from the Indian word meaning
some of them are killers, referring to the grizzly bear which inhabited California at the time.
Though the reports of the wonders of Yosemite by the soldiers caused interest,
it wasn't until 1855 that the first tourist parties arrived.
During these early days, travel was by horseback,
and visitors found their way to Yosemite's attractions via historic Indian trails
which wound their way up the mountain from the San Joaquin Valley.
Soon, hotels and residences were established, orchards were planted,
trails were widened to accommodate stagecoaches, toll stations were built,
and most of the amenities of the day were offered by area entrepreneurs.
The fame of this newfound paradise was spread throughout the land,
and with it came not only multitudes of visitors, but also as so often occurs,
a push for private ownership, exploitation of natural resources, and downright abuse.
With this onset of exploitation and commercial development came a major conservation movement
headed by Galen Clark and none other than the famous naturalist John Muir.
Muir once voiced that the mountain parks and reservations are useful
not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life.
Because of the tireless efforts of Muir and Clark and a handful of other conservationists of the time,
U.S. Senator John Conniss of California introduced a bill that would protect Yosemite Valley
and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in perpetuity.
Thus, on June 30, 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant,
deeding Yosemite and the Mariposa Grove of Sequoias to the state of California as a public trust.
Congress designated Yosemite as a national park on October 1, 1890.
Though the first horseless carriage entered Yosemite illegally in 1900,
it wasn't until 1913 that automobiles were permitted inside the park.
Today, over 360 miles of paved roads and 94 miles of secondary roads await Yosemite's visitors.
And that's not to mention the 800 miles of backcountry trails available.
Over three million people visit Yosemite annually,
attesting to the popularity that few other places on this continent, or in the world for that matter, have.
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Yosemite National Park can be divided into six major areas.
The Big Valleys, Glacier Point Country, Wawona, the Giant Sequoia Groves,
Tuolumne Meadows and the High Country, and the backcountry of the High Sierras.
There's no one particular place to start really, so let's begin with the park's most popular attraction, Yosemite Valley.
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It's probably a good idea to stop first in Yosemite Village at the Valley Visitor Center
and pick up some information that will help us make our stay more safe and enjoyable.
First of all, I'd suggest you pick up a copy of the Yosemite Guide.
It's filled with all sorts of information on the park, including visitor activities, popular attractions, rules and regulations,
the many services and tours available, and a lot of other good tidbits that you'll find very useful.
And the guide is free, but only one per party, please.
Also at the Visitor Center, you'll find maps, pamphlets, a listing of cultural and nature activities,
a widescreen slide orientation program, not to mention a fine selection of books and other aids to help you in your trip planning.
And right next door, I'm sure you'll want to visit the Museum Gallery.
Open through the middle of September, colorful exhibits are on display highlighting works on Yosemite by area artists.
Here also is the Indian Cultural Museum, displaying artifacts and the history of the Miwok and Paiute tribes.
And the very popular self-guiding trail through the Awani Indian Village is a must-stop.
Here, step back into the past as the trail reveals the very authentic-looking lodges and dwellings
of a reconstructed Miwok Paiute village, appearing very much like it would centuries ago.
Another popular attraction in the area is the self-guiding Nature Trail,
which explores the ecological changes which affect Yosemite with the passage of time.
Trail pamphlets may be picked up at the trailhead sign or at the Valley Visitor Center.
Well, I don't know about you, but I'm ready for some serious sightseeing, so let's journey through the incomparable valley.
There are several ways to tour the valley floor by free shuttle bus, by open tram tour, by bicycle, and of course by auto.
We highly recommend the open tram tour.
Not only does it cut down on the valley's traffic congestion,
but you get to explore all the sights and sounds from the freedom of an open air coach,
complete with knowledgeable tour guides and trusty drivers.
Yosemite Valley is home to most of the big domes, cliffs, rock faces, and waterfalls in the park.
Starting at the Visitor Center and traveling west for about a half a mile,
we reach the parking lot and trailhead to lower Yosemite Falls.
It's a short one-quarter mile walk to the base of the falls and well worth the effort.
There are actually two falls here, really, the upper and lower.
The upper fall drops 1,430 feet, separated by a middle cascade of 675 feet,
and followed by the lower fall, which drops 320 feet.
Combined, this cascading giant drops 2,425 feet, making it the highest fall in all of North America.
The most spectacular displays of cascading water can be seen in the spring and early summer,
when runoff is the highest.
As we travel further west through the valley, one can't help but be impressed by the beautiful placid waters
of the Merced River and the wide, lush meadows that adjoin its banks.
Here, you are likely to run across the Sierra Mule deer, feeding at streamside.
But remember, we're visitors here, so keep your distance.
Oh, and by the way, take some time in your valley excursion to stop in the meadows,
relax at one of the picnic areas, and visibly touch all that the Merced River environment has to offer,
not the least of which are some of the most beautiful reflections of towering granite,
verdant forest, and blue sky and water that ever graced the human eye.
Traveling now about three-and-a-half miles from the visitor's center,
we come on truly an incredible feat, El Capitan, the Spanish word for the chief.
This mammoth feature is the largest single granite rock on Earth, spanning nearly 4,000 feet from base to summit.
Rock climbers out the world to test their skills on the face of El Capitan.
If you have a good set of binoculars, you're likely to see them scaling their way inch by inch up the sheer wall.
As we make our loop around the valley floor now, we want to travel just a few miles west of El Capitan
and turn left on the short road that leads us back to Highway 41 and the main artery that heads back to the village.
Near this intersection is the parking lot and trail to Bridal Veil Fall.
Called Pahono by the Awaneechi Indians, which means Spirit of the Puffing Wind,
Bridal Veil Fall plunges 620 feet from the rim above and is one of Yosemite's most famous attractions.
In the afternoon, rainbows from the spray of the fall may be seen from the east end of the Wawona Tunnel.
And speaking of this location, Tunnel View provides one of the most spectacular views of Yosemite Valley.
Once you stand here, you'll readily see why it is one of the most photographed vistas in the world.
Besides good views of El Capitan, Sentinel Rock, and the valley floor, you'll also get a bird's eye view of Cathedral Rocks.
Back on the valley floor now and heading east towards Yosemite Village.
On your right, keep an eye open through the trees for Sentinel Rock.
Looming at over 8,000 feet, Sentinel Rock is an impressive testimonial to the size of the area's rock formations.
You can say, how about this for a treat, especially if you're here on a hot summer day.
The kids will really enjoy a dip in the Merced River or a float down the river on an air mattress or rubber raft.
A popular stop for this activity is below the arched rock bridge north of Curry Village.
Be sure to take the life preservers along if you plan to be near the deeper holes.
Our tour of Yosemite Valley wouldn't be complete without visiting the famed Mirror Lake.
This is a walk-in area only, and the bikes and cars must be left behind.
Well, now that we're back in the Yosemite Village area, let's talk some about the fine accommodations in and around this small city.
Curry Village is located at the southeast end of the valley and is the oldest hospitality establishment in the park.
Offering inexpensive tent cabins, regular cabins, and hotel rooms, Curry Village also features several stores, a hamburger stand, and the Curry Pavilion Cafeteria.
Due north of here across the Merced River and just east of the Church Pole is the famous Awani Hotel, built in 1927.
Designated as a national historic landmark, the hotel offers elegant dining and, in addition, a gift shop, lodging, and a swimming pool for guests.
In Yosemite Village itself, located next to the main post office, you'll find just about any fare to satisfy your mountain appetite.
At Degman's, a delicatessen, ice cream, and fast food service is available.
You'll also find excellent dining at the Loft Restaurant and the Village Grill, located next to the Village Store,
which has just about all the provisions you'll need for your Yosemite adventure.
And while you're in Yosemite Village, be sure to visit the Ansel Adams Gallery, located just west of the post office.
In addition to a large selection of beautiful photographs, prints, and posters, you'll also find film, camera rental, curios, and gifts.
The hub of the valley's activity is Yosemite Lodge, located west of the Village, near the Lower Falls parking lot.
This is one of the main starting points for the open tram tours and bus tours that are so popular on the valley floor.
In the Lodge area, you'll find a full-service cafeteria with outdoor dining, a post office, restaurants, gift and Indian shops, and, of course, various types of lodging.
And in the Lodge area, you'll find a bike rental shop.
Here is your opportunity to get off the crowded roads and tour Yosemite literally by the seat of your pants.
The fresh mountain air, the breathtaking scenery, and all of the valley's other attractions just become more real and pleasurable when you tour by bike.
And may I also recommend that you take time to leave your vehicle and discover the many side trails and self-guiding tours that Yosemite has to offer.
Yosemite really isn't a better way to experience the park and get away from the crowds.
Let's journey out of Yosemite Valley now, go north of the Big Oak Flat entrance about 18 miles on the Mather Road, and suddenly we enter Yosemite's other main glacial valley, Hetch Hetchy.
Though it is off the beaten track, the peaceful waters of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir backed up by the O'Shaughnessy Dam is a visitor's delight.
Our video trip of Yosemite just has to include some time to walk out the short trail to Glacier Point.
Here you'll witness one of the most commanding views of mountain scenery in the world.
The word awe-inspiring just had to be invented here.
From this lofty vantage point, you'll witness a nearly all-encompassing panorama from the vast mountain ranges and peaks of the high Sierra to a literally dizzying view of the valley floor situated 3,214 distant feet below.
From Glacier Point, you'll get one of the better views of Half Dome, a large rolling mountain of granite that looks as if it was sliced right in two with a giant knife.
Half Dome used to be called South Dome, but popular demand changed its name about 1920, and it's been called Half Dome ever since.
Here we're at 7,214 feet above the level of the sea, and Yosemite Valley is almost at even 4,000 feet.
So the vertical drop from here is 3,214 feet. One of the most commonly done and more beautiful hikes in the park is called the Panorama Trail,
and it goes from Glacier Point over to the top of Nevada Falls and Vernal Falls and down to Yosemite Valley.
I've been here 17 summers, and I've never gotten tired of the view.
Glacier Point is easily accessed by taking the well-marked road east of Xinhua Pin off Highway 41, 16 miles to the main parking lot.
Further south on Highway 41, not far from the south entrance to the park, we come to Wawona, about an hour's drive from Yosemite Valley.
Here you'll find first-rate golf on lush pine-bordered fairways, the many art exhibits at the Thomas Hill Studio,
and the stately Wawona Hotel, a wonderful Victorian structure built in the 1800s.
Famous for its fine dining and comfortable guest accommodations, the Wawona Hotel should definitely be on your Yosemite itinerary.
You'll also find a store here well stocked with supplies, and a gift shop, which offers many interesting items.
Another Wawona attraction is the Pioneer Yosemite History Center, located just across the road from the store gift shop complex.
Loaded with all sorts of memorabilia from Yosemite's pioneer days, including cabins and buildings of the times,
costume tour guides are on hand to give you colorful descriptions of Yosemite's past and what the center has to offer.
Of course, you must have come up by the train to Raymond and then taken the stage up here.
Now, I know that you didn't really do that. It's a hundred years ago, though, here for most of the people here in the Pioneer History Center.
So as you go around, remember they don't know about VCRs or color TVs. They do know about the history of Yosemite.
George Anderson over there, he's going to think it's 1881, and you kids might ask him about the school he built back five years ago in 1876.
I know you love schools. And you adults ask about President Garfield and what's going on in the park,
because these people at these various places know about what's going on in Yosemite National Park, and they'll be happy to talk to you about that.
The other buildings are going around the Hodgkin cabin in 1889 and, of course, Cavalry in 1905, Ranger Patrol in about 1914,
and in 1915, the Wells Fargo office. And the people in those places are volunteers up here doing living history,
and they'll talk to you about what was going on a hundred years ago.
Be sure to hop aboard the History Center Stage Coach for an adventure you're sure to remember.
The stage departs from the Wells Fargo office at the center and along the route travels under the famous covered bridge,
which spans the south fork of the Merced River.
Without a doubt, one of Yosemite's main claims to fame is the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias,
just a short drive south of Wallona and located a few miles east of the park's south entrance.
My name is Lisa Myers, and I'm an interpreter here in the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
These are the largest living things in the world in terms of volume and mass.
And here in the Mariposa Grove, we happen to have the oldest living sequoia in the world.
The Grizzly Giant is estimated to be 2,700 years old.
We have other special trees that people often ask for, like the Wallona Tunnel Tree.
Many of you perhaps have driven through the Wallona Tunnel Tree. That was up until about 1968.
In the winter thereafter, it fell on the ground, and you can still see it today, but you can no longer drive through it.
There is another tunnel tree, the California Tunnel Tree, located very close to the Grizzly Giant.
Many people ask why the Giant Sequoias can get to be so old, and we believe it's because of a chemical called tannin or tannic acid,
which gives the trees the reddish color and acts as a natural preservative,
keeps things like insects, diseases, and fires out of the tree to an extent.
The major cause of death for the Giant Sequoias is toppling over.
For a tree that stands almost 300 feet tall, it has roots that seldom go deeper than six feet underneath the ground,
yet they can spread out about 150 feet in all directions.
You're in a unique place in the world because Giant Sequoias only grow naturally in 75 different pockets or groves
along the western slope of the Sierra Nevada here in California.
Here in Yosemite, there are three groves of Giant Sequoias, and the Mariposa Grove is the largest.
The Tuolumne and the Merced Groves are located in the northwest part of Yosemite National Park.
A well-marked foot trail, which includes two side nature trails, leads you beneath these towering giants,
and interpretive signs tell you a bit about the history of the more prominent trees in the park.
You can also tour the grove with a ranger or see its wonders from an open tour tram.
Tickets are available at the tram boarding area near the gift shop.
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Let's leave the lower country now and climb in elevation up to the Canadian and Hazonian zones we talked about earlier,
and enter another world, Tuolumne Meadows and the high country of Yosemite.
Here, wide verdant meadows, ribboned by meandering mountain streams, give way to stark mountain peaks and groves of pine and fir.
On your way, take the well-marked side road to White Wolf, named for an Indian chief who once camped at the spot.
Facilities include a campground, lodging, meals, stables, a ranger station, and naturalist activities in the summer.
Stop at Teneya Lake, nestled in a glacier-carbed basin, and glide a boat through the morning mist.
Enjoy a picnic at Lakeside, or simply set up camp and relax.
And we'll also want to drive on into the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center and find out what's going on in the area.
You'll soon find out that there are morning and afternoon nature walks with a ranger, campfire programs, and a host of other delightful activities.
Another sight you're apt to see on your journey on the Tioga Road is more thrill-seeking rock climbers.
Stand back and watch as these daring souls scale the smooth, granite faces of Yosemite's high reaches.
Talk about exciting and say, should you ever have the hankering to try this challenging sport, you'll definitely want to check in with the Yosemite Mountaineering School, located in Tuolumne Meadows.
Expert instruction is offered for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skill levels.
For more particulars and class schedules, phone 209-372-1335. Campgrounds, tent cabins, lodge accommodations, a general store, service station, and ranger station are also found in the Tuolumne Meadows area.
Tuolumne Meadows is also the gateway to the high Sierra wilderness, truly the crown jewel of Yosemite.
Hike to your heart's content on the many miles of trails that lead to Yosemite's backcountry, or view the sights from the back of a horse or mule. Explore the John Muir Trail, the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River, or the inspiring Cathedral Range.
Yes, backpacking in the high Sierras is the stuff of which memories are made. Summer is the best time, of course, since most hiking trails are snow-covered until at least mid-May.
Free wilderness permits are required for all overnight stays. Be sure to check for information on current conditions, tips on storing food from bears, and how to obtain a permit by contacting one of the following locations.
Permits may be obtained in person up to 24 hours in advance and are not required for day hiking. Detailed maps and hiking guides are available for purchase at park visitor centers and gift shops.
A list of available maps and other publications may be obtained by writing to. Trails in the park vary in difficulty and could be dangerous. Hikers should refer to trail guides for trail descriptions before proceeding.
To help make your hike safe and enjoyable, here are a few suggestions and regulations. If you're making an overnight stay, pack enough high-energy foods to sustain you.
Please stay on the trails. Taking shortcuts can be dangerous and cause erosion and damage to the landscape.
Another exciting way to visit Yosemite is by horseback. Yosemite Valley stables offer two-hour, half-hour, and full-day horse trail rides.
Mount your fateful steed and be guided by an experienced wrangler to Yosemite Valley's attractions or backcountry locations. On some trips, saddlebags are provided for food and personal belongings.
Other horseback trips are offered daily from these outfitters.
A little word of caution to all bicycle enthusiasts. Cycling is allowed only on established bikeways and roads open to private vehicles.
If you want to try your hand at fishing, you'll need a California state fishing license. A local sporting goods store or the sports shop in Yosemite Valley, the Wawana store, and the Tuolumne Meadows store have licenses available.
The better fishing in Yosemite is usually found in isolated areas. There is an abundance of wildlife and vegetation within Yosemite National Park.
We have several types of wildlife in the park, namely deer, squirrel, small types of animals. The big type of animals would include bighorn sheep and deer.
Particularly with the deer, that becomes a problem with the visitor in that the deer have had such an involvement with the human population that they've almost come to the point of becoming domesticated.
Along with that, there have been some confrontations between the deer and the human.
Whereas the human tries to feed the deer and pet the deer, the deer is not really all that domesticated. He still has some wild side to him.
And they react on the fear of the human coming towards them, and we have again had injuries because of that. The deer is mainly reacting out of fear and self-preservation.
We ask people not to feed the deer and not to approach the deer because of these problems that we've had.
For the aspiring artists among us, whether you want to capture wildlife or scenery, there are free outdoor classes in painting and sketching available in Yosemite Valley.
You'll find class schedules and other details available at the Art Activity Center next to the main post office.
Camping in Yosemite is sure to be a treat for the whole family.
There are 825 campsites in Yosemite Valley, 947 campsites along the Tioga and Big Oak Flat Roads, and 210 campsites in the Glacier Point, Wawona areas.
Many campgrounds are open on a first-come, first-served basis. Wawona, Hodgdon Meadows, and two valley campgrounds are open all year, while the remainder are open spring to fall.
Remember, there are some Yosemite campgrounds that require reservations.
For further information and reservations, contact the following.
For recorded Tickatron information, call 213-642-4242. Reservations cannot be made by phone.
And there are five permanent summer High Sierra camps that provide just about all the backcountry amenities.
For any of the five High Sierra camps, reservations can be made by writing to.
Hookups are not available in any of Yosemite's campgrounds.
There are also a number of campgrounds just outside Yosemite operated by the U.S. Forest Service.
Many are maintained on a first-come, first-served basis, and others may be reserved through mistex.
The number to call is 1-800-283-CAMP.
Pets are allowed in designated campgrounds, but must be on a leash at all times. Pets are not allowed on any park trails.
A 10-stall open-air kennel is maintained at the Yosemite stables in the summer, where dogs larger than 10 pounds can be boarded.
At Yosemite, you'll find many public services.
Laundry facilities are available at housekeeping camp from spring through fall.
There is postal service available at the post offices in Yosemite Village, at Yosemite Lodge, and Wawona.
For emergencies in the park, the widespread 911 number is available from public telephones and from hotel rooms.
No coins are needed in payphones for this number.
Mess and other religious services are held at various locations throughout the park and surrounding communities.
Consult your Yosemite guide for details.
Yosemite has its own medical and dental care facilities, located on the Awani Hotel Road near Yosemite Village.
24-hour emergency care is available.
For those who are disabled, there is a complementary list of facilities and services obtainable at any park visitor's center.
Mountain lodging is at its best in Yosemite, and there are plenty of facilities available in the park.
Comfortable accommodations are available at Yosemite Park Lodge, Camp Curry, the Wawona Hotel,
Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, White Wolf Lodge, and the Awani Hotel.
For more information and reservations, contact the following.
There is a complementary shuttle bus system that conveniently loops through the east end of Yosemite Valley.
It makes regular stops at hotels, stores, the horse stables, the Valley Visitor Center, bike rental shops, popular trailheads, and other attractions.
Buses operate daily out of Wawona as well.
Touring Yosemite by bus is another popular travel option.
You can choose one of Yosemite's sightseeing tours and travel the park in pure comfort.
Nearby out-of-the-park lodging and facilities are available in Fresno, in Lee Vining at the base of the eastern slope of the Sierras, and just outside the park off the Merced Highway at El Portel.
You'll find most necessary goods and services within an hour or so's drive of the park boundary.
If you visit the park in the summer, expect warm and dry conditions for the most part.
Temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees in July and August in Yosemite Valley, for example.
Average summer temperatures range from highs in the 80s to lows in the 40s and 50s.
Keep in mind, though, that temperatures can cool in the high reaches of the park at any time of year, and thunderstorms are not uncommon.
Though summer is the season that receives the bulk of Yosemite's annual visitation, I'd personally recommend a spring or fall visit.
For one thing, the park's many attractions won't be as crowded, and for another, in the spring, for example, where temperatures range from lows in the 30s to highs of 65 degrees and above, the diversified flora is lush and green.
In the fall, though, temperatures can be cooler. The crisp, clean mountain air, coupled with the many red and golden hues of autumn foliage, adds a new dimension to your Yosemite visit.
November and March bring 70 to 90 percent of the year's total precipitation, but still offer a relatively mild climate.
The first snow is usually light with temps and temps. Winter highs range in the 40s and 50s, and lows in the 20s and 30s.
The quiet beauty of Yosemite in the winter offers a special experience. There is skiing at Badger Pass.
For more information on special events, call Yosemite Winter Hotline at 209-454-2000.
Keep in mind that much of Yosemite is open year-round.
While the crystal clear and icy cold water found in the mountain streams and many national parks may seem inviting to drink, don't do it.
You'll see animals drinking the water, but humans must take several precautions.
Drinking untreated natural water can result in a severe intestinal disorder called geodiasis. It can affect your dog or cat if you are traveling with house pets.
Carried by both humans and animals, geodia contamination is common in surface water supplies like lakes, streams, and rivers.
Here are three basic ways to protect yourself from geodiasis.
The most effective protection is to carry your own water from a known safe drinking water supply.
The next most effective method is to boil water obtained locally for at least a minute at low altitudes and three to five minutes at high altitudes.
And the least effective method is to filter the water with a high-quality filter that can remove particles as small as one micron.
A moderate entrance fee for Yosemite National Park is charged for all motor vehicles entering the park.
This entrance permit is good for seven days.
Persons entering by foot, bicycle, or bus are also charged a fee for a seven-day entrance permit.
For travelers who may be visiting one or more parks or other recreational areas during the year, there are four special annual and lifetime passes available.
The Golden Eagle Pass is an annual entrance pass to all national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreational areas, and wildlife refuges that charge fees.
The Golden Age Passport is a lifetime entrance pass to all of the same facilities for people who are 62 years of age or older.
The passport also provides a 50 percent discount on federal use fees inside the facilities.
It does not cover other fees charged inside the park.
The Golden Axe Passport is a similar entrance pass for those who are blind or permanently disabled.
This passport is also good for a 50 percent discount on federal use fees, but does not cover other fees charged inside the park.
The annual pass and lifetime pass are purchased by mail or in-person from most National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services or facilities.
Special National Parks, monuments, historic sites, and recreational areas sell an annual parks pass, which permits unlimited entry to the specific facility.
These passes can be purchased by mail or in-person at the national park in which you are interested.
Yosemite. It's a marvelous wonderland of granite, stone, and water, tucked away in a setting unlike any other.
A place where mammoth granite monuments with a variety of wonderful shapes and shapes inspire and cause wonder.
And this is the home to the largest living things known to man, the stately giant sequoias found in no other region of the world.
Yosemite is just waiting for you to personally come savor and enjoy.
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