PLAN TO VISIT THE MARIPOSA GROVE OF GIANT SEQUOIAS WHEN IT RE-OPENS. For more than a year the Grove has been closed so that significant, critically needed restoration and enhancement work could be done. This jewel of a natural cathedral will be worth a visit when it re-opens later this year.
ENSURE THAT ROAD CLOSURES WON’T BLOCK YOUR ACCESS. Torrential rains and saturated soils have resulted in numerous road closures and the need for major repair projects. Storm damage has completely blocked Highway 120 access from the Groveland area to Yosemite Valley, and it could be months before access is open again.
There may never be a better year to visit Yosemite Park to experience water. Waterfalls have been thundering for months, in contrast to the meager flows that trickled during years of drought. The tremendous amount of rainfall across the middle and lower elevations in the Park has finally drenched forest soils and given stressed conifers a chance for recovery. Plan to experience the spectacular beauty of Yosemite this year, but be cautious.
ALWAYS BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL AROUND RUSHING STREAMS AND RIVERS, ESPECIALLY IF CHILDREN ARE WITH YOUR GROUP. Cold, roaring rivers can draw visitors close to get that spectacular photo, but one slip on a mossy rock or wet slope can mean death. This will be a wonderful year to experience water in Yosemite. Stay well back from the edge wherever there may be risk.
VISIT NEWLY ACQUIRED ACKERSON MEADOW, WITH ITS EASY ACCESS AND ITS GREAT DIVERSITY OF BIRDS. Recently transferred to the Park from private ownership, Ackerson Meadow is located east of Evergreen Road two miles north of the Big Oak Flat Entrance. There’s no need to even enter the Park to visit the meadow complex. Some meadow areas are wet and boggy. Be careful where you walk; savor the wildflowers, and take only memories. As you explore, imagine what the slowly recovering forest area (burned severely by the Rim Fire) may look like in a decade or two.
