Yosemite

Current Conditions

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NatureBridge is excited to welcome students to our environmental science programs in Yosemite! Check back for seasonal updates as conditions evolve throughout the year. 

Fire is a natural and critical part of California landscapes. While fires are possible throughout the year, peak fire season in Central California usually begins in June or July and runs through late October or November. NatureBridge closely monitors emerging fires in the Yosemite area and associated air quality concerns.  

The Yosemite Directors Team meets consistently to assess current conditions and ensure it is safe to run programs. Decisions are made in partnership with the National Park Service and other park partners. Should conditions necessitate a change in program, NatureBridge will be in touch with the School Group Coordinator with updates and next steps. Please reach out directly to your school contact for updates on potential program changes. 

 

Helpful Yosemite National Park Links #

Program Activities #

NatureBridge educators will lead groups in engaging, collaborative, authentic learning experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Participants should be prepared to hike up to five miles a day. Days on trail may include:

  • Conducting a hands-on science investigation about wildfire behavior during a hike to a historic fire lookout tower
  • Participating in a National Park Service stewardship project, like conifer removal or macroinvertebrate biomonitoring 
  • Exploring the rich cultural history and geologic features of the park
  • Visiting Yosemite Valley and hiking off the Valley floor along a trail to a waterfall or scrambling on granite rocks
  • Exploring the Tuolumne Grove or Mariposa Grove of giant sequoia trees and learning about the adaptations of giants!

Lodging and Meals #

The National Environmental Science Center (NESC) is at an elevation of 6,200 feet and is a picturesque example of a Sierra Nevada ecosystem, including towering ponderosa and sugar pine trees, and a variety of wildlife that call this ecosystem home.

The campus offers dorm-style lodging spread across two bunkhouses. Participants sleep on bunk beds and chaperones share gender-aligned sleeping spaces with students. Participants will need to bring pillows, sleeping bags and towels, as these items are not provided. The NESC's capacity is 45-50 participants total. A group may have sole use of the campus or share common spaces with one other NatureBridge group, depending on group sizes. Refer to FAQs for additional information on lodging at the NESC.

All meals are provided by NatureBridge during your program. Participants enjoy delicious, healthy foods prepared by NatureBridge cooks that are appropriate for high-activity days. Breakfasts and dinners are served in the on-campus dining hall, and lunch is eaten out on trail. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Refer to FAQs for more details. 

Dining Hall building at the National Environmental Science Center
The National Environmental Science Center (NESC) is located at Henness Ridge (a 30 minute drive south from Yosemite Valley on HWY 41). Henness Ridge is within the park boundary, but away from the crowds and hustle and bustle of the Valley. It is built to a LEED platinum standard and inspires sustainability and stewardship of our natural resources.
Each bunkhouse has 28 beds and is equipped with sliding lockable doors that can separate the sleeping space into four separate rooms. This increases our flexibly to accommodate varied gender breakdowns.
Bunkhouses at the National Environmental Science Center
The bunkhouses have balconies that look out into the surrounding sugar pine forest as well as mud rooms to store wet/muddy gear away from the sleeping space.
The shower house has two sides and individual stalls for the toilets and showers. A private shower and bathroom are available in the dining lodge for participants who do not feel comfortable using the gendered shower house.
Exploring the South Fork Merced River watershed
Henness Ridge is a prime example of a Sierra Nevada ecosystem and offers opportunities for students to explore off trail, make discoveries, and take ownership of the adventure.
Henness Ridge is situated away from crowds and distractions, creating more likelihood of wildlife sightings while exploring prime habitats!
Henness Ridge Historic Fire lookout tower
The NESC Historic Fire Lookout Tower is a short hike from campus.
Reflecting on shared memories around the campfire at the end of an inspiring NatureBridge program

Prepare for Your Program #

Resources are available to prepare yourself and/or your student for a NatureBridge program. Our Students, Families & Chaperones page has a wealth of information including a list of forms required for all NatureBridge participants, student and adult chaperone expectations, a packing list and links to other helpful resources. 

  • Hydration: Summer can reach average temperatures in the mid-90's. It is extremely important to pack extra water bottles to ensure that participants have the ability to carry enough water to stay hydrated for a whole day in the field. We recommend a 2-3 liter capacity for carrying water.
  • Bear Safety: A common question that NatureBridge staff receive from parents/guardians is “Are there bears in Yosemite?” The short answer is “YES!” Yosemite National Park is home to around 300-500 black bears. During student orientation, students learn about black bears and what they should do if they encounter one. Our NESC location is equipped with a storage area where participants are instructed to put any food or “smelly” items to keep themselves (and the bears) safe. Seeing a bear can often be the highlight of a student's time in Yosemite and we do everything we can to prepare them to have a positive experience. Visit the Yosemite National Park Bears page for more information.
  • Traffic and parking: It is not uncommon for there to be a long line of cars waiting for their turn to pass through the entrance stations into Yosemite National Park. Wait times can exceed one hour on weekends and holidays! Parking at popular areas within the park—especially Yosemite Valley locations—can be extremely limited, often filling to capacity by 8:00 a.m. It is important to plan ahead and arrive early to mitigate the stress of limited parking and traffic congestion. Our operations team will provide you with a waiver to enter the park.