Yosemite

Current Conditions

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

Current Conditions: Winter weather is a natural and critical part of California landscapes. Much of California relies on the Sierra Nevada snowpack to provide water year-round to ecosystems, communities, and agricultural lands located downstream. While adverse weather conditions are possible throughout the year, the greatest chance for snow/rain in Central California usually begins in early December and runs through late March or early April. NatureBridge closely monitors forecasted winter weather in the Yosemite area and associated road conditions and concerns. Take a look at Weather and Safety in Yosemite to learn more about how to monitor road and weather conditions.

The Yosemite Director Team meets regularly to assess current conditions and ensure the safety of our programs. Decisions are made in collaboration with the National Park Service and other park partners. If conditions require any program changes, NatureBridge will promptly inform 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 #

Winter 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 such as measuring the Sierra Nevada snowpack
  • Experiencing the wintery landscape on cross country skis or snowshoes at Henness Ridge or Badger Pass
  • Practicing biomimicry and learning from Yosemite’s flora and fauna about how to adapt and prepare for being outdoors in the wintery environment 
  • Snow play! Many students experience snow for the first time in Yosemite and fun is one of the ways we keep warm

Curry Village Lodging #

Curry Village is located in the heart of Yosemite Valley. Iconic views of Yosemite Falls and granite monoliths can be seen in every direction. This lodging location is open to the public periodically throughout the winter, mainly during holidays. So, participants will share spaces with park visitors, in addition to other NatureBridge students.

Students will sleep in heated tents with two single beds and one double bed (four students per tent). Chaperones are placed in tents next to students (three chaperones per tent). Bathrooms and shower houses are within walking distance from tents. Although there are linens, participants are encouraged to bring pillows, sleeping bags, and towels for extra comfort. 

Refer to Lodging FAQs for additional information on lodging at Curry Village. 

Historic Curry Village is located in the heart of Yosemite Valley. Curry Village is operated by Yosemite Hospitality LLC (the park concessionaire) who manages food and lodging during your program.
Curry Village Tent Cabins dusted with fall leaves.
Curry Village is beautiful in all season. The changing color of the big leaf maple trees and pacific dogwoods adds vibrancy to the granite-dominated landscape.
Each Curry Village tent cabin houses 3-4 people. Tent cabins are equipped with electricity, heat, furniture, and some linens (but we suggest you bring your own sleeping bag and pillow for added comfort).
Breakfast and dinner are served in the Curry Village Dining Pavilion. A picnic lunch is provided to all NatureBridge participants to take out on trail with them during the day.
Winter view of Half Dome from Yosemite Valley
Cold mornings and crisp winter days are characteristic of this time of year in Yosemite Valley.
November and December bring the first rain/snow storms to the Sierra Nevada Mountains after the long and dry summer.
The sun starts to set earlier this time of year, especially after the time change. Be prepared and make sure that all participants have a flash light to easily navigate around Curry Village after dark.

National Environmental Science Center (NESC) Lodging #

We are excited to announce the opening of our new campus, the National Environmental Science Center (NESC) at Henness Ridge. The National Environmental Science Center (NESC) is located within the national park boundary on Highway 41, away from the hustle and bustle of Yosemite Valley. Designed to meet LEED Platinum standards, the buildings themselves offer teachable moments on how to tread lightly on the land.

The campus offers bunk-style lodging with two sets of dorms. Each bunkhouse can house up to 28 people and is equipped with balconies, mud rooms for storing wet/muddy gear, with sliding lockable doors that can separate the sleeping space into four separate rooms. Participants are required to bring pillows and sleeping bags as these items are not provided. 

The shower house is located nearby and has two sides with individual shower and bathroom stalls. A private shower and bathroom are available in the dining lodge for participants who prefer not to use the gendered shower house.

The NESC's capacity is 45-50 participants in total. Depending on group sizes, a group may have exclusive use of the campus or share common spaces with another NatureBridge group.

Henness Ridge is at an elevation of 6100 feet above sea level, so snow is likely to accumulate throughout the winter without melting. Cross Country Skiing and snowshoe equipment are on-site and a keystone experience for your Henness Ridge-based program. 

Refer to Lodging FAQs for additional information on lodging at the NESC.

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 as well as a separate sleeping space for adults.
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.
Henness Ridge is a prime example of a Sierra Nevada ecosystem and offers opportunities for students to explore off trail, make discovers, and take ownership of the adventure. This area of the park boasts breathtaking views of the South Fork and Middle Fork of the Merced River, the surrounding forested landscape, and down into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.
Henness Ridge is situated away from crowds and distractions, creating more likelihood of wildlife sightings while exploring prime habitats!
the NESC is a 30-45 minute drive from the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Depending on your group's mode of transportation, you can arrange a day trip to the Mariposa Grove to hike amongst the giants and learn about the important role that these trees play in their ecosystem.
Students could have the opportunity to explore the snowy landscape using cross country skis and snowshoes.

Meals #

All meals during your program are provided by NatureBridge. Henness Ridge-based programs enjoy delicious, healthy meals prepared by NatureBridge cooks, while Yosemite Valley-based programs receive meals from Yosemite Hospitality. Breakfasts and dinners are served in the site dining hall and lunch is eaten out on trail. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Refer to Food Allergy FAQs for more details.

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 winter packing list, and links to other helpful resources. 

  • Hydration: Especially in the winter, 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. 
  • Cold Temperatures: As fall transitions into winter, you can expect the temperatures in the evenings, nighttime, and mornings to drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to take a close look at the winter packing list (Spanish) and include a waterproof jacket and pants, warm and comfortable boots, warm pajamas, a warm hat, waterproof gloves, and extra layers to be prepared for all conditions. 
  • 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. Curry Village and the NESC are equipped with bear boxes where participants are instructed to put any food or “smelly” items to keep themselves (and the bears) safe. Bears can be active year-around and seeing a bear can often be the highlight of a student's time in Yosemite.  We do everything we can to prepare them to have a positive experience. Visit the Yosemite National Park Bears page for more information. 
  • Road Conditions: Mountainous roads can often be snow packed and icy during winter weather events. Take a look at Weather and Safety in Yosemite to learn more about how to monitor road conditions and NPS/CalTrans chain restrictions.