Yosemite

Current Conditions

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

Current Conditions:

Spring in Yosemite is characterized by water; melting snowpack, swelling rivers, gushing waterfalls, flooded meadows and wetlands, and possible snow/rain showers. Spring weather is a natural and critical part of California landscapes. While adverse weather conditions are possible throughout the year, snow/rain in Central California can be a common occurrence through late March or early April. 

The Yosemite Director 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 #

Spring 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 spring remnants of the Sierra Nevada snowpack or analyzing the water quality of creeks and rivers that are swollen by the spring runoff
  • Getting blasted by mist cascading off of the gushing waterfalls as you hike up off the valley floor
  • Exploring the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias and tracking the signs of the spring emergence of plants and animals after the long winter
  • Practicing biomimicry and learning from Yosemite’s flora and fauna about how to adapt and prepare for being outdoors in the mountainous spring environment 
Curry Village is located in Yosemite Valley at the base of Glacier Point and Half Dome
Curry Village is located in Yosemite Valley at the base of Glacier Point and Half Dome.
Mist cascading off of Vernal Falls in Spring
The Mist Trail lives up to its name when the Merced River becomes swollen with spring runoff.
Curry Village canvas tents have three beds each. Students sleep four to a tent - two in a double bed and two in single beds.
The bath house is walking distance from tents and a shared space with other NatureBridge participants.
Students begin each day meeting their educators at Curry Village.
Groups may boulder scramble, explore granite formations, and participate in team work activities during their days in the field.
Blooming pacific dogwood trees in Curry Village
Spring puts on a show in Yosemite.

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 starting in Mid-March, 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. 

NatureBridge students are ready to hit the trail and explore the Yosemite landscape
The Crane Flat Campus serves as an excellent home base to explore the Sierra Nevada ecosystem with its easy access to nearby sequoia groves and Yosemite Wilderness. Groups with their own transportation can schedule day trips from Crane Flat to Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, and Hetch Hetchy.
Pacific Dogwoods mingle with the Giant Sequoias and bloom in the spring
Crane Flat is located on Tioga Road (SR 120). The site is about 15 miles from Yosemite Valley (usually 45 minutes to an hour by car or bus). At this elevation, pacific dogwood trees mingle with the giant sequoias in the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias.
Crane Flat Campus blanketed in snow
Crane Flat is at an elevation of 6,200 feet. Because of the altitude and surrounding trees, it is about 5 to 10 degrees cooler than Yosemite Valley. You can expect cold nights year round and snow cover throughout the winter season.
The Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias is a short walk from the Crane Flat Campus. While visiting the grove, students can engage in hands-on learning activities to better understand the adaptations that help these giants thrive.
Dormitories at Crane Flat
Dormitory bunk beds. Dormitories are divided by gender and facilities may be shared by other NatureBridge groups. No linens are provided. Be sure to pack the following: sleeping bag, pillow, towel, personal toiletries and a fitted sheet (twin size).
Bathroom facilities at Crane Flat
Showers and private toilet stalls.
Bathroom facilities at Crane Flat
Showers and toilets are located in a central bathhouse.
Students preparing for dinner in the Crane Flat Dining Hall.

Crane Flat Lodging #

Crane Flat campus is located on HWY 120, away from the hustle and bustle of Yosemite Valley. The rustic setting is peaceful and away from stores, large crowds, and other distractions. Crane Flat is located at an elevation of 6200 feet above sea level, so snow may still be lingering in drifts and piles on campus well into April and early May.

The campus offers bunk-style lodging with two sets of dorms. Students share gender-aligned sleeping spaces with chaperones. Participants are required to bring pillows and sleeping bags as these items are not provided. Showers and excessive water use are not allowed at Crane Flat from mid-April through mid-June due to the high water table causing stress on the septic system. 

Crane Flat's capacity is 60 participants in 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 Lodging FAQs for additional information on lodging at Crane Flat.  

Meals #

All meals are provided by NatureBridge during your program. Crane Flat programs enjoy delicious, healthy foods prepared by NatureBridge cooks and Curry Village meals are provided by 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, and other helpful resources. The weather could shift from warm and sunny to cold and rainy, all on the same day! We suggest looking at both the winter and warm weather packing lists to help you be prepared for all conditions. 

  • Hydration: 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 winter transitions into spring, you can expect the temperatures in the evenings, nighttime, and mornings to drop to 30-14 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to take a close look at the winter packing list (Spanish) and include a waterproof jacket, warm and comfortable boots, warm pajamas, a warm hat and gloves, extra socks in case your feet get wet, 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 our Crane Flat campus 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-round 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 spring 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.