"Glaciers, Granite, and Giganteum-Sequoiadendron" Yosemite National Park
How fortunate we are to have a place a spectacular as Yosemite almost in our own back yards!! So much awaits visitors to Yosemite that planning ahead is a good idea! First-timers to the park might want to get an overview and plan for return trips to focus on various elements: geology, water (waterfalls and fivers) wildlife, Indians, vegetation, etc. Park museums and visitor centers are brimming with information—don’t forget to stop and see what they offer. When many of us think of Yosemite, we are really thinking of the “valley”, but the park is made of much more than just the valley! Don’t forget to include Tioga Pass, Glacier Point and Wawona on your Yosemite “bucket list”!!
Pre Trip Because there is so much to see in the 1000+ square miles that make up the park, planning ahead is a good idea! The National Park Service website for Yosemite is a great place to begin. Webcams on the site will give you a first-hand sneak preview of what awaits visitors, as will the many videos available on their site. Resources for students include a section entitled “fun” where online visitors will find a variety of National Park Service and nature-based virtual activities for students of all ages. Below (in addition to the general website for the park), are a few starting points for pre-trip exploration. Print Yosemite Bingo Card. Overall: https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm Meadows: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/meadows.htm Waterfalls: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/waterfalls.htm Multimedia: https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/photosmultimedia/ynn2.htm Yosemite Guide (Click to access straight from our website!)
On the Go Depending on the season, be sure to grab sunscreen and insect repellant before you leave. Yosemite has many services for tourists, including groceries and restaurant/takeout food. Fun idea: have a family license plate scavenger hunt. Where are all those cars from??? See which family member can find cars from the most states outside of California--or even outside of the United States!!! Don’t forget your bingo cards.