·:[ National Park Reservations Blog ]:·
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When visiting any national park it is a natural to get out and enjoy the great outdoors!  There are many options for recreation at national parks across the country.  Today I’m going to focus on Yosemite as my example however you will find many recreation options for other national parks on the activities pages of National Park Reservations.

Backpacking: Did you know that 95% of Yosmite is designated wilderness? Backpacking into the high country is a wonderful way way to experience Yosemite. 

Bicycles: Bicycle rentals are available to explore Yosemite Valley.  There are over 12 miles of paved bike paths that take you along a beautiful scenery of trees, shrubs and wildlife.

Golf: Wawona’s Golf Course was the first regulation course in the Sierra Nevada.  Today as in 1918 it provides golfers challenging and rewarding rounds.  This golf course is next to the historic Wawona Hotel and offers amazing views all around. 

River Rafting: River rafting on the Merced River provides exhilarating views of Yosmeite Valley.  Rental rafts, life jackets and paddles are available at the Curry Village Recreation Center. 

Other activities include self-guided tours, swimming, guided trail rides and winter activities. To find out more check out the National Park Reservations activities page for the park you are visiting.

When a young John Muir arrived in San Francisco from Scotland in 1868 he supposedly asked for directions to “anywhere that’s wild.”   Locals pointed him toward the Sierra Nevada, and it was there that he fell in love with what today is Yosemite National Park.  Legend is that he shouted with joy when he first saw Yosemite.  Over the next few years he worked as several jobs including mill worker, shepherd and hotel clerk in order to live in this vast wilderness.  

John Muir kept a daily journal where today we can find much information about his love of the Yosemite area.  One of his famous quotes detailing the joy he found here and that he was so anxious to preserve and share reads, “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.  Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.  The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” Because of his feelings for this area Muir was saddened by the invasion of cattlemen, and land speculators to the area. 

One summer he traveled throughout the Sierra Nevada to study the threatened territory.  As he thrilled at the sight of alpine meadows, wildlife and vegetation of the area he wondered if they could survive into the next century. Thus began his quest to do all he could to preserve this wilderness.  His arguments for preservation included the value of this area to the water-dependent San Joaquin Valley agricultural industry.  Over the next decade Muir worked tirelessly to keep Yosemite intact and in its original state.  

Because of the dedication of people like John Muir U.S. Presidents, congress members and others became aware of areas like Yosemite and traveled to these wilderness places to see the beauty and understand the importance of preserving it.  In 1872 Yellowstone National Park became the first national park in the United States.  Yosemite National Park was officially established in 1906.  

When you visit Yosemite keep in mind the work and dedication of those that went before. Show respect for the nature that John Muir wrote so eloquently about by following the regulations set forth by the National Park Service and leave the park better than you found it by doing your part in maintaining the nature that Yosemite represents. 

 

 

It seems like one thing you don’t have to even consider when going on a national park vacation.  But the effects of altitude need to be taken seriously, particularly if you plan on climbing some of the famous trails in parks such as Yosemite, Grand Teton and Olympic.

Healthy adults, even athletes and professional climbers are susceptible to altitude sickness.  It can develop at altitiudes as low at 8,000 feet. You should be aware that older folks and those with heart or lung disease are more prone to altitude sickness.  Regardless of what age you are or your health status you should be aware of the signs associated with altitude sickness. 

Symptoms indlude headache, nausea, insomnia, irritablitly, shortness of breathgeneral malaise and fatigue.  The good news is the altitude sick can be avoided by slowly acclimating yourself to highter elevations, over the span of two to three days by greadually gaining elevation until you reach 10,000 feet.  Avoiding alcohol, sugar and high fat meals is also suggested.

Okay, now what if you are gaining elevation and suddenly develope any of the symptoms of altitude sickness?  Descend to a lower eleveation immediatly.  Seek medical help.  For example Yosemite operates a clinic in Yosemite Valley.  Yosemite Medical Clinic’s staff is experienced with diagnosing and treating altitude sickness. It is always good to know where the nearest clinic is when visiting a park and embarking on hiking, biking, rafting or any of the many recreational activities available in our national parks.

 

Last week there was a tragedy in a Utah canyon campground.  An 11-year old boy was dragged from his family’s tent in the middle of the night.  His remains were found the next morning.  While this is a sad case of bears gone wild, it is not a usual one.  There are many things you can do to prevent bear attacks when you are out hiking or camping in the wilderness.

I think the first thing to consider is your attitude about wildlife in general and bears specifically.  Bears are wild animals and though they look cute they will hurt you.  Bears weigh between 200-350 pounds and can be as large as 500 pounds.  They can run faster than humans and have a ready weapon, their razor sharp claws.  Attempting to pet a bear or hand feed a bear will land you in the hospital, at best. 

Black bears have a powerful sense of smell, are highly intelligent and are excellent learners.  They are opportunistic feeders and will seek out food wherever it can easily be found.  You can best protect yourself and the bears whose home you are visiting by storing your food in bearproof food lockers or canisters and disposing of your garbage properly.  Storing your food in a cooler is not an option in the wild. Bears can smell the food and will come after it.  Unless you want your car torn apart you should also make sure that there is no food left in your vehicle.

Tips for helping keep bears and people safe:

1-Food is considered any item with a scent, including canned goods, bottles, drinks, soap, cosmetics, toiletries, trash, ice chests (even when empty) and unwashed utensils. 

2-Remove food from your car and store in a food locker when you will be away from your vehicle after dark.

3-When camping, hiking or picnicking always keep food within arms reach and never leave unattended.

4-Always stay with your food and treat your food locker like a refrigerator-keep it closed unless you’re activly getting food in or out.

5-If you see a bear in a developed area, such as a campground or parking lot, make as much noise as possible by yelling or banging pots together to scare it away.  If you see a bear in the wild keep at least 50 yards away to allow the bear to continue in its natural behavior.

6-Drive the speed limit.  The most common human-related cause of bear deaths is being hit by a car.

7-Report all bear sightings to the ranger station or visitors center where they can notify the proper authorities. 

Following these tips will ensure the safety of everyone involved.