Camping At Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Nature Notes
Episode 1
Wildflowers

From foothill elevations to high mountain peaks, hundreds of flower species are found throughout Yosemite National Park. Rangers and scientists describe the rich botanical history and some of the rare plants found here.

Yosemite Nature Notes
Episode 2
Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America, and is a powerful presence in Yosemite Valley. From winter ice to spring flood to autumn dryness, this magnificent waterfall is a dynamic force of nature.

Yosemite Nature Notes
Episode 3
Wilderness

Although most visitors are familiar with Yosemite Valley, 95 percent of Yosemite National Park is designated Wilderness. Free from roads and cars, this vast wilderness offers spectacular scenery, natural quiet, and the opportunity for solitude and reflection.

Yosemite Nature Notes
Episode 4
Half Dome

The granite monolith of Half Dome is recognized throughout the world as an icon of Yosemite National Park. Thousands of visitors hike to the summit each year, rewarded with spectacular views and an experience that is not easily forgotten.

Yosemite Nature Notes
Episode 5
Snow

Snow plays an important role in Yosemite's ecology while providing water for cities and farms. Winter visitors to the park experience a landscape transformed by snow.

Yosemite Nature Notes
Episode 6
Maps

When Joseph Walker passed through in 1833, there were none, but today, thousands of maps portray Yosemite National Park. From a land grant created during the Civil War, to modern computer mapping, these maps also tell the story of the protection of Yosemite.

Yosemite Nature Notes
Episode 7
Tuolumne River

Explore the Tuolumne River from its glacial headwaters at 13,000 feet down through Tuolumne Meadows and into the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne. Scientists and rangers describe the power this river has on the landscape and on the people who visit it.

Yosemite Nature Notes
Episode 8
Snow Line

Throughout the winter, the elevation where rain turns to snow changes with each new storm.
Join meteorologist and park scientists as we chase the snow line in Yosemite.

Yosemite Nature Notes
Episode 9
Frazil Ice

Summertime visitors to Yosemite National Park miss many of the unique events of winter and early spring. Frazil ice flows are dramatic natural events that occur in the waterfalls of Yosemite Valley during March and April.

Yosemite Nature Notes
Episode 10
Rock Fall

Since the glaciers retreated around fifteen thousand years ago, rock fall has been the major force of change in Yosemite Valley. Geologists work to understand this force of nature in order to protect the millions of visitors who come here each year.

Yosemite Nature Notes
Episode 11
Big Trees

Most of Yosemite National Park is blanketed with vast forests, and with abundant precipitation and warm temperatures, these mountains are home to the largest trees in the world.

Yosemite Nature Notes
Episode 12
Glaciers

Yosemite National Park is famous for its spectacular glacially carved landscape. Although glaciers have come and gone many times in the past, there are still two active glaciers near Yosemite's highest peaks.

Yosemite Nature Notes
Episode 13
Ranger's Club

While Yosemite National Park is known for its towering cliffs and giant waterfalls, the National Park Service also protects significant cultural resources. The Rangers' Club is one of five buildings in Yosemite that is a National Historic Landmark.

Yosemite Nature Notes
Episode 14
Horsetail Fall

Horsetail Fall is a small, ephemeral waterfall that flows over the eastern edge of El Capitan in Yosemite Valley. For two weeks in February, the setting sun striking the waterfall creates a deep orange glow that resembles Yosemite's historic "Firefall."

Yosemite Nature Notes
Episode 15
Moonbows

From the Milky Way to the moon, the beauty of Yosemite is on display 24 hours a day. During the full moon of the the spring and early summer, lunar rainbows, also known as moonbows, can be seen on many park waterfalls

Yosemite Nature Notes
Episode 16
Sky Islands

Throughout the Sierra Nevada, high flat plateaus are found at elevations around twelve and thirteen thousand feet. These isolated sky islands are the home to unique plant communities that are found nowhere else.

Yosemite Nature Notes
Episode 17
Black Oaks

Changing appearance throughout the seasons, the Black Oak is one of the iconic trees of Yosemite Valley, and its acorn is used for food by both animals and people.

Behind the Scenes Yosemite Nature Notes Moonbows

Go behind the scenes with Yosemite Nature Notes producer Steven M. Bumgardner as he chases moonbows in Yosemite National Park.

Deaf Services in Yosemite National Park

Watch this short video to learn about the deaf services program in Yosemite. (If you don't understand American Sign Language, you can turn captions on.)

Yosemite Nature Notes
People in Yosemite

A time lapse study of people and nature in Yosemite National Park.

Strenuous Day Hikes in Yosemite Valley

Park ranger Vickie Mates describes strenuous hikes in Yosemite Valley, including the Yosemite Falls Trail, the Mist Trail to the top of Nevada Fall, and the Panorama Trail.

Moderate Yosemite Valley Day Hikes

Park ranger Vickie Mates provides an overview of moderate day hikes in Yosemite Valley.

Easy Day Hikes in Yosemite Valley

Park ranger Shelton Johnson provides an overview of easy day hikes in Yosemite Valley.