Yosemite Conservancy Newsletter | March 2022

Recent News from Yosemite

Beginning Friday, May 20, 2022, Yosemite National Park will implement a peak hours reservation system. Building on lessons learned during the summer reservation systems in 2020 and 2021, the peak hours reservation system is designed to spread visitation out and reduce chronic congestion in the park.

Park visitors will need a reservation to enter the park between 6 am and 4 pm seven days a week. Visitors entering the park outside of these peak hours are not required to have a reservation. You can remain in the park during peak hours if you arrive during non-peak hours. The peak hours reservation system will be in effect through September 30, 2022, and reservations will be required for all users, including annual and lifetime pass holders. Each reservation is valid for 3 days.

Reservations are available on rec.gov beginning at 8 am on March 23, 2022. Notable exceptions to the peak hours reservation requirement apply for visitors who enter with in-park accommodations, YARTS regional public transit, or registration for a Conservancy outdoor adventure or art class. Below, we’ll highlight just a few of the spring and summer programs that guarantee park entry.

Photo © Yosemite Conservancy / Lora Spielman

Daily Art Classes and Multi-Day Art Retreats

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – art doesn’t have to be intimidating. Join a Conservancy art class this season and let us prove it to you! From a few hours to an immersive weekend, the opportunities are endless to capture your time in Yosemite on paper – and most of our programs require ZERO previous experience.

Along with returning favorites like beginner weekly watercolor, Mosaics in Yosemite, and Paint and Sip, we’re particularly excited about our lineup of 2022 multi-day art retreats. Check out Scenic Watercolor with Steve Curl, Oil Painting with Jeff Hemming, and Backpack and Paint with Nikki Frumkin.

Browse our full 2022 art schedule at this link, and register for your program on our website. Keep in mind that we offer Custom Art Classes. And remember, registration for any of our art programs includes park entry for the duration of your program – no peak hours reservation required!

Photo © Ann & Robb Simpson 

Outdoor and Custom Adventures

Our guided, small-group adventures offer a COVID-safe way to explore Yosemite’s less-traveled trails with a knowledgeable and charismatic local. What makes Conservancy adventures stand out? We’ve been partnering with the park to offer high-quality programs for decades. Our guides are Sierra Nevada experts dedicated to providing top-notch Yosemite experiences. Still have questions? Get answers on our FAQs page.

Planning a late spring or summer trip? When Yosemite’s 2022 peak hours reservation system is in effect (May 20-September 30), your Conservancy program registration for an Outdoor Adventure or Custom Adventure includes park entry for the duration of your event — no separate peak hours reservation required!

Photo © Yosemite Conservancy / Keith Walklet

2022 Virtual Spring Gathering

Join us for our most highly-anticipated donor event of the year! Virtual Spring Gathering takes place March 29-31, 2022 – you’ll get an insider’s view of Yosemite from the comfort of your home. Yosemite Conservancy donors and Legacy Society members are invited to attend this complimentary event. Registration is not required; an email with information on how to attend will be emailed to donors later this month. Find this year’s schedule of virtual events below.

• Tuesday, March 29 at 4 pm PDT – Yosemite Nature Notes: A Look Behind-the-Scenes
• Wednesday, March 30 at 4 pm PDT  – Improving Yosemite’s Future by Reducing Waste
• Thursday, March 31 at 4 pm PDT – Naturalist Walk in Yosemite Valley

In lieu of a program fee (or if you're not already a donor), please consider making a gift to Yosemite Conservancy today!

Photo © Yosemite Conservancy / Madison Smith

Apparel for All

Layer up for the changing seasons! Check out our shirts, sweatshirts, hats, tote bags, day packs and more in the Yosemite online store.

Pictured: With artwork by local Yosemite artist Shirley Spencer, this hat featuring a stained glass-style image of iconic Valley View is a great way to show off what’s on your mind.

Want the chance to see your shots featured here?
It’s easy! Share Yosemite photos with us on Flickr, and tag your best shot with #yosemiteconnect. Winners will be featured online and in our monthly newsletter.