WawonaNews.com - January 2024
Park Entry Reservation Pilot Summer 2024
YOSEMITE VALLEY, Calif. – Yosemite National Park is announcing a “Peak Hours Plus” 2024 vehicle reservation pilot system for park entry on the following dates: On weekends from April 13 to June 30; every day from July 1 to Aug. 15; and on weekends from Aug. 16 to Oct. 27. This system will be similar to the 2022 “Peak Hours” system, with the addition of more reservations for afternoon entries.
Park officials say the goal of the pilot is to ease overcrowding during peak times and continue to offer access for all to this extremely popular park.
"This summer's pilot system is built from extensive public feedback, data from three years of pilot reservation systems here in Yosemite, and lessons learned from other national parks," said Superintendent Cicely Muldoon. "This pilot system will inform how we ensure an equitable and outstanding visitor experience while protecting Yosemite's world class resources."
Reservations will be required for vehicle entry to the park between 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the reservation periods. Reservations are not required to enter the park after 4 p.m. Visitors will pick from two types of reservations: Reservations valid for a full day, or reservations valid for entry any time after noon.
Reservations will be available for purchase online beginning at 8 a.m. (PST) on Jan. 5, 2024, for all arrival dates (Apr. 13 to Oct. 20) at Recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086745. Reservations will be available until none remain. Afternoon arrivals and additional full day reservations will be added one week in advance; e.g., reservations for a Sept. 30 arrival date will be added on Sept. 23.
Both reservation types (full day and afternoon) are valid for up to three consecutive days, including the arrival date. Visitors with in-park lodging or campground reservations, wilderness or Half Dome permits, or visitors entering the park via YARTS buses and on permitted commercial tours do not need a vehicle reservation. Learn more about reservations at go.nps.gov/reserve.
Yosemite National Park is currently evaluating past reservation pilot systems and other strategies to develop the Yosemite Visitor Access Management Plan. Learn more about the plan and how to get involved at go.nps.gov/vamp.
Muldoon noted that these pilots are a key part of learning and evaluating what strategies could best ensure that the long-term solution at Yosemite provides visitors and surrounding communities access to the outstanding resources of the park while protecting resources and providing high quality experiences for the future.
YOSEMITE VALLEY, Calif. – Yosemite National Park is announcing a “Peak Hours Plus” 2024 vehicle reservation pilot system for park entry on the following dates: On weekends from April 13 to June 30; every day from July 1 to Aug. 15; and on weekends from Aug. 16 to Oct. 27. This system will be similar to the 2022 “Peak Hours” system, with the addition of more reservations for afternoon entries.
Park officials say the goal of the pilot is to ease overcrowding during peak times and continue to offer access for all to this extremely popular park.
"This summer's pilot system is built from extensive public feedback, data from three years of pilot reservation systems here in Yosemite, and lessons learned from other national parks," said Superintendent Cicely Muldoon. "This pilot system will inform how we ensure an equitable and outstanding visitor experience while protecting Yosemite's world class resources."
Reservations will be required for vehicle entry to the park between 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the reservation periods. Reservations are not required to enter the park after 4 p.m. Visitors will pick from two types of reservations: Reservations valid for a full day, or reservations valid for entry any time after noon.
Reservations will be available for purchase online beginning at 8 a.m. (PST) on Jan. 5, 2024, for all arrival dates (Apr. 13 to Oct. 20) at Recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086745. Reservations will be available until none remain. Afternoon arrivals and additional full day reservations will be added one week in advance; e.g., reservations for a Sept. 30 arrival date will be added on Sept. 23.
Both reservation types (full day and afternoon) are valid for up to three consecutive days, including the arrival date. Visitors with in-park lodging or campground reservations, wilderness or Half Dome permits, or visitors entering the park via YARTS buses and on permitted commercial tours do not need a vehicle reservation. Learn more about reservations at go.nps.gov/reserve.
Yosemite National Park is currently evaluating past reservation pilot systems and other strategies to develop the Yosemite Visitor Access Management Plan. Learn more about the plan and how to get involved at go.nps.gov/vamp.
Muldoon noted that these pilots are a key part of learning and evaluating what strategies could best ensure that the long-term solution at Yosemite provides visitors and surrounding communities access to the outstanding resources of the park while protecting resources and providing high quality experiences for the future.
Update From Tom Bopp
Holiday Greetings from Wawona!
I’m happy to announce that my album, Parlor Piano, is now available online at multiple sites, including Apple Music, Spotify, and Pandora. First released in 1998 on cassette tape (!) and CD, I recorded "Parlor Piano" in the Wawona Hotel during its winter closure.
Hope to see you this holiday season at the Wawona Hotel – my schedule is posted online, and copied below. On New Year’s Eve I’ll be on from 6pm to midnight (with an hour break from about 8pm to 9pm).
Yosemite Stage Driver: The Life and Times of George Monroe and His Family
Thanks to all who have ordered my new book and sent me your reviews – it’s heartwarming to know the Monroe family’s story is touching so many hearts. Here’s a review posted on Amazon:
“I loved this book. The research is excellent and the writing smooth, accessible, and often witty. The fascinating story of George Monroe is told against the background of the history of early transportation into Yosemite Valley, the evolution of the iconic Wawona Hotel, and the settlers and eminent visitors to the region. I found the story of Monroe’s parents especially interesting and touching. As I step into the lobby of the Wawona Hotel today, I look at George Monroe’s photo by the entrance and see the hotel, the Park and all the surroundings in a totally different light.”
Wishing you all a holiday season filled with peace, love, and hope.
Tom & Diane Bopp
TOM BOPP'S SCHEDULE 2023
(UPDATED 11/28/2023)
5:30pm - 9:30pm Tuesday – Saturday (off Sun/Mon)
December 15 (Tree Lighting 5pm) – 16
(OFF Dec 17 - 18)
December 19 – 24
(OFF Dec 25 - 26)
December 27 – 31
(HOTEL CLOSED January 2 - March 14)
Holiday Greetings from Wawona!
I’m happy to announce that my album, Parlor Piano, is now available online at multiple sites, including Apple Music, Spotify, and Pandora. First released in 1998 on cassette tape (!) and CD, I recorded "Parlor Piano" in the Wawona Hotel during its winter closure.
Hope to see you this holiday season at the Wawona Hotel – my schedule is posted online, and copied below. On New Year’s Eve I’ll be on from 6pm to midnight (with an hour break from about 8pm to 9pm).
Yosemite Stage Driver: The Life and Times of George Monroe and His Family
Thanks to all who have ordered my new book and sent me your reviews – it’s heartwarming to know the Monroe family’s story is touching so many hearts. Here’s a review posted on Amazon:
“I loved this book. The research is excellent and the writing smooth, accessible, and often witty. The fascinating story of George Monroe is told against the background of the history of early transportation into Yosemite Valley, the evolution of the iconic Wawona Hotel, and the settlers and eminent visitors to the region. I found the story of Monroe’s parents especially interesting and touching. As I step into the lobby of the Wawona Hotel today, I look at George Monroe’s photo by the entrance and see the hotel, the Park and all the surroundings in a totally different light.”
- Federico Peinado, October 31, 2023
Wishing you all a holiday season filled with peace, love, and hope.
Tom & Diane Bopp
TOM BOPP'S SCHEDULE 2023
(UPDATED 11/28/2023)
5:30pm - 9:30pm Tuesday – Saturday (off Sun/Mon)
December 15 (Tree Lighting 5pm) – 16
(OFF Dec 17 - 18)
December 19 – 24
(OFF Dec 25 - 26)
December 27 – 31
(HOTEL CLOSED January 2 - March 14)
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, Dec. 12 2023
5:30 P.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, CA
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
3.1- Approval of Agenda
3.2– Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of November 14.
3.3 - Approve Warrants/Payroll
3.4 – Accept Donations to YWECS
ACTION ITEMS
INFORMATION ITEMS
First Interim Report
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, Dec. 12 2023
5:30 P.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, CA
- CALL TO ORDER
- ROLL CALL
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
- CONSENT AGENDA
3.1- Approval of Agenda
3.2– Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of November 14.
3.3 - Approve Warrants/Payroll
3.4 – Accept Donations to YWECS
- HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
ACTION ITEMS
- APPROVAL OF THE FIRST INTERIM BUDGET REPORT
INFORMATION ITEMS
- LCAP MID-YEAR REPORT
- STAFF REPORTS
- BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS PROJECTS UPDATE
- FUNDRAISING EFFORTS
- BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
- FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
First Interim Report
- NEXT BOARD MEETING
- ADJOURNMENT
Wawona Pile Burning Dec. 7-8
Yosemite Fire is planning pile burning operations in the Wawona community with a focus on Forest Drive and the Bills Hill area. Burning may begin as early as Thursday, December 7 and continue into Friday, December 8. These piles are from mechanical treatment projects where materials were cut and gathered into piles by hand or with heavy equipment. Burning and removal of this material helps make forests more resilient to future wildfires and in communities, can help protect homes from the threat of future fires.
Fire managers work closely with Park staff and the local air pollution control districts to time burning operations to coincide with favorable weather and smoke dispersion conditions. Smoke impacts are always a consideration in the decision to begin any burning and operations will only be conducted under favorable conditions. Air quality and smoke information in Yosemite can be found online: Current Air Quality and Smoke Monitoring.
Please watch for firefighters and equipment in the area and thank you for your continued support.
Yosemite Fire Information
[email protected]
go.nps.gov/yosefire
Facebook @YosemiteFire
Twitter @YosemiteFire
Instagram @YosemiteFire
Yosemite Fire is planning pile burning operations in the Wawona community with a focus on Forest Drive and the Bills Hill area. Burning may begin as early as Thursday, December 7 and continue into Friday, December 8. These piles are from mechanical treatment projects where materials were cut and gathered into piles by hand or with heavy equipment. Burning and removal of this material helps make forests more resilient to future wildfires and in communities, can help protect homes from the threat of future fires.
Fire managers work closely with Park staff and the local air pollution control districts to time burning operations to coincide with favorable weather and smoke dispersion conditions. Smoke impacts are always a consideration in the decision to begin any burning and operations will only be conducted under favorable conditions. Air quality and smoke information in Yosemite can be found online: Current Air Quality and Smoke Monitoring.
Please watch for firefighters and equipment in the area and thank you for your continued support.
Yosemite Fire Information
[email protected]
go.nps.gov/yosefire
Facebook @YosemiteFire
Twitter @YosemiteFire
Instagram @YosemiteFire
Wawona Hotel Holiday Season Schedule
December 15: Wawona Hotel reopens for the Winter Holiday
December 15: 5 p.m. Hotel Tree Lighting Ceremony
January 2: Hotel Winter Closure
December 15: Wawona Hotel reopens for the Winter Holiday
December 15: 5 p.m. Hotel Tree Lighting Ceremony
January 2: Hotel Winter Closure
New Wawona Listing
