Yosemite Waives Entrance Fee This Weekend

Yosemite, CA — The National Park Service will allow visitors free entry to all national parks including Yosemite this weekend.

Yosemite National Park Spokesperson Kari Cobb was Wednesday’s KVML “Newsmaker of the Day”.

The fee waivers will apply to all 391 national parks across the country. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar says the free weekends should help American families struggling with the recession afford a memorable vacation.

According to Cobb, ninety percent of all visitors will only visit Yosemite Valley.

With the entrance fee waived, Cobb suggested a few places outside of the valley, that visitors might enjoy seeing while in the park.

Before the main west entrance on Highway 120, turn left to see the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. It is one of the least visited attractions in the park and has breathtaking views of waterfalls and has numerous easy level hiking trails. Cobb encourages taking water as it is hot in that area and you can not swim in the reservoir.

On the south side of the Park, Cobb encourages a drive up to the end of Glacier Point Road. You can literally drive right up to a beathtaking view of Yosemite Valley, numerous waterfalls and Half Dome.

Along Highway 120, Cobb says to stop at Olmsted Point for a view of the back of Half Dome and a direct view into Tenaya Lake and the high country. In Cobb’s opinion, it is the most beautiful view in the entire park.

Shortly after Olmstead Point, stop at Tenaya Lake for a quick walk or even a quick swim.

Moving along Hwy 120, in the heart of Tuolumne Meadows is Lembert Dome. There is a short but fairly easy uphill hike to the top of the dome and the view encompasses the entire Meadows.

Before leaving Cobb said that the Vsitors Center/Gift Shop is open at Tuolumne Meadows. Gas, food and drink are all available there.

The next and last free weekend this Summer will be August 15 and 16th.

The “Newsmaker of the Day” is heard each weekday on AM 1450 KVML at 6:47, 7:47 and 8:47am.

Written by mark@mlode.com