Yosemite Blog

Yosemite Mountaineering School Guided Hikes

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 18:02:07 -0500

Guided Custom Hikes

This is a great option for someone looking for a personalized experience as you will opt for a private hiking guide to create an itinerary based on your abilities and interests. The half or full day excursion can be customized to your liking whether you prefer a leisurely stroll, a challenging uphill trek, or anything in between.

Guided Group Hikes

For anyone with various experience levels starting from ages 12 and up, these half Day and full day group hikes are fantastic choices. Choose from the iconic routes like the El Capitan Loop, the Nevada Fall, and Discovery Hikes. Your guide will review this ahead of time with you, but some recommended items to pack for these hikes include a small backpack, two liters of water, snacks, lunch, sun protection and extra layers.

Guided Half Dome

For the exceptionally experienced hikers seeking a challenge, this is an amazing option to conquer the summit of Half Dome. This demanding hike gains 4,800 feet in elevation and is 12 hours long round trip. Let our guides who live and work in Yosemite every day assist you to get to the top safely. It’s important to note that this hike requires a permit from the National Park Service and that YMS does not administer them. For more information on how to obtain the permit, check out this link - Half Dome Permits for Day Hikers - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).

Guided Backpack Trips

This is the best option for someone looking to do an overnight hiking adventure! Our guides will make sure you pack everything you need from your tent supplies, food, water and clothing; A list of all the essentials is provided on our website. Some trip destinations include Cathedral Lake, Glen Aulin, May Lake, etc. You can check out more information on our website listed under Backpacking to see what will be required of you.

Self-Guided Hikes

Ideal for those who enjoy being alone or independent, our self-guided hikes can be found here .What sets YMS apart besides its long-lasting history at Yosemite, is the dedication from our guides. They undergo rigorous training, continually study the valley’s wildlife and terrain, and prioritize your safety and enjoyment throughout every excursion. Join us at YMS for the hiking adventure you won’t forget! To make your Hiking reservation use the “Plan your trip Now” box at the top of the page, or call 209-372-8344

Aramark Destinations’ Environmental Innovations: Greening Operations with Pallet Wrapz and Plastic Film Recycling

Fri, 03 May 2024 09:00:07 -0500

Behind the scenes at Yosemite National Park, Aramark Destinations has implemented innovative practices to reduce plastic waste and increase recycling efforts. Through the adoption of Pallet Wrapz and collaboration with Trex, Aramark Destinations is revolutionizing its internal operations, showcasing its dedication to environmental stewardship and responsible business practices.

Pallet Wrapz: A Greener Alternative to Plastic Wrap

Before Pallet Wrapz adoption, vendors shipped goods to Yosemite Hospitality wrapped in plastic film. After counting and marking all the boxes, the pallet was rewrapped and stored in an onsite warehouse, contributing to plastic waste generation. However, recognizing the need for change, Aramark Destinations made a pivotal switch to Pallet Wrapz. Pallet Wrapz is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic film because it can be reused thousands of times. This more efficient wrapping solution helps streamline operations and significantly reduces plastic waste by eliminating the second plastic wrapping of the pallet. By adopting Pallet Wrapz, Aramark Destinations saves approximately 800,000 square feet of plastic wrap waste annually, demonstrating the commitment to sustainable practices.

Trex: Turning Plastic Film Recycling into Sustainable Products

Recycling plastic film is a challenging endeavor due to its non-recyclable nature. However, Yosemite Hospitality has found a solution through a fruitful partnership with Trex, a company that specializes in recycling plastic film. Trex repurposes the collected plastic film into eco-friendly products like decking boards and picnic tables. The success of this collaboration lies in a unique partnership with the Mariposa County landfill. The landfill not only stores the plastic film collected from Aramark Destinations but also extends the service to other Mariposa County businesses, expanding the positive impact on plastic waste reduction.

Environmental Impact and Ongoing Success

Aramark Destinations' green initiatives are making a substantial difference in plastic waste reduction and recycling efforts at Yosemite National Park. The adoption of Pallet Wrapz has dramatically decreased plastic wrap waste, saved valuable resources, and contributed to a cleaner environment. Additionally, the collaboration with Trex and the Mariposa County landfill further enhances the company's commitment to sustainability, transforming previously non-recyclable plastic film into durable, eco-friendly products.

Preserving Nature, Empowering Guests: Introducing the Yosemite Water Conservation Pledge

Wed, 01 May 2024 15:10:03 -0500

At Aramark Destinations, environmental stewardship is at the core of our operations. We are deeply committed to preserving and protecting our cherished National Parks. From sourcing local products to waste reduction and embracing compostables, we ingrain sustainability into everything we do. In our quest for constant improvement, we have launched the Yosemite Water Conservation Pledge, a comprehensive initiative focused on raising awareness among our guests, fostering commitment extending beyond Yosemite, and positively impacting our planet.

The Yosemite Water Pledge

Our Yosemite Water Pledge engages our multi-night overnight guests in water conservation efforts. By encouraging simple yet impactful actions, we empower our guests to contribute to the preservation of this natural wonder and beyond. The pledge encourages guests to make a commitment during their stay to shorten showers, as keeping showers under five minutes can save up to 1,000 gallons of water per month, as well as forgo housekeeping services during their stay and commit to using a reusable water bottle while visiting. Since its launch on February 1^st, 2023, the Yosemite Water Pledge has garnered immense support from our guests. We are delighted to witness hundreds of guests who have enthusiastically committed to the pledge, demonstrating their dedication to responsible water usage and environmental sustainability.

Sustainability is Rewarding

In line with our commitment to environmental stewardship and reducing plastic waste, we are excited to provide incentives for sustainable choices. Multi-night guests who choose to forgo housekeeping services during their stay will receive a 50% discount on a Klean Kanteen available at our retail locations. This initiative encourages guests to utilize our water bottle filling stations and reduce their reliance on single-use bottles. By making this choice, guests actively participate in our journey toward achieving our zero-waste goals and contributing to a healthier planet.

Join the Movement

We invite all our guests to join us in the Yosemite Water Pledge and be part of a collective effort to protect our natural resources. By adopting water-saving practices and embracing sustainable alternatives, we can make a significant difference in preserving the beauty and integrity of our environment.