Yosemite Outdoor Adventures offer interactive and fun-based learning experiences that appeal to all interests in the winter wonderland of Yosemite National Park. Guided naturalist hikes on snowshoes, a winter ecology program at the Ostrander Hut, assisting rangers with a snow survey, two winter photography courses and a series of moonlight snowshoe programs are just a sampling of the range of learning adventures offered by the nonprofit Yosemite Association (YA) during 2010.
A total of 12 field courses designed to appeal to a range of ages, interests and abilities are outlined in YA’s newly published January-March 2010 Outdoor Adventures catalog. Held in the setting of Yosemite National Park, the one- to three-day programs address a diverse range of subjects including photography, geology, animal tracks, cultural history, outdoor skills, astronomy and botany.
YA expects continued growth in private guided trips offered to groups and organizations, tailored toward their specific interests.
“If the dates for certain courses don’t fit with busy schedules or if a specific topic is appealing, we can customize a course exactly to your needs,” said Pete Devine, YA education director. “This naturalist guide service is ideal for all types of groups, from friends and family vacations, to wedding parties or company meetings.”
For this winter, several significant field seminars are scheduled based on past popular appeal. Offerings include:
Winter Natural History at the Ostrander Hut
This historic hut, located at the base of a glacial cirque, is a day’s cross-country ski from the Badger Pass Ski Area. The course includes two nights at the cabin with outdoor exploration lead by two top naturalists.
Photographing the “Firefall”
Local professional photographer John Senser leads the pursuit of the rare and remarkable sunset light that appears to set one of Yosemite’s tall waterfalls aflame for a few moments only on certain days of the year.
The Unknown West End
Murders, a historic wagon accident, men trapped by a flood, glacial destruction and more surprises are to be found in this easy hike around the seldom-visited west end of Yosemite Valley.
Yosemite Outdoor Adventure participants do not have to be a member of Yosemite Association to attend field courses. However, those who wish to become a steward of Yosemite can join the Yosemite Association with memberships starting at $35 per year.
The winter 2010 Outdoor Adventures catalog is free and available online.
www.yosemite.org
