Frequently Asked Questions
about living and working at yosemite
Who do I call in case of an emergency?
In the event of an emergency, call 911
What is I get sick or have an accident while in the Park?
Always call 911 if you are having an emergency.
Emergency Medical Services are available throughout the park 24 hours a day, 7 days a wekk.
Yosemite Valley has a medical clinic located at: 9000 Ahwahnee Dr
Phone: 209-372-4637
Hours:
Summer (Mid May-Mid Dec): Daily 9am-7pm
Fall, Winter, Spring (Mid Sept - Mid May): Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Services Provided: primary care, urgent care, employee health, lab services
Where and how can I receive packages and mail?
If you are living in communal housing, you can send USPS and FedEx packages to the CVRA housing office located next to the Wellness Center:
[Your Name]
Sierra Circle
Yosemite, CA 95389
USPS can be received at the post office located in Yosemite Village
[Your Name]
General Delivery
Yosemite, CA 95389
You can ship any packages out from the post office.
What will my housing be like?
Housing is varied based upon position and organization. Please see your employee handbook for more information
Since marijuana is medicinally and recreationally legal in CA, is it allowed in the park?
Yosemite National Park is located on federal land, so Federal Laws apply. Bottom line: leave the stash at home.
What do I need to bring with me?
Most housing accommodations will come with a bed. You will need to bring your own: food, sheets, blankets, pillows, cookware, pots, pans, cutlery, plates, towels, toiletries, proper clothing, flashlight/headlamp, and a power strip may be useful.
If living in a communal living space, bring a food storage with a lock.
What are some basic things I need to know while living in the park?
Living in a National Park is an incredible experience and a privilege. The following principles and practices depend more on attitude and awareness, although they are enforced as rules and regulations. Please respect and appreciate Yosemite’s wild places and their inhabitants by doing the following:
Store food properly to prevent bears and other wildlife from obtaining unnatural food
Do not feed wildlife (including birds) or disturb wildlife by approaching too closely (typically 50 yards)
Avoid damaging live trees and plants; do not pick wildflowers.
Do not plant or transport the seed of non-native plants in Yosemite. The Division of Resources Management and Science is actively trying to control or eradicate non-native invasice plant species from Yosemite.
Minimize use and impact from fires.
Do not bring firewood from outside the area into the park. This is to protect Yosemite from pathogens, such as Sudden Oak Death, and from the introduction of insect infestations
Leave natural objects and cultural artifacts for others to enjoy.
Drive the speed limit and pay attention while driving on park roads to reduce the chances of injuring wildlife.
Where do I get groceries?
Depending on your organization, you may qualify for a small discount at the Village Store located in Yosemite Village.
The nest nearest grocery stores are located in Oakhurst and Mariposa.
The Wellness Center offers employee shuttles for grocery trips. You may want to work out a carpool system in the summer to avoid adding traffic to the roads.
For produce, there are local CSA ‘veggie boxes’ that get delivered right to your doorstep. Check out the Community Resources page for more information on CSAs.
Since I’m a resident of the park, do I still need to apply for wilderness or Half Dome permits?
Yes. If you are expecting to take a trip to the back country, you can find information online, or visit the Wilderness Center located in Yosemite Village. Open Mon-Fri, 9am-12pm and 1pm-4:30pm, from May - December, or call (209) 372-0826.
You may get a citation if you don’t have a wilderness permit.
Follow these links for detailed information regarding permits.
How does it work if I have friends and family visiting?
Your friends and family are granted free admission into the park. They will need to tell the gate attendant they are visiting an employee and will be given a permit, which will need to be filled out and shown upon exiting the park.
If I don’t own a vehicle, what are my options for transportation?
Yarts Bus: https://yarts.com/
Amtrak: https://www.amtrak.com/take-train-to-yosemite-park
Commercial Airports: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/airports.htm
If I own a vehicle, will I need to get a permit to get in and out of the park?
Yes, as a resident, you will get a vehicle sticker. Speak to your manager about where to get your sticker.
To receive your sticker, you will need to provide proof of insurance, VIN#, and the make, model, and year of your car.
What if I am coming with a significant other?
Make sure to communicate with your organization before coming up. Due to an influx of seasonal employees and limited housing, couples housing is not always guaranteed.
What is there to do in the Park in my free time?
Hiking - There are over 800 miles of trails in the park!
Rock Climbing - A very popular activity in the park. You can make friends or utilize the Mountaineering School and Guide Service. (9020 Curry Village Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, (209) 372-8344)
If you are interested in rock climbing, the basic equipment used are shoes, harness, chalk bag, and a belay/rappel device.
Swimming - There are many good swimming holes in and around the park. Make sure to follow LNT practices and clean up after yourself.
Birding - In Yosemite, there are many opportunities to go birding. Join a Yosemite Conservancy birdwatching outing, led by an expert birder, who usually includes visits to some of the park’s best birding hotspots. Or check the Yosemite Guide for program offerings.
Fishing - Fishing regulations for Yosemite National Park follow those set by the State of California, including the requirement that people 16 or older have a valid CA fishing license.
The season for stream and river fishing begins on the last Saturday in April and continues through November 15. All lakes and reservoirs are open to fishing year-round.
There are some special regulations that apply within the park.
Sports - Employees often organize sport matches. If you’re interested, ask around or find a friend who can tell you more information or check out the Yosemite Employee Recreation Facebook page.
Is there anywhere to rent books or movies?
The Wellness Center has movies you can rent for free. Limit 3 per person. Please be ready to provide your employee/volunteer ID.
Besides outside, is there anywhere I can work out?
The Wellness Center has a gym and yoga room. Classes are available in the activity room, and you can check the board for more info. Be ready to show your employees or volunteer ID.
Balanced Rock hosts yoga every Wednesday at 6pm in the Wellness Center Activity Room. Suggested donations $10-$20.
There are also community yoga classes held throughout the season. Check the Events Calendar to find out more.
What weather should I expect?
Be prepared for all types of weather. Bring appropriate layers. Storms can move in during the summer and all season will require proper layers.
Is there anywhere to access the internet if you don’t have a computer, or anywhere I can print or fax?
The Wellness Center has a computer lab, you can sign up to use the computers for 1hr at a time. You can print, scan, and fax. Make sure to bring your employee/volunteer ID
The library has free wifi
As a volunteer, do I have access to showers?
You can shower at Housekeeping Camp, Half Dome Village, and the Wellness Center. Bring your own towels and toiletries. Lockers at the Wellness Center are day use only.
Be ready to show your volunteer ID.
What are my food options?
Cafeterias: The Half Dome Pavilion, Lodge ‘Base Camp’, Degnan’s Deli, The Loft.
Restaurants: The Mountain Room at the Lodge, The Majestic Dining Room.
What social activities are available?
Besides organizing your own social activities, there are a few other options including Wellness Center hikes, YEA social events, and more. Check out the Events Calendar to see all upcoming events.
What documents do I need to bring?
Have you I-9 documents and welcome letters printed or available to show upon arrival. Have your social security card and ID or as passport.
Due to an influx of seasonal employees, make sure to have names and phone numbers of the people you talked to before arriving. Have your hiring documents as well as your position, manager name, and work unit.
Am I allowed to bring pets?
Pet policies depend on your position, housing accommodations, and organization. Please communicate with your housing managers before bringing pets.