12:00 PM: Check-in at Yellow Pine Campground
Come check in! Set up your tent, put your food in the bear box, and meet some of the people you’ll spend the week(end) with. Once you’ve set up, visit the craft table to make a name-button for yourself. Get oriented to Yosemite Valley and check out the sponsor village featuring our brand partners.

Make your way over to the Valley Village (1.5 miles away, can take the shuttle, walk, bike, or drive (limited parking, recommended for individuals with blue placard)) and visit the Visitor Center and Museum.

4-7 PM: Kickoff Party!
Come to the East Auditorium patio (behind the Valley Visitor Center) and meet organizations local to Yosemite, including National Park Service staff (wildlife biologists , archaeologists, and Education staff), Yosemite Conservancy, the Outward Bound California Mid Pines Base, Yosemite Mountaineering School, and Balanced Rock. Dinner is pizza and will be available starting at 5:30pm.

At 7pm, stick around for presentations from some representatives of the seven traditionally associated Tribes, and more! Enjoy short films from Mountain Hardwear, Rab, and Negus in Nature.

8-10 AM: Vendor Village & Registration
Check in at site D if you didn’t on Friday night. Sign in for clinics, workshops, and stewardship projects at site D. If you are attending a clinic, you will need to leave by 8:30am to carpool to your crag. Carpooling is highly recommended as parking is limited.

9AM- 3PM: Climbing clinics and stewardship projects! Check in at 8am. Ground school check in at 9am.

10AM - 12PM Ground School in Yellow Pine
Don’t want a full clinic but do want to pick up some more skills? Join ground school clinics including a How to Go Camping (Black affinity space) hosted by Black Rock Collective and Negus in Nature.

1-4 PM: Workshops!
Workshops will meet in Yellow Pine campground (site A) unless otherwise noted.

5-10 PM: Community Night
Visit our vendor village for games and chances to learn about our brand partners! You can also visit with our community partners including Brown Girls Climb, Queer Crush, ParaCliffHangers, and Yosemite Climbing Association. Dinner will be provided by Latino Outdoors Fresno. As it gets darker, there will be optional campfire games and opportunities for deeper reflective conversations facilitated by community partners and sponsored athletes. Feel free to bring an instrument and share your talents with us!

8-10 AM: Vendor Village & Registration
Sign in for clinics, workshops, and stewardship projects at site D. If you are attending a clinic, you will need to leave by 8:30am to carpool to your crag. Carpooling is highly recommended as parking is limited.

9AM - 3PM: Climbing clinics and stewardship projects!

10AM - 12PM: Ground school in Yellow Pine
Don’t want a full clinic but do want to pick up some more skills? Join Rab’s Marcus Garcia for a 2 hour workshop on Anchor Building + Good Gear Placements.

1-4 PM: Workshops!
Workshops will meet in Yellow Pine campground (site A) unless otherwise noted.

6 PM: Celebration Dinner hosted by Farm to Crag with support from Protect Our Winters + ALL RISE Foundation

8-10 AM: Vendor Village & Registration
Sign in for clinics, workshops, and stewardship projects at site D. If you are attending a clinic, you will need to leave by 8:30am to carpool to your crag. Carpooling is highly recommended as parking is limited.

9AM - 3PM: Climbing clinic and stewardship projects! Check in at 8am. Ground school check in at 9am.

1-4 PM: Workshops!
Workshops will meet in Yellow Pine campground (site A) unless otherwise noted.

5 PM: Optional closing ceremony at El Cap Meadow / Group Photo!

9 -10:30 PM: Stargazing with Yosemite Conservancy

Clean up campground!
Help out the camp hosts and assistant camp hosts by picking up micro-trash, emptying the landfill / recycle / compost bins, and wash out the dish bins for storage.

Intro to Valley Climbing (BIPOC Affinity Space) (12) at Ranger Rock w/ Eddie Taylor and Genevive Walker, supported by Patagonia and Mountain Hardwear

Description: Description: How do you climb a wall with limited holds and very few bolts in place? Learn the basics of traditional climbing in the valley from Genevive and Eddie - from the movement skills necessary to climb slabs and cracks, to how to place protection; Topics may include how to approach different size cracks, different types of gear, when and how to place gear, how to remove gear, and basic trad anchors. The goal is to get you climbing in the valley and for everyone to come away with a few new skills.

Climber Requirements: Participants must self-identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color. This course will be best for climbers with ~1+ years of climbing experience, for those comfortable on a rope and those ready to learn more about climbing in the valley.

Tentative location: Ranger Rock (El Cap Picnic Area). ~.25 mile walk from parking lot to base of crag with approximate gain of 20 feet. Trail is dirt with some ruts and large rocks. Bathroom located in parking area.

Gym to Crag (12) at Swan Slab w/ Zivia Berkowitz, supported by Brown Girls Climb

Description: A mellow, at-your-own-pace introduction to climbing welcome to all. Come with a little experience climbing in the gym, or come with no experience at all as your first time climbing! We’ll have ropes set up for climbing, and cover some basic climbing and belay techniques. This clinic will foster an environment where people of all abilities and experience levels will be able to get a hang for Yosemite climbing.

Climber Requirements: Some experience indoor top-roping or bouldering is helpful but not required.

Tentative location and approach information: Swan Slab. Crag is approximately .25 miles from parking area (may have to cross road), and is mostly paved. Bathroom located ~100 yards from crag.

Falling + Commitment (LGBTQIA+ affinity space) (12) at Pat and Jacks with Lor Sabourin, supported by Patagonia

Description: This training, which is based on the Warrior's Way mental training curriculum, addresses falling directly to help improve commitment. We do progressive falling practice followed by movement, breathing, resting, and body/mind awareness exercises. Students leave understanding how to take appropriate risks and how to commit to those risks. Students will practice the following skills during this course: fall properly, give a dynamic (cushioned) belay, break a climb into smaller risk events, assess risk effectively, distinguish between no- and yes-fall zones, engage no- and yes-fall zones appropriately, make appropriate risk decisions, improve body/mind awareness, rest effectively, improve breathing, create flow and momentum, deal with climbing stress, commit more deliberately, reduce fear, and more!

Climber Requirements: Experience top-rope belaying and feeding slack with an assisted locking belay device. This clinic will be held at a crag with vertical terrain between 5.7-5.9 with options for more challenging climbs.

Tentative location and approach information: Pat and Jacks. Park on the Southside of 140 and cross the road. Take steep rocky steps up to the base for about 50ft or so

Intermediate Trad Climbing (self-rescue component) at Jam Crack (12) w/ Elena Chin

Description: You’re ready for some advanced trad climbing skills, including multi-pitch efficiency, some self-rescue skills, and more efficient anchor building techniques.

Climber Requirements: This course is best suited for climbers with some experience leading or following traditionally protected routes.

Tentative location and approach information: Park at Yosemite Valley Lodge or the Yosemite Village. Take the Lower Yosemite Falls trail to the Jam Crack approach trail, a few hundred feet east of the Lower Yosemite Falls bridge and right (east) around the corner from SunnySide Bench. Take the approach trail uphill to the steeper section of rocky hillside a couple hundred feet to the cliff.

Gym to Crag (12) at Church Bowl with ParaCliffHangers

Description: A mellow, at-your-own-pace introduction to climbing welcome to all. Come with a little experience climbing in the gym, or come with no experience at all as your first time climbing! We’ll have ropes set up for climbing, and cover some basic climbing and belay techniques. This clinic will foster an environment where people of all abilities and experience levels will be able to get a hang for Yosemite climbing.

Climber Requirements: Some experience indoor top-roping or bouldering is helpful but not required.

Tentative location and approach information: Church Bowl. Crag is located ~100 yards from parking area on a flat dirt trail with approximately 2 feet of gain. Bathroom located in parking area.

Crack Climbing 101 (12) at Ranger Rock w/ Lucho Rivera, supported by Arc’teryx NorCal

Description: Learn the secrets of crack climbing with Lucho Rivera! We’ll cover how to climb cracks of various sizes – fingers, hands, fists and wider – with plenty of time for everyone to practice on the wall!

Climber Requirements: Comfortable top-roping 5.10 indoors and/or outdoors.

Tentative location and approach information: Ranger Rock (El Cap Picnic Area). ~.25 mile walk from parking lot to base of crag with approximate gain of 20 feet. Trail is dirt with some ruts and large rocks. Bathroom is located in parking area.

Intro to Trad - Queer Affinity Space (12) at Swan Slab w/ Carlin and Sof from OUT in the Wild

Description: Have you always been curious how to climb routes that don’t have bolts, and how to use those funky-looking stoppers and cam widgets? In this course we will cover when and how to place traditional gear, how to assess placements, when and how to extend placements and some simple anchors. The goal is to create a supportive environment for everyone to learn at their own pace and take away as much as possible from the course.

Climber Requirements: This course will be best for climbers with ~1+ years of climbing experience, who have climbed outside / led sport routes outside.

Tentative location and approach information: Swan Slab. Crag is approximately .25 miles from parking area (may have to cross road), and is mostly paved. Bathroom located ~100 yards from crag.

Climbing Movement (12) at Church Bowl w/ Anna Hazlett supported by Rab

Description: When to pull, and when to stand up. Our bodies know how to climb, but our minds sometimes get in the way. Slow down and dial in your technique in this clinic designed to focus on getting in touch with your breath and your body.

Climber Requirements: Confidence climbing at 5.10 or above.

Tentative location and approach information: Church Bowl. Crag is located ~100 yards from parking area on a flat dirt trail with approximately 2 feet of gain. Bathroom located in parking area.

Ground School: Anchors and Essentials with Karen and Jose, supported by Arc’teryx NorCal

Join Arc'teryx Ambassadors for an immersive clinic focused on essential outdoor climbing skills. We’ll blend both the technical and the tactical for experienced gym climbers looking to venture into the outdoors. Learn about common anchor setups for Yosemite's diverse terrain, including bolts, traditional gear, and natural anchors such as trees.

Requirements: No prerequisites!

Location: Yellow Pines Campground Site F

Ground School: Belay Transitions with Matt Bernstein

Purpose: To Give participants a methodology which will empower them to navigate belay transitions smoothly, confidently, and efficiently. We see roughly a 40% bail rate on walls here in the valley. Many of our bailing wall parties are comprised of experienced & competent multi-pitch trad climbers. The single biggest source of bailing? “We were moving too slow.” Where do people lose the most time? At the belay. We will not go into detail on how to lead, jug, or lower out, although we will touch on these.

Requirements: No prerequisites

Location: Yellow Pines Campground

Ground School: Good Enough Anchors with Marcus Garcia, supported by Rab

There is a lot of complicated information out there about anchor systems. Learn to spot the good from the bad, and what is important in your system? In this clinic, Marcus will talk and explain basic anchors system, about what really matters in building anchors and keeping a team secure on climbs. This clinic focuses on the simplicity of anchors and help to answer questions about the use of different anchor setups. Students walk away with new knowledge of anchors whether new or more experience.

• Anchoring the team to the wall.

• Loads on the anchor

• Protecting the climber

• Protecting fixed anchors

• Basic Top rope set up

• Basic Sport climbing anchors

Requirements: No prior experience required!

Yellow Pines Campground Site E

Ground School: ASL for the Outdoors and Climbing with Sonya Wilson *9am-12pm

Do you wonder how best to communicate using non-verbal strategies when hiking, camping and climbing? This workshop will explore the synergy of rock climbing and American Sign Language (ASL). Discover climbing skills and communication strategies for an inclusive outdoor experience that benefits everyone. Learn about valuable resources and knowledge about the Deaf Outdoor Ecosystem.

Requirements: This workshop is for everyone! All are welcome! Interpreters will be present for those who do not know ASL.

Location: Yellow Pines Campground

Beginner Bouldering meet-up at Sentinel Boulders (12) with Kai Lightner, supported by Adidas

Description: Join Kai Lightner on a mellow introduction to outdoor bouldering. Practice safe bouldering by positioning crash pads and “spot” a falling climber correctly! While Yosemite is most well-known for its sweeping granite walls, find out for yourself why it is also an undercover world-class bouldering destination!

Climber Requirements: None! Beginners welcome.

Tentative location and approach information: Sentinel Boulders. ~.25 mile walk from campground to boulders on a flat dirt trail. Involves crossing the road. Boulders are close together and landings are generally flat. Closest bathroom is at Yellow Pine Campground.

Queer Bouldering Meet-Up with Zoey Grinstead & Asher Thornton from Queer Crush

Description: This clinic is to help you get started on your outdoor bouldering adventures. Zoey and Asher will go over bouldering safety, like pad placement and spotting, as well as important techniques to help you conquer everything from V0 friction slabs, to V10 mega-roofs. The space is for climbers of all skill levels, who may want to better their understanding of outdoor bouldering, or even make the transition from the gym for the first time.

Climber Requirements: This is a queer affinity space for individuals who identify as Queer, Trans, Non-binary. Beginners welcome.

Tentative location and approach information: Sentinel Boulders. ~.25 mile walk from campground to boulders on a flat dirt trail. Involves crossing the road. Boulders are close together and landings are generally flat. Closest bathroom is located at Yellow Pine Campground.

Intermediate Bouldering meet-up at Sentinel Boulders (12) with Caleb Robinson, supported by Mountain Hardwear

Description: Join Mountain Hardwear athlete Caleb Robinson for a day of pebble wrestling! While Yosemite is most well-known for its sweeping granite walls, find out for yourself why it is also an undercover world-class bouldering destination!

Climber Requirements: Confident climbing up to V5, looking to try hard!

Tentative location and approach information: Sentinel Boulders. ~.25 mile walk from campground to boulders on a flat dirt trail. Involves crossing the road. Boulders are close together and landings are generally flat. The closest bathroom is at Yellow Pine Campground.

Camping 101 Workshop: Black Rock Collective x Negus in Nature

Join us for an immersive camping workshop designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to embrace the great outdoors responsibly. Led by seasoned outdoor enthusiasts, Brit & Langstyn, from Black Rock Collective and Negus in Nature, this workshop is tailored to empower participants with the tools needed to camp sustainably and harmoniously with nature. We will highlight not only physical safety measures, but how to prioritize psychological safety while being Black and brown outside. Black and brown people have strong ties with the land and natural world - we want to validate your connection to the outdoors and let you know WE OUT HERE.

What you can expect from this workshop:

Psychological Safety & Historical Context: Address valid fears about being Black and brown outside and have an open forum about the historical context of the “great outdoors” in the US.

Leave No Trace & Wildlife Safety: Learn principles for minimizing environmental impact and keeping wildlife safe.

Food Storage & Safety: Understand proper food storage techniques to prevent wildlife encounters.

Skin and Hair Protection: Receive tips for protecting your skin and hair from outdoor elements.

Delicious Camping Meals: Explore easy and nutritious camping meal options.

Campsite Setup & Safety: Learn efficient campsite setup, fire safety, and navigation basics.

Gear Selection & Maintenance: Get insights into choosing and caring for camping equipment.

Climber Requirements: No camping experience required, but will need some basic gear. Curriculum geared towards Black and brown outdoor enthusiasts. Allies are welcome.

Yellow Pines Campground Site E

YC: Sense of Place Naturalist Walk (25 max)
Description: Enjoy a walk along the Merced River and through Leidig Meadow learning about the dynamic natural and cultural history of Yosemite. Topics include but are not limited to geology, ecology, and people’s relationship to the land.

Climber Requirements: None! All are welcome!

Tentative location and approach information: Program will include around three to four miles of hiking on flat terrain (dirt + pavement, some stairs) and will conclude around 4pm back at Yellow Pine.

Lino Printing with Santiago Palacio
Embark on a creative journey inspired by the beauty of nature in our block printing class. Delve into the world of linocut, drawing inspiration from the organic forms and patterns found in the natural world.

Led by Santiago Palacio, this empowering class encourages students to unleash their creativity and explore their unique artistic potential. Through hands-on practice and guided instruction, participants will discover the joy of transforming simple materials into stunning works of art, while also gaining a deeper appreciation for the environment around them. Join us in discovering the boundless possibilities of self-expression through the art of block printing, and let your creativity blossom like never before.

Requirements: This class has no prerequisites, and students will be provided all materials. Experts and amateurs welcomed! Every student will leave the class with their hand carved block and prints.

Yellow Pines Campground site D

Muay Thai and Self Defense for Beginners!
Join Connie Lau for an introductory course in Muay Thai and basic Self Defense techniques (punches, elbows, grip breaks, etc.). All experiences are welcome!

Climber Requirements: Physical requirement - moderate. It will be good cardio, but all techniques can be modified.

Tentative location and approach information: Yellow Pines

YCA: Transition to Intentional Climbing (8-10 max)

Description: Similar in aspects of "gym to crag" learn how to implement best practice. Emphasis on the Yosemite Climbers Credo, LNT and Access Fund Climbers Pact.

Climber Requirements: Easy trail with dirt to swinging bridge, then paved trails to Camp 4 across river.

Tentative location and approach information: Meet in Yellow Pines for conversation and possible move to Camp 4 to disperse. Bring lunch.

Writing Clinic

Description: According to author Katie Ives, our journeys to the mountains trace the shape of stories. Whenever we tie into the sharp end, chalk up for a crux move, or take a moment before descending to watch the sun dip below the horizon, we travel along a narrative arc: the rising action, the climax, the falling action, and the resolution. The cumulative act of climbing, then, provides a loose structure to shape our stories and make meaning from our experiences. In this generative and collaborative workshop, we'll discuss contemporary approaches to writing about our experiences as climbers, provide free writing prompts to help shape your ideas, and explore the vital work of giving voice to perspectives often overlooked and marginalized in conventional climbing and adventure narratives. We welcome anyone interested in writing.

Climber Requirements: None- all experiences, backgrounds, and genres welcome. Materials: notebook and pen/pencil.

Tentative location and approach information: Yellow Pines campground site D

Watercolor (Hosted by Sandy Jairaj at Brown Girl’s Climb) (15 max)
Description: Slow down and observe the small, beautiful details in the world around you. In this creative workshop, you’ll use watercolor and ink to meditate on your surroundings, filling your very own sketchbook with landscapes and specimen studies. With guidance from artist Lora Spielman and all the supplies you'll need provided, you’ll explore how to mix paints, create compositions, simplify landscapes, and more!

Climber Requirements: None!

Tentative location and approach information: Meet in Yellow Pine Site A and walk to Sentinel Beach or Cooks Meadow depending on group decision. Sentinel Beach: ~.25 miles, dirt, descent ~15 feet. Cooks Meadow: ~1 mile, flat dirt + pavement.

Yoga with Balanced Rock
Description: Move your bodies at our beginner-friendly class, crafted to introduce you gently to its transformative power. Led by our experienced instructor, you'll explore foundational poses, breathing techniques, and relaxation methods. Suitable for all levels, come with an open mind and leave feeling centered, refreshed, and connected.

Climber Requirements: None! Bring a mat if you have one. Balanced Rock will provide some as well.

Tentative location and approach information: Meet in Yellow Pine Site A at 8:45am and walk to Sentinel Beach, ~.25 miles, dirt, descent ~15 feet.

Cultural Ecology walk with Jeanine or Irene (NPS)
Black Oak Cultural Ecology and stewardship workshop. Pull conifers, plant and fix cages around saplings.

Climber Requirements: none

Tentative location: El Cap crossing

Wildlife Workshop (NPS)
Description, climber requirements, tentative location and approach information coming soon.

Stargazing with Yosemite Conservancy
Description: You will go out to an area with open sky to enjoy this program. Your naturalist will use a laser pointer to single out specific stars, planets, and constellations. The program curriculum focuses on astronomy (including but not limited to star science, constellations, planetary science, perception of light/how light travels, meteors, meteorites, etc.), as well as story/lore/mythology rooted in cultures both locally and across the world. Program will conclude around 10:30pm back at Yellow Pine.

Climber Requirements: None! Meet your naturalist at Yellow Pine at Site A at 9pm. Please bring blankets/towels to lay on (or camp chairs), and warm layers.

Tentative location and approach information: Sentinel Beach (tentative), ~.25 mile walk from Yellow Pine campground on flat dirt, ~10 foot descent

Climbing Trails 9am-3pm

Description: Informal trails can lead to erosion, loss of plant habitat, and disrupt cultural sites. Join the Yosemite Climbing Trails Coordinator to move some dirt and rocks around and stabilize a trail to a popular climbing destination!

Climber Requirements: This work can be strenuous and may require lifting up to 40 lbs. Requires long pants and closed-toed shoes. Bring lunch, water, sunscreen, and be prepared for strenuous. All protective equipment will be provided.

Tentative location and approach information coming soon.

Climbing Trails 9am-3pm

Description: Informal trails can lead to erosion, loss of plant habitat, and disrupt cultural sites. Join the Yosemite Climbing Trails Coordinator to move some dirt and rocks around and stabilize a trail to a popular climbing destination!

Climber Requirements: This work can be strenuous and may require lifting up to 40 lbs. Requires long pants and closed toed shoes. Bring lunch, water, sunscreen, and be prepared for strenuous. All protective equipment will be provided.

Tentative location and approach information coming soon!

Weed Warriors 9am-3pm

Description: Tend to the habitat of the valley and support native plant diversity! Bull thistle is a plant introduced to this continent. While native to eastern Europe and western Asia, bull thistle can be detrimental to native ecosystems across this North American continent. They can create thickets in open, recently disturbed areas, and reduce biodiversity of native plants, pollinators, and birds. This project will work to remove bull thistle from a location within the valley, allowing native vegetation to thrive in the open space.

Climber Requirements: Bring lunch, water, sunscreen, and be prepared for potentially sweaty labor. All protective equipment will be provided.

Tentative location and approach information coming soon!

United in Yosemite (UiY) is a climbing festival for climbers from backgrounds including queer and gender expansive, People of the Global Majority, and climbers with disabilities. A collaboration between Yosemite National Park, the American Alpine Club, and the Yosemite Conservancy, UiY aims to be active in the evolution of global climbing culture through the lenses of representation, Tribal engagement, stewardship, and celebration.

June 21-25, 2024, in Yosemite Valley. Camping will be at Yellow Pine campground.

Are you an individual with a historically marginalized identity or a multiple marginalized identities?

Are you looking to learn about outdoor rock climbing or gain skills to help you access more complex climbing goals?

Are you working for outdoor equity for yourself or in your community?

Are you willing to be in a space with a diverse group of people, willing to listen and learn from their experiences, willing to be seen, and willing to show up for a transformation in climbing culture?

If YES, then this is for you!

Some experience climbing will be helpful! Programming is aimed at folks who are comfortable gym climbing and excited to branch into the outdoors, or intermediate outdoor climbers who are looking to level up their skills in Multi-Pitch Efficiency, Safety, and Aid Climbing.

We are looking for community members to volunteer in several roles throughout the festival! Check our volunteer page for more information.

Registration is limited at 100 participants. To ensure fairness and accommodate high demand, we conduct a two-week lottery registration process. Once the registration period concludes, we randomly select and extend invitations to 100 individuals.

We save about 15% of spots for members of the seven traditionally associated Tribes of Yosemite.

We save about 10% of spots for self-identified disabled or adaptive climbers.

Four nights of camping, 1 clinic and 1 workshop / participant, and dinner Friday and Saturday nights; access to intimate Vendor Village and affinity group spaces; and access to demo gear.

During clinics with Yosemite Mountaineering School, shoes, helmets, and harnesses will be provided.

Transportation and food are not included.

Camping will be at the Yellow Pine campground. This is a tent camping site with no electric or water hook-ups available. Yellow Pines is divided into six sites of different sizes, and participants will be assigned to a particular site.There is no running water on site, but potable water is available from a 500-gallon water buffalo (a big ol’ tank). There are no showers on site, but showers are available at Camp 4, Curry Village, and Housekeeping Camp. Each campsite has a firepit, picnic table, and bear lockers.

Yellow Pine can accommodate a maximum of 60 vehicles. Because of space and the carbon cost of cars, we will encourage folks to carpool as much as possible.

The free Yosemite Valley shuttle system operates with service around Yosemite Valley. The shuttle bus is wheelchair accessible. For more information and a map of the shuttle stops, visit this page.

Especially on a weekend in the summer, driving and finding parking can be stressful. If you can bring a bike and helmet, do it! Yosemite Hospitality rents bikes daily. Yosemite Conservancy offers a free bike share. There is not a bike lane for the entirety of the Valley loop road, but there is a bike path from Camp 4 to the Valley Visitor Center to Curry Village.

It sure is! United in Yosemite will take place regardless of weather, though rain, excess heat, or smoke could change programming.Be prepared for changing weather, inclement weather, and be open to things changing due to weather conditions!

Pets are not allowed at Yellow Pine campground. Additionally, they can be a hazard and a distraction at crags. For these reasons, we ask you to please leave your pet at home.

Service animals (dogs and miniature horses) are animals who have been trained to perform a specific task related to a physical or neurological disability. They are allowed wherever a person can go and will of course be welcome at Yellow Pines campground. They must be under control (leash 6 feet or less or verbal command) at all times.

Under Department of Justice guidelines, emotional support, therapy animals, or companion animals are not considered service animals and are subject to the same regulations as pets (Yosemite National Park Pet Guidelines page). Additionally, service animals in training are not considered service animals under ADA and are subject to same regulations as pets.

For more information, visit the National Park Service page on service animals.

Eight tickets will be reserved for folks with disabilities. Additional companion spots will be available for attendees with disabilities who would benefit from that assistance. If you require a companion to assist with your disability, you are responsible for finding that person. They do not need to be a member of one of the communities UiY serves, but rather someone who you feel comfortable with.

For full details on accessibility in Yosemite National Park, please reference the Yosemite National Park Accessibility Guide.

Yellow Pines campground is a flat dirt campground. There are no specific tent pads, but sites C and E are flat and accessible via wheelchair. Site C will be reserved for climbers with disabilities and their companions. The closest pit toilets are located about 250 yards from the tent sites. They are equipped with ADA-compliant 32-inch door width, 60-inch minimum diameter turning circle, and grab bars located by the toilet. There is an even dirt ramp up to the door. Wheelchair accessible showers are not available on site but are available at Camp 4 or Curry Village.

Instead of a specific adaptive climbing clinic, adaptive climbers are invited to join any clinic, and we will work with individuals to make sure we are preparing for their specific accommodations. There will be community members identified to support climbers at clinics if needed. Yosemite Mountaineering School guides are experienced with adaptive climbing accommodations and are psyched to help you get out there!

Yosemite National Park is home to about 500 black bears. They can appear brown, cinnamon, honey, tan, and even black. The American black bear is curious, intelligent, and loves snacks. Their favorite snacks are grubs, berries, and roots — but their keen sense of smell leads them to human food. It is our responsibility as their neighbors to not allow them to get food or other scented products. A bear that has gotten human food can become aggressive in their hunt for calories, which can lead to their relocation or their unnecessary death.

In the campground, there will be bear boxes where all scented items must be stored if they are not being used. If it goes in or on your body, it goes in the bear box. This includes food, bottles, drinks, cosmetics, soap, and ice chests (even if there’s no food in it!), and unwashed items used to prepare or eat food.

For more information, visit the Yosemite bear safety page. Help keep bears wild!

People can generate up to 50% more trash when traveling — small things like extra granola bars, a cup of coffee, to-go food containers add up! We aim to be a zero-waste event, and we all need to do our part by planning ahead and preparing to decrease our own footprint. We will have an organic waste dumpster in the campground, along with recycling and trash. We can reduce our impact by bringing reusable items whenever possible, and being mindful of the waste generated by food wrappers, gear, etc.

Stewardship projects are optional. Many individuals from non-dominant identities have spent much of their time and labor in contexts that were underpaid, overworked, and undernourishing. We do not offer stewardship projects with the expectation of garnering labor from individuals who are new to the space. Instead, we offer these service projects as a meaningful way of giving back if we have the capacity.

Outdoor recreation and climbing can be seen as extractive – taking from land and original occupants without returning anything. We want to explore what does it look like to be a climber who tries to build a reciprocal relationship with land and original inhabitants.