Yosemite Reservations

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

While most of us think of Yosemite as a wonderful “natural” place there actually is more and more modern technology sneaking into our vacation experience.
This is an article published August 12th,2007 on Redding.Com from the staff at
Record Searchlight Newspaper.
////////
{Quote}
In this era of high technology and interactive electronics — cell phones,
iPods and digital video cameras are must-have accessories –
even for visitors in remote locations.
Now, Yosemite National Park joins the hi-tech movement by offering a new visitor
recreational activity — virtual self-guided walking tours.
The tours, developed by San Jose-based multi-media production company Big Escapes,
in conjunction with the National Park Service and nonprofit Yosemite Association,
offer visitors a modernized approach to sightseeing in Yosemite Valley,
while learning the story behind the scenes.

The 90-minute audio/video tours, which follow a 1.6 mile paved trail loop in the area
surrounding Lower Yosemite Falls, are conducted through a handheld electronic device
called the Explorer. Using technology similar to a GPS unit, the Explorer works by
determining the user’s location and guiding them along a scenic travel route with
accompanying narrative and imagery.
A host of optional stories, trivia questions and interactive games are also offered,
including a treasure chest search for clues and secret messages, geared toward younger
visitors.

The Explorer units are available for rental at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center;
the cost is $9.95 for adults and $7.95 for children ages 3-12. The handheld devices
are compatible with most headphones, or guests can rent an audio headset for $1. Once the units are activated, visitors are able to walk at their own pace following a
corresponding map/guide and control pre-recorded content by selecting from more than
40 subjects, such as: Yosemite’s early pioneers, historic milestones,
cultural heritage, native wildlife and ecology, scenic landmarks and seasonal changes. A compelling optional section covers acts of nature, where natural occurrences, such as forest fires, rock slides and the 100-year flood of 1997, are presented with dramatic news footage, eyewitness accounts and archival images.

“We are very pleased with the innovative and interactive aspects of these new visitor
tours,” said Chris Stein, chief of interpretation and education for the park.
“They cover a vast amount of factual information in an entertaining, user-friendly
format, and are a welcomed addition to Yosemite’s interpretive programming.”

The Yosemite Association, a nonprofit cooperative park association, handles tour
ticket sales from their Visitor Center retail store year-round during regular
operating hours. Reservations are not necessary, however, groups of ten or more
can reserve units in advance by calling (877) 477-8687
or online at www.LowerFallsLoop.com.

This is the first installment of Explorer tour routes;
plans exist for future expansion into other areas of the park.

{End Quote}