As Labor Day approaches, Yosemite officials prepare for the droves of visitors planning to spend the weekend at the national park.
For those whose Labor Day plans include a trip to Yosemite, there are a few things to keep in mind, a park ranger advised.
"There is a mask mandate," said Yosemite Park Ranger Scott Gediman. "Places like Tunnel View, Yosemite Falls tend to get real crowded so we’re asking people to really be cognizant of their surroundings and practice social distancing, wearing a mask in crowded outdoor areas and wearing a mask inside any federal buildings."
As well as a mask, visitors who plan to camp or hike will need a reservation.
"There’s a ton of availability during the day," Gediman told KCBS Radio. "There are seven day ahead passes, those are going up each day on www.recreation.gov."
He said the pandemic has led to some short staffing, so some park facilities are closed and some restaurants and park stands are operating with shortened hours.
As people make the drive up into the Sierra Nevada mountains, Gediman encourages visitors to be aware of bears.
"It’s been a really challenging year for bears," he said. "We’ve had several bears hit by cars this year, so we ask people to drive slow and enjoy the scenery."
Lastly, visitors should be cautious of toxic algae in stagnant water, which has bloomed in Yosemite as a product of the California drought.
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