Yosemite Summer Field Research Course

Getting Prepared

Ready, set, go!

Unless you are an experienced backpacker, the thought of living in the wilderness for over a week can be a little daunting. Rest assured that our field educators have a great deal of experience leading wilderness expeditions and will be able to help you live happily and comfortably in the backcountry.

It is important that you arrive physically and emotionally prepared for the challenge. Our Prepare for the Wilderness document will help with a complete packing list and guidelines for buying or renting the right equipment and clothing.

Getting here

Yosemite National Park is in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. It is your responsibility to get to and from Yosemite at the beginning and end of the course. Here are some travel options.

Plane
We offer a shuttle service to and from Fresno Yosemite International Airport on July 27 and August 10. This service costs $40 each way ($80 roundtrip).

Train and bus
Amtrak partners with local bus companies to bring passengers to Yosemite Valley where NatureBridge staff will pick up Field Research Course participants and bring them to our campus at Crane Flat. To use the Amtrak travel planner, simply enter “Yosemite - Yosemite Lodge, CA (YOS)” as your destination.

Car
If you’re planning to drive, email us at yosemitefieldresearch@naturebridge.org so that we can help you arrange carpooling with other participants.

Map and directions
Google map to Crane Flat
 

When you arrive at the park

Present your gate pass (you will receive this in the mail prior to your trip) at the park entrance to waive the park entrance fee. Tell the rangers at the gate that you are going to NatureBridge’s Crane Flat campus (not Yosemite Valley), and they will direct you. Our Crane Flat campus is on Highway 120, about one mile east of the Crane Flat gas station.