 |
GO BICYCLING IN YOSEMITE PARK
Even if you haven't hopped on a bike in years, you can't help but enjoy cycling in Yosemite National Park. While some park roads are too steep and narrow for cycling, the Yosemite Valley is perfect for a sunny afternoon of sightseeing on two wheels, stopping for a picnic by the Merced River.
Cycling around the valley also helps you avoid the headaches of traffic and finding a parking spot during the busy summer months. It can give you a different perspective on the scenery, letting you soak up those grand vistas instead of just whizzing by them in your car.
Bicycles are allowed only on paved park roads and 12 miles of the Yosemite Valley's multi-use recreational path. Cycling is prohibited off-road and on all hiking trails and footpaths. Convenient bicycle parking rack are found at many points of interest around the Yosemite Valley, including museums, nature centers, shops, restaurants, lodges, and trailheads. All riders under 18 years old must wear a helmet, as required by California law.
Single-speed cruiser bikes with coaster brakes (you have to pedal backward to stop) can be rented around the Yosemite Valley. The park's concessionaire runs bicycle rental stands at Curry Village and the Yosemite Lodge at the Falls. Both bike-rental stands are open daily from spring through fall, weather-permitting. During peak summer months, it's smart to reserve your rental bicycles in advance by calling (209) 372-4386. For more information, visit www.yosemitepark.com.
If you plan to do some serious cycling elsewhere around the park, it's best to bring your own bike. Keep in mind that outside the valley, the park's highways can be quite challenging even if you're fit and experienced. Most cyclists head up Tioga Road, despite the heavy traffic during daylight hours, especially in summer. The best advice is to drive up and out of the Yosemite Valley, then park outside Crane Flat. Your best chances of having the route to yourself without much vehicle traffic are just after the road opens, usually in early June, or right before it closes in October.
For those traveling to Yosemite on public transportation, bicycles are allowed on some YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) buses; call (877) 989-2787 for details, including routes, schedules, and fares.
|