Charles Coleman+FollowWhy Yosemite wants hikers to stop stacking rocksYosemite is asking hikers to stop building those Instagram-worthy rock cairns—and it’s not just about keeping the trails pretty. Rangers say these stacks actually mess with tiny critters and plants living under the rocks, and can even speed up erosion. Only official cairns should mark trails; the rest can confuse hikers and harm the ecosystem. Next time you’re out there, leave the rocks as you find them and help keep Yosemite wild for everyone (and everything) that calls it home. What do you think—should parks crack down on this more? #News #Yosemite #LeaveNoTrace00Share
Dr. Michael Henson+FollowYosemite firefall: No reservations, new rulesYosemite’s famous firefall is back this February—without the reservation system that’s kept crowds in check the last few years. Instead, rangers are rolling out stricter parking and walking rules, hoping to avoid chaos as thousands flock to see Horsetail Fall glow like molten lava at sunset. Expect to park farther away and walk about 1.5 miles in winter conditions, so bring warm gear and a flashlight. Some roads and river areas will be off-limits to both cars and pedestrians. Do you think these new rules will help, or is it going to be a mess out there? #Travel #Yosemite #Firefall10Share
boothconnor+FollowYosemite’s wild invader: Mullein takes overTall, alien-looking plants are popping up all over Yosemite campsites, and they’re not just a quirky sight—they’re mullein, an invasive species that’s crowding out native plants and threatening the park’s ecosystem. It’s wild to see how quickly these non-native plants can take over, changing the landscape and making life harder for local wildlife. Some folks in Colorado have even seen entire fields taken over by mullein! This really makes you think about how important it is to protect native plants and be mindful of what we introduce into our environment. Have you noticed invasive species where you live? #News #Yosemite #InvasiveSpecies00Share
