Nature Center at Happy Isles
Family friendly exhibits on natural history and wildlife.
Plan Around Nature Center at Happy Isles
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Nature Center at Happy Isles Details
The Nature Center is open daily from May to September and has family friendly exhibits on Yosemite's natural history and wildlife. You can follow short trails that explain the park's four major environments -- forest, river, talus -- meaning the rocky slopes of the valley -- and fens, or wetlands. If you're traveling with kids, the park's Little Cub and Junior Ranger programs are also held here. Be sure to check out the remains of the giant rockfall that occurred nearby in 1996: more than 75,000 tons of rock fell 2,000 feet from Glacier Point, killing a hiker and damaging the Nature Center. A trail to the top of Vernal Fall begins at Happy Isles, as well.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
Region
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Nearby Parks Around Nature Center at Happy Isles
Compare nearby parks around Nature Center at Happy Isles when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Nature Center at Happy Isles
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Nature Center at Happy Isles while the map context is still fresh.
0.1 mi away
Vernal Fall Footbridge
A mile from the trailhead, the Mist Trail crosses this footbridge where you'll get your first sight of Vernal Fall.
0.1 mi away
Happy Isles Trail
In late summer when the Merced River is more placid, avoid the Mist Trail crowds and take this pleasant reprieve.
0.1 mi away
Half Dome
Aided by the famous cable walk, this is Yosemite's most famous hike, and one of its toughest.
0.1 mi away
Half Dome
One of the Park's most familiar rock formations and a Yosemite icon.
0.1 mi away
Half Dome
One of California'ss most familiar rock formations and a Yosemite icon.
