Visiting Yosemite National Park should be a dream come true for all who love nature and the outdoors. The park is home to three million visitors annually, and this high number of tourists has led to increased congested roads and spoilt ecosystems. Severe flooding in 1997, however, helped return the park to its natural state. Fortunately, the park has since reclaimed many of its roads, and more people are using shuttle buses than ever before.
The city of Yosemite National Park is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, about 200 miles east of San Francisco. The three state highways approach the park from the west, and then all meet at the lower valley. State Route 120 continues east through the Sierras via Tioga Pass, which is often covered in snow until June. After Tioga Pass, there are no roads south of Yosemite for 140 miles. The roads in Yosemite Valley are narrow and carved into cliff sides, with tunnels that reveal the imposing waterfalls and green woodland.
The Mammoth Yosemite Airport, located in Mammoth Lakes, is an important link in the state's aeronautics system. It serves as a vital stop for pilots flying along the Eastern Sierra front. The airport is regulated under federal aviation regulations (FAR) Part 139, which sets standards for airport safety with small commercial carriers. Mammoth Yosemite Airport has emergency equipment and established procedures manuals. A helipad is located in town for air ambulance services.