Yosemite Facelift

The scoop on the 12th Annual Yosemite Facelift

There’s no need to educate you as to why you as a climber might hold Yosemite National Park dear to your heart, but perhaps you don’t yet know how you yourself can get involved in preserving the area’s pristine natural beauty that makes it such a treasured place for us all …

This opportunity to give back—known as the Yosemite Facelift —takes place from September 22 – 27 this year, and serves as the largest organized volunteer clean-up of any National Park.

 

What can only be described as an incredible gathering of those who cherish Yosemite, came about because of a unique partnership that formed between Yosemite National Park and the Yosemite Climbing Association —a non-profit organization that aims to preserve Yosemite’s climbing heritage. Thanks in large part to the dedication of prolific Yosemite climber, conservationist, and event organizer Ken Yager, 2015 marks the 12th year of this amazing collaboration.

As climbers, the Facelift gives us a chance to support efforts to undo the summertime damage from the influx of visitors and keep Yosemite as untarnished as possible. And to make things that much more profound, 2015 not only marks the 12th year of the Yosemite Facelift, but also the 125th anniversary of Yosemite. What better way to celebrate than to clean-up this magical place?

Plus, check out some of the bizarre finds you might stumble upon as you clean …

Yosemite Facelift
Yosemite Facelift
Yosemite Facelift
Yosemite Facelift
Photos courtesy of Ken Yager

What to expect from the 2015 Yosemite Facelift

Aside from the obvious clean-up volunteering efforts that you’ll have the privilege of taking part in, the Facelift also serves as a massive celebration of climbing community, heritage, and culture.

A few not-to-be-missed events include a screening of Reel Rock 10, a daily raffle with loads of swag, live music from Jonathan McEuen Trio with free New Belgium beer and Grip Wines wine, and a chance to hear from some of the most legendary climbers out there; including Lynn Hill, Eric Bissell, Katie Lambert, Tommy Caldwell, Cheyne Lempe, Kate Rutherforth, and more.

The complete schedule of evening events for the 2015 Yosemite Facelift:

Tuesday 9/22

Reel Rock 10 will be shown in the Yosemite Theater and the Auditorium. Doors open at 6:30pm and show starts at 7:00pm.

Wednesday 9/23

Skiy Detray, Chantel Astorga, Lynn Hill. Doors open at 6:30pm and show starts at 7:00pm.

Thursday 9/24

Eric Bissel, Katie Lambert, Tommy Caldwell. Doors open at 6:30pm and show starts at 7:00pm.

Friday 9/25

JP Ouellet, Cheyne Lempe, Kate Rutherford. Doors open at 6:30pm and show starts at 7:00pm.

Saturday 9/26

No Facelift event planned, a night off. Oktoberfest in El Portal Community Hall with Jonathan McEuen Trio playing music along with some local music, too. Sponsored by Yosemite Employee Assossiation.

Sunday 9/27

Doors open at 6:00pm. Dinner provided to Facelift volunteers by Delaware North At Yosemite. Sponsorship thank you, NPS speaker, final raffle and dancing till midnight with music by Upside Down (4 local 12 year-old kids) opening for Jonathan McEuen Trio. Ends at midnight. New Belgium Brewing is providing beer, and Grip Wines will be providing wine. Must have valid ID.

How to get involved in the 2015 Yosemite Facelift

Okay, I’m super psyched. Where do I sign up?!

We know—it’s hard not to want to attend this truly unique and valuable event. And don’t worry, even if you can only make it for part of the days, you can still take part!

If you plan on camping in the park, just make sure to email your camping requests to [email protected]. Camping will be available for volunteers in Yellow Pines, Camp 4, Upper Pines, and in Tuolumne Meadows. Simply include your campground preference in order, dates needed, and the names of the other people in your party.

Check-in for the Facelift will be open daily at the Visitor Center of Yosemite Valley from 8am to 4pm on September 23 – 27, as well as in front of the Wilderness Center for Tuolumne, from 8am to 3pm from September 23 – 26.

Check out the Yosemite Facelift Facebook page for more details.

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