Experience Yosemite Valley with the Convenience of Your High-tech Virtual Tour Guide Innovative audio/video interpretive tours, via personal handheld devices, debut in Yosemite National Park
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, August 7, 2007 — If you can’t beat them … join them. In this era of high technology and interactive electronics — cell phones, iPods and digital video cameras — are must-have accessories, even for visitors in remote locations such as national parks. Now, Yosemite National Park joins the hi-tech movement by offering a new visitor recreational activity — virtual self-guided walking tours.
The tours, developed by San Jose-based multi-media production company Big Escapes, in conjunction with the National Park Service (NPS) and non-profit Yosemite Association (YA), offer visitors of all ages a fun, modernized approach to sightseeing in Yosemite Valley, while learning the story behind the scenes.
The 90-minute audio/video tours, which follow a 1.6-mile paved trail loop in the area surrounding Lower Yosemite Falls, are conducted through a handheld electronic device called the Explorer. Using technology similar to a GPS unit, the Explorer works by determining the user’s location and guiding them along a scenic travel route with accompanying narrative and imagery. A host of optional stories, trivia questions and interactive games are also offered, including a treasure chest search for clues and secret messages, geared toward younger visitors.
The Explorer units are available for rental at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center; the cost is $9.95 for adults and $7.95 for children ages 3-12. The handheld devices are compatible with most headphones, or guests can rent an audio headset for an additional $1. Yosemite Association members save 15% by showing their membership ID at time of rental.
Once the units are activated, visitors are able to walk at their own pace following a corresponding map/guide and control pre-recorded content by selecting from more than 40 subjects, such as: Yosemite’s early pioneers, historic milestones, cultural heritage, native wildlife and ecology, scenic landmarks and seasonal changes. A compelling optional section covers acts of nature, where natural occurrences, such as forest fires, rock slides and the 100-year flood of 1997, are presented with dramatic news footage, eyewitness accounts and archival images.
Story lines and topics are presented in an entertaining format, including “cameo” vocal appearances by John Muir and content by San Francisco Chronicle cartoonist Phil Frank. Long-time NPS ranger-naturalists Bob Roney and Vickie Mates developed the interpretive content and serve as the narrators for the audio portion.
“We are very pleased with the innovative and interactive aspects of these new visitor tours,” said Chris Stein, Chief of Interpretation and Education for Yosemite National Park. “They cover a vast amount of factual information in an entertaining, user-friendly format, and are a welcomed addition to Yosemite’s interpretive programming.”
The Yosemite Association, a non-profit cooperative park association, handles tour ticket sales from their Visitor Center retail store year-round during regular operating hours. Reservations are not necessary, however, groups of ten or more can reserve units in advance by calling 877-GPS-TOUR or online at www.LowerFallsLoop.com.
“These new multimedia tours appeal to a wide range of visitors -- from first-timers seeking a good overview of the Valley to long-time returning guests who prefer independent exploration,” said David Guy, CEO of the Yosemite Association. “We are very pleased with this new technology and the opportunity to showcase the park in an exciting new way.”
The fully accessible 1.6 mile trail loop begins at the Visitor Center, and winds through oak woodlands and conifer forests to a close up view of Lower Yosemite Falls. This is the first installment of Explorer tour routes; plans exist for future expansion into other areas of the park. The tour is currently only available in English, yet visitor requests may prompt development into other languages.
About the Yosemite Association Established in 1923, the Yosemite Association was the first not-for-profit “cooperating association” in the national park system and serves as a benchmark for similar organizations nationwide. In collaboration with the National Park Service and authorized by Congress, YA supports interpretive, educational, research, scientific and environmental programs in Yosemite National Park through membership, book publishing, retail sales, outdoor seminars, visitor services, volunteer programs and community outreach.
Media contact: David Guy, (209) 379-2646, ext. 15, dguy@yosemite.org; www.yosemite.org High resolution photos available upon request
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