Swimming in Yosemite National Park

The pools at Curry Village (209/372-8324 www.yosemitepark.com) and Yosemite Lodge (209/372-1250 www.yosemitepark.com) are open to nonguests for $5, late May through early or mid-September. Additionally, several swimming holes with small sandy beaches can be found in midsummer along the Merced River at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley. Find gentle waters to swim; currents are often stronger than they appear, and temperatures are chilling. To conserve riparian habitats, step into the river at sandy beaches and other obvious entry points. Do not attempt to swim above or near waterfalls or rapids; fatalities have occurred.