Sierra Network Visitor Experience Surveys

National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Social Science Program

Expedited Approval for NPS- Sponsored Public Surveys
1.

Project Title ⎢
Submission Date:

2.

Abstract:

Yosemite National Park Integrated Transportation and Visitor
Experience Survey

The overall purpose of the project is to provide tools that can help reduce traffic congestion,
prevent resource impacts, and provide a quality visitor experience in Yosemite National Park.
The project will measure visitors’ reported travel times along specific road segments in the
park and their evaluations of their transportation-related park experiences. Data will be used
to identify 2 standards of quality for indicators of the transportation experience: travel time
and vehicles-per-viewshed (VPV). In addition, visitors’ evaluations of their experiences at 6
popular locations in the park will be measured, along with evaluations of crowding and
congestion at these locations. Data will be collected through on-site questionnaires
incorporating well-established visual simulation techniques. On-site sampling will occur
from June-August 2010.
(not to exceed 150 words)

3.

Principal Investigator Contact Information
First Name:
Title:
Affiliation:
Street Address:
City:

4.

Last Name:

Stacy

Tschuor

Senior Transportation Engineer
David Evans and Associates, Inc.
1331 17th Ave., Ste. 900
Denver

Phone:

(720) 946-0969

Email:

[email protected]

State:

CO

Zip code:

80211

Fax:

Park or Program Liaison Contact Information
First Name:

Branch Chief

Park:

Yosemite National Park

Street Address:
City:
Phone:

Last Name:

Bret

Title:

Park
Office/Division:

November 5, 2009

Meldrum

Visitor Use and Social Sciences Resources
Management and Science Division
5083 Foresta Road
El Portal
(209) 379-1216

State:
Fax:

CA

Zip code:

(209) 379-1131

95318

Email:

[email protected]

Project Information
5.

Park(s) For Which Research
is to be Conducted:

6.

Survey Dates:

7.

Type of Information Collection Instrument (Check ALL that Apply)

8.

‰

Mail- Back
Questionnaire

‰

Other (explain)
Survey Justification:
(Use as much space as
needed; if necessary
include additional
explanation on a
separate page.)

Yosemite National Park

06/01/2010

X

(mm/dd/yyyy)

On- Site
Questionnaire

‰

to

Face- toFace
Interview

08/31/2010

‰

(mm/dd/yyyy)

Telephone
Survey

‰

Focus
Groups

Social science research in support of park planning and management is mandated
in the NPS Management Policies 2006 (Section 8.11.1, “Social Science Studies”).
The NPS pursues a policy that facilitates social science studies in support of the
NPS mission to protect resources and enhance the enjoyment of present and future
generations (National Park Service Act of 1916, 38 Stat 535, 16 USC 1, et seq.).
NPS policy mandates that social science research will be used to provide an
understanding of park visitors, the non-visiting public, gateway communities and
regions, and human interactions with park resources. Such studies are needed to
provide a scientific basis for park planning, development, operations, management,
education, and interpretive activities.
Literature Review: Yosemite National Park has experienced increases in visitation
over the past decade. Greater use of the park negatively affects the quality of
visitor experiences through crowding and resource degradation. It is critical to
understand visitors’ travel-related attitudes and behavior to inform park
transportation planning and management within the context of contemporary
management frameworks such as Visitor Experience and Resource Protection
(VERP) (NPS, 1997; Manning, 2001). These frameworks help define quality by
setting management objectives to fulfill park mandates, legislation, and policy. The
VERP process involves identifying indicators and standards of quality; monitoring
indicator variables; and taking management actions to ensure that quality standards
for each indicator are maintained. Indicators of quality are defined as measurable,
manageable variables that act as proxies for the quality of park resources and
experiences. Standards define the minimum acceptable condition of these indicator
variables.
Earlier research (White, 2007; White & Aquino, 2008; White, Youngs, Wodrich, &
Borcherding, 2006; Youngs, White, & Wodrich, 2008) identified multiple
dimensions of visitor travel in Yosemite National Park (YOSE), including those
related to freedom and access, environmental responsibility, and conflicts based on
differences in transportation mode (e.g., motorized vs. non-motorized, personal
vehicle vs. mass transit). Prior research also suggested potential indicators of the
quality of transportation experiences, including travel time for park road segments
and number of vehicles seen per visitors’ “viewshed” (VPV). The proposed
research extends previous work on visitor experiences and transportation systems
in the park. Specifically, the transportations surveys will use well-established
visual simulation methods to obtain visitors’ input on standards of quality for
various indicators related to transportation experiences in the park. Two surveys
will be conducted: a Transportation Experience Survey and a Visitor Experience
Survey.

Transportation Experience Survey: This survey will measure visitors’ reported
travel times on specific road segments in Yosemite National Park. It also will
measure visitors’ evaluations of their transportation-related park experience and
elicit input on standards of quality for indicators of the transportation experience in
Yosemite National Park. This survey employs a single questionnaire.
Visitor Experience Survey: The visitor experience surveys will measure visitors’
subjective evaluations of their experience at 6 popular locations in Yosemite:
Lower Yosemite Falls trail, Mariposa Grove, Hetch Hetchy, Tuolumne Meadows,
Yosemite Valley Swinging Bridge, and Wawona Swinging Bridge. The surveys
also will be used to identify crowding-related standards of quality for indicators of
the visitor experience at these locations. A single questionnaire, slightly modified
to address specific details at each of the 6 locations, will be employed in this study.
The visual simulation methods and scaling used in the Transportation Experience
and Visitor Experience surveys are well-established in the field. Several previous
studies have used similar methods and questions (Manning, 2007). Examples
include visitor surveys in Acadia NP, including studies on the park’s loop road
(Hallo & Manning, In Press), on the network of historic carriage roads in the park
(Jacobi, et al., 1999; Wang and Manning, 1999), at Schoodic Peninsula (Manning,
et al., 2005), and at the park’s Isle au Haut unit (Manning, 2007).
9.

Survey Methodology: (Use
as much space as needed;
if necessary include
additional explanation on
a
separate page.)

This study will employ a cross-sectional survey design with data collected from a
stratified sample of current YOSE visitors through on-site interviewing.
(a) Respondent universe:
The respondent universe for the Transportation Experience Survey includes all
adult park visitors (ages 18 and older) driving 6 YOSE road segments during the
study period (June-August, 2010). For the Visitor Experience Survey, the
respondent universe includes all adult park visitors (ages 18 and older) visiting one
of the 6 attractions during the June-August study period.
A total of 2,133 visitors will be contacted to participate in the Transportation
Experience Survey, with a final completed sample size of 1,600 expected (see
section 10 below).
A total of 1,875 visitors will be contacted to participate in the Visitor Experience
Survey, with a final completed sample size of 1,500 expected (see section 10
below).
(b) Sampling plan/procedures:
Transportation Experience Survey: The study will employ a stratified sampling
design. Stratified random sampling is used when variables of interest are likely to
differ between subpopulations, and information is required with a certain degree of
precision for different subgroups (Lohr, 1999). Previous research cited above
suggests that the variables of interest (travel time and visitors’ evaluations of
automobiles per viewshed) will differ based on the road segment traveled, time of
day, and time of week. To draw a stratified random sample, the park will be
divided into multiple strata based on segments of the road system. On each of 8
road segments, sampling will be distributed across the months of July and August
and sampling will be stratified into early (8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.) and late (12:00
p.m. -8:00 p.m.) portions of the day. The following 8 sampling locations were
determined in consultation with Yosemite NP staff to provide the most useful input
into transportation models and park management strategies:
1.
2.

South Entrance to Wawona
Chinquapin to Glacier Point (Glacier Point Road)

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Chinquapin to Bridalveil Falls in Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Valley Northside Drive--Sentinel to Camp 4
Yosemite Valley Northside Drive--Curry Village to Camp 6
Yosemite Valley Southside Drive--Bridalveil Falls to Chapel
Crane Flat on Hwy 120 to its intersection with Hwy 140
Tioga Road--Lembert Dome to Pothole Dome (Tuolumne Meadows)

Visitor Experience Survey: The sampling period is designed to include the park's
peak-use period. The survey will be administered to visitors at the 6 popular
locations in the park (Lower Yosemite Falls trail, Mariposa Grove, Hetch Hetchy,
Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite Valley Swinging Bridge, Wawona Swinging
Bridge). Sampling will be conducted on 5 randomly selected days at each location
throughout the period of the study. The sampling will be spread out over the days
of the week and further stratified into two sampling periods (early and late). The
early sampling period will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., while the late
sampling period will take place from 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m. During each period,
a trained surveyor will be stationed at the study location. When the sampling
period begins, the surveyor will approach the first visitor group exiting the site and
ask them to participate in the survey. If members of the visitor group agree to
participate, the eligible person in the group whose birthday is closest to the
sampling day will be asked to complete the questionnaire. When the surveyor has
completed his/her contact with the group, the surveyor will ask the next visitor
group exiting the site to participate in the survey. This process will continue
throughout the sampling period. Visitors will complete the on-site questionnaire in
the presence of the surveyor, who will answer any questions that arise and who will
collect the surveys upon completion. A screening question will be asked to assure
that participants will not be surveyed more than once.
(c) Instrument administration:
Transportation Experience Survey: Surveyors will be YOSE Student Conservation
Association interns working under the supervision of YOSE staff and project
graduate students. The survey will be conducted at roadside pull-outs on each of
the sampled road segments. Intercept locations will include scenic overlooks and
parking areas that provide adequate space for pulling over vehicles and collecting
data safely. Each location will have one surveyor to serve as a flagger to control the
traffic and one to serve as a data collector. An Arizona State University graduate
research assistant will supervise the surveyors and assist with traffic control and
interviewing. A general traffic control plan will be used and modified for
effectiveness at each location. “Flagger Ahead” signs will be used to warn
approaching drivers of the activity ahead and orange cones will be used to direct
automobiles off the roadway. The flagger will use a stop/slow paddle and an
orange flag to direct the traffic to stop for the survey or to continue on the roadway
while the other surveyor is interviewing respondents.
At high-volume locations, a random start time will be selected at the beginning of
the sample period and a visitor group will be intercepted approximately every 20
minutes (although this sampling interval may be adjusted if traffic volume
fluctuates unexpectedly). At low-volume locations, all visitor groups will be
contacted. Groups will be greeted by the surveyor after they pull off the road
segment and introduced to the purpose of the study.
“Excuse me, sir/ma’am. We’re conducting a study for Yosemite National Park to
better understand visitor use in this area. Participation is voluntary and all
responses are anonymous. Would you be willing to take 15 minutes to help?”
If YES: “Thank you. Who in your group (who is at least 18 years old) has the next
birthday? Would you be willing to fill out this survey? Have you completed a
survey at a different location in the park?”

If YES: “Thank you, but we can only accept one response per group.
Thank you for your time.”
If NO: “Thank you. Please feel free to ask me any questions you have
about the survey.”
If NO: “I understand. I hope you enjoyed your visit.”
Although the questionnaire will be self-administered, the surveyor will be available
to provide assistance when necessary.
Respondents will be asked questions about the transportation road segment (i.e.,
stratum) most recently traveled prior to arriving at the sampling location.The
questionnaire will gather information on travel route, travel mode used, travel time,
and perceptions of the travel experience. Evaluations of different numbers of
vehicles per viewshed (one indicator of the park transportation experience) will be
elicited using 6 visual simulations (photographs) showing low to high traffic levels.
Additionally, the questionnaire will gather information on individual
characteristics, trip/visit characteristics, activities and uses of park resources, and
opinions on park management.
Visitor Experience Survey: Visitors to the 6 study sites will be read the same script
as in the Transportation Experience Survey. Although the questionnaire will be
self-administered, the surveyor will be available to provide assistance when
necessary. Similar to the Transportation Experience Survey, evaluations of
different numbers of people per viewshed (one indicator of visitor experience) at
each of the 6 sampling locations will be elicited using 6 visual simulations
(photographs) showing low to high levels of visitor use. Additionally, the
questionnaire will gather information on individual characteristics, trip/visit
characteristics, activities and uses of park resources, and opinions on park
management.
(d) Expected response rate/confidence levels:

Transportation Experience Survey: A total of 2,136 vehicles will be intercepted
across all 8 road segments (267 vehicles /segment). Approximately 60% of these
will be contacted on weekends, 40% on weekdays, 50% in the morning, and 50%
in the afternoon. Based on previous on-site interviews conducted by the same PI in
YOSE in 2007 (White & Aquino, 2008) (OMB 1024-0224 NPS 07-048) and in
Canyon de Chelly National Monument in 2006 (White, van Riper, Wodrich,
Aquino, & McKinney, 2007) (OMB 1024-0224, NPS 06-018), a final response rate
of 75% is anticipated. (The earlier YOSE study achieved a response of 73%, while
the Canyon de Chelly study obtained an 83% response rate.) A 75% response to
this survey will yield approximately 200 completed interviews per road segment,
or 1,600 completions overall. Based on this, the overall sampling error will be
approximately +/- 3% at the 95% confidence level, while the sampling error for
individual road segments will be approximately +/-7%. This will be sufficient for
the park’s transportation planning purposes.
Visitor Experience Survey: For the Visitor Experience Survey, a total of 1,872
groups will be intercepted across all 6 sampling sites (312 groups/site).
Approximately 60% of these will be contacted on weekends, 40% on weekdays,
50% in the morning, and 50% in the afternoon. Based on previous on-site visual
simulation interviews employing pedestrian intercepts (rather than vehicle
intercepts), a final response rate of approximately 80% is anticipated. A series of
trail intercept surveys at Acadia National Park in 2006 that used the same type of
questionnaire achieved response rates of 84% at Acadia Mountain, 79% at Hunter’s
Beach, 84% at Seawall, 86% at Valley Cove, and 77% at Little Hunter’s Beach

(OMB 1024-0224, NPS 06-008). An 80% response to this survey will yield
approximately 250 completed interviews per location, or 1,500 completions
overall. Based on this, the overall sampling error will be approximately +/-3% at
the 95% confidence level, while the sampling error for each of the individual park
attractions will be approximately +/-6%. This will be sufficient for the park’s
visitor experience planning purposes.
(e) Strategies for dealing with potential non- response bias:
Transportation Experience Survey: An incentive, in the form of a large color
Yosemite National Park postcard, will be provided to encourage participation in
the survey and to minimize non-response. This incentive will be given to all
groups who are intercepted, regardless of whether they agree to participate or not.
To assess potential non-response bias, surveyors will use an on-site contact log to
document sampling location, time of day, gender, number of children present,
personal group size, and comments regarding reason for refusal. Analyses will be
performed to determine if respondents differed significantly from non-respondents,
and the implications, if any, for interpreting the results will be discussed.
Visitor Experience Survey: Non-response bias will be examined by comparing
selected characteristics of the sample population with characteristics observed and
recorded in every group contacted using the same survey log employed in the
Tranportation Experience Survey. The results of the check for non-response bias
will be reported, and implications for data interpretation discussed.
(f) Description of any pre- testing and peer review of the methods and/or
instrument (recommended):

Both survey methods and questionnaire instruments have undergone review by
Bret Meldrum and Niki Nicholas, Yosemite National Park, Resource Management
and Sciences Division; Jim Bacon, Yosemite National Park Planning Division. In
addition, the Transportation Experience Survey methods and instrument were
reviewed by Dr. Jeff Hallo, Assistant Professor, Clemson University. The
questions in both surveys are similar to those used in previous studies at several
other national park areas. Many of the questions appear in the NPS Pool of Known
Questions.

10.

Total Number of
Initial Contacts |
Expected Respondents:
Transportation Experience
Survey
Visitor Experience Survey

13.

Reporting Plan:

11.

Estimated Time to
Complete Initial
Contact |
Instrument (mins.):

12.

Total
Burden
Hours:

2133

1602

2

15

472

1872

1498

2

10

312

The results of these information collection activities will be presented in a
summary report to the NPS. The key estimates that will be derived from the data
will be descriptive in nature, primarily measures of central tendency (mean and
median), dispersion (standard deviation), and frequency distributions. Some tests
for differences in means and proportions may be done.
One electronic version (in PDF and MS Word file formats) and 20 hard copies of
the final report will be provided to the park representatives at the following
address: Bret Meldrum, Visitor Use and Social Sciences, Resources Management
and Science Division Yosemite National Park, 95389. One electronic version (in
PDF file format) and 2 hard copies of the final report will be provided to the NPS
Denver Service Center at the following address: National Park Service, Denver

Service Center, P.O. Box 25287, Denver, CO 80225-0287. One electronic version
(in PDF file format) and 2 hard copies of the final report will be provided to the
NPS Social Science Program at the following address: National Park Service, 1849
C St., NW (2300) Washington, DC 20240, for inclusion in the Social Science
Studies Collection.

References
Hallo, J. and Manning, R. (In Press). Transportation and Recreation: A Case Study of Visitors Driving for Pleasure at Acadia
National Park. Journal of Transport Geography.
Jacobi, C. and Manning, R. (1999). Crowding and Conflict on the Carriage Roads of Acadia National Park: An Application
of the Visitor Experience and Resource Protection Framework. Park Science, 19(2):22-26.
Lohr, S. L. (1999). Sampling: Design and analysis. Pacific Grove, CA: Duxbury Press.
Manning, R. (2007). Parks and Carrying Capacity: Commons Without Tragedy. Washington, D.C.: Island Press.
Manning, R. (2001). Visitor Experience and Resource Protection: A Framework for Managing the Carrying Capacity of
National Parks. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 19(1):93-108.
Manning, R., Lawson, S. and Morrissey, J. (2005). What's Behind the Numbers? Qualitative Insights Into Normative
Research in Outdoor Recreation. Leisure Sciences. 27: 205-224.
National Park Service. (2006). Environmental Assessment: Washington, D.C., Visitor Transportation Study for the National
Mall and Surrounding Park Areas. Washington, D.C.: USDI National Park Service.
Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP. (2003). National Capital Parks Central, Washington DC Visitor Transporation Survey.
Boston, MA.
Wang, B. and Manning, R. (1999). Computer Simulation Modeling for Recreation Management: A Study on Carriage Road
Use in Acadia National Park, Maine, USA. Environmental Management, 23(2):193-203.
White, D. D. (2007). An interpretive study of Yosemite National Park visitors' perspectives toward alternative transportation
in Yosemite Valley. Environmental Management, 39(1), 50-62.
White, D. D., & Aquino, J. F. (2008). Visitors' Perspectives toward Transportation Issues in Yosemite National Park.
Phoenix, AZ: Arizona State University.
White, D. D., van Riper, C. J., Wodrich, J. A., Aquino, J. F., & McKinney, C. (2007). Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Visitor Survey Final Technical Report. Phoenix, AZ: Arizona State University.
White, D. D., Youngs, Y. L., Wodrich, J. A., & Borcherding, T. (2006). Visitor Experiences and Transportation Systems in
Yosemite National Park (Final Report to National Park Service). Tempe: Arizona State University.
Youngs, Y. L., White, D. D., & Wodrich, J. A. (2008). Transportation systems as cultural landscapes in national parks: The
case of Yosemite. Society & Natural Resources, 21(9), 797 - 811.

OMB Control #: XXXX-XXXX
Expiration:

National Park Service
Yosemite National Park
California

National Park Service
U.S. Department of the
Interior

Yosemite National Park Transportation
Experience Survey

Dear Yosemite National Park Visitor:
We are conducting this survey to learn more about visitors to Yosemite National Park (NP) so that we can
improve our service to you. You are one of a select number of people randomly chosen for this survey, so
your opinions are important to us. The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete, and all of the
information collected will be anonymous. Please read each question carefully and save any comments for
the final page. In this questionnaire, you personal group is defined as anyone that you are traveling with,
such as spouse, partner, family, or friends. This does not include the larger group that you might be
traveling with, such as school, church, scouts, or tour group.

1. Including yourself, how many people are in your personal group during this visit? [1. GRP3]
_____ Number of people
2. On this visit to Yosemite National Park, how long did you and your personal group spend
visiting the park? Please list partial hours or days as 1/4, 1/2, 3/4. [3. TRIPC11]
Number of hours if less than 24 hours, OR
Number of days if 24 hours or more
3. Before this visit, had you ever been to Yosemite NP? [1. Variation VISITHIS1]
No, this is my first visit to Yosemite NP Go on to question 4
Yes
c. If yes, how many times have you visited Yosemite NP in the past five years?
______ Visits in past five years

or _____ Don’t know

4. On this visit, what form of transportation did you and your personal group use to enter
Yosemite NP? [3. TRANS1]
Automobile such as a car, SUV, or pickup
Recreational Vehicle (RV)
Motorcycle
Commercial tour bus
Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS Bus)
Bicycle
Walk
Other (Please specify ___________________)
5. On this visit, how many total vehicles did you and your personal group use to enter the park?
[Topic Area 2 – Trip/Visit Characteristics]
____________ Vehicles

6.

We would like to know how many vehicles could use the roadways without it being too
congested. To help judge this, we have a series of photographs that show different
numbers of vehicles on the roadways. (Please look at the photographs). Please rate each
photograph by indicating how acceptable you find it based upon the number of vehicles
shown. A rating of -4 means the number of vehicles is very unacceptable and rating of
+4 means the number of vehicles is very acceptable. (Circle one number for each
photograph.) [5. VERP1]

Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
Photo 4
Photo 5
Photo 6

Very Unacceptable
-4
-3
-4
-3
-4
-3
-4
-3
-4
-3
-4
-3

-2
-2
-2
-2
-2
-2

-1
-1
-1
-1
-1
-1

0
0
0
0
0
0

+1
+1
+1
+1
+1
+1

+2
+2
+2
+2
+2
+2

Very Acceptable
+3
+4
+3
+4
+3
+4
+3
+4
+3
+4
+3
+4

7. Which photograph shows the number of vehicles that you would prefer to see? [5. VERP2]
Photo number: _____
8. Which photograph shows the number vehicles on the roadway that would be so unacceptable
that you would no longer visit this area of the park? (If none of the photographs represent this
condition, you may indicate that.) [Topic Area 6 - Individual Perceptions of their Park
Experiences]
Photo number: _____
OR
None of the photographs are so unacceptable that I would no longer visit this area
9. Which photograph shows the number of people that you think the National Park Service
should allow on this roadway? In other words, at what point do you think vehicles should be
restricted from using this roadway? (If you think vehicle use should not be restricted at any
point represented by the photographs, or not restricted at all, you may indicate that.) [5.
VERP3]
Photo number: _____
OR
None of the photographs show a high enough number of vehicles to restrict vehicle use
OR
The number of vehicles using the roadway in this area should not be restricted at all

10. Which photograph looks most like the amount of vehicles that you saw today? [5. VERP4]
Photo number: _____

11. Which photograph looks most like the amount of vehicles that you expected to see? [Topic
Area 6 - Individual Perceptions of their Park Experiences]
Photo number: _____
OR
I didn’t know what to expect
For the following questions, please think about the specific road segment you most recently
traveled (Please refer to map.)
12. Approximately how long did it take you to travel [road segment]? [Topic Area 2 –
Trip/Visit Characteristics]
Time in minutes: _____
13. How acceptable was it to you to take this amount of time to travel [road segment]? [Topic
Area 6 - Individual Perceptions of their Park Experiences]
Very Unacceptable
-4
-3

-2

-1

0

+1

+2

Very Acceptable
+3
+4

14. Did you stop at attraction sites or scenic pullouts along [road segment] to participate in
recreation activities, such as viewing scenery, walking/hiking, or picnicking? [Topic Area 2
– Trip/Visit Characteristics]
No,
Yes

Go on to question 15

b) If yes, which attraction sites or scenic pullouts did you and your group visit along [road
segment], for how long did you visit each site, and what activities did you participate in? [3.
Variation ITIN1]
Attraction site / scenic pullout Time in minutes Recreation activities
________________________

_____

________________________

________________________

_____

________________________

________________________

_____

________________________

________________________

_____

________________________

15. What amount of time would you prefer it to take to travel [road segment], not including time
spent at attraction sites or scenic pullouts? [5. Variation VERP2]
Time in minutes: _____
OR
Don’t know
16. What amount of time to travel [road segment] would be so unacceptable that you would no
longer visit this area of the park, not including time spent at attraction sites or scenic
pullouts? (If no amount of time represents this condition, you may indicate that.) [Topic
Area 6 - Individual Perceptions of their Park Experiences]
Time in minutes: _____
OR
No amount of time is so unacceptable that I would no longer visit this area of the park
OR
Don’t know
17. What is the maximum amount of time to travel [road segment] that National Park Service
should allow, not including time spent at attraction sites or scenic pullouts? In other words,
at what point do you think vehicles should be restricted from using this roadway? (If you
think vehicles should not be restricted at any point represented by the photographs, or not
restricted at all, you may indicate that.) [5. Variation VERP3]
Time in minutes: _____
OR
No amount of time is so unacceptable so as to restrict vehicles using the roadway
OR
The number of vehicles using the roadway in this area should not be restricted at all

18. We would like to know how you feel about traveling on roadways in Yosemite NP. For each
item below please rate how much you think it describes the road segment you most recently
traveled. [Topic Area 6 - Individual Perceptions of their Park Experiences]
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree
Disagree
You have easy access to important park sites
1
2
3
4
5
and attractions
You have little impact on the park’s natural
1
2
3
4
5
environment
It takes too long to get where you want to go
1
2
3
4
5
It is easy to access scenic overlooks/vistas
1
2
3
4
5
You hear natural sounds
You feel stressed while traveling
1
2
3
4
5
You experience a sense of freedom
1
2
3
4
5
You connect with the natural environment
1
2
3
4
5
You have trouble finding parking
1
2
3
4
5
You could go “where you want, when you
1
2
3
4
5
want”
You experience conflict
1
2
3
4
5
You feel crowded
1
2
3
4
5
19. To what extent do you feel the following issues are a problem in Yosemite NP? [6.
OPMGMT2]
Not a
A Small
A Big
Don’t
Problem
Problem
Problem
Know
Traffic congestion at park entrance
1
2
3
DK
Aggressiveness of other drivers
1
2
3
DK
Lack of convenient parking at scenic
1
2
3
DK
overlooks
Difficulty finding your way around
1
2
3
DK
Conflict between vehicles and pedestrians
1
2
3
DK
Lack of convenient parking at visitor center /
1
2
3
DK
park facilities
Conflict between vehicles and bicycles
1
2
3
DK
Traffic congestion on park roadways
1
2
3
DK
Traffic congestion at park exit
1
2
3
DK
Lack of convenient parking at attraction sites
1
2
3
DK
Conflict between vehicles and shuttle buses
1
2
3
DK

20. Please rate your level of support or opposition for the following transportation management
options for managing visitor use in Yosemite NP. [6. OPMGMT1]

Provide additional pull-outs for
scenic views / attraction sites
Temporarily close congested park
roads
Divert visitor traffic away from
congested roads or attractions
Require day-use reservation for
vehicles to enter Yosemite NP
Offer more frequent park shuttle
bus service (free)
Limit the number of private
vehicles entering the park
Add park shuttle bus service
(free) to more areas of the park
Require use of park-and-ride
shuttle system with automobile
parking inside Yosemite NP
Improve directional signage

Strongly
Support

Support

Neutral

Oppose

Strongly
Oppose

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

Your response to the following background questions is greatly appreciated. This information is
used to make sure we accurately represent visitors to Yosemite NP.
21. Are you …? [1. GEND1]
Male
Female
22. What is your age? __________ [1. AGE2]
23. Do you live in the United States? 1. RES3]
Yes (What is your Zip Code? _______________)
No (What country do you live in? _______________________)
24. Please indicate the highest level of education that you have attained. [1. Variation ED2]
Less than high school
High School Diploma/GED
Technical school or Associates Degree
Bachelor’s Degree
Master’s Degree
Ph.D., M.D., J.D., or equivalent

25. For you only, are you Hispanic or Latino? (Check one) [1. RACE.ETH2]

Yes, Hispanic or Latino
No, not Hispanic or Latino
26. For you only, are you of Middle Eastern/Arab ancestry/descent? (Check one) [1. Variation

RACE/ETH2]

Yes, of Middle Eastern/Arab ancestry/descent
No, not of Middle Eastern/Arab ancestry/descent
27. For you only, which of these categories best describes your race? (Check one or more) [1.
RACE/ETH3]

American Indian or Alaska Native
Asian
Black or African American
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
White
28. What language (if any other than English) is frequently spoken in your home? [1. LANG1]
_____________________________
Thank you for helping us with this important study. If there is anything else you would like to tell
us, please do so in the space below. [6. OPMGMT7]

PRIVACY ACT and PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT: 16 U.S.C. 1a-7 authorizes
collection of this information. This information will be used by park managers to better serve the public.
Response to this request is voluntary and anonymous. No action may be taken against you for refusing to
supply the information requested. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
BURDEN ESTIMATE STATEMENT: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 15
minutes per response. Direct comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this form to
Bret Meldrum, Branch Chief, Visitor Use and Social Sciences, Resources Management and Science
Division, Yosemite National Park, (209)379-1216, [email protected].

OMB Control # XXXX-XXXX
Expiration Date:

Yosemite National Park
Visitor Experience Survey
2010

ID______

Date ________

1

Dear Yosemite National Park Visitor:
We are conducting this survey to learn more about visitors to Yosemite National Park (NP) so that we can
improve our service to you. You are one of a select number of people randomly chosen for this survey, so
your opinions are important to us. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete, and all of the
information collected will be anonymous. Please read each question carefully and save any comments for
the final page. In this questionnaire, you personal group is defined as anyone that you are traveling with,
such as spouse, partner, family, or friends. This does not include the larger group that you might be
traveling with, such as school, church, scouts, or tour group.

Questions 1-2b - Topic Area 1 – Individual Characteristics
1. How many people (including you) are in your personal group today? [1. GRP3]
Number of people: _____
2a. What kind of personal group (not guided tour/school group) were you with? (Circle one.) [1.
GRP5]
1. Alone
2. Friends
3. Family
4. Family and friends
5. Other (Please specify:__________________________)
b. Were you and your personal group with the following type of groups? (Circle one answer for
each group type.) [1. GRP6]
Guided tour group
School/educational group
Other organized group (such as
business group, scout group, etc.)

Yes
Yes

No
No

Yes

No

Questions 3-4-5 – Topic Area 2 – Trip/Visit Characteristics
3. [ Hetch Hetchy survey only] Is Hetch Hetchy the only location you visited or plan to visit
today? (Circle one number.) [Topic Area 2 - Trip/Visit Characteristics]
1. Yes
2. No
4. [Hetch Hetchy, Mariposa Grove surveys only] How did you travel to Hetch Hetchy
[Mariposa Grove] today? (Circle one number.) [3. Variation TRANS1]
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Park shuttle bus
Passenger vehicle (including rental car)
Tour bus
Bicycle
Walked from another park location (please specify)______________________
Other (please specify)_____________________________

2

4. [Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley Swinging Bridge, Wawona Swinging Bridge,
Tuolumne surveys only] How did you travel to Lower Yosemite Falls [the Wawona
Swinging Bridge] [the Yosemite Valley Swinging Bridge] [Tuolumne Meadows] today?
(Circle one number.) [3. Variation TRANS1]
1. Park shuttle bus
2. Passenger vehicle, including rental car (please circle parking location)
[Site specific list of parking locations: Wawona Swinging Bridge; Yosemite
Valley Swinging Bridge; Tuolumne Meadows surveys]
Parking lot 1
Parking lot 2
Parking lot 3
Parking lot 4
Parking lot 5
Don’t know/not sure
Other (please specify):____________________
[Site specific list of parking locations: Lower Yosemite Falls survey]
Yosemite Lodge
Yosemite Village
Day Use Parking Area (Camp 6)
Roadside Parking
Don’t know/not sure
Other (please specify)__________________________
3. Bicycle
4. Walked from other park location (please specify)________________________
5. Other (please specify)____________________________
5a. [Tuolumne Meadows survey only] Where did you start your hike today? (Circle one
number.) [3. Variation TBACK6]
1. Dog Lake Trailhead
2. Stables
3. Other trailheads on Tioga Road (please circle trailhead location)
Trailhead parking lot 1
Trailhead parking lot 2
Trailhead parking lot 3
Trailhead parking lot 4
Trailhead parking lot 5
Don’t know/not sure
Other (please specify):____________________
4. In the backcountry
5. Other (please specify):_____________________
5b. [Tuolumne Meadows, Hetch Hetchy surveys only] Was your hike today a day hike
on the trail or part of overnight backpacking trip? [Topic Area 2 - Trip/Visit
Characteristics]

1. Day hike
2. Part of an overnight backpacking trip
3

6a. [6a – 6f: Tuolumne Meadows, Hetch Hetchy surveys only]We would like to know how
many other hikers you think it is acceptable to see at Tuolumne Meadows [Hetch Hetchy]
without the trails you hiked today being too crowded. Please rate the acceptability of each of
the following numbers of other hikers met per day on the trails you hiked today. A rating of
“-4” means the number of other hikers seen is very unacceptable, and a rating of “+4”
means the number of other hikers seen is very acceptable. (Circle one number for each of
the numbers of other hikers seen.) [5. Variation VERP1]
Very Unacceptable
No other hikers
-4
-3
-2
10 other hikers
-4
-3
-2
20 other hikers
-4
-3
-2
30 other hikers
-4
-3
-2
40 other hikers
-4
-3
-2
50 other hikers
-4
-3
-2
60 other hikers
-4
-3
-2
70 other hikers
-4
-3
-2
80 other hikers
-4
-3
-2
90 other hikers
-4
-3
-2
100 other hikers
-4
-3
-2
More than 100 other hikers -4
-3
-2
b.

-1
-1
-1
-1
-1
-1
-1
-1
-1
-1
-1
-1

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

+1
+1
+1
+1
+1
+1
+1
+1
+1
+1
+1
+1

Very Acceptable
+2 +3
+4
+2 +3
+4
+2 +3
+4
+2 +3
+4
+2 +3
+4
+2 +3
+4
+2 +3
+4
+2 +3
+4
+2 +3
+4
+2 +3
+4
+2 +3
+4
+2 +3
+4

What is the number of other hikers per day that you would prefer to see along the
trails you hiked today? [5. Variation VERP2]
Preferred number of other hikers seen per day: __________ OR

Don’t Know

c. What is the maximum number of hikers per day that you think you could see
before you would no longer hike the trails you hiked today? If you would continue to
hike these trails regardless of the number of other hikers seen, you may indicate that.
[Topic Area 6 - Individual Perceptions of their Park Experiences]
Maximum number of other hikers seen per day before you would no longer hike these
trails: __________
OR
I would continue to hike these trails regardless of the number of other hikers seen.

4

d. What is the maximum number of other hikers seen per day that you think the National
Park Service should allow on the trails you hiked today? In other words, at what point do
you think visitors should be restricted from hiking on these trails? If you think the
number of hikers should not be restricted, you may indicate that. [5. Variation VERP3]
Maximum number of hikers seen per day that should be allowed: ______
OR
The number of hikers on these trails should not be restricted.
e. What is the approximate number of other hikers you saw today while
hiking these trails? [5. Variation VERP4]
Approximate number of other hikers seen: ________
f. [Tuolumne Meadows survey only] Approximately how long did you spend hiking on
these trails today? [3. Variation TRIPC11]
______ Number of minutes, if less than 60 minutes
OR
______ Number of hours
7a. [7a – 7e: Lower Yosemite Falls, Mariposa Grove surveys only] We would like to know
how many people you think could walk on the Lower Yosemite Falls [Mariposa Grove] trails
without this area being too crowded. To help judge this, we have a series of photographs that
shows different numbers of people on a section of trail. (Please look at the photographs in
Panel A.) Please rate each photograph by indicating how acceptable you find it based on the
number of people shown. A rating of “-4” means the number of people is very unacceptable,
and a rating of “+4” means the number of people is very acceptable. (Circle one number for
each photograph.) [5. VERP1]

Photo 1…..
Photo 2…..
Photo 3…..
Photo 4…..
Photo 5…..
Photo 6…..

Very Unacceptable
-4
-3
-2
-4
-3
-2
-4
-3
-2
-4
-3
-2
-4
-3
-2
-4
-3
-2

-1
-1
-1
-1
-1
-1

0
0
0
0
0
0

+1
+1
+1
+1
+1
+1

+2
+2
+2
+2
+2
+2

Very Acceptable
+3
+4
+3
+4
+3
+4
+3
+4
+3
+4
+3
+4

b. Which photograph shows the number of people you would prefer to see on the trail? [5.
VERP2]
Photo number: _______ OR

Don’t Know

5

c. Which photograph shows the number of people that would be so unacceptable that you
would no longer walk on the trail? If none of the photographs represent this condition,
you may indicate that. [Topic Area 6 - Individual Perceptions of their Park
Experiences]
Photo number: _______
OR
None of the photographs are so unacceptable that I would no longer walk on the trail.
d. Which photograph shows the highest number of people you think the National Park
Service should allow? In other words, at what point should people be restricted from
walking on the trail? If you think use should not be restricted at any point represented in
the photographs, or not restricted at all, you may indicate that. [5. VERP3]
Photo number:_______
OR
None of the photographs show a high enough number of people to restrict people
from walking on the trail.
OR
The number of people walking on the trail should not be restricted.
e. Which photograph looks most like the number of people you typically saw today walking
on the trail? [5. VERP4]
Photo number:______

6

8a.

[8a – 8e: Hetch Hetchy, Lower Yosemite Falls, Wawona Swinging Bridge, Yosemite
Valley Swinging Bridge surveys only] We would like to know how many people you
think could visit the dam [Lower Yosemite Falls trail] [Swinging Bridge] without this area
being too crowded. To help judge this, we have a series of photographs that shows different
numbers of people on the dam [trail] [bridge]. Please rate each photograph by indicating
how acceptable you find it based on the number of people shown. A rating of “-4” means
the number of people is very unacceptable, and a rating of “+4” means the number of
people is very acceptable. (Circle one number for each photograph.) [5.VERP1]

Photo 1…..
Photo 2…..
Photo 3…..
Photo 4…..
Photo 5…..
Photo 6…..

Very Unacceptable
-4
-3
-2
-4
-3
-2
-4
-3
-2
-4
-3
-2
-4
-3
-2
-4
-3
-2

-1
-1
-1
-1
-1
-1

0
0
0
0
0
0

+1
+1
+1
+1
+1
+1

+2
+2
+2
+2
+2
+2

Very Acceptable
+3
+4
+3
+4
+3
+4
+3
+4
+3
+4
+3
+4

b. Which photograph shows the number of people you would prefer to see? [5. VERP2]
Photo number:_______
c.

OR

Don’t Know

Which photograph shows the number of people that would be so unacceptable that you
would no longer visit the dam [Lower Yosemite Falls trail] [Swinging Bridge]? If none of
the photographs represent this condition, you may indicate that. [Topic Area 6 - Individual
Perceptions of their Park Experiences]
Photo number: _______
OR
None of the photographs are so unacceptable that I would no longer visit the dam
[Lower Yosemite Falls trail] [Swinging Bridge].

d.

Which photograph shows the highest number of people you think the National Park Service
should allow? In other words, at what point should people be restricted from visiting the
dam [Lower Yosemite Falls trail] [Swinging Bridge]? If you think use should not be
restricted at any point represented in the photographs, or not restricted at all, you may
indicate that. [5. VERP3]
Photo number: _______
OR
None of the photographs show a high enough number of people to restrict people
from visiting the dam [Lower Yosemite Falls trail] [Swinging Bridge].
OR
The number of people visiting the dam [Lower Yosemite Falls trail] [Swinging
Bridge] should not be restricted.

7

e. Which photograph looks most like the number of people you typically saw today on the
dam[Lower Yosemite Falls trail] [Swinging Bridge]? [5. VERP4]
Photo number:______
9. Approximately how long did you stay at Hetch Hetchy [Mariposa Grove] [Lower Yosemite
Falls] [Yosemite Valley Swinging Bridge] [Wawona Swinging Bridge] today? [3. Variation
TRIPC11]
______ Number of minutes, if less than 60 minutes
OR
______ Number of hours
10. The following questions ask your opinions about issues that apply to Yosemite National
Park as a whole. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the
following statements. (Circle one number for each statement.) [6. Variation OPMGMT1]
Strongly
No
Strongly
Agree
Agree Opinion Disagree Disagree
a. I generally found Yosemite National
Park to be too crowded
1
2
3
4
5
b. There should be a limit on the number
of people allowed to use Yosemite
National Park at any one time

1

2

3

4

5

c. There should be a limit the number of
private vehicles entering the park

1

2

3

4

5

d. Additional pull-outs should be
provided

1

2

3

4

5

e. Way-finding and signs should be
improved

1

2

3

4

5

f. Optional shuttle service from gateway
communities should be provided

1

2

3

4

5

g. Multi-use / bike paths should be added

1

2

3

4

5

h. Pedestrian underpasses/overpasses at
key road intersections should be added

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

i. Road and traffic conditions in
Yosemite National Park create a
safety hazard
j. The number of people using Yosemite
National Park is about right

8

11a. Do you live in the United States? 1. RES3]
Yes (What is your Zip Code? _______________)
No (What country do you live in? _______________________)
b.

What is your age? [1. AGE2]
Age_______

c.

Are you…? (Circle one number.) [1. GEND1]
1. Male
2. Female

d.

Please indicate the highest level of education that you have attained. (Please circle one
number.) [1. Variation ED2]
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

e.

Less than high school
High school graduate/GED
Technical school or Associates Degree
Bachelor’s Degree
Master’s Degree
Ph.D., M.D., J.D., or equivalent

For you only, are you Hispanic or Latino? (Circle one number.) [1. RACE.ETH2]
1. Yes, Hispanic or Latino
2. No, not Hispanic or Latino
For you only, are you of Middle Eastern/Arab ancestry/descent? (Circle one number.) [1.
Variation RACE/ETH2]

1. Yes, of Middle Eastern/Arab ancestry/descent
2. No, not of Middle Eastern/Arab ancestry/descent
For you only, which of these categories best describes your race? (Select one or more.)
[1. RACE/ETH3]

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

American Indian or Alaska Native
Asian
Black or African American
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
White

Thank you for your help with this survey! Please return this completed questionnaire to the
surveyor.

9

PRIVACY ACT and PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT: 16 U.S.C. 1a-7 authorizes
collection of this information. This information will be used by park managers to better serve the public.
Response to this request is voluntary and anonymous. No action may be taken against you for refusing to
supply the information requested. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
BURDEN ESTIMATE STATEMENT: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 10
minutes per response. Direct comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this form to
Bret Meldrum, Branch Chief, Visitor Use and Social Sciences, Resources Management and Science
Division, Yosemite National Park, (209)379-1216, [email protected].

10

Yosemite National Park Transportation and Visitor Experience Survey Log
Survey Site: _________________________

Date: ______________

Surveyor: ____________________________________________________

Weather conditions: ______________________________________________
ID
Number

Time of
Contact

Previously
Sampled?

Refused?
√

18 or
older?
√

Group
Size

Respondent
Gender

Respondent
Age

1

Comments (explain reason for refusal, if any)