Yosemite Facelift®
Protecting Yosemite: One Piece of Trash at a Time
What is Yosemite Facelift®?
Yosemite Facelift is the largest annual volunteer clean-up event in any national park. Hosted by the Yosemite Climbing Association (YCA) in partnership with the National Park Service, this five-day event invites people from all walks of life—climbers, park lovers, families, locals, and visitors—to help care for Yosemite after its busiest season.
Founded in 2004 by YCA’s Ken Yager, the event began as a grassroots effort to clean up climbing areas, form alliances between climbers and Park Rangers, and protect the places we love. It has since grown into a nationally recognized model of stewardship, drawing thousands of volunteers each year and inspiring similar events in parks and public lands across the country.
During Facelift, volunteers collect trash, restore trails, and protect habitat across Yosemite Valley and beyond—while also coming together for educational programs, films, guest speakers, and community celebrations in the evenings. Since its start, the event has removed over 1 million pounds of trash from Yosemite, leaving the park better than we found it—year after year.
Why It Matters
Yosemite is a place of awe and inspiration—but with millions of visitors each year, the park faces serious challenges. Litter accumulates along trails and roadways, fragile habitats are impacted, and the natural balance that makes Yosemite so special is at risk.
Yosemite Facelift is our way of giving back. What started in 2004 as a grassroots cleanup effort by climbers has grown into the largest stewardship event in any national park. Over the years, volunteers have removed more than 1 million pounds of trash—but the true impact goes beyond cleanup.
Facelift fosters a culture of care. It connects people to place, builds relationships between visitors and public land, and reminds us that preserving Yosemite is a shared responsibility. Whether you're hauling trash from the backcountry or picking up micro-trash in the Valley, you're helping protect a place that belongs to all of us—and to future generations.
How to Get Involved
There are many ways to support the 2025 Yosemite Facelift®—whether you’re in the park, at home, or part of a business that wants to give back.
🧤 Volunteer
Join us in Yosemite National Park from September 24–28, 2025. Volunteers help clean up trails, roads, crags, campsites, and waterways. We provide the tools—you bring your energy and love for the park. No experience needed, just a willingness to lend a hand. Registration for volunteers will open mid-May.
💚 Donate
Your donation helps fund cleanup supplies, volunteer support, educational programs, and the logistics that make Facelift possible. Every dollar goes directly toward protecting Yosemite and supporting this community-led effort.
🤝 Become a Sponsor
Businesses and organizations can support Yosemite Facelift through sponsorships that align with their values and connect them with a passionate audience. Sponsors help us grow the event’s reach and impact while demonstrating their commitment to public lands. Email Katie@yosemiteclimbing.org for more information.
Partners
We love our partners and you should too!
The Yosemite Climbing Association would not be possible without their support.
