Yosemite National Park Battling Food Illness Issue

Image: Mist Trail near Vernal Falls in Yosemite National Park, California. (photo via Sloot/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus)
Image: Mist Trail near Vernal Falls in Yosemite National Park, California. (photo via Sloot/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus)
Rich Thomaselli
by Rich Thomaselli
Last updated: 12:10 AM ET, Mon January 13, 2020

Yosemite National Park has some new visitors.

Federal health inspectors are on-site at the famed park after at least a dozen people have fallen ill with some sort of stomach virus.

The National Park Service and the U.S. Public Health Service told the San Francisco Chronicle they launched an investigation after employees and visitors reported the problems this month.

"The park is reminding all employees and visitors to wash their hands frequently and stay home if they experience any symptoms of a gastrointestinal illness," Yosemite spokesman Scott Gediman said in a statement.

A cause has not been determined yet, but officials are working with Aramark to inspect Yosemite's restaurants, hotels and snack shops. Aramark is one of the nation's largest food concessionaires, counting among its clients numerous other parks, sports facilities and colleges, among others.

That includes Yosemite's famous Ahwahnee Hotel, which has been heavily scrutinized since Aramark took over the foodservice. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Aramark has received numerous complaints from visitors about poor food quality, shuttle service and other services since it began managing Yosemite's concessions four years ago.

The Ahwahnee Hotel lost was recently downgraded from an AAA-rated four-diamond property to a current three-diamond hotel.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Rich Thomaselli

Rich Thomaselli

Associate Writer

Editor Associate Writer true 9281 14744 Rich Thomaselli has written for TravelPulse since 2014 and has been a professional journalist for nearly 40 years. His work has appeared in USA Today, the New York Times and New York Yankees publications. He is an 11-time writ

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Watch Now!
Selling More with TAP: Unlock the Value of Portugal StopoverMonday, November 9, 2026, 2:00PM EasternJoin TAP Air Portugal and Visit Portugal for an exclusive webinar dedicated to TAP's Portugal Stopover...
Upcoming Webinar
Wildlife, Culture & Warm-Weather AdventureTuesday, November 10, 2026, 2:00pm EasternFrom extraordinary wildlife encounters to vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes, discover how...
Upcoming Webinar
Black Friday Is Just the Beginning with ALG Vacations®Wednesday, November 11, 2026 2:00pm EasternJoin ALG Vacations® on November 11 for a special webinar featuring Jacki Marks, Jim Tedesco, and Ben...
Watch Now!
Selling More with TAP: Unlock the Value of Portugal StopoverMonday, November 9, 2026, 2:00PM EasternJoin TAP Air Portugal and Visit Portugal for an exclusive webinar dedicated to TAP's Portugal Stopover...
Upcoming Webinar
Wildlife, Culture & Warm-Weather AdventureTuesday, November 10, 2026, 2:00pm EasternFrom extraordinary wildlife encounters to vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes, discover how...
Upcoming Webinar
Black Friday Is Just the Beginning with ALG Vacations®Wednesday, November 11, 2026 2:00pm EasternJoin ALG Vacations® on November 11 for a special webinar featuring Jacki Marks, Jim Tedesco, and Ben...