Yosemite National Park - Central California

Visitor information on Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park covers nearly 1,200 square miles. You will find some of the tallest waterfalls and largest trees, deep valleys and alpine meadows, wild rivers and pristine wilderness. Enjoy a hike, a tram tour, a ranger walk, or just a stroll through the area.

Whats it like in the summer...

Summer (June through September) See lots of the park...and other visitors

Areas to visit: All areas of the park are usually accessible by car by late May or early June, although services along the Tioga Road often open a bit later in June.

Climate: Warm to hot, with occasional rain (usually as afternoon thundershowers, especially at the higher elevations). Rivers & Waterfalls: Most of the water flowing in Yosemite comes from snowmelt in the high country, so runoff decreases during the dry summer. Peak runoff typically occurs in May or June, with some waterfalls (including Yosemite Falls) often only a trickle or completely dry by August. Other waterfalls, including Vernal, Nevada, and Bridalveil, run all year, however their flow can be very low by late summer.

Wildflowers: Yosemite Valley & Wawona- Most blooming occurs in June, with redbud, Sierra onion, lupine, Mariposa lily, pentstemon, and flowering dogwood beginning in May. Tuolumne Meadows- The season begins in late summer for subalpine flowers. Beginning around July, look for little elephant's heads, gentian, pentstemon, yarrow, and shooting stars.

Whats it like in the fall:

Fall (October & November) See lots of the park, but few people

Areas to visit: All areas of the park usually remain open through October, and sometimes into November. However short-term closures may occur due to snow. Along the Tioga Road, services often are not available after September and overnight parking is not permitted after October 14th. Yosemite Valley and Wawona remain accessible by car all year, however tire chains may be required, depending on conditions.

Climate: Quite variable, with weather ranging from hot to cold, dry to rainy or snowy. Yosemite Valley & Wawona (4,000 ft / 1,200 m): 54°F (12°C) / 35°F (2°C)

Rivers & Waterfalls: Water levels tend to be very low, with waterfalls (including Yosemite Falls) containing little or no water. Some waterfalls, including Vernal, Nevada, and Bridalveil, run all year, however their flow slows to a trickle by fall.

Fall colors: Yosemite is not known for having spectacular fall colors because most of the trees are evergreen. Still, big-leaf maples, black oaks, and other deciduous trees tend to be showy around mid-October

Winter solitude:

Winter (December through March) A season of snow & solitude

Areas to visit: While Yosemite Valley and Wawona remain accessible by car all year, the Tioga Road is closed (usually sometime in November). Once closed for the season, vehicles are not permitted between Crane Flat and Tioga Pass, including in the Tuolumne Meadows area. The road to Glacier Point is also closed (usually sometime in November). However from mid-December though early April, the Glacier Point/Badger Pass Road is plowed to the Badger Pass Ski Area where both downhill and cross-country skiing is popular. Tire chains are often required on park roads. When they are, you must carry and know how to use them, regardless of the type of vehicle you are driving.

Climate: Winter in Yosemite is snowy and cold, though sunny and chilly days are not uncommon. Yosemite Valley & Wawona (4,000 ft / 1,200 m): 53°F (12°C) / 28°F (-2°C)

Rivers & Waterfalls: Water levels tend to be low, but once some snow and rain have fallen, Yosemite Falls begins flowing again (though not at springtime levels).

The springtime is a great time to visit:

Spring (April & May) The perfect season for waterfalls!

Areas to visit: While Yosemite Valley and Wawona remain accessible by car all year, the Tioga and Glacier Point Roads remain closed due to snow, often until late May. Tire chains sometimes are required even during spring. When they are, you should carry and know how to use them, regardless of the type of vehicle you are driving.

Climate: Highly variable, with sunny and relatively warm days, but still an occassional winter storm. Yosemite Valley & Wawona (4,000 ft / 1,200 m): 69°F (21°C) / 39°F (4°C)

Rivers & Waterfalls: As warmer weather begins to melt the snow, even the smallest creeks are rushing with water. You may see many small, unnamed waterfalls and cascades all along the Valley rim. Larger creeks and rivers, along with the better known waterfalls, tend to reach peak runoff in May or June.

Wildflowers: It's too early for wildflowers in the park, though you might see California poppies and other species at lower elevations on your way to Yosemite.

Redbud and dogwood also tend to bloom in May.

Or there are plenty of options outside the park.

Some good links are at the bottom of this page.
Things to see in Yosemite.

Waterfalls- Yosemite Falls 2425' Fantastic sight but there are many others to see.

Rock Formations and Yosemite Valley- Yosemite is known for its terrific rock formations. The best place to view them is Glacier Point. El Capitan and Half Dome are two spectacular things to see.

Giant Sequoias Trees- There are 3 groves of Ancient trees in Yosemite park.

Mariposa Grove is the easiest to get to. Another one to see is in Tuolumne.

Vistas- The views in this park are incredible, from all over the park. Gotta see em to believe em.

Wildlife- Spotting wildlife in a busy park like this is not always easy. But if you are out in the evening or early morning, you will have the best chance. Don't forget 90% of the park is designated wilderness, so getting off the beaten path will increase wildlife viewing.

Wildflowers- The flowers come into bloom in May, June and July. And they are all over the park.

Museums and Historical Sights- Many museums and cultural/historic buildings to see in the Park and surrounding areas. Yosemite Valley Museum, Tuolumne Meadows and Wawona/Mariposa grove have several interesting places to visit.

Sunrise and Sunset- Seeing the park at these times are really fantastic. Especially from one of the many vistas.

Meadows- abound in the middle and higher elevations.

Hiking Opportunities

Here are a few recommendations:

Yosemite Valley Hikes (all times and miles are roundtrip)

Lower Yosemite Falls Easy 1/2 mile, paved great views of falls in season. Dry in late summer.

Bridalveil Falls Easy 1/2 mile

Mirror Lake/Meadow Easy 2 mile walk along road or 5 mile loop on dirt trail. Puts you right at the bottom of Half Dome

Valley Floor Loop moderate 6.5 mile walk takes 2 to 4 hours. Not too many hikers on the trail even though it remains close to the road in spots.

Vernal Fall-Mist Trail moderate 1.6 miles to bridge Strenuous 3 miles to the top Views get better the higher you travel

Panorama Trail Strenuous 8.5 miles/ 6 hours But it has fantastic views.

Upper Yosemite Falls Strenuous 2 miles/ 2 to 4 hours to Columbia Rock. Strenuous 7.2 miles/ 6 to 8 hours to the top.

Tuolumne Meadows Day Hikes---

Soda Springs/Parson's Lodge easy 1.5 miles/1 hour trek Parson's lodge has exhibits to see.

Dog Lake moderate 2.8 miles/3 hours trip

Lembert Dome Strenuous 2.8 miles/ 3 hour trip to great views.

Glen Aulin moderate 11 mile/ 6 to 8 hour trip. Tuolumne falls 4 miles in.

Elizabeth Lake moderate 4.8 miles/ 4 or 5 hour trip.

Cathedral Lakes moderate 7 mile / 4 to 6 hour trip. Use the shuttle bus, limited parking at trailhead.

John Muir Trail through Lyen Canyon easy 8 miles one-way/ 4 hours. Great sights to see.

Mono Pass moderate 8 miles/ 4 to 6 hour trip.

Yosemite National Park website
Trip planning website for the Yosemite area...very good

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