TRAVEL TIPS FOR ALL SEASONS
Scroll Down to Find Tips for Each Season
Updated May 22, 2005
TIOGA ROAD AND GLACIER POINT ROAD ARE CLOSED DUE TO SNOW AND SHOULD OPEN IN LATE MAY OR JUNE 2005
If you're planning a trip in 2005 here are some things to consider for each season.
Spring: With recent additions to the double than average snow pack in March and April it looks like the entire Spring season will provide spectacular waterfalls this year. The abundant snow pack should keep the major waterfalls gushing well into late July, and even the smaller seasonal falls will hang around until June this year. To see these rare treats of nature, it's best to go in April and May, but even June will provide some visual wonders. Crowds tend to remain small in the park until mid-May, so you'll be able to enjoy the waterfalls with a minimum amount of congestion. Watch out for flooding this year in Yosemite Valley due to the deep snow pack and warm temperatures. When combined with some unusual Spring rain storms in mid-May this led to some closures of Yosemite Valley from time to time.
In just one day you can easily drive a loop around the valley floor and see over a dozen different waterfalls. Taking the short hike to the Vernal Falls Bridge is delightful this time of year, however the Mist Trail up to Vernal Falls tends to be a bit overwhelming until things calm down in June. Be prepared for very wet and slippery conditions on the Mist Trail this year at least through the end of June.
Another great hike in April and May and June will be the trip to Snow Creek Falls. You don't have to go all the way to the top to enjoy a unique view of Half Dome and Tenaya Canyon. Simply follow the trail past Mirror Lake for about 1 mile and turn left at the junction leading toward North Dome. A short 15 to 20 minutes after turning uphill you will be above tree line with magnificent views. Depending on the rate of snowmelt, you may be treated to as many as a dozen seasonal waterfalls pouring off the sides of Tenaya Canyon and Half Dome.
Summer: The park will be socked in with snow above 8500 feet well into June and July this year. Expect north facing passes and slopes above 10,000 feet to hold snow into August. The wildflowers probably won't peak until mid-or late July in Tuolomne Meadows. However, at various elevations in the park above 6000 feet depending on the exposure to sunlight you will find abundant stands of colorful flowers starting in late May and early June. I recommend that you park at Tioga Pass at the entrance station parking lot and take the hike for the first 1.5 miles up the trail to Mt. Dana. The Hanging Gardens will be beautiful throughout July and August. Lukens Lake is another perfect place to go in early to mid-July for a short hike. Anyone with time to go for longer day hikes, I recommend destinations such as Cathedral Lake, Elizabeth Lake, Lyell Canyon, Glen Aulin and Harden Lake. The best overnight destinations in summer are above 8500 feet, and a particular favorite is to start at the Mono Pass trailhead and go in 4+ miles and camp either near Mono Pass (there are two ponds nearby) or for complete solitude continue to the area between Parker Pass and Koip Peak pass. Make sure you can handle sleeping above 10,000 feet before attempting either of these journeys.
Lodging and Camping reservations are booked solid for the valley for the summer, you may be able to make reservations for the campground in Tuolomne Meadows or get lucky and get a cancellation. Click here for lodging info.
A great hike starting in June and July is to hike Panorama Trail from Glacier Point around the south rim and down to Happy Isles, the conditions should be excellent. Camping at the top of Yosemite Falls should be spectacular from early May to late July. Hikes up Lyell Canyon and to the various High Sierra Camps will most likely be at their peak of enjoyment from mid-July to late August. The lakes in the high country will be overflowing due to a much larger than normal snowpack this past year and I would anticipate very high stream flows through mid to late July. Since the seasonal creeks and streams will not dry up until August of September, it looks like late summer trips will be the best in a decade with abundant water and wildflowers. Be cautious and treat all water before drinking, you don't want to get giardia or any other waterborne illness.
Be sure to check conditions prior to starting any trip. The actual trail and park conditions can vary dramatically from predictions being made in advance.
Autumn: Expect lakes at all elevations to be close to or above normal this autumn. Streams should dry up slowly and will likely be running into late August and early September. In May all of the streams below 5000 feet were overflowing from the snowmelt, so it bodes well for a good long season. However, it's good to remember that in the autumn the only reliable water sources are generally the lakes and rivers, all the creeks and streams not glacier fed will might be dry and cannot be relied upon as drinking sources during this time of the year. Check our Autumn section for general information and recommendations.
Winter: The first week of March brought 3 snow storms to the park above 5000 feet. If you're not fortunate enough to be in the park on an unseasonably warm sunny day, then be prepared for cold, wet conditions, slippery trails and sidewalks. Plan to double the amount of time for any day hikes, you'll need to be extra cautious even going to Lower Yosemite Falls of the Vernal Falls Bridge due to icy conditions. Take water with you on all day hikes, the spigots have been turned off almost everywhere to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
In the evening, a great place to sit back and relax while you share stories is the Mountain Room Bar next to Yosemite Lodge. It's a casual place with sandwiches and snacks along with a full beverage menu and bar service. For a complete dinner and fine atmosphere, the Mountain Room Restaurant just a few steps away is your best choice among the restaurants at Yosemite Lodge. You can make a filling meal from salad, soup and dessert, and it will not cost much more than dinner in the cafeteria. If there are two of you, sharing a salad, entree and desert will provide more than enough food without breaking your budget.
A great day trip is to take the bus up to Badger Pass and go skiing for the day. If you don't like downhill, there are miles of cross country trails to divert your attention. And if you don't ski at all, then rent a pair of snowshoes and trudge off into the quiet winter landscape. A short 10 minute walk from the ski area will have you alone in the wilderness with only the wind rushing through the trees as your companion.
The adventurous can ski out to Glacier Point for a totally awesome view. Overnight camping is permitted, and the less hearty can stay at the new lodge for about $110 per night. Yes, it's a bit pricey, but for most the luxury of hot meals, bathrooms and sleeping indoors is worth the tariff. Call ahead and make reservations if you want to stay at the Lodge, space is very limited and fills quickly.
Another great place to play in the snow or do some leisurely cross country skiing is in the meadow between the Crane Flat Gas Station and the parking lot for Tuolomne Grove. On both sides of the road you have flat to gently sloping terrain just perfect for an outing. In the early afternoon there is abundant sunshine in these two meadows and ample parking nearby. (Make sure you park only in legal spaces and do not block the road).
The information below is from 2002 and can be used as a general reference for planning trips every year. Just scroll down to the season that interests you and read the tips and recommendations.
Plan for cool and changeable weather from January through March. Storms in the Pacific may bring snow to the park on and off during the winter months Always carry chains September through May and be prepared for icy roads.
2002 Trip Planning Log - Reverse Chronological Order From December to January
It's been rather cool but pleasant the past three weeks after the first snow storm of the season dumped several feet of snow above 8000' on November 9 to 11 effectively sealing off the high country to the general public until next year. The waterfalls will be slowly springing to life again as the sun warms the snow during daylight hours. The park is very empty this time of year. Be prepared for cool temperatures, dress in layers and enjoy the scenery without the crowds.
Below are the travel reports for the previous months, conditions have changed considerably due to the snow storm in early November.
The trails are dry and dusty and you won't have high water crossings or snow to deal with pretty much anywhere in the park, unless you try to cross the above mentioned watercourses. The weeks from mid July to early August was the time to see the wildflowers in the sub-alpine and alpine meadows. The wildflowers have peaked and died pretty much everywhere, and the only places you can expect to see much blooming is where there are watercourses running nearby.
Lakes are no longer getting warmer, and will get cooler as the days shorten in September, so take the plunge now! Avoid those valley crowds and pick a spot above 7000' to enjoy the remaining days of summer. Tenaya Lake is an excellent choice this time of year. Head to the west and north shores for a picnic lunch, or take in the late afternoon and evening sun at the gorgeous beach on the east end. A hike up Lyell Canyon with your ThermaRest, towel and some food makes for a perfect way to end summer lazing along a bend in the river.
Take the hike from Tuolomne Meadows to Cathedral Lakes or Elizabeth Lake. This is the time of year to visit these spots, they are as warm as they ever get. If you stay between elevations of 7000 and 10,000 feet for the next few weeks, you'll find the best spots in the park. Below 6000 it will generally be pleasant and the seasonal creeks have disappeared, eliminating most convenient water sources. A leisurely day in the redwood groves of Mariposa Grove near the south entrance on Highway 41 or Tuolomne Grove near Crane Flat Gas Station are particularly enjoyable now.
Here are some suggestions from early July:
Wait until late July before going up to the high passes and lakes above 10,000 feet and you'll have a more enjoyable trip. If you stay between elevations of 7000 and 10,000 feet for the next few weeks, you'll find the best spots in the park. Below 6000 it will be quite warm and the seasonal creeks have disappeared, eliminating most convenient water sources. A leisurely day in the redwood groves of Mariposa or Tuolomne Grove near Crane Flat Gas Station are particularly enjoyable now.
The high country around Tuolomne Meadows is fully awake and is a better choice than going to the Valley for the next few months. Wherever you go in the park, wildlife is abundant, on a trip in May we saw bear, deer, raccoon, coyote, squirrels, chipmunks, lizards, snakes, and a variety of birds. Mother nature is doing her part to provide the critters and scenery.
The big waterfalls such as Vernal, Nevada, Bridalveil, Illilouette and Yosemite are beyond their peak. Of the short term seasonal falls like Ribbon, Tamarack and Cascade, they are all gone. All of the tiny ephemeral falls have disappeared and the wildflowers are springing up in abundance only at the highest elevations.
May and June were beautiful months, and except for a surprise snow storm in Mid-may, the weather has been incredibly pleasant.
The fickle spring weather brought a late season snow storm to the park in later April and freshened up the atmosphere. We're in that changeable time of year between the dwindling clouds and storms of early Spring and the settling in of the sunny summer weather pattern. Temps in the valley should be from in the 60s and 70s daytime and in the high 30s to 40s at night. Bring layers, don't forget the hat and gloves and be prepared to change clothes to match the weather.
Expect to see waterfalls slowly waning over the next few weeks. These are the longest days of the year and with the sunset not until around 8:30 you can get some good hiking in during the daylight hours.
Check with the visitor center or the wilderness center for the latest trail conditions.
Check weather and road conditions before traveling to higher elevations in the park this time of year. Make sure you carry chains in your car and have extra food and water in case of a sudden road closure. Traveling in the Sierras can be an adventure if a storm pops up and you're not prepared.
Late March and most of April brought beautiful weather to the park. It was in the 70s during the days and dropped to the 40s at night in the valley. A storm passed quickly through on the 22nd and 23rd, but clear weather after that continued to bring spectacular Spring scenery. Each storm drops more snow to fuel the already raging waterfalls, this is one of the best years for coming to the park before the crowds arrive in June. If you can make it up during the next few weeks, you'll be treated to fabulous scenery and short lines. Be careful on soggy trails, make sure you've got good soles on your hiking boots or whatever footgear you prefer.
Winter storms rolled through on and off during the first 10 days of March. Check weather and road conditions before traveling to the park this time of year. Daytime temps in during the first half of the month were in the 50s and 60s in the valley and nighttime it was dropping to the 20s and 30s. Make sure you carry chains in your car and have extra food and water in case of a sudden road closure. Traveling in the Sierras in Winter can be an adventure if a storm pops up and you're not prepared. Keep a small shovel in the trunk for emergencies, you never know when you may have to dig out after sliding into a snow bank or getting plowed in by snow clearing crews.
Unusually warm and sunny weather arrived the last week of February. This caused the waterfalls to spring to life and created very changeable conditions throughout the park. Daytime temperatures soared into the 60s and with the bright sun melting the snow at a rapid pace, it feels like Spring has arrived. The nights have been cold and clear and the stars spectacular. With temps dropping into the 30s at night, the roads have been developing icy spots throughout the park. Use extra caution when driving this time of year, what appears to be a clear road may have a thin coating of dangerous black ice.
Winter conditions prevailed throughout the park back in mid-February. There was snow clinging to the walls of Yosemite Valley, while elevations above 7000 feet were under a thick blanket of Mother Nature's finest white coating. With the rapid early warming later in the month, the usually thin waterfalls sprang to life a bit early.
With the snow depth in Tuolomne Meadows at approximately 5 feet and more snow on the way, the year is shaping up closer to normal after two below average snow years. In 2001 a visitor to the park was treated to flowers at high elevations in mid-June. This year portends a longer wait for the colors of summer to arrive on the scene.
What all this means to anyone visiting the park in 2002 is that the seasons will be more "normal" and you will most likely have to wait until July to enjoy your favorite hiking and camping spots in the high country. On the other hand, the abundant snow melt will help turn Yosemite Valley much greener than last year, and the waterfalls will be thundering in April and May, and will remain much fuller later into the summer.