YOSEMITEPICTURES.COM - SPRING PHOTOS
Links to Spring Pictures are Below Text
Updated April 14, 2006
Tioga Road is Closed Due To Snow and Will Not Reopen Until Mid or Late June - Glacier Point Road is Closed
I highly recommend that you visit Yosemite Valley as soon as possible. The waterfalls are already incredible and the seasonal falls that normally disappear in March are hanging on much longer than normal. We've had a big winter in the Sierras again and more snow is due in mid-April. It's not yet been super hot, so the snow has been melting slowly and steadily. Rainstorms could increase the flows of creeks and rivers, but it looks like the major waterfalls plunging into Yosemite Valley will continue to rage well into July. Before the summer crowds overwhelm the park, try to get to Yosemite Valley between now and the 3rd week in June.
Due to the above average snowfall, it's uncertain when Tioga Road will open in June. Plan to hike below 7000 feet for the foreseeable future. South facing slopes are melting rapidly, but you may find trails on North facing slopes above 6000 feet still covered in snow. Be careful when crossing streams, water flows can be dangerously high this time of year.
The trees are turning green and wildflowers are abundant below 5000 feet, so enjoy the spectacular scenery. Expect wide temperature swings this time of year, with daytime temps in the 70s and 80s and nights in the 20s to 40s.
THE TEXT BELOW IS FROM SPRING 2004 - MUCH OF THIS INFORMATION IS DATED AND PARK CONDITIONS SHOWN HERE ARE NOT CURRENTLY APPLICABLE - THIS INFORMATION IS FOR ARCHIVAL PURPOSES ONLY
With Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road now open, almost all of the park is accessible except for those high elevation areas that are still snowbound. The south facing slopes below 9000 feet are mostly snow free and in good condition for hiking. The sun is getting high in the sky and you can really bake on some of the trails, so start your hikes early, bring lots of water, and film. The streams in the high country are running freely and the snow is melting very quickly. Plan to visit elevations above 8,000 one to two months earlier than normal due to the low snow fall last winter and the warm, dry Spring weather.
The mosquitoes are starting to come out in full force, so bring the insect repellant when you go hiking. Water flows are still excellent in the Merced River and most creeks. Some of the south facing slopes are drying very quickly so plan ahead if you are hiking in an area that is fed by streams and not a river. The summer will be very dry and the wildflowers are already springing up at elevations up to 6500 feet.
The author of this site just returned from a trip to the Ansel Adams Wilderness and found excellent hiking and camping conditions up to 9,500 feet in elevation. Entry to this beautiful part of the planet was made from Silver Lake near June Lake on Highway 168 along the east side of the Sierras. Located just a few miles south of the junction of Highways 395 and 120, the June Lake loop is exceptionally beautiful and well worth a visit this time of year.
I hiked in via the Rush Creek trailhead, past Agnew Lake and up to Gem Lake. Gaining almost 1800 vertical feet in 3 miles along a steep, narrow trail, that is not recommended for those with a fear of heights. Once you reach Gem Lake and walk around the lake, there are several trail junctions that will lead you on some great explorations. The trail is generally free of snow all the way to Waugh Lake, which is about 3 miles past Gem Lake. Trails to Summit Lake and Donahue Pass still have substantial amounts of snow above 9,500 feet. The trail to Gem Pass is mostly free of snow since it faces south. If you want to do an early season high altitude trip, there is none better at the moment. The creek running along the trail up to Gem Pass is flowing nicely and will be a reliable source of water well into June. The views are spectacular and pictures from this trip will be published sometime in June.
This is a great time of year to do the hike up the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls or if you've got the time, make a full day and bring food and park yourself at the top of Nevada Falls for several hours. Few things are more enjoyable that taking a whole day to work on your tan at the top of Nevada Falls in the Springtime. Start no later than 9 a.m. to avoid hiking uphill in the hot sun and allow at least 3 to 5 hours for the round trip journey. With the sun moving higher in the sky and sunset not until around 8:00 you can get some good hiking in during the daylight hours.
Expect to see seasonal waterfalls dwindling. The hot weather has resulted in a very rapid snowmelt in 2004.
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.
Spring Pictures of Yosemite Valley Landmarks and The Spectacular Waterfalls