Best time to visit Yosemite
Best time of year to visit Yosemite
Comfortable weather and generally accessible trails make May and September the best time to visit Yosemite. Springtime (April–May) will show you the incredible beauty of moonbows, frazil ice phenomenon, and roaring waterfalls. The period from mid-June through August sees the largest influx of tourists, thence skyrocketing hotel rates. If you opt for visiting Yosemite in summer, take a scenic road trip or cycle to more remote areas, as it's the only time when most of the roads and trails are accessible. Early autumn is perfect for hiking, but you might want to avoid crowded Labour Day Weekend. From October on, the temps start dropping, and some facilities and roads close down for the low season. If you are looking for a bargain, choose winter. During this time you can enjoy skiing, witness Firefall, and observe bighorn sheep of Sierra Nevada.
3 THINGS TO DO IN YOSEMITE (JULY 24 - AUGUST 02)
Glaciers
Yosemite Glaciers, symbols of the changing world, may disappear completely within just a few decades
Scenic Road Trips
Driving along a large number of picturesque roads with stops near the highlights and most unique spots can be a perfect vacation plan
Yosemite Falls
Visit one of the world's tallest waterfalls during the spring runoff and you'll be carried away by this tremendous sight
27 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Horsetail Fall or Firefall
out of rangeFor just a few days each year, this waterfall is illuminated by the sun and becomes one of Yosemite’s most amazing spectacles
Giant Sequoias of Yosemite National Park
out of rangeFeel the scale of the largest living trees on the planet
Wildflowers of Yosemite
out of rangeYosemite is a paradise for wildflower enthusiasts
Stargazing
out of rangeExperience the magnificence of the night sky over Yosemite
Yosemite Fall Colors
out of rangeAutumn is the most colorful time of the year in Yosemite
Moonbows
out of rangeWaterfall droplets and the full moon create gorgeous lunar rainbow displays
Glacier Point Overlook
out of rangeCheck out the grandest view in all the West
Mist Trail
out of rangeOne of the most spectacular, adventurous, and popular hiking trails in Yosemite draws crowds of visitors every day during the high season
Dogwoods in Bloom
out of rangeWhen in blossom, Yosemite's Mountain Dogwood trees seem to be covered with large snow flakes, adding an amazing bright splash of white to the forests
Cycling in Yosemite Valley
out of rangeThe absolutely best way to get around Yosemite Valley is by bike
Tioga Road
out of rangeThe highest highway pass in California and Sierra Nevada Mountains
Milkweed and Monarch Butterflies
out of rangeThis eye-catching pale pink flower is important to the survival of Monarch butterflies
Rock Climbing
out of rangeThe unique granite rock formations of Yosemite are wonderland for adventurous souls to climb
The Frazil Ice Phenomenon in Yosemite Falls
out of rangeWatch the ice lava flowing down the park streams
Rafting Along the Merced River
out of rangeThe stunning landscape of Yosemite makes the perfect setting for the joys of river rafting
El Capitan Trail
out of rangeOne of most famous trails of Yosemite Park
Kayaking and Canoeing the Merced River
out of rangePaddling in Yosemite can be easily characterized with just one word—spectacular!
Hetch Hetchy Valley
out of rangeOne of the least visited parts of the Yosemite Valley has a range of scenic hiking trails and an enormous dam
Snow Plant
out of rangeIs this a flower, a mushroom, or maybe a guest from another planet?
Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep
out of rangeA true symbol of wilderness, these endangered animals once disappeared from the park completely, but have been recently reintroduced
Birdwatching
out of rangeLet nature refresh your soul with the delighful birdsongs of Yosemite
Cleo's Bath
out of rangeAn excellent summer swimming hole for hot days
Pear Lake Trail
out of rangeA popular hiking destination in Sequoia National Park
Fishing
out of rangeYosemite offers some of the most scenic fishing in the world
Snowshoeing
out of rangeIn winter, Yosemite is a wonderland. One of the easiest ways to explore its wilderness is to step into a pair of snowshoes
Clouds Rest
out of rangeMarvel low-lying clouds and panoramic views
Tuolumne Meadows
out of rangeOne of the biggest high-elevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada Mountains
