Best time to visit Yosemite

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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.

27 THINGS TO DO IN YOSEMITE (MAY 30 - JUNE 08)

Giant Sequoias of Yosemite National Park

Giant Sequoias of Yosemite National Park

May–October • nature

Feel the scale of the largest living trees on the planet

Glaciers

Glaciers

all year round • nature

Yosemite Glaciers, symbols of the changing world, may disappear completely within just a few decades

Stargazing

Stargazing

June–August • nature

Experience the magnificence of the night sky over Yosemite

Wildflowers of Yosemite

Wildflowers of Yosemite

March–August • nature

Yosemite is a paradise for wildflower enthusiasts

Scenic Road Trips

Scenic Road Trips

all year round • activity

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

Yosemite Falls

November–July (peak flow in April–June) • nature

Visit one of the world's tallest waterfalls during the spring runoff and you'll be carried away by this tremendous sight

Moonbows

Moonbows

April–June • nature

Waterfall droplets and the full moon create gorgeous lunar rainbow displays

Glacier Point Overlook

Glacier Point Overlook

late May–October • nature

Check out the grandest view in all the West

Roaring Spring Waterfalls

Roaring Spring Waterfalls

May–June • nature

Visit iconic falls when they show their full power, fed by melting snow and ice

Mist Trail

Mist Trail

late May–mid-October • nature

One of the most spectacular, adventurous, and popular hiking trails in Yosemite draws crowds of visitors every day during the high season

Dogwoods in Bloom

Dogwoods in Bloom

April–June • nature

When 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

Cycling in Yosemite Valley

March–November • activity

The absolutely best way to get around Yosemite Valley is by bike

Tioga Road

Tioga Road

late May–October • activity

The highest highway pass in California and Sierra Nevada Mountains

Milkweed and Monarch Butterflies

Milkweed and Monarch Butterflies

May–September • nature

This eye-catching pale pink flower is important to the survival of Monarch butterflies

Rock Climbing

Rock Climbing

April–October • activity

The unique granite rock formations of Yosemite are wonderland for adventurous souls to climb

Rafting Along the Merced River

Rafting Along the Merced River

late May–July • activity

The stunning landscape of Yosemite makes the perfect setting for the joys of river rafting

El Capitan Trail

El Capitan Trail

May–October • activity

One of most famous trails of Yosemite Park

Kayaking and Canoeing the Merced River

Kayaking and Canoeing the Merced River

May–September • activity

Paddling in Yosemite can be easily characterized with just one word—spectacular!

Hetch Hetchy Valley

Hetch Hetchy Valley

March–November • nature

One of the least visited parts of the Yosemite Valley has a range of scenic hiking trails and an enormous dam

Snow Plant

Snow Plant

April–July • nature

Is this a flower, a mushroom, or maybe a guest from another planet?

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

March–October • nature

Let nature refresh your soul with the delighful birdsongs of Yosemite

Cleo's Bath

Cleo's Bath

May–mid-July • nature

An excellent summer swimming hole for hot days

Pear Lake Trail

Pear Lake Trail

May–October • activity

A popular hiking destination in Sequoia National Park

Fishing

Fishing

late April–mid-November • activity

Yosemite offers some of the most scenic fishing in the world

Little Yosemite Valley

Little Yosemite Valley

late May–October • activity

One of the most beautiful destinations in Sierra Nevada mountains

Clouds Rest

Clouds Rest

June–October • activity

Marvel low-lying clouds and panoramic views

Tuolumne Meadows

Tuolumne Meadows

June–October • activity

One of the biggest high-elevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada Mountains

6 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Horsetail Fall or Firefall

Horsetail Fall or Firefall

out of rangemid-to-late February • nature

For just a few days each year, this waterfall is illuminated by the sun and becomes one of Yosemite’s most amazing spectacles

Yosemite Fall Colors

Yosemite Fall Colors

out of rangeOctober–early November • nature

Autumn is the most colorful time of the year in Yosemite

The Frazil Ice Phenomenon in Yosemite Falls

The Frazil Ice Phenomenon in Yosemite Falls

out of rangeApril • nature

Watch the ice lava flowing down the park streams

Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep

Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep

out of rangeDecember–February • nature

A true symbol of wilderness, these endangered animals once disappeared from the park completely, but have been recently reintroduced

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing

out of rangemid-December–March • activity

In winter, Yosemite is a wonderland. One of the easiest ways to explore its wilderness is to step into a pair of snowshoes

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-Country Skiing

out of rangemid-December–mid-March • activity

One of the best ways to experience Yosemite’s winter beauty and enjoy miles of outstanding views

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