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.
Feel the scale of the largest living trees on the planet
Yosemite Glaciers, symbols of the changing world, may disappear completely within just a few decades
Experience the magnificence of the night sky over Yosemite
Yosemite is a paradise for wildflower enthusiasts
Driving along a large number of picturesque roads with stops near the highlights and most unique spots can be a perfect vacation plan
Visit one of the world's tallest waterfalls during the spring runoff and you'll be carried away by this tremendous sight
Waterfall droplets and the full moon create gorgeous lunar rainbow displays
Check out the grandest view in all the West
Visit iconic falls when they show their full power, fed by melting snow and ice
One of the most spectacular, adventurous, and popular hiking trails in Yosemite draws crowds of visitors every day during the high season
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
The absolutely best way to get around Yosemite Valley is by bike
The highest highway pass in California and Sierra Nevada Mountains
This eye-catching pale pink flower is important to the survival of Monarch butterflies
The unique granite rock formations of Yosemite are wonderland for adventurous souls to climb
The stunning landscape of Yosemite makes the perfect setting for the joys of river rafting
One of most famous trails of Yosemite Park
Paddling in Yosemite can be easily characterized with just one word—spectacular!
One of the least visited parts of the Yosemite Valley has a range of scenic hiking trails and an enormous dam
Is this a flower, a mushroom, or maybe a guest from another planet?
Let nature refresh your soul with the delighful birdsongs of Yosemite
An excellent summer swimming hole for hot days
A popular hiking destination in Sequoia National Park
Yosemite offers some of the most scenic fishing in the world
One of the most beautiful destinations in Sierra Nevada mountains
Marvel low-lying clouds and panoramic views
One of the biggest high-elevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada Mountains
For just a few days each year, this waterfall is illuminated by the sun and becomes one of Yosemite’s most amazing spectacles
Autumn is the most colorful time of the year in Yosemite
Watch the ice lava flowing down the park streams
A true symbol of wilderness, these endangered animals once disappeared from the park completely, but have been recently reintroduced
In winter, Yosemite is a wonderland. One of the easiest ways to explore its wilderness is to step into a pair of snowshoes
One of the best ways to experience Yosemite’s winter beauty and enjoy miles of outstanding views