We will be in Yosemite two nights one day the last week of April. Do you know how much daylight we will have? Are the Falls by the Lodge lighted at night? What is there to do in the evening after dark?

In the Valley you will loose the sun but it won't be dark as it has not set. The sunset during the last week of April for that section of Ca is about 7:50. Daylight Savings time begins the first Sat in April so you'll get the extra time.

I am not aware of any artificial lighting around the falls.

When we stayed at the lodge we spent some time in the lodge bar. I imagine there is also service at the Awahanee. You could check with the park ranger, there may well be night hike activities, campfires or other evening presentations.

14 years ago, in early May, my husband and I took a moonlight ranger walk at Yosemite. If they still offer these walks, and you're going at a time where you'll have moonlight (not just at full moon), I'd highly recommend taking one.

We almost always attend a couple of campfire programs anytime we go to a national park.

It's also nice just to sit outside on a lawn chair with some wine or hot chocolate, to look at the milky way, hear animals moving around, maybe see a few shooting stars. At that time of year, I'd probably bundle up.

During the last week of April 2003 you'll get what my kids refer to as the "fingernail moon". Just a sliver. It's half on the 23rd and dark by the 29th.

Good suggestions above including bundle up.

We always called that fingernail moon the "grave robber's moon". There is just enough light to see by but not enough light for a person to be able to tell who you are if they meet up with you on a dark road - in other words, they couldn't pick you out of a line up the next day - LOL.

Thanks to you all for the great suggestions!

Just as creepy, the moon that you see during the day is the "ghost moon".

Just as an FYI, not only are the Yosemite Falls NOT lit at light, neither are many of the walkways.

Bring a pocket flashlight and carry it all the time. It gets dark quickly after dusk, and many of the walking paths do not have smooth surfaces.

Sunset in California will be at 7:50 but in Yosemite Valley it will be about an hour sooner because the sun sets behind the mountains.

There's plenty to do in the evenings.

http://www.nps.gov/yose/now/today.htm

Check that website for the current guide and go back in about a month when they have April's listed.

Utahtea

Utahtea
Thanks for the website, it is wonderful!!