How is the weather in Yosemite around the last week of April.
We are thinking about going there and wonder if it is too early?

Spring is not predictable. Your chances are good that the weather will be fine. We've been many times in April and had it warm enought to hike in shorts. We've also been in May and had two inches of snow in the valley.

In other words, GO, it's a BEAUTIFUL time of the year to be in Yosemite and hope for good weather

Utahtea

Another advantage to that time of year is that it shouldn't be too crowded. Enjoy!

We are planning our trip to Yoemite in May (mid May). When we booked our hotel , they said it is unpredictable and many books I have read said that the northern roads (to Toulemme Meadows) may not be open the beginning of May due to snow conditions, but who knows?!

Here is a link to the opending dates of Tioga Pass, Hwy 120 up to Tuolumne Meadows. They show the earliest date as May 2. but usually it's mid-May and a few years back a person lost their life while clearing the road, so now they don't try to push it until it's safe to clear.

http://www.nps.gov/yose/trip/tioga.htm

Utahtea

What about Yosemite Valley?

I just read that the falls should be spectacular this year because of the high water content in the Sierra snowpack; sounds very good.

The waterfalls in Yosemite Valley are good EVERY year in the spring.

Utahtea

Indeed--but what about driving into the valley? Any possible problems for someone new to the area?

Underhill,

If you've done any mountain driving, this won't be a problem. Just take it nice and slow. Hwy 120 is more mountainous so if you are worried you might come in on Hwy 140. I like to come in on one Hwy and exit the other.

Hwy 140 has the bonus of a lot of wildflowers in the spring!

Utahtea