zootsi

as part of our visit to San Francisco in mid April, we were considering an overnight in Yosemite. What is the weather like this time of year? Is there still snow on the ground? Can we hike, or is it still snowshoe season? Any recommendations on inexpensive (<$120) lodging would also be helpful!

enzian

There is no snow on the ground in the valley; right now the snow level (according to the park website) is around 6,000 feet (the valley is at 4,000). We have hiked there in mid-April and it was perfect---warm sunny days (mid-60's), cooler at night. We hiked to the top of Nevada Falls on that trip. If you are driving from SF and staying one night, you will only have a half-day for hiking on your arrival day, but that is enough for that hike. There are other hikes as well--the website says almost all of the trails are open.

For lodging, check the park's website:

http://www.yosemitepark.com/Accommodations.aspx

A room at Yosemite Lodge will cost more than $120. Accomodations at Curry Village (cabins and tent cabins) are less expensive.

J_Correa

We have gone a couple years with a group of friends that has been going to Yosemite every spring for 15 years. From their experience, the weather in April is sort of iffy, but snow isn't an issue in the valley that time of year. It just generally isn't as sunny and warm as in May. Rain is a possibility, but usually they have good weather.

utahtea

April is my favorite month to visit Yosemite and the weather can vary within a weeks time from sunny and warm to a little snow. I've worn shorts in April on the hike to Vernal Falls in more than one April and last April it started to snow as we left the Valley. You really can't predict this far in advance. If there is any snow in the valley, it won't last long. I'd plan on going..and just before you leave...check to see what the weather prediction is to know how to pack.

The waterfalls at this time of the year are magnificant!

Utahtea

tovarich

The Mariposa lodge in Mariposa is a nice place.PAul