lisa

Considering a trip to Yosemite this spring, probably 4-5 days. The options are either the second week in April, or the last week in May. I'm leaning toward May for the warmer weather, but am curious as to how cold it would be in early April. Also, has anyone driven to Yosemite from San Francisco -- how long does it take? Looks like 4-5 hours. What is the best route (yes, I have a map). I would probably be arriving in San Francisco very late on a Friday night, after midnight -- can anyone recommend an inexpensive place to stay right by the airport (just someplace safe, clean and basic, no frills, since I'll only be there overnight & hit the road early the next morning). Also, if I am able to go for 5 days, I was considering spending 3 at Yosemite and 2 somewhere else -- one of the other National Parks near Yosemite, or Lake Tahoe -- any suggestions (keeping in mind that I'll be flying out of SFO too)? All suggestions & advice appreciated.

howard

The weather can still be cool and the nights cold in early-mid April. Late May is a great time to go:
*The weather is great.
*The waterfalls are really flowing.
*The crowds aren't that large.
It took us about 3 1/2 from San Francisco. Take 580 to 205 to 120 right into the park.
You might seriously consider spending all five days in Yosemite. You won't regret it. It's that great. We think it's the best of all the national parks.
If you have any other questions, fire away.

Paul Rabe

If you don't mind a few hours extra driving AND wouldn't object to having your mind blown away, I suggest you arrive at Yosemite Valley from the south. That way, you enter the Valley from a tunnel -- and get the full impact of this unbelievable beauty all at once. Trust me -- you'll actually have to make sure you hold the wheel when you exit the tunnel, because the sheer wonder of the Valley will overwhelm you. A experience not to matched at too many other places.

Terri

We spent 3 nights in Corte Madera (15 minutes north of the Golden Gate), then 3 nights at Yosemite. Then 3 nights in Monterey in mid June last year. By far, Yosemite was the best. I could have stayed there forever! We stayed at the Yosemite View Lodge right outside the west gate. From there it's only 30 minutes to the valley floor. Make sure you stop at the Awanee (spelling?) hotel for a drink after visiting the sequoia grove in the south. We left San Francisco at 10:30 am (and 50 degrees) and were at the hotel, after stopping in Merced for lunch by 2:30. It was 90 degrees! It is possible that the road to Tahoe will still be closed with snow in April. I don't know of any hotels near the airport, but staying in Corte Madera was great since we drove to Sausalito (spelling) and parked the car, then took the ferry over to Fishemans wharf. If you have time, I'd recommend the drive down to Big Sur. Incredible!

rudy

You might have to take into consideration that the Tioga Pass Road, which goes through Yosemite National Park to Tuolumne Meadows and Mono Lake, is sometimes closed until late May, due to weather conditions.