I am starting to plan my 2003 vacation and am looking at Yosemite. I would like to be able to see and do everything without weather restrictions. I would like to avoid the crowds if possible. I don't typically travel in the summer and can't get away in September. I was thinking of early October or sometime in May. Any suggestions???

Ilene, I think any time of year is wonderful in Yosemite. In May the waterfalls will be full, whereas in October they will be at their smallest before the rains begin. However, in October you will be treated to the colorful display of the fall leaves. I think that the park would be less crowded in October but it's never empty.

One consideration is that the falls will be full in May from melting snow but probably mostly dry in the fall.

we went around mid Nov. a couple of years ago. biggest problem you might face will be road closures....but probably not in Oct....the only one we encountered was the road to badger pass. tiago pass had been closed and then re-opened by the time we got there. no crowds to speak of at that time.....no snow in the valley just in the upper elevations.

Ok first let me say that I'm really biased. I've been there dozens of times because I lived close to Yosemite for years, worked for the forest service and had to drive through Yosemite many times over 2 summers to get to eastern sierras, I always have loved the fall in Yosemite. I see the park as so much more than the waterfalls. The valley floor in the fall is alive with color. The weather is nearly perfect and there are really low crowds. May is quite a bit cooler but the falls are really full. Tioga Pass is nearly always closed so you'd miss the awesome Toulemne Meadows and the granite beauty of that area.
Good luck with your decision.