november_moon

Yes, because the waterfalls are largely snow melt, spring time is the season for waterfalls. As mentioned though, waterfalls are only one reason to visit Yosemite. My first visit to Yosemite was in November and it was incredible. When I went again in the springtime, it was just another layer to the park.

October is less busy in Yosemite, but I think lodging is pretty much booked year round due to the popularity of the park and the limited amount of lodging in Yosemite itself. But you will have fewer day trippers and fewer campers that time of year.

October is generally a very nice month on the coast. Days are warm, there's less fog than in summer, but it usually hasn't started raining yet.

mlgb

Bridal Veil, Nevada and Vernal falls are year round.

In the fall, you get some fall colors but be aware that smoke can be an issue if there are fires.

janisj

>>Bridal Veil, Nevada and Vernal falls are year round.

Gardyloo

Let's get back to timing. Are you driving to the west coast, seeing the sights, and planning to be home in 12 days? If you moved the trip later would you have the same number of days, or could you add more?

mlgb

I agree September and October are very nice although I think your target dates are already outside the busiest period since school is back in session. Pushing it farther into October wouldn't make a huge difference as far as waterfalls, although you would get colder nights and some fall color. Also prices start to come down a little in October when they close down some of the Tioga Pass support services. It's not usual for Tioga Pass Road itself to close in October but it has happened.

You may want to visit the Park website. I'm not sure that everyone advising you here has been recently? I was there in July 2017 (right after Tioga Pass reopened) and swore to never go back in peak waterfall season..just too crowded to be enjoyable.

https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/fall.htm

BTW I also agree about Asilomar being a good place to stay on the Central Coast if you can get it (it's mainly a conference facility). And prefer Pacific Grove to either Carmel or Monterey.

janisj

>>You may want to visit the Park website. I'm not sure that everyone advising you here has been recently? I was there in July 2017 (right after Tioga Pass reopened) and swore to never go back in peak waterfall season..just too crowded to be enjoyable.

debrazeman

Thank you everyone for your input. It has been very helpful.

debrazeman

Unfortunately we have decided to wait for this trip. It looks like this may not be the right time of year for our interest. Thank you everyone.