We're planning a trip to SF (3 days), Yosemite (3-4) days) and Monterey (2-3 days) in mid-July. I realize it's a lot of driving, but we're coming from the mid-west and need to make the most of our time in CA. My question: does anyone out there know what the waterfalls are like in mid-July? Someone told me that after June they are not very spectacular. I find that hard to believe! P.S. We're a bringing our 2 teen boys (12 & 15) with us. I've read lots of "to-do's" on this forum...any other words of wisdom?

Each year is different but spring is always the BEST because of the snow melt. We had enought snow this winter but we had a VERY warm spring so the snow started to melted early. Tioga Pass opened May 14 which is VERY early.

The falls should still be going but they won't be at their grandest.

Utahtea

Yosemite is absolutely spectacular, whether the falls are at their peak or not. The first time I went to Yosemite it was November - Bridalveil wasn't much more than a trickle and Yosemite Falls were pretty weak too. Still, I was in complete awe of the valley. The falls are only a portion of what makes it a wonderful place.

My sister just visited Yosemite and was impressed with the Moonlight Tour. Check to see if there is a full moon during your stay. She said it was the highlight of their wonderful stay in the park.

Spring is definitely the best time for waterfalls in Yosemite. WE just returned from there and they were great. I have been there in August (early) and they were just a trickle. WE did the same itinery as you. We flew to OAkland, drove to YOsemite and then down to MOnterey and back up to San Fran
Have fun- Even if the waterfalls are not gushing , there are still beautiful sights to see-

Thanks for the input. We're looking forward to the trip, even if the falls are trickles! I've currently got reservations for both the Yosemite Lodge (in the park) and the Yosemite View Lodge (El Portal). I've read many positives and negatives about both on this site. With a mid-July date, does the air conditioning/ larger room that El Portal offers out-weigh the in-park advantage? Continuing with the same train of thought (kind of) our lodging choices for our San Francisco portion include the Hyatt Fisherman's Wharf or the new Argonaut hotel. New is good, but the Hyatt has the pool/hot tub. The Fisherman's Wharf location is being driven by the teens and our ferry rides to Alcratraz, Sausilito and a game at Pac Bell. One more question: AAA has estimated the driving times from SF to Yosemite and from Yosemite to Monterey at about 4 hours each. Are these estimates realistic for the time of year we're traveling? Thanks again!

I have done both El Portal and Yosemite Lodge, and I say by all means, go with Yosemite Lodge. Not only because of the times and distances involved, but because going to sleep and waking up amongst the phenomenal views and special environment of Yosemite Valley is an incomparable experience in a way it's difficult to explain to one who has not experienced it. But I would say in this case, the in-park advantage is overwhelming. Just to begin...there is nothing like walking out on your own patio for coffee in the morning and watching one of the world's highest waterfalls glinting in the sunlight right in front of you.

Another vote for being in the valley. Although El Portal isn't far from Yosemite, it is a different world really. One of the terrific things about staying in the valley, in addition to waking up and going to sleep in one of the most beautiful places on earth, for many of your outtings, you don't even need to get into the car. You can either walk or take the valley shuttle bus, which is free and it stops right in front of the lodge. For me, this makes a vacation all the more relaxing, esspecially in a place like Yosemite which can experience some serious traffic problems in the summertime.

As for driving between SF and Yosemite, 4 hours is a reasonable estimate if you don't hit traffic. To avoid traffic, don't leave SF any later than 2 or 3 pm on weekdays or on Saturday mornings. If you must make the drive at that time, then add 1-2 hours onto your driving time estimate.