we were planning to go in early september, but i was just told that sept is one of the least prettiest months there. small waterfall flows, and no wildflowers. and that we should delay until may/june. this will be our first visit to yosemite. it is a 6 hour car ride from our house. should we go in sept, or wait until spring?

There is always some reason not to go somewhere at some time. If you want to go then go.

I've been to Yosemite summer, spring and fall and each season has it's pluses and minuses.

Yes, in general the waterfalls are lighter in Sept. than June.

The biggest advantage in my opinion of September is that it is generally less crowded than late spring and early summer.

If you're sure you can go in spring, when the waterfalls are full, then wait. Watch the NP website to see when's the best time to go.

If you are not sure, or if you can come back, then go in September, and come back in late May.

Ihave always enjoyed Yosemite in September and October. It has never occurred to me that it isn't the best time to be there. Each season has something wonderful to offer. I wouldn't even think twice - unless you can only go once and Spring is also an option. Fall is warm and fun.

I have to admit that Yosemite is not at its best in September - the waterfalls are pretty sparse and vegetation isn't very attractive. However, if you wait until October, then you get fall colors - sometimes in the Valley and usually up in the high country. Winter can be excellent if you get enough snowfall, and Badger Pass is a great ski area for beginners. If you go in Spring, I probably wouldn't wait until May/June - too crowded - I'd shoot for April instead. The falls should be at their peak.

thank you all for your fast replies! based on which, i think we will go in sept. i will do a new posting for additional help. ( hotels, which town to stay in, what to see in park in 2 days.)

I am pretty sure all the above posters were assuming you already had your accomodations for September. If you are just now starting to book for next month - you may end up having to wait until next Spring. Yosemite isn't the sort of place can find rooms at the last minute -- unless you luck out w/ a cancellation.

The onlt towns are outside the park and for a short visit you will want to stay right in the Valley - At Yosemite Lodge if you can't splurge for the Ahwahnee

If you don't mind staying in Camp Curry, I'm sure you can get something in the valley.

The biggest advantage of going in September is that the roads to Tioga Pass and Glacier Point will be open. There is no guarantee that this will be true in May, or even early June. Take advantage by visiting Tuolumne Meadows and Sentinel Dome!

My husband and I just went to Yosemite and it was amazing. I think it would be incredible to visit any time of year!
We stayed in Oakhurst at the Best Western. It took us about an hour to get to the hotel from the valley. There is almost NOTHING to eat once you leave the park. I would try to stay inside the park if possible!

thank you all, again! we have reserved 3 nights in late may 2007 at the yosemite lodge!

Good job bodhijack - May is a beautiful time for Yosemite. And being at the lodge, you will be right in the middle of things. The lodge is fairly basic, but being able to wake up and just BE in the valley is wonderful. We have been there in May a few times and the waterfalls have always been really great.

We visited Yosemite twice in September. Very nice and less crowded. We saw two waterfalls still going strongridalveil and Vernal falls.You should do: glacier point-Mariposa grove and the hike to Vernal falls.Paul

Sorry forgot something. We always stay in Mariposa not far from the entrance and a nice road leading to the park but you should enquire about the status of the road.I read somewhere that due to a rockslide the road was no longer free.Paul

I've never been there in September but I would think that seeing the falls at their peek is not to be missed. I went the end of June 2002 and it was not overly crowded.Not sure of May temperatures.We rented a house minutes outside the park.Had a saune, jacussi,game room,indoor hot tub.Great way to refresh after a day of hiking