Momliz,

The orginal poster will be going in late April or early May and Tioga Pass (hwy 120) to Tuolumne Meadows will not be open yet. If you want to see Yosemite Valley without the summer crowds go in mid week either during early spring or late fall.

Utahtea

Not sure if April is a good time to go any longer, it's been raining nonstop and looks like it will continue through Easter....anyone else have thoughts on this?

They are prediciting the rain & snow to continue though the middle of April.

http://www.weather.com/outlook/recre...opnav_outdoors

But after that, it's anyone's guess!

Utahtea

Yosemite is great! Entering from the westside, once you go through the gates if you go to the left it will take you down into the valley, go to the right and you'll end up at the top of the valley looking down. This is the most beautiful breathless view and the multiple falls you will see will be full and spectacular, if you miss this you will have missed 75% of the parks beauty. Along the drive up stop and walk through the seqouia(?)trees until you reach the 2nd largest tree in the state, it's unbeliveable (this is a large turn-out parking area, you can't miss it. On your way down to the valley there is an old two story white Inn that wil be on your right, make reservations for dinner, very good food and atmosphere. Enjoy!

KeithA,

Your directions are confusing to me and I know the park very well. Which west entrance were you referring to? Big Oak Flat entrance on Hwy 120 or Arch Rock Entrance on Hwy 140?

On Hwy 120 your first left takes you up Hwy 120 to Tioga Pass. On Hwy 140 your first left takes out Hwy 41 to the Big Oak Flat entrance.

We you referring to Glacier Point as the beautiful view? There is a good chance that this will be closed in late April - early May.

http://www.nps.gov/yose/trip/travel.htm

Utahtea

Utahtea, sorry for the confusion, I've only been there twice and the first time I came in from the Nevada side. But I was referring to Highway 41, we stayed at the Tenaya Lodge and entered just up the road from there.

Definitely stay _in_ the valley. It's not crowded in late Apr and early May even inside the valley. CV tent is fine if you are used to camping. Otherwise, housekeeping camp is highly receommended because you can bring along a portable space heater. We stayed there once and it snowed suprisingly on the 2nd nite and it was just fine. Actually, very pleasant!! Go at least for 3 days. You may experience spring, summer and winter weather at this time of the year!! We did and it was very very nice and memorable.