I have a trip planned to Banff, Vancouver & Victoria for July 8-20, 2011. So I have to leave at least a couple of weeks on either side if I plan another trip.

I normally try to plan trips for longest days, dry weather and warm but not too hot temperatures. I've been lucky enough to have flexibility in my dates.

I love the big waterfalls. In Yellowstone I made it a point to visit as many (large and small) as possible.

I've just started tinkering (lodging will be another issue at this late date) with the idea of a trip to Yellowstone.

At first I thought of early August but I'm afraid that the waterfalls will be almost dry by then.

Then I thought of mid-June but I'm afraid some of the roads may not be open yet.

Any thoughts from those who've been?

Thanks.

Go in June.

June

Waterfalls considerably diminished in July, and will be maximum crowds.

OK - just a bit confused. Your title mentions Yosemite and your post mentions Yellowstone. I assume you mean Yosemite because of the waterfalls and California tag.

By mid-june it is most likely Tioga Pass will be open. No guarantees but here are the historic opening dates.

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tiogaopen.htm

By ALL means go in June if possible. Not only is August hot and dry, but it is much more crowded than early-mid June. And even IF Tioga Pass is closed, the Valley and Big Trees won't be affected

Yes, I meant Yosemite.

If you want to stay in the park, make your reservations NOW.
You prob won't fin much availability, yet keep trying
everyday for possible cancellations.

R5

Absolutely before the other trip, not after, for two reasons: not only the waterfalls diminishing, but the weather can get really, really hot. Late June, early July, is just perfect.

The Glacier Point Road will probably be open in mid June too.

We were there late June one time and the falls were minimal. Fun tubing in the river and camping on the riverside.

Depending on the snowpack, June can be either good or iffy for waterfalls, but certainly better than August in any case and the weather will be generally better. One June in the Valley I experienced all four seasons in a matter of days. Heat, cooling, raining and then a few inches of snow.

"We were there late June one time and the falls were minimal."

Sure, that's possible. But if the falls are 'minimal' in June they would be bone dry by August. This year the falls were still going strong in June and as iamq says, no matter the year - there will be more water in June than in August.

We were there Late May and waterfalls were roaring. In my opinion, the waterfalls at Yosemite blow away the ones at Yellowstone. Yosemite is more scenic, but not nearly the wildlife. And of course, no geysers.

I think if you plan on doing a lot on the Tioga Road/Tuolomne Meadows area, then you would be better off going later. However, if you are going for the waterfalls, then go early June.

We had planned on floating in the river, but the water was too fast and they were allowing it at that time. So, somewhat like Yellowstone, there are trade-offs depending on when you go.

We were there for 4 days and had plenty enough to do even with Tioga Road closed and Halfdome trail was closed. Vernal/Nevada Falls is slightly strenuous, but it is a must hike. Really awesome waterfalls. Yosemite Falls, Bridal Falls are huge and just more of a walk than a hike.

Consider the Panorama Trail for a hike. We didn't get to do it because of the snow, but I think it would be a great hike. It connects with The Mist Trail.

I don't think my wife or daughter will go on this trip with me, so I am considering Curry Village tent cabin. May take my nephew or a couple of friends might go. More of a slightly roughing it type trip.

We were in Yosemite 3 times, all from mid to end of May - the falls were at the fullest. Go in early June, when families/students are not there yet.