Yosemite - when
 

When is a good time to go to yosemite? after the snow, before it gets too hot and crowded? also is fall better or??? We are not into major hiking. just very short walks, photography, nature, birding, etc.

thanks

also notice the slightly! cheaper lodge is not air conditioned - is that an issue?

I just went thru the same thing. Now I have a problem because nobody I would normally go with is available. I think I'll go it alone.

If you go early some roads will be closed. To be pretty sure you have to go mid-June or later.

However, if you want the roaring waterfalls then you've got to go early. From early May until maybe mid or late June.

Most people have scheduling constraints such a kids in school, etc. So they'll go July and August when the roads are all open but it's crowded and hot.

Autumn will be good for weather but the waterfalls will be dry.

You almost have to go several times to get in everything.

Also, if you want in-park lodging you have to book way in advance.

We were there twice: mid-May and end of May, on advice of Fodorites, both times the waterfalls were full - I think this is the best time for the first visit, till mid-June.

Mid-May is best. You can get into the Valley (except from the Tioga pass, I believe) via the 41 or the 140, or from SF via the 120.

Do NOT try to go around Memorial Day weekend. Aside from not being able to get lodging, it's one of the two most crowded weekends in the Valley. Or Labor Day weekend.

By mid-June, schools are, for the most part, finished in California, so that's when the crowds start to arrive (other than Memorial Day weekend, of course).

If you go in the Spring, you will not need A/C. Frankly, Yosemite Lodge w/out a/c even in the summer is not bad unless you're going through menopause or something, in which case it won't do at all, because it can get VERY hot in the summer, although it cools down quite well at night.

Springtime you'll probably have to miss river-rafting or even dipping your toes in the Merced, since it's melted snow and ICY cold. You will, however, get to explore the waterfalls, and if hiking isn't your thing, you still get great views, up close and personal, to Yosemite Falls and Bridleveil Falls -- both require a 5 minute walk to the base, even with crutches.

You will be able to rent a bike or bring your own and ride it along the wonderful trails; take a very short hike up to Mirror Lake (I hate to hike, but this is like walking up two flights of stairs in an office building -- big deal), and what you see there (at least in the Spring) is pretty darned amazing.

In the Spring you also will probably not want to jump in the pool at Yosemite Lodge or Curry Village -- again, because it will be too cold, but if you go in summer, it's a great way to cool off. Free if you're staying at one or the other, otherwise they charge about $5 for the day, ins and outs okay, and towels included.

"You almost have to go several times to get in everything."

This is exactly right. Yosemite is wonderful in all seasons but each has its pros and cons.

Late Spring (May-June) is best for viewing the waterfalls in the Valley plus enjoying the lower elevation wildflowers and dogwood, etc.

Summer (Late June, July, and August) is best for enjoying the higher elevations including the sights along the Tioga Road. This is the best time to visit Tuolumne Meadows, the waterfalls along the Tuolumne River, Tenaya Lake, May Lake, Dana Meadows, and the Tioga Pass area. This area may not be that high a priority for those who don't want to hike.

Fall (September thru November) is a great time to visit because it's not so crowded and the weather in the Valley cools off. Also, there's some fall colors that can be seen in late October and November. The minus here is that the falls are usually dry or at low levels.

Winter is a magical time in the Valley especially right after a snowfall. Usually, the falls are flowing again and the crowds are gone. However, the days are short and because you are in a canyon, there's a real lack of sunshine. Also, travel conditions sometimes create difficulties.

Lodging is always difficult to obtain in the Valley unless you plan way ahead or are patient in waiting for cancellations and have a flexible schedule. However, there are other lodging options just outside the park and, if you are willing to drive an hour, there are many other options that can be obtained even on short notice.

Not that they will help you decide, here are photos of Yosemite in all four seasons:

http://www.latimes.com/travel/destinations/yosemite/


FWIW, my favorite season in the park is autumn.