Planning a trip to Yosemite--first time----for next early May 2015. We always like to spend a few days inside the park to avoid lots of driving so I've made reservations for 3 days at Yosemite Falls Lodge. We may be going with another couple so are considering a condo in West Yosemite instead. My question is: is West yosemite as convenient to the main attractions? Also what parts of the park were burned in the wildfires last year--as we would also not want to stay to close to that if possible. Any and all info is appreciated.

The fires were on the west side. Yosemite Falls is the best IMO.
I hope the drought doesn't continue or there may be more fires and little water coming over the falls.

Stay at the Lodge. It is right IN Yosemite Valley. Far from the fire damage.

99% of the visitors to Yosemite stay confined to the valley, which is a 8mi long/ half to 1mile wide valley with steep cliffs on either side up to 3-4000' feet high. Most of the area of the park is at high elevation, and accessible only by road over the Tioga pass (not likely to be open early May), or by hiking from the valley.

The sequoia grove at the south end of the park will be open as well.

From the valley floor you can hike up in any number of directions. Directly north or south are vertical hikes up 3000'. To the east you can do a lot of hiking that is not necessarily easy, but not as severe as the vertical hikes.

The Yosemite falls lodge is right at the base of the cliff & the falls. That location cannot be beat.

I agree that Yosemite Falls Lodge in the park is the best place to be. From the parking lot you can see the falls and catch the free shuttles to the other parts of Yosemite Valley. You won't have to worry about parking. May is the best time to see the waterfalls and the park will be busy!

Utahtea

After doing a bit of research, and finding out all of the places, such as Tioga Pass which will be closed in early May am I making mistake by not going later?

Any time is great.

Tioga Pass opened on May 2 this year and May 11 last year, so it may not necessarily be closed in early May next year--we hope it will be (sorry) because that means California has received more rain than last year.

I have been to Yosemite 5 or 6 times and have yet to get to Tioga pass. You will not be disappointed if "all" you can visit is the valley, glacier point, and wawona grove. There is more than enough spectacular scenery for 3-4 days.

Just to clarify . . . The names are Yosemite West (not West Yosemite ), and unless the Ahwahnee fits in the budget, Yosemite Lodge at the Falls is the best place to stay.

May is the perfect time in the park. Before the major crowds and the waterfalls will be at their max.

thank you for all of your replied---i'm going to definitely keep our reservations at Yosemite Falls--and thanks for the correction Yosemite West!

J62 - I've been to Yosemite about that many times too and not been over Tioga Pass. It is on my "to-do" list, I've just never been to Yosemite when it was open. And I have definitely enjoyed every moment in the park - never felt deprived in the least

There's no telling if Tioga Pass will be open in May next year but even if it's not Yosemite Valley is well worth the trip on hit own. We have done Tioga Pass many times and there are beautiful locations to view, but Yosemite Valley is where I like to spend the majority of my time.

Utahtea

i'm glad to hear that. I've heard so much about the huge crowds spoiling the experience, we want to go before the summer months arrive--plus hopefully we'll see some good waterfalls and wildflowers.

So glad you decided to stay in the Park at the Lodge. We loved this location! Beautiful! Be sure to make reservations upon checking in for the restaurant asking for a window view as you can actually see the waterfall from there. There were people who wanted to eat there that could not because they had not made reservations. Also make reservations to eat at least once at the Ahwahnee! It is surrounded by huge glass windows that permit you to view beautiful scenery! It's costly but you will love it once!
Also, be sure and drive to Maraposa Grove to see the giant redwoods. http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/mg.htm

Opps, sorry, they are not redwoods they are giant sequoias!

Cd-'the giant sequoias are redwoods. You are Ok

Thanks Michelle, I thought redwoods were taller and sequoias wider....?

They are both sequoias and redwoods. Just different species. The coastal redwoods are the extra tall and the Sierra redwoods are extra wide!

Thanks again Michelle, good info!