Click to go to Tips for Travelers: November to April
Spring and summer are the most popular seasons in Yosemite. To avoid the crowds, visit some of the spectacular areas outside the valley: Tuolumne Meadows, the Mariposa and Tuolumne Groves, Wawona, Sentinel Dome, Glacier Point. Consult the Yosemite Guide, Wilderness and Visitor Centers for more information.
1. Get out of the car: Get out of your vehicle often. A whole other Yosemite opens up when you get away from roads. In the Valley, rent a bike and use the bike paths. There are lots of easy and beautiful hikes - check the Yosemite Guide and Visitor Centers for current trail and road information.
2. Start early! Arrive at the most popular places before the crowds, from 7:30 - 9:30 a.m., or in the late afternoon or evening. In the Valley in particular, try to avoid driving during the peak hours between 9:30 and 3:00.
3. Get away from the crowds: Grab your lunch, camera, a good book or journal and take a mid-day break away from the people gathered at major sights and visitor facilities. Enjoy a long lunch by a river or creek, in the woods or along a trail. Take a siesta!
4. Dodge the heat and mosquitoes: In the late spring and summer, mid-day temperatures average 90 degrees. Take it easy in the middle of the day and carry lots of water (a quart per person). Take sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and dress in layers. In the late afternoon, expect mosquitoes and cool temperatures. Carry a jacket and insect repellant if you're out late in the day.
5. Learn something new: Yosemite has several great museums, most of which are near good lunch spots. Learn more about Yosemite's history and wildlife by touring the Nature Center at Happy Isles, the Yosemite Museum and Indian Village (at the Valley Visitor Center), the Pioneer History Center in Wawona, and the Mariposa Grove Museum, and Parson's Lodge in Tuolumne Meadows.
6. Take a shuttle: Free hybrid shuttles will take you to a variety of Valley destinations. With planning, other shuttles make large loops, allowing hikers to take long hikes one way and get a ride back. For example, you may take a bus to Glacier Point from Yosemite Valley and return down the Four Mile Trail. For more information on shuttle schedules, contact the Valley Visitor Center.
7. Be nature smart: Wild animals can be dangerous to people and feeding wild animals can kill them. Don't leave food where animals can get to it, including in your car. Where bear lockers are available, use them. If backpacking, carry bear canisters. Stay on trails. Yosemite has 800 miles of trails. Use them to navigate and to protect habitat. Don't drink untreated water and stay away from fast-moving streams.
8. Stargaze: Yosemite offers outstanding summer nights. Night hikes and stargazing can be great if you're prepared. Dress warmly. Glacier Point's ampitheater is fantastic at night and amateur astronomers often have telescopes for public use. Call 209.372.0200 for Glacier Point Road conditions.
9. Eye on the sky: Weather in the Sierra Nevada changes quickly. At higher elevations, afternoon lightening and thunderstorms are common and can be quite violent. Avoid exposed locations. Carry foul weather gear and water resistant footwear on long hikes. Plan ahead. Check road and weather conditions at the Valley Visitor Center or call 209.372.0200.
10. Enjoy the details: Despite the grand scenery, many of the Yosemite's wonders are in the details. Take your time and look around you. The streams, woods, meadows and wildlife of Yosemite offer many intimate delights.