Yosemite National Park

Best time to visit Yosemite

The best time to visit Yosemite depends on what you want to experience. Here's a breakdown of the different seasons:

Summer (June to August) has warm weather, long days and all park facilities will be open plus waterfalls are at their peak. However you have to deal with bigger crowds, higher prices with potential wildfires and smoke.

Spring (April to May) has fewer crowds, wildflowers blooming, the waterfalls are still impressive and the temperature is very pleasant. Some facilities might be closed though and there could be rain and snow.

Autumn (September to November) also has pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds plus there is the beautiful fall foliage and often clear skies. Some facilities start to close this time of year and the waterfalls start to diminish.

Winter (December to March) has the fewest crowds, there is a peaceful atmosphere, stunning winter landscapes and snow activities are available. Bear in mind due to the cold temperatures many facilities are closed, roads and trails can be icy and potentially dangerous.

If you're looking for a balance of good weather, fewer crowds, and stunning scenery, late spring (May) or early autumn (September) are often considered the best times to visit.

Discover Yosemite

Since Yosemite’s inception into the National Park Service, borders have continued to expand and today the NPS passionately protects over a thousand square miles of pristine land filled with an extravagance of scenic works of art. A vast, spectacular panorama of lakes, valleys, waterfalls and granite domes flaunt a stunning tapestry of dramatic moods. 

However, for 90% of the four million visitors who flock here each year, the focus of the park’s beauty centres on just seven square miles that make up Yosemite Valley. Created by ice-age glaciers gouging through the canyon, the Merced River now winds its way through mile-high vertical granite walls. This is the spectacular heart of Yosemite National Park and at 4,000 feet in elevation it's accessible for most of the year. This area is packed with many of the park's leading geological protagonists including Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall and El Capitan.

For those in need of a little bit of a thrill, Yosemite is also an action-packed playground where a host of outdoor pursuits and sightseeing adventures allow you to immerse yourself in the scenic wonderland of Yosemite National Park. From a gentle evening stroll to the more extreme exploits of downhill skiing and rock climbing, the park provides a wide range of seasonal activities and challenges that everyone can enjoy.

Things to do on holiday in Yosemite

Tunnel View

One of the most popular and most beautiful viewpoints in the park, Tunnel Viewpoint has views of El Capitan, which is over 3000 feet tall, and stunning Bridalveil Falls rising from the floor of Yosemite Valley with Half Dome – the most iconic image of Yosemite in the background. The views here will take your breath away. The view is prettiest in early morning and late afternoon light, and more importantly it is less crowded during these times as well.

Hiking

If you enjoy an easy hike or for those adrenaline junkies who like taking on more strenuous hikes, then Yosemite will not disappoint. Most of the trails within the park lead you to unforgettable views of waterfalls and pretty lakes including the relatively easy Bridalveil and Lower Yosemite Falls Trails or the 16 mile Half Dome Trail where you reach an elevation of over 4800 feet.

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Things to do on holiday in Yosemite

Rafting

Rafting is a fun, relaxing way to cool down from the summer heat. Both the Merced and Tuolumne rivers flow through the park, offering rafting experiences ranging from gentle to strenuous. The option that takes you through Yosemite Valley is nice and easy and gives you stunning views as you glide past Half Dome and Yosemite Falls.

Bike Riding

With over 12 miles of paved bike trails in Yosemite National Park, you can explore Yosemite at your own pace, stopping to take photos and soak in the magnificent views at your leisure. The floor of Yosemite Valley is predominantly flat, with an occasional mild incline, making for easy cruising. In Yosemite Valley, bike rentals are available at Yosemite Lodge at the Falls and Curry Village.

Horse riding

Within the park there are stables which offer two-hour and half-day guided horseback rides via horse and mule from Yosemite Valley, Wawona and in the high country, near Tuolumne Meadows. All of the stables are operated seasonally in the summer months.