Yosemite and Lake Tahoe and San Francisco

[isisdave]

npvacation,

I agree with califgal's remarks about 3 days being plenty if you're not a big hiking family, or possibly bike riders. And if you go past July, I wouldn't count on seeing anything more than a trickle from the waterfalls.

I am surprised that no one has mentioned how absolutely jammed Yosemite is in the summer. The reason they cut off admission many days is that there is nowhere to park. Many -- I'd say most -- of the visitors are from overseas, and come without cars, but sometimes it is very difficult to turn around, in the village, without running into someone. And there are lines for meals, etc. This is one reason you may find three days enough -- its scenic, but not quiet or restful in summer.

You mentioned kids but not their ages; if they're not in school yet, try to come before Memorial Day, or at the latest by June 8, which is when most California schools finish. Otherwise, and if waterfalls aren't crucial, wait until Labor Day or at least the last week in August, when many of our schools are back in session.

 

[Carmel85]

npvacation,

I agree with califgal's remarks about 3 days being plenty if you're not a big hiking family, or possibly bike riders. And if you go past July, I wouldn't count on seeing anything more than a trickle from the waterfalls.

I am surprised that no one has mentioned how absolutely jammed Yosemite is in the summer. The reason they cut off admission many days is that there is nowhere to park. Many -- I'd say most -- of the visitors are from overseas, and come without cars, but sometimes it is very difficult to turn around, in the village, without running into someone. And there are lines for meals, etc. This is one reason you may find three days enough -- its scenic, but not quiet or restful in summer.

You mentioned kids but not their ages; if they're not in school yet, try to come before Memorial Day, or at the latest by June 8, which is when most California schools finish. Otherwise, and if waterfalls aren't crucial, wait until Labor Day or at least the last week in August, when many of our schools are back in session.

Im sorry I do not agree with you about YOSEMITE go anytime of the year there are very few days if any the park service turns away people. Yes it might get busy but you can ALWAYS find a great quiet spot in Yosemite even in the summer.

 

[taffy19]

npvacation,

I agree with califgal's remarks about 3 days being plenty if you're not a big hiking family, or possibly bike riders. And if you go past July, I wouldn't count on seeing anything more than a trickle from the waterfalls.

I am surprised that no one has mentioned how absolutely jammed Yosemite is in the summer. The reason they cut off admission many days is that there is nowhere to park. Many -- I'd say most -- of the visitors are from overseas, and come without cars, but sometimes it is very difficult to turn around, in the village, without running into someone. And there are lines for meals, etc. This is one reason you may find three days enough -- its scenic, but not quiet or restful in summer.

You mentioned kids but not their ages; if they're not in school yet, try to come before Memorial Day, or at the latest by June 8, which is when most California schools finish. Otherwise, and if waterfalls aren't crucial, wait until Labor Day or at least the last week in August, when many of our schools are back in session.

Yes, spring is so much better. There should be plenty of water coming over the waterfalls and we were there once when the Dogwood trees were starting to blossom. It was beautiful. I would only go in the summer if you absolutely have to. Fall is nice too but like someone posted already, there won't be much water flowing over the waterfalls. We have seen Yosemite with snow and it is beautiful too. Yosemite is one of our favorite parks.

 

[swift]

Visitor Impacts
To prevent congestion and overcrowding, automobile access may be temporarily restricted in Yosemite on spring weekends and busy holiday weekends such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. If restrictions are necessary, they are expected to be in effect from mid-morning to early evening, depending on available day-use parking space and traffic congestion.

http://www.yosemite.national-park.com/visit.htm#imp