Yosemite National Park in May?

[myhottoddy]

I have Worldmark Bass Lake on hold for May 9, 2009. Is Yosemite Valley typically accessible in early May? We do short hikes( 2 -4 miles), and want to visit waterfalls, etc. I understand it is rughly 2 hours to the valley from Bass Lake. Pro and cons for staing at Bass Lake to visit Yosemite are appreciated.

 

[DeniseM]

The valley is accessible year round - they plow it during the winter, but higher elevations may be closed due to snow. Especially Tioga Pass (very likely) and the Glacier Point Rd. and possible the Mariposa Redwood grove. We enjoy the evening activities in Yosemite, like ranger presentations, and if you are staying outside the park and facing a long drive back, you might not want to stay for those. The waterfalls will be at their best with spring run-off. The weather will be cool (42 - 73º Avg.) - you will need jackets and jeans.

Here is some info. from the park website - http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/spring.htm

 

[legalls]

Yosemite in the Spring

Yosemite is wonderful in the Spring. We used to visit during Spring Vacation. There is a little snow on the ground, the waterfalls are spectacular and the crowds are non-existent. I won't go in the summer anymore, too crowded. The drive from Bass Lake isn't bad. If the road is open also go see the Redwood Groves just inside the Park entrance. Oakhurst and the Indian Casino are also worth exploring.

Rick

 

[tompalm]

It depends on how wet, or how much rain falls during the winter. I was there two years ago during the last week of May. That year, Sacramento had floods and Yosemite valley had the second highest water level ever recorded. There was so much snow, that they didn't open the Tioga Pass until mid June and the road up to the top of Half Dome was closed until June. I have been to Yosemite in April, and both of those places were wide open. May 9th for a week should be an excellent time to be in Yosemite but wait and see how much rain falls this winter.

 

[myhottoddy]

Thanks for the input on weather at Yosemite. I booked May 9, 2009 at Bass Lake.

Tom

 

[gloria]

hello -

once when i was in yosemite, i asked a salesperson, in a gift shop, what her favorite season was in yosemite -- her answer was "spring, because the valley is covered in blooming dogwood"....

i HOPE you are SO LUCKY to catch some spectacular spring bloom during your visit... ........

 

[WalnutBaron]

Yosemite is glorious...

...and early May is almost ideal. As was mentioned earlier, the waterfalls will be booming, even if we've had another relatively dry winter here in California. Be sure to see Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil, and Nevada and Vernal Falls as well.

One treat I would definitely recommend: get yourselves a lunch reservation at the dining room in the Ahwahnee Hotel. The huge window at the west end of the dining room frames Yosemite Falls and though the food is good but not great, the view and the ambience will make for a very memorable experience!

Enjoy!

 

[spatenfloot]

I'll be in Bass Lake at the end of March. Hopefully it won't be too cold.