Yosemite's fall glory (Chicago Tribune)

[Sandman]

[Sandman]

I love the waterfalls in the Spring after all the snow melts. http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/yes.gif But it does get a bit crowded after May, so I have to say that April is a pretty good time to visit Yosemite.

[Mysteefied]

Spring is my favorite time to go just about anywhere! http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/love420.gif

[LindaBo]

Spring*** I think of the wild flowers blooming http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/stretch.gif

[beautiful_mess38]

Spring for me. The waterfalls are going full blast, flowers are out, some snow left, animals are awake, its not to hot or cold and no tourist yet.

[MtnBreeze]

Early spring is probably the best if you like waterfalls but I will have to say the best time I was ever in Yosemite was during a huge snowstorm and there was nobody else to be seen anywhere (Ya'll know I'm nuts and drove up there by myself one winter during one of the biggest snowfalls) The valley was breathtaking blanketed in fresh virgin snow and I imagined how Yosemite must have looked before all the people started tromping around there. I have pictures somewhere..if I find them I'll try and post a few.

[Kahlua Kid]

All seasons - each has its own mystique.

Spring - wildflowers, Dogwoods in bloom, green and water flowing everywhere - the falls, the river, Mirror Lake with Half Dome reflecting from above...

Summer - warm, happening with lots of people watching opportunities, chance to walk on the bottom of Mirror Lake (drys up to sand)

Fall - change of colors, nice cool weather

Winter - Snow, quiet and peaceful with barely a glimpse of others around. Its like you have the park to yourself!

[Keith]

I love the spring time because of the flowing creeks and water falls
Also the wildlife is youthful and abundant.

If your really lucky you can beat out those tour buses and get the first fresh look of a new year....
Yeah ,about a week after the Forums Carnevale , mid march , it will be perfect for driving and hiking in the park.

[Keith]

Spring is my favorite,
But today was a great day to go rideing http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/wink420.gif

[Dodgergirl]

January
Average Temperature: 26 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit

PROS: The crowds are gone, and room rates are lower after New Year's. During the week it's not uncommon to be able to get a room at the Ahwahnee and Yosemite Lodge on a walk-in basis. The weather is definitely unpredictable, so carry tire chains at all times; they are legally required to be in your car anyway. This is an excellent time for photography of Yosemite Valley. Storms bring clouds that hang over the cliffs and valley floor like cotton candy. Spectacular shots can be had all over.

Ice skating and cross country skiing is incredible after a snowfall. Badger Pass is usually open by now for mediocre downhill skiing.

CONS: Days are very short and the Valley is the only part of the park that's open. Glacier Point and Tioga Roads are closed. The hiking is very limited due to snow.



February
Average Temperature: 28 to 56 degrees Fahrenheit

PROS: Same as January, except the days are slightly longer. President's Weekend is kinda crowded, though.

CONS: Same as January



March
Average Temperature: 32 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit

PROS: Same as February; days definitely getting longer, and waterfalls are flowing stronger. Weather very volatile. Starting to warm slightly.

CONS: Same as January. Skiing is not very good below 7,000 feet.



April
Average Temperature: 35 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit

PROS: Snow is melting in earnest now, but do not be deceived; the weather in April can go from perfect to terrible in 24 hours. Some backcountry trails below 6,000 feet might be open, so BE CAREFUL! You'll go in for some backpacking and get caught in a strong storm.

Waterfalls are flowing strong!

CONS: Same as January. The Glacier Point and Tioga Roads usually do not open before Memorial Day Weekend. Badger Pass closes usually by April 1st. at the latest.



May
Average Temperature: 43 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit

PROS: BEST TWO MONTHS (June) TO VISIT YOSEMITE!! You can put away your chains as of May 1st. Snow is melting big time; waterfalls are nearing their peak high flows and are spectacular. Valley is greening up; trees are blooming, wildflowers are out. High country trails are accessible below 7,000 feet; higher toward the end of the month. In most years the Glacier Point and Tioga Roads are open by Memorial Day Weekend. Half Dome cables go up the week before Memorial Day weekend.

Rain is very unlikely but not impossible. Temperatures are warm, but mosquitoes are not out yet.

CONS: Can't think of any. Really, this is the prime time in Yosemite. The last two weeks in May and the first two weeks in June are TOP, PRIME Yosemite time! Crowds are picking up, but they're not so oppressive that they are a distraction. If you're planning any backcountry hiking be aware the rivers are high, fast and deep.



June
Average Temperature: 48 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit

PROS: BEST TWO MONTHS (May) TO VISIT YOSEMITE!! The entire park is now open. Unless it's a very wet year with an unusually heavy snowpack, Tioga Road and Glacier Point Roads are usually open. High country is open up to about 8,000 feet. Tuolumne Meadows area is open.

Rain is very unlikely but not impossible.

CONS: Same as May. Mosquitoes are in full force by month end. Waterfalls are losing their full punch by month end.



July
Average Temperature: 55 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit

PROS: Yosemite is in full swing! Everything is open, the high country is open to 10,000 feet and higher as the month progresses. Blue skies and low humidity are the rule! if it rains, it's usually a pathetic (by east coast standards) thunderstorm that passes very quickly. This happens only about twice a month.

Rain is very unlikely but not impossible.

CONS: Crowds are at their peak. July 4th is a packed, traffic-jammed, crowded situation in the valley. Waterfalls are tapering off fast, and will be almost dry by month end.



August
Average Temperature: 53 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit

PROS: Same as July. High country is open all the way to 12,000 feet. PERSEID METEOR SHOWER happens the second and third week of August! Unbelievable at Tuolumne Meadows!

Rain is very unlikely but not impossible.

CONS: Crowds are at their peak until the middle of the month when they fall off considerably. Waterfalls are almost dry. Park employees and park rangers by this time are usually at their worst. For 3 months, they have had to deal with every kind of idiotic, rude, demanding tourist imaginable. Their tempers are short and service can be bad. It's not the way it should be, but that's human nature. Go out of your way to cooperate with them, and unless you get totally unacceptable attitudes, just go with the flow. Bears are very active stuffing themselves in preparation for winter hibernation. Car break-ins and food thievery is at it's peak.



September
Average Temperature: 47 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit

PROS: Same as July, however, crowds disappear after Labor Day. It's still warm, and trails are still open. High country will be deserted, so if it's solitude you want, this is the time for you! Backcountry ranger stations do not close until October so have at it!

Rain is very unlikely but not impossible.

CONS: This is my least favorite time in Yosemite. Waterfalls are a runny nose. The park takes on the tone of a tired, exhausted overrun national park, because that's what it is in September. Trails are well worn, and the staff has not had time to clean the place and repair damage from the locust-like crowds. It just feels tired. It's not the rainy season yet, so photography is not particularly opportunistic. Prescribed burns continue to put a smoky smog over the entire valley. It's still warm, and the smog can make the place look really washed out. yuck. Bears are very active stuffing themselves in preparation for winter hibernation. Car break-ins and food thievery is at it's peak.



October
Average Temperature: 39 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit

PROS: Crowds are GONE! It's still warm, and trails are still open. Backcountry ranger stations are closing up now, so if you're going into the backcountry BE CAREFUL! Beware this is the time that weather can become treacherous. Usually October is pretty calm, but it's not unheard of to get a real strong storm. In 2004, many people were caught in the back country by an unusually heavy storm and either had to be rescued or they abandoned their equipment and literally ran out. I had a friend who did that and went back to get it in late June 2005.

Autumn is starting to evidence itself. The end of the month brings the peak color change of the foliage. Photography is getting interesting again. The best time to see the fall colors is the last two weeks of October through the first week of November!!

This is when you begin to be able to get a room without a lot of notice. During the week you can get a room at the Ahwahnee or Yosemite Lodge on a walk-in basis. (Weekends are always booked 100%.)

Rain is a 50-50 proposition.

CONS: Waterfalls are a runny nose. Half Dome cables come down. Tuolumne Meadows facilities shut down.


November
Average Temperature: 31 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit

PROS: Crowds are gone until Thanksgiving week. It's cooler and NICE! The first two weeks have really nice foliage colors still out, and it's a WONDERFUL time to hike on the valley floor. Backcountry ranger stations are closed, so if you're going into the backcountry BE CAREFUL! This the month when hard-core winter weather is likely, especially toward the end of the month.

Leaves are falling in earnest, and storms are likely.

You can still get a room or campsite during the week without any notice. (Weekends and Thanksgiving week are always booked 100%.)

Rain is likely.

CONS: Waterfalls are a runny nose, except after a storm. CARRY YOUR CHAINS! Glacier Point and Tioga Roads are usually closed this month. Backcountry is closed.



December
Average Temperature: 26 to 48 degrees Fahrenheit

PROS: Crowds are gone until the week before Christmas. Again, hiking on the valley floor is a very romantic, calming endeavor.

The first week of December you can still get a room or campsite during the week without notice. From the week before Christmas through the first week in January rooms are always booked 100%.


CONS: Waterfalls are a runny nose, except after a storm. Winter is here. Stay out of the backcountry. Rain OR SNOW is likely. CARRY YOUR CHAINS!

http://www.yosemitefun.com

[Patagoniamaniac]

fall

[citizen]

Spring in Yosemite is great. I like to go right before the tourists arrive.

[BGW]

We took a quick drive up yesterday afternoon...the snow...the sunshine...it was more beautiful than I had hoped. I don't have a favorite season in Yosemite. I always see something that amazes me!

[Dee]

Any season but summer. Too many people and too hot!

[Summer]

Originally posted by Dee:
Any season but summer. Too many people and too hot!
Ditto, Dee!

[Chem101]

Let me get this right...... Summer says "Never in Summer"? Hmmmmm....

[BGW]

If you are blowing off the park during the summer then you are not wallowing in all the slender Tioga Pass has to offer. You are so missing out. And, it's never crowded. Yes, there are people but not the push you pull you crowds

[Patagoniamaniac]

Fall! when the leaves are changing!...

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j44/patagoniamaniac/yosinfall.jpg (http://photobucket.com/)

[Summer]

Pata, that is a beautiful picture! BG, I would never "blow off" the park at any time. I love it there. But I think I can see the same things in Spring or Fall that I could see during the summer minus the crowds and heat. I don't miss the splendors of Tioga. We go over Tioga every September. That's the beauty of living up here. We can go to the Park any time our little hearts desire! We are so lucky!

[BGW]

Originally posted by Summer:
Pata, that is a beautiful picture! BG, I would never "blow off" the park at any time. I love it there. But I think I can see the same things in Spring or Fall that I could see during the summer minus the crowds and heat. I don't miss the splendors of Tioga. We go over Tioga every September. That's the beauty of living up here. We can go to the Park any time our little hearts desire! We are so lucky!

Agreed!!!!

[BGW]

Though, I bet I know someone that would disagree with you!! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/rofl5.gif
http://thumb15.webshots.net/t/26/26/8/67/59/2950867590046615875jiqCsf_th.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2950867590046615875jiqCsf)
(click thumbnail
for full view)
She just loves Tuolumne Meadows in the Summer!! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/laugh.gif

[Sandman]

I started a new poll for this thread. It's multiple choice so that you can pick several seasons.

I choose Spring and Fall. Spring is great for waterfalls and Fall is great for the color.

[Sandman]

Yosemite's fall glory (Chicago Tribune) (http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/search/yosemite+national+park/SIG=12s3oqtkl/*http%3A//www.chicagotribune.com/travel/chi-yosemite_m_rc_pmsep09,0,5520240.story?track=rss)

It's not in the colors (unless you come for the evergreens) YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif.—This isn't the Fall Color Capital of Anything.

[monkey]

I get to go to Durango, Colorado soon and visit my mom. The fall colors should be spectacular, I'm looking forward to it.