Yosemite Advice

“Hello. I'm planning a 3-4 day overnight trip into Yosemite in mid-May. Does anyone have any suggested itineraries or general advice? Thanks.”

“Yeah - skip Yosemite valley. Far too many people. Enter the backcountry somewhere else. Tuoloume(?) Meadows would be great in May if its accessable; itsometimes in inaccessabel by road due to lingering snow. If it is open it should have very few people in mid-May. Also gives great access to the backcountry for hiking.”

“the falls will be booming in mid-May. TD is right, the valley is crowded. BUT if you can get there really early-like dawn, you can have many special places all to yourself. I've sat for more than hour alone at the base of bridal veil falls in July! here's a link with road/weather/trail conditions: http://www.ynp.biz/
You probably won't be able to access Tuolumne Meadows, but the Glacier Point Rd should be open by mid-May. You can access some trails there, but be prepared for some snowy areas.”

“I wouldn't count on GP Road being open mid-May. Sometimes it is by then, sometimes not. Much of the backcountry should still be under at least some snow at that time of year, so you may have to stay below, say 6000'. Then again, if April is really warm, it could melt everything up to 7000' or higher.”

“Although crowded if you're seeing it for the first time on only a short stay this is where many of the pictures you see come from. The Awahnee Hotel for a Sunday Brunch, and all the main waterfalls are here. Have a great time. Once you're there the rangers can give you any more info you need.”

“Yosemite Valley, to me, is the single most beautiful spot on earth! Sure there are crowds, but the beauty is so astounding, so enchanting, that you can't pass it up because of crowds! I'd say the Wawona Tunnel overlook is a must, with a view so spectacular that after visiting Yosemite dozens of times, it still drops me in my tracks everytime I look at it. I never ever ever get used to that amazing view. In fact, if you want to escape the crowds and still have the same view, across the road from the tunnel is a trail that leads up towards Inspiration Point. Just a couple switchbacks up that trail and you have the same view without hearing people or cars, and you can continue on up to Inspiration Point for some solitude with life-changing views. Other great options are hiking up the Mist Trail to Nevada Falls and come back down via the John Muir Trail. Bring a rainjacket for the Vernal Falls section. Another great hike is up Yosemite Falls. If Glacier Point is open at that time (I wouldn't count on it), the view from there is a must-see, as well as from nearby Washburn Point. You can rent bikes real cheap and ride around the valley on the bike trails, that's always fun in such splendor. Remember, Yosemite Valley is not a remote wilderness experience, but it is one of the most incredibly awesome visual displays of creation on this planet! The beauty of Yosemite Valley is what first hooked me on nature, and it was what deeply inspired John Muir. Don't miss it because of other people. There are plenty of backcountry wilderness adventures in Yosemite NP when you really wanna get away from people, but most of them will still be under the influence of snow in mid-May.”

“Mid-May you can count on both Tioga Road and the Glacier Point road being closed, so I wouldn't "plan" on them being open.

If this is a once in a lifetime trip, definately spend a day in the Valley. Yes, it may be a bit crowded, but as Buck said, this is where a lot of memories can be made and great photos too.

You might be able to backpack up to Little Yosemite Valley and from there head to Half Dome, Clouds Rest or maybe Merced Lake. A day hike up to the top of Yosemite Falls could be another option.

Another area many people overlook is Wawona. You could backpack or day hike to the top of Chilnualna Falls.

Here's my website for more info on Yosemite: The Backcountry. Enjoy your stay!”

“The Backcountry

In case the link doesn't work, cut and paste:
http://www.thebackcountry.org”

“Here is a site to help you out. It really helped me when I went.

http://www.yosemitefun.com/index.htm”