Author: Gavin & Marg (---.sunsh4.vic.optusnet.com.au)
Date: 12-02-05 22:10
We would love to know what activities are possible in Mid April in Yosemite. Are some areas still blocked off due to snow? We are not interested in skiing, but we are looking at hiking. Does anyone have any suggestions for this time of year?
Thank you for your help.
Cheers
Marg & Gavin
Re: Visiting Yosemite in April
Author: Dan Anderson (---.west.biz.rr.com)
Date: 12-02-05 23:51
The Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are still closed in April.
The road to the parking lot in Wawona Grove might be open. You still need to walk a mile to the first Giant Sequoia (the tram isn't running until late June).
That said, the Valley, at only 4000', is open. It's early spring and the waterfalls are starting to come back to their full glory. The meadows are starting to grow.
It's a nice time in the Valley since the summer crowds have not arrived yet. It may be cold and damp that time of year though. Hike to Nevada and Vernal Falls from the Valley Floor. To Mirror Lake. If you're in shape, you can hike to the top of Yosemite Falls (all day). The cables to Half Dome are not up yet (that's also all day).
Easier hikes are along the Valley floor along the north or south walls or along the Merced River. You can also rent a bike and bike around the floor of the Valley. The Valley floor is an old lakebed and relatively flat. Great pizza at Curry Village or Yosemite Village.
Re: Visiting Yosemite in April
Author: Jon (---.goldrush.com)
Date: 12-16-05 22:36
Mid April is, in my opinion, one of the best times to visit Yosemite. As mentioned by Dan, the falls are flowing at full glory, the crowds haven't yet arrived, and the vegetation is green and glorious. Most day hikes in and from the Valley should be open (a likely exception is the 4 mile trail to Glacier Point). But if you are up to a LONG day hike you can hike to Nevada Fall, then take the very scenic Panorama Trail to G.P. (you would have to backtrack if the 4 mile is closed) This is a full day hike, but should be do-able if you are in good condition and start early. It is a fantastic hike.
The Valley Loop Trail is also glorious...particularly the mid section.
P.S. Personally, I think the pizza in Yosemite Village (Degnan's Loft) is superior to that in Curry Village.
Re: Visiting Yosemite in April
Author: Jon (---.goldrush.com)
Date: 12-17-05 13:21
...a plus to the Panorama Trail this time of year is that, since the road to Glacier Point isn't open yet, you can have this incredible vista practically all to yourself (can be very crowded in summer).
<www.YosemiteTrailsDVD.com>
Panorama Trail
Author: Dan Anderson (---.dynamic.ucsd.edu)
Date: 12-17-05 13:48
The Panorama Trail, for those who don't know. heads from Little Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point from the east. It may have snow during some years of heavy snowfall in April. Beautiful trail--rare glimpses of Illilouette Falls.
Re: Visiting Yosemite in April
Author: Tracy Beckerman (---.summit01.nj.comcast.net)
Date: 01-16-06 15:13
I'm looking into taking my family to Yosemite in Mid-April. My kids are 9 and 11 and we would like to stay right near the park. We've never been before and would love some guidance regarding family-friendly lodging and places that offer guided (age appropriate) hikes, as well as "must see" areas in the park.
Re: Visiting Yosemite in April
Author: Dan Anderson (---.west.biz.rr.com)
Date: 01-17-06 10:26
El Portal is the closest to stay near Yosemite Valley. It's located just outside the park boundary about 5 miles west of the Valley. Mariposa is further, but is an historical mining town that's fun to walk around, with a museum.
Oakhurst probably has the most lodging and is south of Yosemite.
For a clickable map, with links to area lodging go to
http://www.yosemite.ca.us/lodging.html
http://www.yosemite.ca.us/lodging.html
For a list of activities, see the "Yosemite Guide", which you get when you enter the park. It lists activities and guided ranger walks. For the current issue online, see
http://www.nps.gov/yose/trip/guide/
http://www.nps.gov/yose/trip/guide/
Re: Visiting Yosemite in April
Author: Tracy Beckerman (---.summit01.nj.comcast.net)
Date: 01-17-06 11:03
Thanks Dan!
We actually got a recommendation for the Evergreen Lodge. Do you know that place. I checked it out on line and it looks very rustic and nice.
Re: Visiting Yosemite in April
Author: Dan Anderson (207.211.160.---)
Date: 01-17-06 11:12
I've never stayed there, but I know others who have and recommend it.
It has several recreation facilities onsite.
It's good if you're coming from the Bay Area.
- Dan
Re: Visiting Yosemite in April
Author: TB (---.proxy.aol.com)
Date: 01-24-06 09:42
Consider Yosemite West. It's IN the park boundries... but the prices are not nearly what you will pay in the valley. Yos. West is off of Hwy. 41... a stone's throw (almost) from Glacier Point road as you head south. It is a complex of about 15 lodgings of all styles and prices. I stayed in "Four Seasons Vacations Rentals" last Sept. Paid $125 a day for a room with two double beds, a small kitchen and bath. You can cook in the rooms. It's located at 7519 Henness Circle... Yosemite National Park, Ca. 95389. 800-669-9300. And it is not booked up a year in advance. I got Sept. reservations only about a month before I went to the park.
If you wish more information... email me at
TBNCMBill@aol.com. I can send pictures and detailed directions.
No, I am not an employe or owner. I live 2000 miles from the place. I just found a reasonable place to stay only minutes from the Valley and Glacier Point Road.
Re: Visiting Yosemite in April
Author: marya (---.hsd1.ma.comcast.net)
Date: 03-06-06 20:09
I am also planning a short (!) trip to Yosemite in April - haven't been in about twenty years, and back then it was an October project. I am planning to stay at a place 2 miles south on Hwy. 41, very close to Mariposa Grove, apparently... I'm trying to get a pretty accurate picture of how close to the sequoias we could get in mid-April.