Springtime in Yosemite National Park is breathtaking. The waterfalls are flowing, wildflowers are blooming, and the dogwoods are flowering. If you’re a waterfall junkie, Spring is your Yosemite season. During the Spring runoff from the High Country, Yosemite Valley is drowning in seasonal waterfalls. You’ll be hard pressed to find a section of granite that doesn’t have a stream of water flowing down the face.
Spring Wildflowers
In the spring months, wildflowers and redbuds in the Merced River Canyon are blossoming, and the dogwoods in Yosemite Valley are in full bloom. Peak months/weeks for the flowers and dogwoods can vary depending on how cold temperatures are in early spring. If we have a warm spring, the dogwoods tend to bloom in late April or early May. If temperatures stay cooler later, they may not bloom until June.
Spring Temperatures
Spring can be one of the most unpredictable seasons weather-wise. It’s not uncommon to have 70 or 80 degree days in March; however, it’s just as common to have snow storms in May. Bottom line: If you’re planning a visit in the spring, pack lots of layers, and don’t forget your rain gear. Generally, no matter how warm it gets during the day, the nights are still very cool, sometimes dropping to the 30s or 40s. For springtime layering, I like to start with a tri-blend t-shirt, followed by a smartwool quarter zip. That might be enough depending on the temps, but I also keep a North Face puffer pullover either in the car or in my pack (or on my body!)
Low Elevation Activities
Spring is a wonderful time to explore some of the lower elevations in the park, like Hetch Hetchy, Yosemite Valley, and the Merced River Canyon. April and May are probably the most beautiful months in the Merced River Canyon (Hwy 140, west from the Arch Rock Entrance Station). During these months, the river is high and the poppies and lupines cover the canyon walls with brilliant oranges and purples. Also adding pops of color to the landscape are the magenta redbud trees. There are a number of pull-outs along the river corridor where you can stop and photograph the vibrant hillsides.
The Hite Cove hike on Hwy 140 at Savages Trading Post is one of the best ways to experience the spring wildflowers and raging river. The hike meanders from the outlet of the South Fork of the Merced River upstream through sloping hills and fields of bright orange poppies.
Road Conditions in the Spring
If you’re planning a visit in early spring, don’t count on being able to reach the high country. Usually, plowing operations on the Tioga Road and Glacier Point Roads don’t begin until April 15th, and depending on the snow pack, can progress through June. In general, Tioga Pass is open by mid-May, but that varies year to year. Check the Yosemite Roads hotline before your visit to hear the status of all park roads (209) 379-0200, then hit 1, and 1 again.
Be safe, have fun, and as always, check the official park website for current conditions and closures!