Our Top 5 Favorite Things To Do in Spring in Yosemite:
Spring is our favorite time to see the waterfalls in Yosemite! Spring is in the air. Because of a wet winter in Yosemite, the waterfalls are bigger than ever this year! Not only are the falls flowing, but the animals are emerging to enjoy the spring weather, and the flowers are starting to wake up after the winter freeze.
Here are a few of our favorite spring activities in and around Yosemite National Park:
1. Watch Waterfalls - Pack a picnic lunch and hang out at the base of Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall. Spend some time just listening to the falls and hiking the easy Yosemite Falls trail where you can listen to the powerful sounds of the falls, watch as the falls empty into the river below, look for animals in the river, and meet new friends along the trail. Spring is an exceptional time to visit Yosemite, with the Pacific Dogwoods in bloom and the meadows green with new life. Best of all, you'll beat the busy summer crowds.
2. Hop Aboard a Steam Train - The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is located just before the south entrance to Yosemite along Highway 41. This historic railroad opens each year in early spring. Ride the 100-year-old steam train along a 3-mile journey through Sierra National Forest.
3. Do an Easy Hike to a Lake - Take a hike out to Mirror Lake shadowed by the majestic Half Dome. It's a 1-mile easy walk (each way) or a 5-mile around- the-lake trip.
4. Visit Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia - hike the 2-mile loop to the Grizzly Giant and make sure to also visit the Tunnel Tree just a few steps beyond. Get your cameras ready for the late Spring bloom of the Dogwood trees.
5. Hike the Mist Trail to see Vernal Fall and for the more adventurous Nevada Fall. These spectacular waterfalls run all year, but flow at their peak during Spring.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias:
The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias reopened on June 15, 2018 after an historic restoration. Click here for more information and photos.
More information to help you make the most of your visit to Yosemite National Park:
There is so much to explore in Yosemite National Park! We have put together several suggestions of things to do in Yosemite to jump start your planning:
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention that one of the best ways to see the park is with a little help from a knowledgeable Yosemite tour guide. You get the best Yosemite Park information, without someone having to miss out on the beauty because they're driving. Guided tour companies and adventure tours specialize in making your Yosemite Trip memorable.
YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transit System) is another way to get to and from Yosemite from the gateway towns. YARTS operates in the southern gateway towns of Fresno, Coarsegold, Oakhurst, Bass Lake & Fish Camp along Highway 41 from mid-May through mid-September.
Finally, here are a couple outside sources that we recommend incorporating into your planning arsenal:
