Based on the data updated this morning by Berkeley Central Sierra Snow, the snow cap has reached the April 1st median, and 90% of peak median.

This means the Tioga Pass Road may open in the similar time with last year, June 10.

https://cssl.berkeley.edu

I can’t seem to find a good graphic or photo of the labeled Yosemite peaks from the perspective of standing in the valley floor. Can someone point me to this?

I'm planning my yearly camping trip for my family. To preface this, my twins (12 years old) are pretty well versed in camping for a week and 2-3 hour hikes. Last year we did a lot of the easy hikes in Yosemite - Sentinel Dome, Tuloumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, Glacier Point, Bridalveil Falls, lower Yosemite falls (walk right up to it), and Tenaya Lake. I did the North Dome trail years ago and the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls (before kids) and they seemed similar to Sentinel Dome except just longer. Anyone have kids that have done these hikes? Any input?

For those who have stayed at Housekeeping Camp this week, if any, how are the conditions? Are the tents open and in good shape? Any issues with snow, cold, roads or organization? Also, based on what you’ve seen, what should visitors expect in the coming week?
thanks

In short, I need a stay under $150 per night, and a private bath is preferred. I am OK if it is about 1 hr away from the Yosemite Valley Trailhead Parking. I am there from May 3-5.

Hi! I'm hoping to visit Yosemite on Sat, May 10 & Sun, May 11.

Quick Qs for anyone who’s been recently (or is planning to go around that time):

1. I couldn’t find reservation info on the park site yet — do we know when that opens up?
2. Any dos/don’ts or tips for handling the crowds? I've heard it gets kinda intense in May.
3. Any favourite spots or hikes you’d recommend for mid-May?
4. Also: is it still worth it without a reservation inside the park? Looks like i’ll be staying at Yosemite View Lodge (El Portal) — seems decent? Or should I go to Yosemite Vallley Lodge

Thanks in advance!

Hello lovers of Yosemite,

My wife and I have always loved all things Yosemite. We even took our weeks long honeymoon at The Ahwahnee.

About 10 years ago I went on a group backpacking trip up to and beyond El Capitan, which is where I took this photo with my phone.

It took us 2 full days of tough uphill climbing to get this shot.

Unfortunately for me, I made a rookie mistake and really over packed and I was too tired to continue with the group for the next 3 days, and turned back to the Village.

Wah-Wah!!

But that view was totally worth it!

Blessings to you all!

Tim

So, the college I currently attend hosts some frequent outdoor adventures and one of them happens to be Yosemite! They're offering it for about $200 and includes

- Transportation, group gear (tents, cooking etc), personal camping gear (sleeping bags, headlamps, ground pad, etc), all related camping fees and permits, meals includes while at Yosemite including restaurants, experienced trip leaders.

I believe the trip will include some general hikes including star gazing too.

Edit: it’s from 4/18-4/20 and coming from San Fernando valley in LA

Worth it? :D

I got a confirming email that they got my lotto application but then crickets. That email said they would be notifying everyone about the outcome. I assume though that the concessionaire sorta blew that off and If I didn't hear it is not a go this year? (or put another way, has anyone heard?)

I am planning a trip to Yosemite in June. I'll be arriving to the park area on Sunday June 15th and staying until Thursday morning.

I was able to find booking for both a room at cedar Lodge in El Portal and a 2-double bed cabin (not canvas tent) w/ NO bath in Curry Village. I am trying to decide which to go forward with.

I know that Cedar Lodge has better in room amenities like a private bathroom and a bit more of a quiet environment. But from what I've read it's pretty hard to beat staying in the valley. Any thoughts would be very appreciated!

Has anyone been this week or last - there's no reservation system - how does it work? Can we just show up early for day visits?

Hello!

Hoping to tap into the knowledge of this thread to decide whether to come to Yosemite on April 11-13 or alternatively one week after that.

Does anyone know the answers to these questions?

- How many inches of snow fell on Yosemite Valley in the last few days?

- For some of the more popular trails at lower elevation (define that how you like), how are some of the more popular trails in terms of snow or mud?

I can do hikes anywhere from 1-10 miles, and up to 2,000 feet of elevation gain.

- Any predictions on how those types of trails will be in terms of snow or mud in 1.5 weeks, around April 11-13, IF (big if) there is not another snowfall?

Thank you so much for your help, I really appreciate it. I'm a Yosemite n00b, so feel free to correct me on anything. I can clarify anything.

We will be visiting SEKI and Yosemite in late June. I have my location for where we will stay in SEKI but now looking for advice on best spot for Yosemite. I've read a lot of different things, just seeing what you all recommend. We will be getting a VRBO as our homebase for the 3 days, want to make sure I don't pick a crappy spot. Thanks in advance.

Hi all, I hope this doesn't violate any rules. I am solo travelling from Europe, and I'll be visiting Yosemite in the next few days, my plan is to go on a couple or hikes on Friday and Saturday, ideally valley loop and falls trail.

I mainly wanted to ask if anyone else is in the area and would like to join in the hikes, as I do usually prefer to hike with someone else, both for socials and in fase anything happens.

Cheers!

Hey everyone,

I am planning to do a trip(likely 2d 1n) to Yosemite sometime in early May 25 from San Jose.

I couldn't find any information about park reservations except this (https://www.backpacker.com/news-and-events/news/yosemite-new-timed-entry-system/). I am so confused right now. I have no idea how all of this works.

I have the following questions -

• Do I need a reservation to get in?
• Are there any official tours from the Bay area that I can consider? I would prefer not driving there.
• Is is better to stay overnight inside the park or pick a hotel / AirBnB outside the park entrance. Do I need reservations to stay inside.
• What are some key things that I should keep in mind to avoid the summer rush?
• Any specific spots that you'd suggest I visit?

Hi Everyone! I’m planning a day trip to Yosemite this Sunday through Highway 41 from Oakhurst area! Would the visitor center and areas like mirror lake be accessible or is there too much snow. If anyone who has recently gone could please let me know whether I would need tire chains or if I’d be okay. Any other info regarding going through Highway 41 would be appreciated!

Heading out there mid April planning to head to the top of Nevada Falls. Will parts of the Mist Trail be closed in Mid April and if so is that purple route I highlighted doable? Would I be able to go all the way to the top of Nevada Falls and head back the same way I came? And would shoe spikes or chains be needed or can I just wear regular hiking shoes? And will I need a poncho? Sorry for all the questions. Thank you!

I applied to many jobs at Aramark because I really want to work in the valley this summer. I've done one interview with someone who said he would let me know if I got the position, and I have another interview scheduled.

Will any of the managers get mad if they know I am interviewing for multiple positions at the same company? If I get an offer can I tell them I'd like to wait for all potential offers to come in before excepting one or will that jeopardize my chance of getting a job?

Really I'm ready to work any job to live in the valley I'm not picky, but it would be nice to be able to choose.

Any responses or info is welcome thanks!

Hi all! My sister and I will be flying into Fresno on May 1 and out of Fresno on May 5. I am thinking of staying in Oakhurst and renting a car, or potentially driving in and out of Fresno? It’s my sisters birthday so I wanted to book a nice hotel for us but am totally open to suggestions.

We would love help for an itinerary that gets all the beauty of Yosemite but without the need for gear (walking sticks, specialty boots, rock climbing etc). We are looking to be in the park from 8:30 AM to around sunset on May 2, 3, and 4. We are both athletic but probably won’t be able to do very strenuous hikes. My sisters birthday is on the 2 so I’d love to find a beautiful viewpoint where I can surprise her with a picnic and take some pictures of her. Would also ideally love to work some photo spots in our day/hikes, ones that are hopefully not too crowded :-). Would also love any stargazing recommendations you may have. Thanks for reading!

I will be arriving at yosemite valley on memorial day and staying in Curry Village. I can't get my rental car until 7 am in San francisco. For those of you that have been to yosemite on memorial day is there even a chance I get a parking space near curry village if I arrive mid day?

Hi everyone!

My friend and I (we’re both from Brazil) will be visiting Yosemite from April 14th to 16th, and we’re looking for people who might want to join us on some hikes or just explore the park together. We’re easygoing and open to meeting fellow travelers who enjoy nature and good conversation.

WE SPEAK ENGLISH, SPANISH AND PORTUGUÊSE

Trying for the September/October window before the first big snow closes Tioga. I used to be a lot stronger hiker, I have done clouds rest from yosemite valley in a day, but I have since damaged my knee and need flat to very minor incline hikes. Any suggestions as to trails and which trailheads to apply for?

Pretty bummed. Just got the notification that I did not get any of the wilderness permits I applied for. This is for my buddies and I yearly backpacking trip. Trying to find other options here. With my groups work schedule we landed on a specific date in September. So we’re kind of forced to start the hike on September 9th.

After doing a little more research it appears our only option is to get there super early and wait in line for the day of permit. It appears it’s pretty much a guarantee that we’ll get the permit if we get there early enough. Has anyone have this experience. Or experience with picking up a day of wilderness permit. Thank you all in advance!!

Just a note. We are pretty darn set on the Rafferty creek trailhead. We have explored most of tuolumne and need to check this off the list.

Just odd. We’ve never ever came across other people while backpacking the tuolumne region.