Magnificent Yosemite National Park embraces almost 1,200 square miles of scenic wild lands set aside in 1890 to preserve a portion of the central Sierra Nevada stretching along California's eastern edge. The park ranges from 2,000 feet above sea level to more than 13,000 feet and has these major attractions: alpine wilderness, three groves of Giant Sequoias and the glacially carved Yosemite Valley. May and June are the perfect months for waterfalls and wildflowers! As warmer weather begins to melt the snow, even the smallest creeks are rushing with water. Many small, unnamed waterfalls and cascades may be seen all along the Valley rim. Most of the snowmelt flowing into Yosemite from the high country dries up during the summer. Some waterfalls (including Yosemite Falls) often are only a trickle or completely dry by August. Other waterfalls, including Vernal, Nevada, and Bridalveil, run all year, although the flow can be very low by late summer. Viewing well-known rock features like Half Dome, El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks are impressive sights, more than memorable.
Beginning in May will come the redbud, Sierra onion, lupine, Mariposa lily, pentstemon, and flowering dogwood, while most blooming happens in June. At Tuolumne Meadows the season starts later in July, look for little elephant's heads, gentian, yarrow, and shooting stars.
Getting Around the Park
During the months of June through September more of the park can be seen and many more people are there. All areas of the park are usually accessible by car by late May or early June, although Tioga Road often opens a bit later in June. The weather is warm to hot, with occasional rain. Afternoons can bring thundershowers, especially at higher elevations. |
