April in Yosemite

The waterfalls in April are simply glorious. Nothing can really prepare you for their awesome beauty. Hiking the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall, lying flat on our backs in the meadow gazing up at El Capitan, ogling at the breathtaking view at Tunnel View on Wawona Road, taking the short walk to beautiful Bridalveil Fall, and golfing at the Wawona Hotel were only some of the highlights of our weekend.

We stayed just outside the park at the Tenaya Lodge. However, I would suggest making every effort to stay INSIDE Yosemite Valley.

Quick Tips:

1. Buy some cheap rain ponchos (99 cents at Target) so you can get close as close as possible to the roaring waterfalls (and in case of rain, of course). They're lightweight and small; it's easy to throw a bunch of them in a backpack without taking up any room.

2. Make sure you have plenty of film or space in your memory card! There are photo opportunities at every turn.

3. Wear layers. Even if the weather's in the 50s, it gets warm when you hike. The weather also changes quickly, so you should prepared for anything, especially in April!

Best Way To Get Around:

The Yosemite Valley shuttle bus is extremely convenient, as parking can be tough, even in the spring, especially in Yosemite Village. We had our car (stayed at Tenaya Lodge outside the park) and drove into the park. We had no traffic, parked in Curry Village without a problem, and took the shuttle to our hiking starting points. When we tried to park near Yosemite Lodge and the Awhanee, it was very difficult, so we just left. Having a car allows you to explore places where the shuttle won't take you. When we come again, however, we will definitely stay inside the valley.

This is a four-star resort. It looks like one in every sense, until you get to your room. The facility is beautiful, but the rooms are very basic. For the price, one would expect a bit more luxury, especially since it's a 30-minute drive (without traffic) from the valley. We had a basic room with two queen-size beds, and it felt very much like other national park accommodations we have stayed in for much less.

Another reason NOT to stay here is that, other than visiting the Mariposa Grove, every day you're driving into the valley and back again to see the beauty of Yosemite.

We had breakfast and dinner in the hotel's dining room. The service was really slow, and the food was mediocre.

If you have more than a couple of days in Yosemite, taking a walk in the Mariposa Grove is a beautiful experience. At the end of April, there were still patches of snow on the ground, but the path was clear. The trees are shocking, beautiful, and HUGE! Some are 8 feet in diameter. We took this walk with our parents and kids, and it was enjoyed by all. The walk is fairly flat and easy. We spent about an hour here.

Two things to consider:

1. In April, you can enjoy quiet as well as beauty in the grove, as the Tree Tram, with its loudspeaker narration, isn't in operation. (How annoying would that be?!)
2. If you've already seen the giant sequoias in northern California or even been to Muir Woods north of San Francisco, there really is no reason to visit Mariposa Grove. There are so many other places in the park to enjoy that are more unique.

If your time is limited in the valley and you can't do many hikes, definitely consider this one. It's spectacular! It can be enjoyed by all ages, and you don't have to go all the way to the top of the falls to enjoy its grandeur. My 62- and 72-year-old parents were able to do it, although slowly. Our 11- and 14-year-olds LOVED going through the tunnel as you approach the roaring falls.

Although it's uphill the whole way, it is beautiful and there are many nice resting spots along the way. About halfway up, there was an obstacle saying that the rest of the hike was not accessible. We saw people coming back, so we risked it and went ahead -- thank god, because the best part of the hike is at the end. As you approach the falls, put on your poncho to avoid getting drenched. You walk through a tunnel, and the roar and "mist" of the waterfall itself is mind-boggling! What we didn't realize what that this waterfall is over 80 FEET WIDE! Its magnitude is awesome!

We took the shuttle to the Happy Isles Trailhead and started the hike from there. There was a food truck there, where you can buy water bottles if you forgot to bring some.

Tired after a long day of hiking? When your muscles are aching, but you're not ready to head indoors, stop along Northside Drive under El Capitan, park your car, and grab a blanket. You can lie down and gaze upwards at one of the largest pieces of exposed granite in the world. It's truly a sight to behold! (In the summer, there are plenty of brave rock climbers to peer at through binoculars.)

Not that many people can say that they've GOLFED in Yosemite National Park. Well, my son (shoots in the 90s), husband (shoots in the 80s), and dad (definitely a beginner) can say they did. The course is beautiful, as one can imagine, but basically a beginner's nine-hole course. In April (according to my golf-addict husband), the conditions were poor. But I walked along with them just to enjoy the scenery and was so glad that I did. It was so green, with lots of trees and meadows -- so beautiful! They had a great time doing what they love to do, and I took lots of photos.

If you're solely looking for a great golfing experience, don't bother. However, if you love to golf and just want to get in a few holes during your vacation, or, better yet, you want to be able to tell your fellow golfers you've golfed in Yosemite, stop at Wawona. The hotel grounds are charming, and the golfing is lots of fun.

You've read about it in the guidebooks and probably even seen pictures of it. Still, nothing can prepare you for the spectacular view from the Tunnel Viewpoint on Wawona Drive. The entire valley lies below you, as does El Capitan and Half Dome. It's as if you you're standing in an Ansel Adams photograph (but in color, of course!) If you're driving out of the valley, the viewpoint is just before the Wawona Tunnel.

This is a great place to stop for an opportunity to get really close to a beautiful waterfall. Winds blow the mist up to 20 feet away from the fall's base, creating a bridal veil-like cascade. If you're lucky, a rainbow will make this sight even more enchanting. Bring a waterproof camera for amazing photos!

(If you don't have a car, you'll have to walk or ride a bike to get here. The shuttle doesn't come this far into the valley.)