Are you planning a trip to Yosemite National Park but unsure if May is the time to visit? Don’t worry, in this blog post you will find everything you need to know about visiting Yosemite in May. Get ready to see more wildlife, beautiful wildflowers, and magnificent waterfalls! Plus, the weather is perfect for outdoor activities in May.
The best part about visiting Yosemite in May is chasing waterfalls! Did you know Yosemite is known for their waterfalls? They’re amazing! May and June, according to National Park Service, is the prime time to see waterfalls in Yosemite. What are you waiting for!? Plan your adventure to Yosemite in May today!
Table of Contents
Why Visit Yosemite in May?
Great Weather
May to June is considered late spring. That means warmer weather! Yet, it’s not too hot as it would be in the summer. It’s perfect! Usually. Expect some rainy days and occasional cold fronts, but for the most part, the weather during May is great for adventures in Yosemite.
Want the numbers? The average high in Yosemite Valley is in the 70s (Fahrenheit) and in the 40s (Fahrenheit) for the lows. Expect the temperatures to decrease a bit if you reach higher elevation. Always check the weather forecast so you can be better prepared!
Tire chains are not usually required in May. However, there is a small chance of snowstorms in May which could result in chain requirements. Learn more here.
Waterfalls!!
As mentioned above, the best time to see waterfalls is in May. The snow from higher elevation has melted which creates breathtakingly massive waterfalls! Make sure to prioritize seeing the waterfalls throughout Yosemite National Park.
The are lots of hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous and short to long which take you to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. I created a list below with all the waterfall hikes located in Yosemite.
If you are not into hiking, or you are unable to hike, don’t worry! You can still see many of the amazing waterfalls throughout Yosemite. I have listed below all the waterfalls you can see without having to hike to them.
Wildflowers & Wildlife
May is the time when Yosemite comes to life! Be prepared to see beautiful flowers blooming everywhere and wildlife, such as birds, deer and bears.
Black bears (the only kind in Yosemite) usually come out of hibernation and become active by March/April. Don’t worry, bears are fascinating creatures and amazing to watch in their natural habitat. Just follow these rules to keep you and the bears safe:
- Drive the speed limit posted within the Park.
- Maintain a distance of 100 yards if possible.
- Store food properly (keep scented items/food in a container/cooler in a locked car during daytime hours and in food lockers at nighttime for those staying in the campgrounds).
- Hike in pairs or groups.
- If you see a bear while hiking slowly back away (don’t run!), make some noise, and make yourself look big.
Bear spray is ILLEGAL in Yosemite National Park! Follow the bear safety rules above to avoid any negative interactions.
Above I listed a few great reasons to visit Yosemite in May. However, there is one major downside. Late-spring (May to June) is the beginning of peak season which means more crowds and traffic. Check my blog post, 15 Ways to Avoid Crowds in the Great Outdoors, to make visiting Yosemite a more pleasant and less hectic experience.
Overview of Yosemite National Park
Entrances
There are a total of 5 entrances into the Park. These include South Entrance, Big Oak Flat, Arch Rock, Hetch Hetchy, and Tioga Pass. The Tioga Pass Entrance remains closed until about late May or June depending on the road conditions.
Regions of Yosemite
Yosemite National Park is quite large and can be broken up into different regions. If you truly want to get a taste of all Yosemite has to offer, then I would suggest staying at least a week or more.
Yosemite Valley: Most popular area for sight-seeing and hiking. Points of interest include El Capitan Meadow, Valley View, Yosemite Chapel, Swinging Bridge Picnic Area, Bridalveil Falls, Cook’s Meadow, and trailheads to Valley Loop, Mirror Lake, Snow Creek, Lower & Upper Yosemite Falls, Vernal & Nevada Falls, Four Mile, and Half Dome trails.
Hetch Hetchy: This area is home of the beautiful Hetch Hetchy reservoir. Day hikes include Lookout Point, Wapama Falls, Rancheria Falls, Smith Peak, Poopenaut Valley and for a multi-day hike try the Laurel/Vernon/Rancheria Loop.
Glacier Point: A spectacular view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra can be seen at the top of Glacier Point which can be accessed via foot from Yosemite Valley or car (when open). Other hikes in the area include Sentinel Dome and Taft Point, Mono Meadow to view of Mount Starr King, Ostrander Lake, and McGurk Meadow, Bridalveil Creek, and Dewey Point.
The Glacier Point Road is open to cars approximately late May through October or November, depending on conditions. There is a chance that driving to Glacier Point may not be an option during your trip in May. Check for updates on road closures here.
Mariposa Grove & Wawona: Home to the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite with over 500 mature giant sequoias. Hikes in this area include Big Trees Loop Trail, Grizzly Giant Loop Trail, Guardians Loop Trail, and Mariposa Grove Trail.
Tuolumne Meadows: Sitting at 8,600 feet above sea level, Tuolumne Meadow is one of the largest high-elevation meadows. A few hikes in this area include Soda Springs and Parsons Lodge, Lyell Canyon via the John Muir Trail, Elizabeth Lake, and Mono Pass.
Crane Flat & White Wolf: Two groves of giant sequoias are located at Crane Flat. The trailheads are open year-round and include Tuolumne Grove & Nature Trail and Merced Grove. White Wolf is a campground located off Tioga Road. Hikes in this area include Lukens Lake from Tioga Road or White Wolf, Harden Lake, May Lake, North Dome, and Ten Lakes.
Just like Glacier Point, it may not be possible to drive to Tuolumne Meadows or Crane Flat & White Wolf areas during your visit in May due to closure of Tioga Road. This closure typically occurs from November through late May or early June. Check for updates here.
Know Before You Go
Entrance Pass
Entrance into Yosemite National Park is $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. If you have the America the Beautiful Pass then you get in for free. If you don’t have an America the Beautiful Pass and you visit National Parks frequently, we highly recommend making the purchase! It costs $80 for one whole year.
Reservations and Timed Entry
A reservation is required from 5 AM to 4 PM on some dates from April 13 through October 27, 2024.
- April 13 to June 30: weekends and holidays only
- July 1–August 16: daily
- August 17– October 27: weekends and holidays only
Leave No Trace
Before you go, please make sure you understand the Leave No Trace principles. These seven principles help reduce our environmental impact from outdoor recreational activities. Nature is meant to be enjoyed and respected. 🌱
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
Preparing for Your Trip
Where to Stay
There is a plethora of lodging and campground options inside and near Yosemite National Park. However, these places fill up fast in mid/late-spring and all of summer. From what I’ve read, accommodations inside the Park fill up within seconds of being released. Plan ahead!
Campgrounds
Reservations are required for all campgrounds inside Yosemite from approximately April through October. Some campgrounds are open year-round while others are seasonal. Visit Recreation.gov to make reservations.
Year-round campgrounds inside the Park include Upper Pines and Camp 4 in Yosemite Valley, Wawona south of Yosemite Valley, and Hodgdon Meadow north of Yosemite Valley. Reservations for these campgrounds are usually made 5 months in advance of your trip dates.
Seasonal campgrounds inside the Park include Lower Pines and North Pines in Yosemite Valley, Bridalveil Creek south of Yosemite Valley, and Crane Flat, Tamarack Flat, White Wolf, Yosemite Creek, and Porcupine Flat north of Yosemite Valley. Reservations for these campgrounds range from 5 months to 2 months to 2 weeks in advance. North Pine uses both a lottery system and 5 months in advance if there’s any remaining availability.
Tuolumne Meadows Campground is undergoing a major rehabilitation project and will remain closed until 2025.
NPS.gov provides great information on all the campgrounds, reservation process, fees, amenities, and more!
Not able to reserve a spot inside the Park? Never fear! Here are a few campground options outside of Yosemite National Park
Near Big Oak Flat Entrance: Dimond O Campground, Lost Claim Campground, and Pines Campground.
Near Arch Rock Entrance: Dirt Flat Campground, McCabe Flat Campground, Willow Placer Campground, Dry Gulch, and Indian Flat Campground.
Near South Entrance: Summerdale Campground, Fresno Dome Campground, Nelder Grove Campground, and High Sierra RV And Mobile Park (tent sites available).
Near Tioga Pass Entrance: Tioga Lake Campground, Big Bend Campground, Ellery Lake Campground, and Mono Vista RV Park (tent sites available). This entrance might be closed for the month of May. Sometimes it opens in late May.
The above list is not exhaustive. There are more campgrounds surrounding Yosemite National Park! Check out the following resources for more options: Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, and Campendium.
Important Note: Most of the campgrounds above are seasonal and open in late May/early June. Also, most of the spots are first come, first serve. A few of them do require reservations. So, make sure you do your research before heading out and have a few backup plans in case a campground is full.
RV & Travel Trailer Spots
There are only 9 campgrounds inside Yosemite that can accommodate RVs, 5th-wheels, and travel trailers. The maximum RV length is 40 feet and maximum trailer length is 35 feet. Check the maximum length allowed for each campsites. Visit Recreation.gov to make reservations.
Campgrounds inside the Park that allow RVs/Trailers include Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, Wawona, Bridalveil Creek, Hodgdon Meadow, Crane Flat, White Wolf, and Tuolumne Meadows (closed until 2025).
Quick Note: Electrical, water, and sewer hookups are not available in Yosemite. Dump stations (with fresh water) are available at Upper Pines Campground (all year), near Wawona Campground (summer only), and near Tuolumne Meadows Campground (summer only – closed until 2025). Generator use is allowed – only between 7-9 a.m., 12-2 p.m., and 5-7 p.m.
RV sites inside Yosemite will sell out just as quickly as tent sites. Don’t let that stop you from planning a trip! Check out these RV parks outside of Yosemite National Park!
Near Big Oak Flat Entrance: Yosemite Ridge Resort, Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, and Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging.
Near Arch Rock Entrance: Indian Flat Campground.
Near South Entrance: High Sierra RV And Mobile Park, Granite Mountain Resort, and Yosemite RV Resort.
Near Tioga Pass Entrance: Mono Vista RV Park.
I only listed a few examples of RV parks outside Yosemite just to give you an idea of what’s out there. I recommend doing a lot of research on all the RV parks in the area and plan in advance!
Lodging (Fancy Tents/Cabins/Hotels/Motels)
Get ready to empty your wallets because lodging inside Yosemite National Park during mid to late Spring and all of Summer can be expensive! Plain old tent camping isn’t for everyone. For those who want more luxury, Yosemite has really nice lodging options that range from canvas-sided tent cabins to deluxe hotels.
Fancy Tents to Traditional Cabins: Curry Village, Housekeeping Camp, White Wolf Lodge, and Tuolumne Meadows Lodge (closed).
Luxury Hotels: Wawona Hotel, Yosemite Valley Lodge, and The Ahwahnee.
Quick Note: Just like the campgrounds/RV spots, the luxurious lodging spots fill up quick! Reservations are available 366 days in advance – it’s highly recommended to plan as far in advance as possible. Go to NPS.gov to learn more about lodging options inside Yosemite and how to reserve them.
Many RV parks typically have cabins as well that you can rent. A few examples from the list above of RV parks outside of Yosemite include Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging, Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, and High Sierra RV and Mobile Park. Below is a small list of hotel/motel options outside of Yosemite National Park!
Near Big Oak Flat Entrance: Evergreen Lodge, Yosemite International Hostel, and Yosemite Riverside Inn.
Near Arch Rock Entrance: The Monarch Inn, Red Bud Lodge, Yosemite View Lodge, and Yosemite Cedar Lodge.
Near South Entrance: Tenaya at Yosemite, Narrow Gauge Inn, and The Oakhurst Inn at Yosemite.
Near Tioga Pass Entrance: El Mono Motel, Virginia Lakes Resort, Gull Lake Lodge, and Big Rock Resort.
Backpacking/Wilderness Camping
Backpacking and camping out in the Yosemite wilderness is such a unique option for staying inside the Park. It’s something I dream of doing one day. I’m not a backpacking expert but I would encourage anyone who wants more adventure and solitude to look into this option. It does require a lot of research, making sure you have the necessary gear, and following safety precautions to protect you, nature, and wildlife.
Important Note: In order to backpack in Yosemite National Park, you need to apply for a wilderness permit.
Transportation
Getting to Yosemite
1. Car: Most people drive their own vehicle to Yosemite. It’s the most convenient option. However, beware of the peak season traffic jams and congested areas when you enter the Park. If you’re going with friends/family, carpool if possible!
2. Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System: There is this really awesome public transportation system that takes you to and from Yosemite known as YARTS. Visit their website to learn more about the routes, schedules, and ticket fares.
Once Inside Yosemite
1. Car: Probably the most convenient option during the off-season. However, when peak season arrives (late-spring and all of summer), find a parking lot as early as possible. Park your car there for the rest of the day and use the other options below to get around Yosemite.
Quick Note: Public parking in Yosemite Valley is located at Yosemite Village, Curry Village, and near Yosemite Falls. During peak season, those parking lots can fill up quick! Try to find a parking spot before 8 AM.
2. Shuttle Bus: This public transportation option inside Yosemite is free and a great option. The Yosemite Valley Shuttle System is a popular option. It can get busy with long lines waiting to catch a ride in the Summer. There are also shuttles in other areas of Yosemite, such as Mariposa Grove shuttle, Glacier Point Tour, and Tuolumne Meadows Shuttle – these are seasonal.
3. Bikes: I love this option! Wish we could have done this on our trips, but we don’t own bikes at the moment. You don’t own bikes either? Luckily, bikes can be rented at Yosemite Valley at Curry Village, Yosemite Village, and Yosemite Valley Lodge. However, during peak season, they are gone fast! It’s best to bring your own if you can. There are 12 miles of paved bike path throughout Yosemite Valley. E-bikes and electric scooters are also options but make sure to follow the rules. There is a Bike Share Program, too!
4. Walk: The easiest and less stressful way to get around Yosemite because you don’t have to worry about finding parking, catching the shuttle bus on time, or finding a spot to safely put your bike. Yosemite National Park is huge so walking around the entire Park is not realistic, especially if you want to get from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point to Mariposa Grove and back. That’s a lot of miles! Thankfully, you can combine all the transportation options. For example, park your car at any of the public parking lots in Yosemite Valley, walk (or bike) to nearby trailheads, then take the shuttle bus to spots further away and back to your car.
Important Note: Getting around Yosemite National Park during early to mid-spring won’t be too bad. It’s during late-spring and summer that you have to plan ahead and be smart. The best thing to do is to use a mixture of the transportation options above. Find a parking lot to park your car in and keep it there because you will have a hard time finding another parking spot once the mid-morning crowd arrives. From there, you can walk, bike, or take the shuttle bus to get around.
What to Bring
Below is a basic list of things you can bring with you to your trip to Yosemite National Park. If you are backpacking, you will obviously need more specific items for backpacking. But if you are sight-seeing and going on day hikes around Yosemite, then this list below should suffice!
Must Haves for Yosemite
- 7-day pass, annual pass, or America the Beautiful Pass – in order to enter Yosemite
- A plan/itinerary with a backup plan in case things don’t go as originally planned
- Knowledge of the Leave No Trace principles
- Patience and kindness
Food/Drinks
- Packed lunches
- Extra snacks
- Reusable water bottles with jugs of extra water
- Water filters are a great option
- Container/cooler (or bear canister) to keep scented items and food safe when out hiking trails. Only keep in car during daytime hours. Use bear lockers at nighttime if staying in the Park.
Hiking Gear
- Hiking backpack (with waterproof cover)
- Hiking footwear
- Sun hat, sunglasses, face & body sunscreen, and lip balm with SPF!!
- Bug spray
- Hiking poles
- Digital/paper map and compass
- First aid kit
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Multi-tool set
- Layers of clothing:
- Poncho/raincoat (waterproof, top layer)
- Lightweight jacket/long-sleeve shirt (lightweight, quick drying, mid layer)
- Long-sleeve or short-sleeve shirt/tank top (moisture wicking material, base layer)
- Long-sleeve helps reduce sun exposure and keeps bugs away!
- Socks (moisture wicking and comfortable)
Electronics (for capturing all the special moments)
- Camera and tripod
- Charging cables and power banks
- Waterproof cases for electronics
Must-do Hikes in Yosemite in May
Below I have listed some of the best hikes within Yosemite National Park with a focus on waterfall hikes. This is not an exhaustive list, so always do more research to learn more. Yosemite is huge and has TONS of great hiking trails.
Make sure you prioritize waterfall hikes when visiting Yosemite in May!! They are absolutely incredible, and you don’t want to miss any of them!
Day Hikes
Easy Hikes
Lower Yosemite Falls: Located in Yosemite Valley, this is a short 1-mile loop trail where you can get a closer look at Lower Yosemite Falls. The lower section of Yosemite Falls is 320-feet tall. It’s an easy 30-minute walk on a paved path. Very family friendly, dog-friendly (on leash), and wheelchair accessible (when not covered in snow – best time for wheelchair users is late-Spring and Summer). Bicycles are prohibited but bikes racks are located nearby.
Bridalveil Falls: This is a short 0.5 mile out-and-back trail located in Yosemite Valley. It’s an easy 20-minute hike on a paved path to this breathtaking waterfall. Marvel at this 620-foot waterfall.
Cook’s Meadow Loop: Located in Yosemite Valley, this 1-mile loop hike offers stunning views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Sentinel Rock.
Moderate Hikes
Wapama Falls: Located in Hetch Hetchy Valley, this 5-mile hike starts at the O’Shaughnessy Dam and takes you along the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. It’s an out-and-back trail with an elevation gain of about 500 feet and is considered moderately difficult.
Mirror Lake Loop: Located in Yosemite Valley, follow this 5-mile loop trail around Mirror Lake. The lake is at its fullest in spring and early summer, when the water flow of Tenaya Creek is more from snowmelt.
Sentinel Dome & Taft Point: Hike this 2.2-mile roundtrip trail to some of the most beautiful spots in Glacier Point. Taft Point has an amazing rocky ledge sticking out which makes for a perfect photo-op!
Grizzly Giant Loop Trail: Located in Mariposa Grove, this 2-mile loop takes you through an amazing forest of unique trees. Some of the notable ones include the Bachelor and Three Graces, the Grizzly Giant, and California Tunnel Tree.
Hard to Strenuous Hikes
Vernal Fall: Hike 1.5 miles via the Mist Trail one-way to reach Vernal Fall which is most beautiful waterfalls in Yosemite National Park! Climb over 600 granite steps and feel the power (and mist) of Vernal Fall! Hopefully you will see a rainbow or two. The views from the top of Vernal Fall will leave you breathless!
Nevada Fall: Most people combine Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall as one hike if taking the Mist Trail. To reach Nevada Fall, it’s a 7-mile roundtrip hike with about 2,200 feet of elevation gain. Another route option is to take the John Muir Trail straight to Nevada Fall which skips over Vernal Fall.
Upper Yosemite Falls: Tackle this challenging hike to the top of one of the tallest waterfalls in North America – Yosemite Falls! It’s about 7.5 miles roundtrip with nearly 3,000 feet of elevation gain. The views of Yosemite Valley from the top are worth every step!
Chilnualna Falls: Hike to Yosemite’s most underrated waterfall known as Chilnualna Falls (pronounced “Chil-noo-al-na”). Located in the Wawona area of Yosemite National Park, this waterfall consists of 5 large cascades with the tallest one dropping 240 feet. The 8.2-mile out-and-back hike will take you through pine-dense forests, pass beautiful vistas, and offers spectacular views of Chilnualna Falls and its cascades.
Rancheria Falls: Hike to two of the most beautiful waterfalls in Yosemite National Park. Located within the Hetch Hetchy area, this challenging 13-mile out-and-back hike takes you to both Wapama Falls and Rancheria Falls. If you enjoy long day hikes then this is the perfect adventure for you!
Illilouette Falls: Hike along one of the most scenic trails in Yosemite National Park to a 370-foot waterfall. The Panorama Trail to Illilouette Fall offers stunning views of Yosemite Valley, Nevada Fall, Vernal Fall, and Half Dome. This trail is less trafficked as compared to other popular trails in Yosemite, so you will be able to enjoy a peaceful and quiet hike to a beautiful waterfall.
Half Dome: Located in Yosemite Valley, Half Dome is one of the most challenging and most popular hike in all of Yosemite. This is a 16-mile roundtrip hike with nearly 5,000 feet of elevation gain! This hike requires a permit, and the cables usually go back up in late May. Learn more about hiking Half Dome here.
Backpacking
I am not an expert on backpacking at this moment. I would recommend finding other blog posts with more information about this activity. Backpacking in Yosemite is something my husband and I want to do so badly and it’s high on our bucket list!
The month of May would be an amazing time to go backpacking in Yosemite! Like I mentioned above, the flowers are blooming, the weather is slowly warming up, and there are more chances of seeing wildlife.
More Great Things to See & Do in Yosemite
See waterfalls without hiking!
Not much of a hiker? That’s ok! There are lots of great spots to view the beautiful waters in Yosemite National Park without having to put on your hiking boots.
Yosemite Falls can be seen from many places around Yosemite Valley, including Swinging Bridge Picnic Area, Cook’s Meadow, Yosemite Village, and Yosemite Valley Lodge.
Sentinel Falls can be seen from Sentinel Beach Picnic Area or from across Yosemite Valley near Leidig Meadow.
Horsetail Falls can be seen from the road. Park in the El Capitan picnic area (on Northside Drive west of Yosemite Valley Lodge) or in turnouts just east of the picnic area.
Bridalveil Falls is usually the first waterfall that can be seen when entering Yosemite Valley. There is parking alongside the road in order to get a better look at the waterfall. You can also see Bridalveil Falls from Tunnel View – personally, my favorite view of the Falls.
Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls can both be seen from Glacier Point. From about December to March, this road is closed, so the only way to reach Glacier Point is by hiking. Once the road opens in late-May, you can drive up to this spot without having to hike. There is a very short walk on a paved path from the parking area to the lookout point.
Wapama Falls can be seen from the parking lot at O’Shaughnessy Dam in Hetch Hetchy Valley.
What else is there to do??
Tunnel View is one of the most iconic spots in all of Yosemite. You will have spectacular views of Yosemite Valley, which includes El Capitan, Half Dome, Sentinel Rock, Cathedral Rocks, and Bridalveil Fall.
Yosemite Valley Chapel is a historic and picturesque church. Beautifully located in Yosemite Valley with views of Yosemite Falls.
Swinging Bridge Picnic Area is a great spot to stop and have a picnic, or to simply see another amazing view of Yosemite Falls.
Valley View is a wonderful spot to visit and enjoy some of Yosemite Valley’s spectacular wonders, including El Capitan, Sentinel Rock, Cathedral Rocks, and Bridalveil Fall.
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