Posted by Joe Paratore on December 22, 2011 at 1:35 PM
To all the canp photographers.
I am on the process of making plans to
go to Yosemite May 22 to the 29th for the first time.
Is that a good time to go?
How are the crowds at that time of the year?
Can you drive the loop with a car or do have to use their bus system?
What restrictions do I need to know before I go?
I have heard they were planning on doing some clear cutting of trees in 2012
Should I maybe wait till next year? Any advice for more info would be appreciated.
To all on the West Coast
A wonderful Merry Christmas
Thanks
May is a great time to go to Yosemite. If you can, try to arrange for your trip earlier in the month. The spring green will be vibrant, and the falls should be roaring. Typically, the weather pattern is beginning it's change toward a summer pattern by the end of May. This means less chance of clouds, but more blue-bird skies, and warm temperatures.
Also, crowds begin to pick up later in May, with massive crowds on the Memorial Day holiday. I strongly encourage you to set your dates and make lodging arrangements as soon as you can.
You can drive the roads anytime. You do not need to take the shuttles, unless you want to. If you are renting a car, be sure it has tire chains. You must have them available since chains can be required on park roads at any time.
I haven't heard anything further on the tree cutting. The NPS Yosemite site may have information on this.
If the Tioga Pass road is open, do plan to head into the High Country; it's a grand, and special place.
Have a great time!
--P
Posted by Sandy Steinman on December 23, 2011 at 2:25 AM
You might want to check out Michael Frye's book "The Photographer's Guide to Yosemite". He also has an iPhone app with similar information as well. I also second Preston on avoiding Yosemite Valley over Memorial Day Weekend; the one time I was there over Memorial day it was crowded and hard to park in many areas.
Posted by Harley Goldman on December 23, 2011 at 10:06 AM
Preston's timing suggestions are good. Early May will yield smaller crowds. Things tend to get crowded toward the end of May, especially on weekends. I would disagree with the esteemed Mr. Birdwell on the need for chains. While a big snowstorm in the valley is not completely unheard of in May, it is very unlikely. If it were me, I would not bother getting chains. You do NOT need to have them with you.
I would not let any tree cutting plans affect your plans.
Michael Frye's book is a very good suggestions. Our own Dan Baumbach also has an iPhone app guide to Yosemite that would be good to have, as well. http://ifotoguide.com/?page_id=64
Harley, I suppose I am mistaken about the chain rule, but I thought chains had to be available. No biggie. It is unlikely chains would be needed in May.
Joe: One other thought...If Tioga Pass is open, you might also consider heading down to Mono Lake. If there is thunderstorm activity along the East Side of the Sierra, you could have some very dramatic conditions.
--P
Posted by Harley Goldman on December 23, 2011 at 4:47 PM
Good thought about Mono Lake if Tioga pass is open. Once on the east side, a visit to Bodie is always fun if you like ghost towns. It is only an hour or so from Mono Lake.
With the lack of snow early on in the Sierra this year, If things don't pick up Tioga will be open very early. It appears to be open now, which is very, very late for it to still be open.
Posted by Anil Rao on December 23, 2011 at 7:56 PM
If Tioga Pass is still open, I think I might just make a quick dash over to the East Side.
Looks like high pressure will hold until about Tuesday (12/27) and will start to break down with the approach of a trough. The current forecast is for a chance of snow at Tioga on Wednesday. It will be windy and cold.
If you decide to head that way, Anil, keep a weather eye on the forecasts.
--P
Posted by Debbie Yarra on February 5, 2012 at 8:36 PM
Joe, I'm surprised no one has mentioned how you can photograph moonbows in the Lower Yosemite Falls in April, May and June. If the falls are producing a lot of mist and the sky is clear you should be able to photograph them around the full moon. I think the moon is full May 5th and June 4th, but they say several days around the full moon they can be seen, if conditions are right. Just google Yosemite moonbows and you'll see some great pics and information. Have fun! Blessings, Deb
Joe, I'm surprised no one has mentioned how you can photograph moonbows in the Lower Yosemite Falls in April, May and June.
Quite true, Debbie. If the conditions are right, it's an awsome sight. Joe, if you decide to do this, you'll need water protection for your self and your camera. If Lower Yosemite Falls is really roaring, the wind moving over the bridge from the falling water will be troublesome--don't let go of your tripod!
After shooting moonbows you can always head to the Mountain Room at Yosemite Lodge to warm up. :-)
--P
Posted by Lon Overacker on February 6, 2012 at 11:27 PM
Joe,
A little late to the party, but not too late as you still have time for some planning. Are you still making plans? I would never discourage anyone from visiting Yosemite and May is the best overall time to catch spring and the waterfalls in all their glory. However, May, Mother's day and the coming end to the school year brings the crowds. This image was taken between the campgrounds and Yosemite Village on May 8th a couple years ago. took 45 min to go just a couple of miles. I bring this up only to advise you to avoid the Yosemite Village area between around 11am-3-4pm.
No doubt you will want to visit there; the Visitor's center, the AA Gallery and of course the walk to Lwr Yosemite Falls. If you're going with family and this is a first and lifetime visit to the park, I would highly recommend taking the valley open-air tram tour. Get reservations for the morning to beat the crowds.
Otherwise if it's strictly a photo trip, it's actually fairly easy to lose yourself. You'll get a quick feel of the layout by driving the valley loop, and you'll see where the crowds congregate. Take your obligatory views from those pullouts and then simply find a less crowded place to park and get out and walk. A 2 min walk to the river and you can get away for hours. Try some of the longer hikes if you're an able hiker.
The bus system is good - if you work there or have no clue what to do. But as long as you do your research and know the areas you might like to spend your time, you're probably better off driving the loop a few times and then just parking and getting out on your feet and exploring.
You didn't mention where you were staying or what kind of accommodations you'll have. Lots of recommendations if you haven't figured that out yet.
Discussion
10 repliesI am on the process of making plans to
go to Yosemite May 22 to the 29th for the first time.
Is that a good time to go?
How are the crowds at that time of the year?
Can you drive the loop with a car or do have to use their bus system?
What restrictions do I need to know before I go?
I have heard they were planning on doing some clear cutting of trees in 2012
Should I maybe wait till next year? Any advice for more info would be appreciated.
To all on the West Coast
A wonderful Merry Christmas
Thanks
May is a great time to go to Yosemite. If you can, try to arrange for your trip earlier in the month. The spring green will be vibrant, and the falls should be roaring. Typically, the weather pattern is beginning it's change toward a summer pattern by the end of May. This means less chance of clouds, but more blue-bird skies, and warm temperatures.
Also, crowds begin to pick up later in May, with massive crowds on the Memorial Day holiday. I strongly encourage you to set your dates and make lodging arrangements as soon as you can.
You can drive the roads anytime. You do not need to take the shuttles, unless you want to. If you are renting a car, be sure it has tire chains. You must have them available since chains can be required on park roads at any time.
I haven't heard anything further on the tree cutting. The NPS Yosemite site may have information on this.
If the Tioga Pass road is open, do plan to head into the High Country; it's a grand, and special place.
Have a great time!
--P
I would not let any tree cutting plans affect your plans.
Michael Frye's book is a very good suggestions. Our own Dan Baumbach also has an iPhone app guide to Yosemite that would be good to have, as well. http://ifotoguide.com/?page_id=64
Joe: One other thought...If Tioga Pass is open, you might also consider heading down to Mono Lake. If there is thunderstorm activity along the East Side of the Sierra, you could have some very dramatic conditions.
--P
With the lack of snow early on in the Sierra this year, If things don't pick up Tioga will be open very early. It appears to be open now, which is very, very late for it to still be open.
If you decide to head that way, Anil, keep a weather eye on the forecasts.
--P
Quite true, Debbie. If the conditions are right, it's an awsome sight. Joe, if you decide to do this, you'll need water protection for your self and your camera. If Lower Yosemite Falls is really roaring, the wind moving over the bridge from the falling water will be troublesome--don't let go of your tripod!
After shooting moonbows you can always head to the Mountain Room at Yosemite Lodge to warm up. :-)
--P
A little late to the party, but not too late as you still have time for some planning. Are you still making plans? I would never discourage anyone from visiting Yosemite and May is the best overall time to catch spring and the waterfalls in all their glory. However, May, Mother's day and the coming end to the school year brings the crowds. This image was taken between the campgrounds and Yosemite Village on May 8th a couple years ago. took 45 min to go just a couple of miles. I bring this up only to advise you to avoid the Yosemite Village area between around 11am-3-4pm.
No doubt you will want to visit there; the Visitor's center, the AA Gallery and of course the walk to Lwr Yosemite Falls. If you're going with family and this is a first and lifetime visit to the park, I would highly recommend taking the valley open-air tram tour. Get reservations for the morning to beat the crowds.
Otherwise if it's strictly a photo trip, it's actually fairly easy to lose yourself. You'll get a quick feel of the layout by driving the valley loop, and you'll see where the crowds congregate. Take your obligatory views from those pullouts and then simply find a less crowded place to park and get out and walk. A 2 min walk to the river and you can get away for hours. Try some of the longer hikes if you're an able hiker.
The bus system is good - if you work there or have no clue what to do. But as long as you do your research and know the areas you might like to spend your time, you're probably better off driving the loop a few times and then just parking and getting out on your feet and exploring.
You didn't mention where you were staying or what kind of accommodations you'll have. Lots of recommendations if you haven't figured that out yet.
Hope you make it out. Good luck
Lon