United States, North America
Yosemite in April
Waterfalls running strong, dogwoods starting to bloom, and crowds still moderate outside spring break weeks.
The straight answer
April is a good month to visit Yosemite. Waterfalls running strong, dogwoods starting to bloom, and crowds still moderate outside spring break weeks.
- Weather
- Mild, highs near 65F (18C)
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What April is like in Yosemite
April is mild, with highs near 65F (18C), and the waterfalls are running strong. Dogwoods start to bloom along the Valley roads and meadows turn green. Crowds are moderate outside spring break weeks, and prices sit in the middle. Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are still closed.
It suits families, waterfall lovers and homeschool travelers, especially in late April on weekdays. The high country and Half Dome cables are not yet available. If you want those, plan for late June or September instead. Spring break weeks are busier, so check local school calendars when you book.
Make the most of April
What is especially good about Yosemite this month.
Strong waterfalls
Lower Yosemite Fall thunders, and you can feel the spray from the base on the easy loop.
Dogwood blooms
White dogwood flowers start to appear along the Valley, a pretty spring sight.
Mist Trail to Vernal Fall
The spray on the granite steps is heavy now. Kids who hike well can manage the footbridge viewpoint.
What to pack for April
- A rain jacket for the Mist Trail spray
- Hiking shoes with good grip on wet rock
- Layers for cool mornings
- A dry bag for your phone
Our timing tip
Start the Mist Trail early in the morning, before the crowds and before the trail gets slick with foot traffic.
Book Yosemite for April.
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- Hotels for April
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in YosemiteOpens a hotel search for Yosemite in April, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in YosemiteWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in YosemiteTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Yosemite for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in Yosemite
Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls
Best in May and June, when the spray soaks you on the granite steps. Start early; it is the most popular hike in the park.
Glacier Point
The best view of Half Dome and the Valley. The road is seasonal, typically open from late May or June into November.
Tuolumne Meadows and Tioga Road
The high country, typically open from late May or June into November depending on snow.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Park at the welcome plaza and take the seasonal shuttle, or walk in off-season.
Half Dome
The cables are typically up from late May to mid October, and a permit, awarded by lottery, is required to climb them.
Tunnel View
The classic view of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome at the Valley's west end. Best in late afternoon light or after a storm clears.
Beat the crowds
- Enter the park before 8am in summer; parking in the Valley fills by mid morning on busy days, and the free Valley shuttle is the way around.
- Visit midweek. The park's own analysis found that most weekdays kept available parking, while weekends and holidays are where congestion builds.
- Spend summer days in the high country along Tioga Road or at Wawona and Hetch Hetchy instead of Yosemite Valley.
- Book in-park lodging and campgrounds the moment they open for your dates; they sell out quickly for summer.
Know before you go
- Yosemite is open all year, but Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are seasonal: typically open from late May or June until the first major storm in November. Opening dates vary widely with snowpack.
- Timed-entry or peak-hours reservations have been required in some recent years and not in others. Yosemite did not use a timed reservation system in 2026. Check the park's current entrance rules before any trip.
- Half Dome cables are typically up from late May to mid October, and a permit, awarded by preseason and daily lottery, is required to climb them.
- Winter storms can require tire chains on park roads at short notice, even in the Valley; carry them from November through March.
Yosemite in April, quick answers
Is April a good time to visit Yosemite?
April is a good month to visit Yosemite. Waterfalls running strong, dogwoods starting to bloom, and crowds still moderate outside spring break weeks.
What is the weather like in Yosemite in April?
Mild, highs near 65F (18C).
Is Yosemite crowded in April?
Crowds in Yosemite are moderate in April; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
Keep planning Yosemite.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in April
Before you book.
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