Visiting Yosemite will provide your family with an experience you can’t find in a theme park. The Park is filled with activities and picturesque sights year round, but summer seems to be especially attractive. Yosemite noted over 4.1 million visitors last year. The majority of whom came during peak months – June through September.
Kayaking through the Yosemite Valley surround by 3,000 foot granite walls is one of the best ways to experience Yosemite in the summer.
- What’s so special about Yosemite?
- Is Summer the best time to visit Yosemite?
- What to expect when visiting Yosemite in Summer?
- 4 things to consider when visiting Yosemite in Summer.
- How to prepare for exploring Yosemite in Summer?
- What else is happening around Yosemite in Summer?
What’s so special about Yosemite?
When you take a family vacation, you give your children (and yourselves) the benefits that come with spending time in nature .
Warmer weather, family bonding, and traditional summer vacation activities are just a few reasons a family summer vacation to Yosemite National Park is a trip worth making. Additionally, programs such as Every Kid in a Park allow families with fourth graders get to experience the park, free of charge.
Rich in history, the designated World Heritage Site is home to breathtakingly beautiful giant sequoias, waterfalls, cliffs, lakes, mountains, and more. Comprised of 761,000 acres in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite National Park is a dream for explorers. Enjoy the natural wonders that will surround you (i.e. lush meadows, giant trees, lakes, rushing creeks, and waterfalls).
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And, keep the following in mind:
- Yosemite is known for it’s epic hikes (there are over 800 miles of hiking).
- Snap a postcard worthy picture by the iconic tunnel view with Half Dome and the Yosemite Valley.
- Visit Yosemite Falls— the tallest waterfall in North America at 2,400 ft.
- Visit the newly-renovated grove of Giant Sequoias.
- Take in El Capitan, the largest granite monolith in the world, and mecca of extreme mountain climbing.
- Experience breathtaking sheer cliffs thousands of feet above the floor.
- Come see Yosemite’s wildlife — there are over 400 species of animals to watch and enjoy (from a distance, of course).
- Rock climbing with various levels of difficulty. Class available.
- Revisit history and take a ranger led tour.
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Is Summer the best time to visit Yosemite?
Probably the biggest benefit of Yosemite in the summer is that it offers the most activities and almost all the business in the area are open.
To be clear, Yosemite is great year-round. And, regardless of how many times you may visit, no two trips to Yosemite are alike.
Each season brings their own wonders and experiences. For families, especially– timing is everything. With school out, planning a trip to Yosemite is most practical during the summer months. Summer comes with hot, sunny weather that is perfect for exploring. This is also the time when families get away for multi-day vacations.
Keep reading to learn what to expect in Yosemite during summer.
What to expect when visiting Yosemite in Summer
A visit to Yosemite during the summer months means visitors can witness the beautifully flowing waterfalls of Yosemite Falls– one of America’s tallest waterfalls. These free-flowing waterfalls occur year-round, but are largest during the summer, when the annual snow pack is melting. We should note, they are absolutely breathtaking.
4 things to consider when visiting Yosemite in Summer
Weather
Yosemite temperatures all depends on where in Yosemite you are. In the lower region such Yosemite Valley, expect summer temperatures to range between the mid-80s and 90s. Of course, higher elevations can be up to 20 degrees cooler.
Make sure to wear a lot of sunscreen and have sun protection as the UV rays are more intense in the higher elevation.
As they say, Mother Nature does her own thing– we’re just along for the ride. Knowing this, we suggest you check the weather forecast before making your way to Yosemite. Yes, even when you’ll be visiting Yosemite in summer.
Typically, summer temperatures are warm and dry. However, we have seen snowstorms in May and snow sitting in higher elevations well into July. So check the forecast.
Traffic & Crowds
Yosemite National Park sees roughly 4 million visitors annually. Because the summer months are an especially popular time for travel, the park does see an increase in traffic during these months. But don’t let that deter you from visiting!
Making plans to rise early can help you beat the heat and the crowds. We suggest you report to the gate around 8am or earlier to start off your day right. You will also avoid the line and will still have plenty of parking left. Also the park is less crowded in the evening if you wish to catch a Yosemite sunset.
Lodging
Lodging in Yosemite is very limited as is. There are only seven places where you can stay inside the park, all of which tend to be pricey and sell out quickly, especially during summer and on weekends.
For this reason, we suggest you make lodging accommodations as soon as possible. Additionally, you can opt to lodge outside of Yosemite. Bass Lake is not only a great alternative but also a conveniently located hub for your Yosemite adventures. In Bass Lake, you can enjoy the lake, water sports, lakeside pool, hot tub, and grab a delicious dinner. You can even enjoy a mug of beer on a lakefront patio after a day of exploring Yosemite.
Activities
Many activities in Yosemite Area is weather dependent. It is mainly due to accessibility and also due to safety. If you are looking to getaway in the Summer – lucky you almost everything is accessible and open. Some of the activities to put on your summer travel list may include:
- Kayaking
- Mist trail hike
- Horseback riding
- A ride on the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
How to prepare for exploring Yosemite in Summer
While traveling in summer has plenty of pros, there are some downsides. As mentioned above, heavy traffic, larger crowds, pleasant but unpredictable weather can negatively impact your perfect vacation. One way to avoid all the aforementioned obstacles is to plan ahead.
Though lodging may be a bit more expensive during the summer months, there may be ways around it.
- First, if you can, avoid visiting during popular dates such as holidays (4th of July) and weekends. While it’s always worth it, you will be subject to heavier traffic, lines, little to no parking, and waiting.
- Second, try scheduling your trip during the weekdays. If possible, do so during the early part of June or late in August. While you will still enjoy all summer has to offer, you will avoid crowds while also enjoying more affordable lodging rates and open availability.
- Lodging outside of the Park will be more budget friendly and will also allow you and your family to explore the National Forest. While surrounding resorts and hotels are still busy, making reservations in advance will guarantee you a place to stay. It also allows you to take advantage of increased availability and more affordable rates.
Just like within the Park, there are multiple picturesque sites and activities in Yosemite Area outside the park.
When you know the forecast, you can pack accordingly and be prepared for all types of weather. Hot, cold, and anything in between. Because Yosemite covers many areas and extends throughout low and high elevations, some areas may feel warmer while others feel cooler.
Of course, you also want to pack sunscreen and plenty of snacks when trekking through Yosemite. If packing a suitcase full of snacks isn’t an option, there are plenty of stores, both in and outside of Yosemite National Park such as The Pines Market in Bass Lake that have everything you need. Reading up on the 10 must-bring items is a great first-step to take before packing.
Tip: Dress in layers. This will allow you to add and remove layers as needed.
What else is happening around Yosemite in Summer?
Bass Lake
Nestled between beautiful Bass Lake and beautiful pines trees like The Pines Resort. It is here you can enjoy bi-weekly Bass Lake Live summer concerts overlooking the lake. In addition to live music from Hubcap Steelers, Violin on Fire (Patrick Contreras), and more, guests can enjoy BBQ dinners along with drinks from the bar.
Not only will you be able to enjoy water sports here, but you there are countless trails you want to explore. In fact, just two short miles from The Pines Resort in Bass Lake lies the Way of the Mono hiking trail. This one-mile loop overlooking Bass Lake provides a beautiful background for photos as well as a nice hiking experience for all ages and experience levels. Another beautiful trail to hike is Willow Creek. Positioned high above the actual creek, the Willow Creek Trail provides you with an opportunity to see waterfalls as well as to relax and play in the creek.
Special Events
From the Bass Lake Live kick-off to the seasonal Arts & Craft Fairs, frequent bonfires and s’more roasting and annual Fall Festival, the small but beautiful community of Bass Lake frequently hosts events open to all who want to participate.
Visit The Pines Resort Facebook page to see what events will be taking place during you visit to Yosemite.
Water Sports, Hiking and Biking Trails, Off-Roading
Boat rentals, jet skis, hikes and more, await you in Bass Lake. Yes, you read that correctly. While there is much to do and see in Yosemite, there are some things you just can’t do (for practical reasons) within the park. For these things (think boating, jet-skiing, off-roading, and more), take the short drive to Bass Lake.
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
Located in Fish Camp, just south of Yosemite’s entrance on HWY 41, is the Sugar Pine Railroad. This steam-powered locomotive gives a four-mile guided tour through the Sierra National Forest (Yosemite) on an old, restored railroad. In fact, it’s the same railroad that was once used as a logging train! A ride on this train is sure to put a smile on your little one’s face (and yours, too!).
Jones Store
This historic store –best known for their famous homemade pies– is set within a beautiful meadow pasture. This is the same meadow cowboys once brought their cattle for greener pastures during the dry summers. The historic store has no electricity and is closed during the winter season, so those who visit during the summer are among the lucky ones!
Horseback Riding with Yosemite Trails Saddle & Sleigh Co.
Another attraction that is closed during winter and early spring, Yosemite Trails Saddle & Sleigh Co. is a wonderful way to explore the Yosemite back country during the warm, summer months.
Nelder Grove
18-miles south of Yosemite National Park is Nelder Grove — a feature made up of five trails which lead to a variety of Sequoia trees. If you visit in spring, you may even see the beautiful dogwood trees in bloom. Nelder Grove is currently closed (as of June 2019) due to road damage, caused by the summer 2018 fires.
Sierra Vista Scenic Byway
Whether it’s your first trip to Yosemite or your hundredth, the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway is a great way to take in some of California’s most beautiful locations. In fact, there are two byways you can enjoy, both holding a great deal of California history.
As you can see, there are countless reasons to visit Yosemite in Summer. More than anything, summer is a wonderful time to enjoy bonding and creating memories with family, friends, and especially your kids. After all, we’re only guaranteed 18 summers with our kids, so make the most of them.
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