Yosemite in early April

Am visiting Tosemite NP in April [9th and 10th] as part of our California trip. Am reading now that neither Tuolumne Meadows nor Mariposa Grove will be open. Was hoping to visit these trees in the grove. Are there others that would be open? Would a bus tour of the valley be worthwhile?

Thanks for advice.

Yosemite in early April

My guess is probably not. The Mariposa Grove is the one of three groves that you can normally drive to and see trees, as opposed to driving to a trailhead and hiking in.

I was looking at your other posts, and it seems you have young children? You can still hike into either the Mariposa or Tuolumne Grove, but my guess is your kids wouldn%26#39;t have a lot of fun doing it. Tuolumne Grove is one mile in, but it%26#39;s a steep mile coming back (plus you%26#39;re at higher elevation so it seems even worse). The number of trees at Tuolumne Grove is also lower. But if you%26#39;re interested in giving it a try, it%26#39;s near the Crane Flat gas station on hwy 120, a half hour out of the Valley.

You can also hike the Mariposa Grove, but it%26#39;s 2 miles one way just to reach the parking area (though there are trees there to see). It is uphill, though not as steep as Tuolumne Meadows. For both of those trails, there%26#39;s always the chance of snow depending on how the early spring goes. But frequently a trail is tromped down by snowshoers/other adventurous hikers so it%26#39;s doable without special equipment.

A bus tour of the Valley is a nice way to see things quickly, and get oriented quickly. It%26#39;s also a good way to learn a bit more about the park. However, some younger children find the 2 hour ride tough because there are only 2 stopping points. But you know your children best. If it%26#39;s stormy when you go though, I%26#39;d recommend against it as you won%26#39;t be able to see much.

One other note, you might consider completing the Little Cub program with your kids. You can buy the book ($2.00?) at the visitor center bookstore, complete a few activities together, bring it back and the kids are sworn in and receive a Little Cub button. It%26#39;s the jr. ranger program for younger visitors.

Happy planning!

Yosemite in early April

Good morning Rcon,

Tuolumne Meadows access road will be closed, so you can%26#39;t get there or over to Highway 395. The mariposa grove access road is likely to be closed also, but you can still walk up to the trees.

You can also see big trees at Tuolumne Grove and Merced Grove, both a little hike and both located near Crane Flat.

Spring is a glorious time for a visit. While we may still get a snow storm, the general weather is light and warm and sunny, the grasses are green and the waterfalls are flowing fairly heavily.

If you don%26#39;t like to walk much, there are some fantastic trees up on Highway 4 at Calaveras Big Trees State Park that goes right by Murphys, a neat little winery town.

Have a great holiday!

One other thought, I%26#39;m not sure you%26#39;d be interested in. I know you had your heart set on trees, but depending on how the snows/rains go, it%26#39;s possible you may be in the Yosemite area for wildlife flower season just outside the park (like a half hour drive from the Valley). Hwy 140 into the park shows off some great wildflowers, and the Hite%26#39;s Cove area in particular. Now the first part of that trail is very steep, and the entire hike is very long, but even just a few steps up the trail usually gives you a view of some great flowers. Again, this will depend on how the season progresses, but something to keep in mind.

http://yosemiteexplorer.com/trails/hite-cove

Just FYI, this is spring break time for schools. Some take the week before easter and some after. Make sure you have reservations. They also might have more activities available. During holiday weeks, they sometimes add things.

Thanks for those replies. Do have chilldren but not taking them with me!!

We are in our mid fifties, staying in Tenaya Lodge Fish Camp for two nights so had thought the Mariposa Grove would have been a handy drive to begin with, as noticed they were near the South Entrance?

Didn%26#39;t really intend to hike but just drive or be driven to view beautiful areas. I sound a lazy tourist but will have been in S.F. and then Pacific Grove before heading for two nights to South Lake Tahoe akter Yosemite. excuses, excuses......!

Will check out those mentioned. Thanks again for your help.

Hi there

Is Caleveras Park in Yosemite?

No, Calaveras Big Trees State Park is on Highway 4 north of Yosemite. Your note says you are going to Tahoe after Yosemite, you could stop at the big trees on your way up, they are just a short detour up the road. Great little park, you can walk as much or as little as you like the parking is pretty much right at the groves.

Have a great holiday.