Spring has sprung in Yosemite National Park, bringing flowered filled days and crisp cold nights. Although the weather is usually at a high of 65 degrees, there are still plenty of benefits to visiting the park in springtime.

The first benefit of visiting Yosemite in the spring is that there are less crowds. This makes it easier to make reservations at the hotels where it’s nice and warm or to brave the cold and camp at one of the many campgrounds.

Horsetail Falls during sunset

Photo by: David Mark at Pixabay

Another benefit of spring in the park is that it is the best time to see all the waterfalls. This is because the snowfall from the winter months begin to melt as the weather gets warmer, creating peak waterfall viewing. Even the tiniest of springs and waterfalls become visible to the naked eye during this time. Plus, spring is also the only season that makes Horsetail Falls visible, which looks like falling fire when the glow from sun set reflects off the water. I recommend parking at the El Capitan picnic area to get optimal viewing of this waterfall. However, parking at a turnout east of the picnic area works just as well if you don’t feel like getting out of your car. (Pro Tip: Don’t swim under any waterfalls because the water is the coldest it will be all year!)

Wildflowers growing in Yosemite

Photo by: dae jeung kim from Pixabay



Yosemite also becomes a wildflower enthusiast’s playground during spring. The park is home to 1,450 species of flora, and you are able to see most of them blossom during this time. May brings a variety of flower types to the west edge of the park in the Merced River canyon. These include flowers such as shooting stars, evening primrose and baby blue eyes. In particular, you should search for pussy paws which grow in sandy areas. These plants raise their flower stems in the morning and lower them in the evening, but it’s a mystery as to why they do this. Lastly, spring is the only opportunity to spot a snow plant, a flower that only pops out of thin layers of remaining snow. This red plant attracts hummingbirds that feed on its bell shaped flowers, which makes for a great picture of some wildlife in the park.

So, if you find yourself looking for a vacation spot this spring, keep Yosemite National Park in mind!