Snowmelt Tumbles with a Roar Down Yosemite Waterfalls
Every season is lovely in Yosemite, but there’s something extra magical about spring. Melting snow fuels epic cascades, reveals early-season blooms, and entices animals to reappear in the lengthening daylight. In spring, more than 150 bird species either pass through the diverse habitats or begin marking their breeding territories with their chests filled with song.
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“It’s the perfect time to hike a new trail, witness the waterfalls, or try something new like rock climbing, fly fishing, or whitewater rafting.”
Gerald Fischer
“What's nice about our perfect day is that any visitor can experience this same itinerary."
Gerald Fischer
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Spring at Yosemite
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Mariposa County
“Everything is so fresh with the spring rebirth,” says Brett Archer, general manager for Tenaya at Yosemite. “The dogwoods are phenomenal, and the waterfalls are often mind-blowing, their thunderous roar echoing throughout the valley.”
Archer, who arrived in Yosemite from the Midwest in 1985 never looked back. He likes to move around the Valley in spring, laying down a picnic blanket to view Yosemite from several perspectives. He’s excited to visit the new viewing area at 617-foot Bridalveil Fall before the summer.
“I also like hiking the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail to Mirror Lake,” he says. “You’re so close to the thundering lower falls that, yes, you should expect to get a little wet, which feels just fine on a sunny spring day.”
Like his colleague, Yuli Gotsev becomes a waterfall watcher in spring. The marketing manager at The Redwoods in Yosemite, Gotsev, notes spring is not only a great time to see the spring-fed Bridalveil Fall, but it can be the only time to observe vernal cascades like Sentinel Fall and 1,611-foot Ribbon Fall, the tallest single-drop waterfall in North America.
“Parts of the Mist Trail and John Muir Trail close in winter,” says Gotsev, “But you can hike the Winter Route to see both Vernal and Nevada Fall. And don’t forget to take the Chilnualna Fall Trail just a few minutes from The Redwoods in Yosemite cabins to access another series of gorgeous waterfalls. You shouldn’t encounter as many people on this trail either.”
A longtime resident of Mariposa County, Gotsev reminds us to prepare well for spring hiking when the conditions can be unpredictable. "There may be snow on the trail that is often compact and slippery. Traction devices for your shoes help, and don't underestimate the utility oaf a pair of hiking poles. And remember, snow changes throughout the day. It may be hard in the morning but becomes less stable with the afternoon warming.”
Photo by Charles Phillips
The spring transition reveals snow traces on one trail and spider lupine blooming in a nearby meadow with more sun exposure. Exploring Yosemite Mariposa County is like stepping into a landscape artist’s studio when the setting sun ignites the granite waterfalls, raptors hover in search of food and flowers return in all their early spring glory.
“The Superbloom begins in March,” says Gerald Fischer, president and co-founder of Yosemite Resorts. “The landscape is transformed beginning in early March with poppies, lupines, popcorn flowers, redbud and other wild species.”
Fischer says he always returns to the Cook’s Meadow Loop. “Not only are you surrounded by wildflowers, but you can also see Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and Sentinel Rock, all within an accessible, one-mile walk. Outside the park, I suggest the Hite Cove Trail for its spectacular spring display along the Merced River."
Like the waterfalls, the Merced River flows generously in spring, as whitewater rafters will readily attest. Designated a Wild and Scenic River by the U.S. Congress, the one-day float is considered a “must paddle” for whitewater rafting enthusiasts. Most years, rafting begins in March and ends for the season in June.
“Spring is ideal for exploring,” says Fischer. “With lighter crowds, it’s the perfect time to hike a new trail, witness the waterfalls, or try something new like rock climbing, fly fishing, or whitewater rafting.”
There are many ways to cast a perfect spring day in Yosemite. Fischer begins with coffee and breakfast at Yosemite View Lodge, followed by a hike on the Hite Cove Trail, where he often picnics among the wildflowers.
Photo by Chris Migeon
“We try to identify all the wildflowers we see,” he says. “Then we stop in Old Town, Mariposa, to browse the shops and do some antiquing. In the evening, we return to the lodge for s'mores by the firepit and stargazing under the clear night sky. What's nice about our perfect day is that any visitor can experience this same itinerary.”
Creating a schedule for Yosemite is part of the fun, given all the glorious options. In addition to eclectic shopping, Mariposa features the Ansel Adams Gallery and Sierra Artists' Gallery, among other showcases. Mariposa is also the spot to enjoy live music at several venues, especially on weekends in spring. The dining options in town are equally diverse.
Like the high alpine snow plant, spring in Yosemite emerges gloriously as the days grow longer and the temperatures elevate. Visitors delight in discovering sparsely traveled trails in the Valley and more wide-open spaces in the higher-altitude meadows.
Tenaya at Yosemite, The Redwoods and Yosemite Resorts are three of many lodging options to consider when customizing your Yosemite getaway. Visit the Yosemite Mariposa County website to plan your spring awakening.
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Tenaya at Yosemite is a full-service resort located just two miles from the south gate entrance to Yosemite National Park. In addition to hotel rooms and suites, guests can book Cottages and the two-bedroom Explorer Cabins. Visitors will also enjoy the spa, multiple dining venues and onsite programs from e-bikes to horseback riding.
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The Yosemite Resorts portfolio includes Yosemite View Lodge, Yosemite Cedar Lodge, Indian Flat Campground, and a variety of vacation homes. Guests can enjoy several packages including Private Picnics by the Merced River and S’mores by the Fire. Yosemite Resorts also offers excellent facilities for weddings, corporate events and
other gatherings.
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The Redwoods offer cozy vacation home rentals inside Yosemite National Park. Guests find numerous options including fully equipped cabins and spacious homes that are perfect basecamps for winter exploration. Many accommodations are also pet-friendly, feature fireplaces and other resort-level amenities.
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Douglas Shaw
“Having quiet moments like these can give you the most wondrous winter experiences.”
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Yosemite Resorts represents an array of lodging options to fit every visitor’s need. Yosemite View Lodge sits beside the roaring Merced River within minutes of the park entrance. Cedar Lodge is ideal for family groups with its own sandy beach. Indian Flat RV Park provides sites for all styles of camper. Yosemite Resorts also offers a variety of vacation homes for families and groups.
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Photo by Chris Migeon
“The landscape is transformed beginning in early March with poppies, lupines, popcorn flowers, redbud and other wild species.”
Brett Archer
YOSEMITE
RESORTS
“Take the Chilnualna Fall Trail just a few minutes from The Redwoods in Yosemite cabins to access another series of gorgeous waterfalls.”
Yuli Gotsev