Though summer doesn't officially start until June 21, Yosemite National Park attracts hordes of seasonal visitors beginning with the Memorial Day holiday weekend, Friday May 28 through Monday May 31. You may not be swimming in the Merced River in May, but there are plenty of indicators and activities to make a springtime visit to the park worth your while:
1. Big Waterfalls: Yosemite Falls, Vernal Fall, Bridalveil Fall and many other waterfalls are at their peak in May. Prepare to be amazed at the power of water in Yosemite Valley.
2. Blooming Dogwood Trees: Western or Mountain Dogwood blooms in May with white five petal flowers all over Yosemite Valley. Look for Dogwood in Wawona, too.
3. Bike Riding: The bike paths in Yosemite Valley are clear and if you don't bring your own, rent a bike from the stands in Curry Village and at the Yosemite Lodge.
4. Bears, Bears, Bears: Black bears have aroused from their winter hibernation and they are hungry! If you are lucky enough to see a bear in Yosemite, maintain a safe distance and store all food/toiletry items securely.
5. Wildflowers: All that spring runoff provides water for wildflowers throughout the park. Check the Now in Bloom in Yosemite website from NPS for current blooms.
6. Plowing Tioga Pass and the Glacier Point Road: The National Park Service hopes to have the high country roads cleared every year for the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Depending on current snow levels at 8000-10,000 feet elevation, cross your fingers that you can see Tuolumne Meadows or Glacier Point in May.
7. Horseback Riding: The park stables are open for business. Ride a mule to Half Dome or check out the stables in Wawona (Tuolumne Meadows too, road conditions permitting).
8. Art Classes: Take an art class at the Yosemite Art & Education Center in watercolor, plein air, journaling and drawing. Supplies are also available for purchase.
9. Camping: There may still be an occasional snowfall in May, but the park campgrounds are open.
10. The Mist Trail is Open: Hiking Yosemite's most popular trail is most impressive in the spring as you pass two thundering waterfalls on your ascent to the top of Nevada Fall.
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