Yosemite National Park Travel Forum

I am from the east coast & have always wanted to visit Yosemite. . . ideally, during the summer months. I have an opportunity to visit in March (13th-17th). What can I expect, not only weather wise, but the park in general. I am more the type of tourist who enjoys warm weather travel, photography & picnics rather than skiing & other outdoor sports, however, I feel this is an opportunity I would be foolish to pass up. I am anticipating much smaller crowds & a more intimate park experience. What are the chances of seeing active waterfalls?
Thank you in advance.

March would be an excellent time to visit depending on the weather. It can still snow in March and will probably be a little cold. The crowds won't be there yet. You will probably have to enter from the west side as the east gate will probably be closed due to snow. The weather has been so warm and dry so far this year the Hwy 120 Tioga Pass is still open when it is usually closed by now.

. . . and the waterfalls . . . this is the one thing I'm most looking forward to, normally in March what would one expect to find?

It is hard to say, we haven't gotten much snow so far this year, but history shows January and February we usually get the most. March is usually a little early for the falls to be running much as the high country will still be pretty frozen. However, if we get a pretty good dump of snow in Jan and Feb you would probably see some pretty good falls as the daytime temps will cause some melting.

I've been to the park in both February this year and March last year (and October this year). The waterfalls will be great in March. Don't expect the pass to be open, and the road out to the Mariposa grove will probably be closed, but you can still walk out there. If it's snowy, you can do a snowshoe walk up at the ski area, Badger pass. If it's not, it'll be easy to walk/hike/explore.

March is a great time to visit Yosemite; in the summer, Yosemite is like Disneyland: crowded with tourists and vehicles and very hot, and the waterfalls are mostly dry. As mentioned above, the weather in March could be very warm or rainy and snowy--we regularly have both in March. Your chances of seeing waterfalls are certainly much better than in summer, and Yosemite and the surrounding mountains are so beautiful in the Spring. One caveat--Easter is early this year--March 23rd, I think, so around that time and later you will run into the Spring Break crowds--not as bad as summer, but still busier than it will be in early March. Yosemite is so beautiful that one should never pass up an opportunity to see it!