Yosemite in April: Waterfalls, Weather, Crowds, and What to Expect
Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Planning a trip to Yosemite in April? Learn what to expect from the weather, waterfalls, crowds, hiking, road closures, and spring conditions.
Estimated reading time: 19 minutes
There are some places where the season you visit completely changes the experience.
Yosemite is definitely one of them.
We visited Yosemite in mid-April, and I honestly loved it. The waterfalls were going strong, the weather was comfortable, and Yosemite Valley was nowhere near as crowded as it gets later in the year.
Was everything open? No.
That is probably the biggest thing you need to understand about visiting Yosemite in April. You are trading access to some of the higher-elevation areas for waterfalls, cooler weather, and fewer people.
For us, that was a very good trade.
If this is your first Yosemite trip and your main priorities are Yosemite Valley, waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and easy walks, April can be a really great time to visit.
Is April a Good Time to Visit Yosemite?
I think April is a fantastic month to visit Yosemite, with one pretty major caveat.
You need to be okay with the fact that part of the park is still basically in winter.
Yosemite Valley sits much lower than places like Glacier Point and Tuolumne Meadows, so you can have a perfectly lovely spring day in the Valley while there is still a ton of snow higher up.
That means Tioga Road will still be closed. Glacier Point Road is usually still closed too. Depending on the year, there can also be snow and ice on hiking trails and limited access to other areas of the park.
But Yosemite Valley is the heart of the park anyway, especially if this is your first visit.
And in April, the Valley is gorgeous.
The waterfalls are coming back to life, the Merced River is full, the temperatures are usually much more comfortable for walking around, and you are visiting before the really heavy summer crowds arrive.
That combination is pretty hard to beat.
What Yosemite Is Like in April
April in Yosemite is one of those months where you need to be prepared for just about anything.
You can have sunshine and mild temperatures.
You can have rain.
You can still get snow.
And sometimes the weather changes pretty quickly.
When we visited in mid-April, we were very comfortable walking around Yosemite Valley in long-sleeved shirts and light jackets. It was honestly just about perfect sightseeing weather.
But I would not plan a trip assuming you are going to get exactly that.
April is still a shoulder season, and Yosemite weather can be unpredictable. Layers are definitely your friend.
The Valley itself is usually well into spring by this point, especially later in the month. The trees are waking up, the river is moving fast, and everything feels fresh.
Higher elevations are another story.
That contrast is one of the most interesting things about visiting in April. You can be walking around Yosemite Valley in pleasant spring weather while looking up at snowy cliffs and mountains all around you.
It is really beautiful.
Yosemite Waterfalls in April
This is probably my favorite reason to visit Yosemite in April.
The waterfalls are fantastic.
Spring snowmelt starts feeding Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, and all of the smaller seasonal waterfalls that spill over the cliffs around Yosemite Valley.
They usually get even stronger later in spring, but they were already incredibly impressive during our April visit.
And the thing about Yosemite waterfalls is that photos really do not capture how powerful they feel in person.
You can hear them before you get close.
You can feel the mist.
And when the water is really moving, the whole area around the falls feels different.
We were lucky enough to see rainbows in the mist at both Lower Yosemite Fall and Bridalveil Fall, which was one of my favorite little surprises from the trip.
Obviously, you cannot plan for that. You need the right combination of sunlight, water, and angle.
But spring gives you a pretty good shot at seeing a lot of mist around the falls.
Yosemite Falls in April
Yosemite Falls should absolutely be on your list during an April visit.
It is one of the easiest major waterfalls to see in Yosemite Valley, and you do not need to do a difficult hike to get a great view.
The Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is short and easy, and you get excellent views of both Upper and Lower Yosemite Fall along the way.
This is also one of the best options if you are traveling with kids, grandparents, or anyone who wants the scenery without committing to a strenuous hike.
In April, Yosemite Falls is already flowing strongly from snowmelt.
It may not be at its absolute annual peak yet, but it is still dramatic.
And honestly, seeing that much water pouring over the cliffs is one of those classic Yosemite moments.
Bridalveil Fall in April
Bridalveil Fall is another waterfall that really benefits from a spring visit.
It flows year-round, but in spring it has so much more force behind it.
When we visited, there was a lot of spray around the waterfall, and we saw a rainbow forming in the mist.
That is the kind of thing I remember much more clearly than whether a particular trail was 1.2 miles or 1.4 miles.
It just felt like spring in Yosemite.
Wet rock. Cold mist. Huge waterfall. Bright sun hitting the spray.
That whole combination is one of the reasons I think April is such a great time to go.
Seasonal Waterfalls in Yosemite
April is also a fun time to look for some of Yosemite’s more seasonal waterfalls.
These are the waterfalls and cascades that depend heavily on snowmelt and can shrink dramatically later in the year.
Ribbon Fall is one of the better-known examples.
Horsetail Fall is another seasonal waterfall, although the famous February firefall phenomenon is long over by April.
You will also notice smaller waterfalls and cascades running down the Valley walls that might not even be there later in the summer.
That was one of the things I really liked about visiting Yosemite in spring.
It felt like water was everywhere.
You would be looking at one giant landmark and suddenly notice another waterfall coming down the cliffs nearby.
That is a very April-in-Yosemite kind of experience.
Crowds in Yosemite in April
One of the best things about visiting Yosemite in April is that you get to experience the park before the summer crowds really descend.
And Yosemite can get crowded.
Really crowded.
Parking fills up. Roads get backed up. Popular trails can feel packed. Even just moving around Yosemite Valley can take more patience than you probably expected when you imagined a peaceful national park vacation.
April is different.
That does not mean you will have Yosemite to yourself, especially on a beautiful weekend. But compared with late spring and summer, it is much easier to slow down and actually enjoy the park.
When we visited, we never had that overwhelming feeling of competing with thousands of other people for every view.
That alone made the trip feel more relaxing.
If you have some flexibility, weekdays are even better.
What Roads Are Open in Yosemite in April?
This is where April gets a little tricky.
Yosemite Valley is open year-round, so you can still see many of the park’s most famous sights.
But some of Yosemite’s higher-elevation roads are usually still closed because of snow.
Tioga Road is the big one.
In April, you should assume Tioga Road will be closed. That means you will not be driving through the high country to places like Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Lake, and Olmsted Point.
Glacier Point Road is usually still closed too.
That means you probably will not be able to drive up to Glacier Point, Washburn Point, or the other viewpoints along that road during an April trip.
This is one of the biggest tradeoffs of visiting in spring.
You get waterfalls and fewer crowds, but you give up easy access to some of the higher-elevation areas of the park.
Personally, I still think that tradeoff is worth it if your main goal is Yosemite Valley.
Mariposa Grove in April
Mariposa Grove is a little more complicated.
The grove itself does not simply open and close on one predictable April date every year.
Snow conditions matter.
The shuttle from the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza usually begins operating later in spring, but the exact date changes from year to year.
So if Mariposa Grove is one of your must-do experiences, you definitely need to check current conditions right before your trip.
There may be years when you can visit portions of the grove on foot before the shuttle starts, and other years when snow makes access much more difficult.
I would not build an April itinerary around Mariposa Grove unless you are comfortable being flexible.
Note: When we visited during spring break, Mariposa Grove was open. But in other years it doesn’t open until late April or early May. It really does depend on the snow pack and weather conditions.
If it is open and accessible, fantastic.
If not, there is still plenty to do in Yosemite Valley.
Hiking in Yosemite in April
April hiking in Yosemite really depends on elevation.
Lower-elevation trails in Yosemite Valley are usually your safest bet.
Easy walks like Cook’s Meadow Loop, Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, and sections of the Valley Loop Trail are much more likely to be accessible than high-country hikes.
But even in the Valley, conditions can vary.
You might run into mud, standing water, lingering snow, or icy patches.
This is one of those times when waterproof shoes or hiking boots are a really good idea.
You also want to pay attention to trail closures and conditions before heading out.
Spring can be messy in Yosemite.
Beautiful, yes.
But sometimes messy.
Can You Hike to Vernal Fall in April?
This one really depends on conditions.
You should not automatically assume Vernal Fall is inaccessible in April.
The Mist Trail and John Muir Trail can have seasonal closures or winter-route changes because of ice and snow, but portions of the route may still be open.
And even when the full summer route is not available, you may still be able to hike partway toward Vernal Fall.
The important thing is to check current trail conditions.
April is not the time to assume every trail looks exactly the way it does in July.
If there is ice, snow, or a closure, take it seriously.
Best Things to Do in Yosemite in April
If I were planning an April Yosemite trip, I would focus heavily on Yosemite Valley.
This is where you get the biggest payoff for the least weather-related uncertainty.
Start with Tunnel View.
It is one of the classic Yosemite viewpoints, and in spring you may see Bridalveil Fall flowing strongly on one side of the Valley and snow still clinging to the higher mountains.
Then spend time walking around the Valley.
Lower Yosemite Fall is an obvious stop.
Cook’s Meadow gives you beautiful views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome without requiring much effort.
Bridalveil Fall is also worth visiting, especially when the water is running strongly.
I would also spend time around El Capitan Meadow.
Even if you are not a climber, standing there looking straight up at El Capitan is one of those things that makes Yosemite feel completely different from almost anywhere else.
And if you have time, walk sections of the Valley Loop Trail instead of rushing from viewpoint to viewpoint.
Some of my favorite Yosemite moments are the quieter ones.
Walking beside the Merced River.
Looking up at the cliffs.
Stopping because you suddenly notice another waterfall you had not seen five minutes earlier.
April is a really good month for that kind of Yosemite experience.
What You Probably Cannot Do in April
This is the part of the trip where expectations matter.
You probably will not be driving Tioga Road.
You probably will not be driving to Glacier Point.
You probably will not be exploring Tuolumne Meadows.
Some higher-elevation hiking trails may still be buried in snow.
Mariposa Grove access may be limited.
And snow or late-season storms can temporarily change conditions almost anywhere in the park.
If those things are the main reason you want to visit Yosemite, April is probably not the right month for you.
But if your priorities are waterfalls, Yosemite Valley, scenery, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds, April makes a lot of sense.
That is really the key to planning Yosemite in spring.
Do not try to force a summer itinerary onto an April trip.
Build the trip around what April does best.
What to Pack for Yosemite in April
Packing for Yosemite in April is mostly about layers.
You do not need to pack like you are heading into the dead of winter, but you also should not assume spring means warm weather all day.
When we visited, long-sleeved shirts and light jackets worked really well for us during the day.
But mornings and evenings can feel much colder, especially if you are staying in or near Yosemite Valley and spending a lot of time outside.
I would bring a mix of lighter layers, a warmer jacket, and something waterproof.
Good walking shoes are also important.
Even easy trails can be muddy or wet in April, and anywhere near a waterfall can get surprisingly slick.
If you are planning to do more than just paved walks and overlooks, waterproof hiking shoes are even better.
And yes, I would absolutely bring sunglasses.
Spring sun reflecting off wet granite, snow, and water can get very bright.
Where to Stay in Yosemite in April
April is also a nice month for lodging because you are generally not dealing with quite the same level of competition you see in summer.
That does not mean you should wait until the last minute.
Yosemite lodging is popular almost year-round.
But your odds of finding something inside the park are usually better in April than they are during peak summer months.
If you can stay inside Yosemite Valley, I think it is worth it.
Location matters so much in national parks.
You are already there in the morning.
You do not have to spend as much time driving in and out.
And when you are done for the day, you are not facing a long drive just to get back to your hotel.
That becomes even more valuable when weather is unpredictable.
If rain rolls in or you decide you are done earlier than expected, it is really nice to be staying nearby.
Is Early April or Late April Better?
If I had to choose, I would probably lean toward mid-to-late April.
You have a better chance of milder temperatures.
You are more likely to see stronger spring runoff.
Some lower-elevation trails may be in better shape.
And as the month goes on, more areas may start becoming accessible depending on the year’s snowpack.
But that does not mean late April is automatically better in every way.
A heavy winter can delay spring conditions quite a bit.
A lighter winter can make the park feel much more springlike earlier.
This is why April is one of those months where checking current conditions really matters.
You cannot just look at the calendar and assume the park will behave the same way every year.
Is Yosemite Too Cold in April?
For most people, I do not think so.
At least not if you are spending most of your time in Yosemite Valley.
April is usually cool rather than brutally cold during the day.
Mornings and evenings can be chilly.
Rain is possible.
Snow is still possible.
But for walking around the Valley, sightseeing, and doing easier hikes, I actually prefer those cooler temperatures to summer heat.
You just have to dress for it.
Layers solve a lot.
Does It Snow in Yosemite in April?
Yes.
It absolutely can.
That does not mean you should expect a snowstorm every day.
But April is still early enough in the year that winter weather has not completely disappeared.
You may get rain in Yosemite Valley and snow higher up.
You may even get snow in the Valley itself.
That is part of the unpredictability of visiting during shoulder season.
I would not let that scare you away.
I would just plan with some flexibility.
Is Yosemite Worth Visiting in April?
Yes.
Absolutely.
April is not the month for seeing every part of Yosemite.
If your dream trip includes Glacier Point, Tuolumne Meadows, Tioga Road, and a bunch of high-elevation hiking, you should probably come later in the year.
But if you want Yosemite Valley, waterfalls, cooler weather, fewer crowds, and a park that feels like it is waking up for spring, April is fantastic.
That was certainly our experience.
We had comfortable weather, strong waterfalls, beautiful views, and enough breathing room to really enjoy the Valley.
And honestly, some of the things I remember most were not big bucket-list moments.
They were the little things.
The sound of waterfalls everywhere.
The cold mist near Bridalveil Fall.
The rainbow at Lower Yosemite Fall.
The way the Valley looked with snow still hanging on the higher elevations.
Those are the things that made April feel special.
If you are willing to trade some high-country access for waterfalls and a quieter Yosemite experience, I think April is one of the best times to go.
More Yosemite National Park Travel Guides
Planning a Yosemite trip? These guides can help you figure out what to see, where to stay, and how to make the most of your time in the park.
- Best Things to Do in Yosemite Valley
- Best Scenic Viewpoints in Yosemite National Park
- Best Easy Hikes in Yosemite National Park
- Best Waterfalls in Yosemite National Park
- Yosemite Falls Guide
- Bridalveil Fall Guide
- Mariposa Grove Guide
- Yosemite Valley Lodge Review
More National Parks to Visit for Spring Break
If you love the idea of visiting a national park during spring break, Yosemite is not your only option. These trips are also especially good for spring travel, when the weather is often more comfortable and crowds can be easier to manage than in summer.
- Olympic National Park Spring Break Guide
- Ultimate Utah Mighty Five National Parks Travel Guide — The Utah parks make an excellent spring break road trip, especially if you want dramatic scenery, easier hiking weather, and several national parks in one trip.
