Spring in Yosemite: What to Know Before You Go (2025 Edition)

Insider tips from Groveland’s unofficial Information Desk at the Yosemite Basecamp!

Spring is when Yosemite hits the reset button. Waterfalls thunder back to life. Bears stretch, yawn, and wander out of hibernation. And the park slowly reawakens from its winter slumber, lol, just like your hiking boots, probably.

But if you’re planning a trip this time of year, you might have questions (like... a lot of them). As Groveland’s unofficial info desk we are your go-to for gear, guides, and good, professional advice!

Yosemite Valley in Spring

🌷 What’s Open in Spring?

Spring in Yosemite (April–June) is a game of timing. Here's what to expect:

• Yosemite Valley: Open year-round. Waterfalls are at full force—Bridalveil, Yosemite Falls, and Vernal/Nevada are stunners right now.

• Glacier Point Road: Often opens in May (check updates before your trip).

• Tioga Road & Tuolumne Meadows: Typically open in late May or June, depending on snowpack.

• Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias: Accessible via the South Entrance, usually snow-free by April or May and there is a shuttle to the grove beginning sometime in late April.

🧠 Local tip: Want an epic waterfall view without the crowds? Check out the Cascade Falls pullout just before the El Portal entrance. It’s raging right now!

🚵‍♀️ Can You Mountain Bike Right Now?

Yes—if it’s dry. Spring is an incredible time to ride around Groveland, but please follow trail etiquette: if your tires are leaving deep ruts, it’s too wet to ride. Give the trails time to recover.

When things dry out, check out the Ferretti Trails system on MTB Project or Trailforks—awesome singletrack for all levels, just minutes from town. And remember you cannot take your bike off the pavement in the National Park!

Need gear or repairs?

• Echo Adventure Cooperative rents hardtail mountain bikes

• Sonora Cyclery has a huge supply of bikes and equipment and is your go-to for serious mechanical help or supplies.

• Trail Less Traveled in downtown Groveland is perfect for tubes or last-minute MTB gifts and accessories. They also rent ebikes.

🧗 How’s the Climbing?

It’s Yosemite—it’s always iconic.That said, spring can be a little greasy. Snowmelt and seeping walls can make things slick, so expect some moisture and plan accordingly.

Looking for good spring options? Try:

• Nutcracker (5.8–5.9) – a classic

• Central Pillar of Frenzy (hard 5.9) – first 5 pitches of this cracktasitic route are prime this time of year

• Outer Limits (5.10a) – when you’re feeling strong

• Sacherer Cracker (5.10 move + 5.9 crack love)

• The Grack, Center (5.6) – easy, clean, and unforgettable

We're stoked to now carry Metolius climbing gear, including cams, TCUs, nuts, crash pads, chalk, harnesses, and more. Echo Adventure Cooperative rents crash pads of boulding is more your style!

Need a guide? There are no guide service that can offer climbing in the park with the exception of Yosemite Mountaineering School, so give them holler now before they book out!

🎣 Is Spring Good for Fishing?

Meh… kind of. Spring fishing in the Sierra can be tricky thanks to high water levels from snowmelt. But don’t pack away your rods just yet, becuase we’ve got a few workarounds.

You can still find success with weighted nymphs in smaller creeks or head to low-country lakes like Don Pedro, where conditions are a little more forgiving.

Need beta?Stop by Basecamp. We’ve got everything you need: current flow info, the best flies, expert gear recs, and even guided tours with pros who know the waters (and what the fish are biting on) better than Google does.

📶 Is There Cell Service?

Not really.Most carriers struggle in and around Yosemite Valley. Don’t count on service for navigation or check-ins.

Basecamp tip: Download your maps ahead of time, and complete your remote check-in before arriving. If you forget, swing by our outfitter, Groveland has free wifi and we’ve info desk (and maybe a bear joke or two).

🐻 Are the Bears Out?

Yes, and they’re hungry.Spring is when black bears become active again, and while they’re not out to get you, they are out to raid your cooler.

If you're staying, camping, or hiking:

• Use bear boxes where available

• Keep all food (even sunscreen + gum) locked up

• Never leave a backpack or cooler unattended

🤓 Fun fact: Most bear “incidents” happen in campground, along the road and in parking lots, not the backcountry.

🧭 What to Pack (And Rent)

Spring weather can be all over the map; sunny one minute, hailing the next. Layer up, but travel light.

Here’s your Yosemite Basecamp-approved checklist:

• Waterproof shell (even if it’s sunny) Super helpful near waterfalls!

• Grippy hiking shoes or boots with Gor-Tex (snow + slush linger on trails)

• Sunscreen + hat (yes, you can still get roasted in April)

• Daypack with snacks, first aid, hydration and bug repellant.

• Optional rentals: Bear canisters, trekking poles, solar power, and crash pads (hello, bouldering season!)

Need gear? We rent and sell high-quality outdoor gear, curated by real outdoor guides who know the trails better than Yelp ever could.

🎯 Final Tips for a Stellar Spring Trip

• Start early: Spring crowds are smaller, but parking still fills up fast—especially weekends.

• Be flexible: Snowmelt affects everything from road access to trail safety.

• Think shoulder season: April and early May are chef’s kiss if you want the waterfalls without the people.

• Ask us anything: We have your back whether you need trail recs, trip planning help, or a last-minute crash pads!

  
  

🏕️ Stay With Us

We’re not just a cute place to crash. Yosemite Basecamp is your gateway to all things adventure in Groveland—reselling Echo’s expert-led trips and gear, hosting sustainable rooms for adventurers, and dishing out honest advice to visitors year-round.

Want more insider tips!? Swing by the Yosemite Basecamp when you get to town. We’ll be here—probably adjusting a pack or wrangling a hiker who forgot socks.