You wake up and decide you need to seek adventure. Look no further than what’s a few hours away in the Northern California region - Yosemite National Park.

While this is a stunning day trip, I highly recommend booking your trip one or two months in advance to ensure you have a parking pass for the day. This trip is so magnificent, you’ll want to be fully equipped with your water, comfortable hiking shoes ( I love Merrells) and appropriate gear for that time of year.

Also, with the beams of sunlight, I would suggest packing your favorite hat that is a balance of cute and highly functional so you keep your gorgeous face gorgeous - minus the sun wrinkles!

When to Visit Yosemite

Here’s a look at the time of year you can go to Yosemite:

May and September

Coming out of the winter months, the average highs range in the mid-60s. Lows, in the mid-30s, so definitely pack a jacket. May is the best time to seek out the waterfalls throughout Yosemite. I chose to go in the summer in May and the weather felt just right. It turned out to actually be super warm, so just check the weather because 100 degrees will throw you for a loop when you’re deciding what to pack.

Come September, highs range in the 70s. This temperature allows for more relaxed hiking weather and fewer crowds as families go back to school this time of year.

June-August

Yosemite experiences most of its visitors during the summer. Hotels and campsite rates are higher in June - August, for good reason. I highly recommend booking months in advance, potentially 3 - 4 months in advance to secure a great spot that you’re happy about. Low key motels in the area or stunning lodging are all amazing ideas when you’re in this region.

What to Plan for:

Drive on a full tank of gas - always.
Strong sunlight.
Crowds, depending on the time of year
Bring Cash / Card depending on where you stop along the way
Pack a tripod - so many gorgeous photo ops you’ll want to capture with friends.

Everyone expects a different experience for Yosemite. There are the diehard campers, the heavy-duty adventure seekers and the low-key “wow factor, take my photo” visitors. You’ll pass all kinds of visitors on your path. Do not expect to be a professional REI hiker when you visit. It’s completely possible to explore the park JUST BY CAR! Yes, even if you visit with someone who has a difficult time getting around, you can still take your breath away with the car or cruising on wheels through various meadows in the park.

Tips From YNPS:

Yosemite National Park Service does an incredible job of equipping you with the knowledge you need throughout their website. Here are their top 10 tips:

Top Things to Know

Pack your patience: millions of people visit Yosemite from April through October. Yosemite Valley is the main destination for most visitors but there are many places to go in the park.
Early birds avoid traffic! From spring through fall, arrive in the park before or after peak hours (before 9 am and after 5 pm) to avoid delays and traffic congestion.
Plan ahead: reservations are required to enter Yosemite from May 21 through September 30, 2021.
Keep wildlife wild: do not approach or feed animals.
Drive responsibly: observe posted speed limits and use pullouts to take pictures and let other cars pass.
Protect Yosemite’s bears: always practice proper food storage and follow speed limits.
Staying connected: cellular service is limited. Don’t be surprised if you can’t receive calls or texts in the park.
How can you help four million people? Learn how to visit Yosemite in a way that is fun, memorable, and safe.