Yosemite early April

Question

Hi all, hoping you can help me. We will be visiting YNP in April next year. I’m planning our visit now, I expect we should have 2 maybe 3 full days.

My questions - I see Mariposa grove road isn’t open but can we still access Mariposa grove and if so how?

If we wanted to see Vernall falls can we do that?

We are staying at the Ahwahnee, so will be inside the park. Thanks

Answer

Visiting Yosemite in early April offers a beautiful transition from winter to spring, but you will want to be prepared for some lingering snow and possible road closures. Staying at the Ahwahnee gives you excellent access to the valley and many of the park’s iconic sights.

Mariposa Grove Access:

In early April, the Mariposa Grove Road is often closed to vehicle traffic due to snow, as you noted. However, the grove itself can still be accessed, though it requires some planning:

You can park at the Welcome Plaza near the closed gate and walk along the road into the grove. The walk is roughly 2 miles one way to the main grove area, so allow 4–5 hours round trip if you want to explore fully.
Snowshoes or sturdy boots may be necessary if there is snow along the path, as conditions can be slippery or muddy.
Some visitors opt for the free shuttle or ranger-led snowshoe tours when offered, but early April may still limit these services.

Vernal Falls:

The Mist Trail up to Vernal Falls can be hiked in April, but conditions depend heavily on the weather:

The lower portion of the trail to the footbridge is usually accessible without special gear and gives a great view of the falls.
Hiking all the way to the top of Vernal Falls may require traction devices like microspikes or crampons if there is snow or ice, as the trail can be slick.
The Mist Trail is steep and slippery in places; check at the visitor center for current trail conditions before attempting the full hike.

Additional Recommendations for 2–3 Days:

Explore Yosemite Valley highlights including El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Yosemite Falls. Most of these are easily accessible from the Ahwahnee.
Consider a scenic drive along Glacier Point Road if open; check seasonal closures, as some sections may still have snow.
Short walks such as Mirror Lake or Lower Yosemite Fall Trail provide easy, beautiful hikes for all abilities.

In summary, you can access Mariposa Grove on foot despite the road closure, and seeing Vernal Falls is possible, though exercise caution on snow or ice. Staying flexible with your plans and checking current conditions at the visitor center each morning will ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Yosemite early April

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