“If you had to consider the needs of as many people as possible, including the foreign traveler, families with children of varying ages, the backpacker, the elderly, the photographer, the rock climber, the bird watcher, etc., how would you direct that person regarding the ‘best’ time to visit Yosemite?”
September 2017 Blog
Yosemiteme.com (article not currently available)
THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE CONTINUES FROM PART 1 IN LAST MONTH'S BLOG, WHICH CAN BE VIEWED BY CLIKCING HERE.
OVERALL WEATHER RATING: (7.7)
Temperature: (7) The average high temperature in Yosemite during July is 89 degrees F (32 degrees C) while the average low temperature is 57 degrees F (14 degrees C). It should be noted that extreme heat in the 90s can occur occasionally, especially toward the end of the month. In 2024, the first 15 days of the month experienced “excessive heat warnings” issued for 100+ degree temperatures (37.8 degrees C). On July 5th, the temperature hit 107 degrees F (41.7 degrees C). Excessive heat does require some modification of activities regarding day hiking, which should be started as early as possible during the cool of the morning. The warmer weather prompts many to take advantage of the refreshing waters of the Merced River that flows through the middle of Yosemite Valley (and in Wawona).
In the higher elevation destinations, such as Tuolumne Meadows, the temperature can be 15 to 20 degrees lower than in Yosemite Valley. Brief thunderstorms may come to the Valley, but more intense and long-lasting storms occasionally visit the backcountry, often initiating fires from lightning strikes.
Rain: (8) Average rain totals range between three and four inches during July, primarily from thunderstorms arising from high-pressure systems parked in the southwest United States, which draw moisture from the Gulf of California. The rain showers can be a welcome afternoon relief from hot weather and rarely last long.
Air Quality: (8) Overall, air quality in Yosemite in July is good. The exception occurs when smoke from fires inside or outside the Park fills the air. Most fires inside of Yosemite start in August and September, however, human-caused fires, which account for two of the ten largest fires in Yosemite, can occur at any time.
OTHER ACTIVITIES RATING: ( 7 )
Solitude Rating: (4) Now for the bad news: During the past eight years, July has become the most popular month for visitors to enjoy Yosemite. Over that period, many California school districts changed the return-to-school date to mid-August from early September. This has slightly reduced the demand for lodging and visitation in Yosemite during the last two weeks of August but increased the demand in July. Consequently, the bulk of visitors now come in July (see charts below).
Does this impact one’s stay? Of course. More people mean longer lines and more congested roads, trails, and parking lots, especially at the popular tourist viewing points (e.g., Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, Tuolumne Meadows, etc.). More remote campgrounds off of Tioga Road (Hwy 120) can moderate the feeling of being packed in like sardines. Backpacking in Yosemite’s wilderness, although increasing in popularity, can pump up the “solitude rating” (due to high demand and safety reasons, a wilderness permit is required from recreation.gov).
The crowds necessitated that the National Park Service implement a reservation system to enter Yosemite. During July, all visitors must have proof of either a day reservation (from recreation.gov) or verifiable lodging reservations in Yosemite to enter (Yes, you will be turned away by Rangers at the entrance station without one). If you are staying outside of the Park and have a day reservation, come early to find a parking spot if you are going to the Valley. Proper planning is essential because the higher demand makes reserving campsites and other lodging highly challenging in July. Plan ahead!
Hiking: (9) Virtually all of Yosemite’s trails open in July and river and stream crossings pose few problems. Getting an early morning start on trails that start in Yosemite Valley, such as to the top of Upper Yosemite Fall, reduces heat exhaustion and spares the hiker of crowds on such popular trails (see photo below of trail to Vernal Fall). -- See Yosemitehikes.com for hiking guides.
Bicycling: (9) Biking in Yosemite Valley is simply the best way to get around during July. You are free to stop along the many trails and take in the views, avoid the “downtime” waiting for a shuttle (and the crowds), and invigorate your stay with moderate exercise. Hey, it even saves the planet by lowering carbon emissions! Bring your own bike or rent one from the three locations in the Valley (Yosemite Lodge, Yosemite Village, and Curry Village). -- See The Biking page for more information.
Photography: (7) Early morning and late afternoon light continues to allow landscape photographers opportunities to highlight Yosemite’s special features on “film.” Some of the drama present in the winter and spring months from storms and winter snowfall is absent in July, not to mention the roaring waterfalls of April and May, but excellent shots can still be found by intrepid photographers. Plus, if you want to add people to your photos, July offers plenty of opportunities for that!
Snow Activities: (0) No snow activities occur in July.
Fishing: (8) The season for stream and river fishing in Yosemite begins on the last Saturday in April and continues through November 15. July serves as good as any time to “go fishing” (All lakes and reservoirs are open to fishing year-round). The best time of the year to fish varies by location, elevation, fish, the level of human presence, and seasonality. With the opening of Tioga Road (Highway 120) and Glacier Point Road typically in June, greater access in July means greater opportunities to fish. – See the Fishing page for more information.
Horseback Riding: (9) The most accessible form of a mule ride or horseback riding during July can be found at the Wawona Stables in the southern section of the Park near the Wawona Hotel and the Pioneer History Center. Arrive early to avoid the heat of the day. The two-hour rides are available seven days a week, depending on weather conditions. Rides begin at three intervals: 8:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. However, riders must arrive an hour before the start times noted above to complete paperwork and receive direction. The all-day rides occur on Thursdays between Memorial Day and Labor Day only. This ride starts at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. Riders must arrive by 7:30 a.m. for the all-day ride in order to complete paperwork and receive directions. See the Horseback Riding page for more information.
Rafting/Kayaking: (7) Spend the afternoon rafting in Yosemite--you'll have tons of fun while cooling off and taking in some amazing views. The Park concessionaire rents out large 2-4 person rafts at Curry Village during the summer for a three-mile ride down the main fork of the Merced River in Yosemite Valley. When water levels run low, then raft rentals are suspended as occurred in 2024 in early July. However, visitors can bring their own inflatable rafts, boats, and tubes to enjoy a scenic ride down the Merced River (you just need to arrange for a return trip back to the starting point).
Same-day reservations can be made at the Curry Village Tour and Activities Kiosk. When operating, spots fill up quickly. The 2024 rates are $32.50 per person. A shuttle returns rafters to the starting point at Curry Village.
Kayaking can occur on any of Yosemite’s lakes. No kayak rentals currently exist.
Walking, Resting, and Relaxing: (8) Can you think of a better spot to do all three? Yosemite excels in July for taking time to rest, think, and feel, no matter what activity you engage in. Early morning and evening walks are unparalleled.
Rock Cimbing: (7) The sport of rock climbing continues to become more and more popular and Yosemite serves up challenges for all levels of ability from novice to expert In July, you can take advantage of the Yosemite Mountaineering School & Guide Service, the only authorized guide in the Park to lead and teach rock climbing classes.
Reservations can be made by calling the Mountaineering School at 209.372.8344 or emailing them at yms@aramark.com.
According to the TravelYosemite.com website, classes last about 7 ½ hours and start at 8:30 am at the Mountaineering School in Curry Village or in Tuolumne Meadows. The website indicates that “Class size is limited to six students per instructor, and the minimum age for a non-parental supervised climbing lesson is 12. Children 10 and 11 years old can join the regular classes with a supervising adult. Children under 10 can participate in a private lesson with an adult.”
Swimming: (9) We have come to one of the finest activities to enjoy in July in Yosemite! July is the best time to take a deep dive and to swim! The rivers and creeks in Yosemite have reduced their flow significantly as the bulk of the snowpack has melted from the high country. Although the water can still be cool, most find it incredibly refreshing. Swimming or wading can be a primary pastime for families with children seeking to relax and enjoy the mountain surroundings. The main fork of the Merced River in Yosemite Valley and the south fork of the Merced in Wawona provide exceptionally placid spots to enjoy dipping, sunbathing, and diving . . . some of the best reasons to visit Yosemite in July!
Additionally, Curry Village, the Yosemite Valley Lodge, and the Wawona Hotel have in-ground pools for those who wish for a more controlled atmosphere (although it can seem like “controlled chaos” when the pools fill with children and adults). The Ahwahnee Hotel has a small in-ground pool, but is for Hotel guests only. The cost at Curry Village and the Yosemite Valley Lodge is $5 for adults and $3 for children aged 12 and under.
So, if you are planning to go to Yosemite in July, be sure to bring your swimwear. You will need it for one of its most enjoyable and refreshing activities: taking a “deep dive” in July!
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