<p>I’ve never been to Yosemite and we are driving south on 395 in April, I would like to make time to at least see some part of Yosemite.</p>
<p>Advice? Ideas? Traveling with a dog!</p>
<p>It is gorgeous, as always but it MAY be cold (sometimes even snow) and may rain. Here are pages about dogs in Yosemite.</p>
<p>[Yosemite</a> National Park - Pets (U.S. National Park Service)](<a href=“http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/pets.htm]Yosemite”>Pets - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service))</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.yosemiteresorts.us/visit/Dogs%20in%20Yosemite%20National%20Park.pdf[/url]”>http://www.yosemiteresorts.us/visit/Dogs%20in%20Yosemite%20National%20Park.pdf</a></p>
<p>Hope these are helpful to you.</p>
<p>Went there last summer. The upper road was one of the most beautiful roads I have ever taken. It’s as if you are on top of the world. Natural springs, gorgeaus trees and lots of wildlife. However I would wonder if it is closed for the winter. Unbelievable though.</p>
<p>I’m a frequent Yosemite visitor. If you are traveling down 395, you will be on the east side of the park. The only entrance from the east is the Tioga Road from Lee Vining. It heads up to the Tuolumne Meadows region of the park at 9,000 ft. elevation. That road will definitely be closed in April. It never opens until late June, early July. </p>
<p>If you go to the west side of the national park, you could enter into Yosemite Valley from a couple of different roads. However, be prepared for cold weather even in the valley. Just this past week, snow and a resulting electrical outage closed the park.</p>
<p>Check the weather at wunderground.com
They have historical weather data so you can check how it was last year around the time you want to go.</p>
<p>And as for the dog, they are allowed in the park, but not on the trails.</p>
<p>it’s too bad the Tioga Pass will still be closed. But you can console yourself with some jalapeno cheesebread from Schat’s Bakery in Bishop. They also make a mean tuna sandwich.</p>
<p>[Schat’s</a> Bakery: Best Bread in California? : LAist](<a href=“http://laist.com/2008/07/26/schats_bakery_best_bread_in_califor.php]Schat’s”>http://laist.com/2008/07/26/schats_bakery_best_bread_in_califor.php)</p>
<p>Dogs are allowed on some paved trails-- [Yosemite</a> National Park - Pets (U.S. National Park Service)](<a href=“http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/pets.htm]Yosemite”>Pets - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service))
Someone at the visitors center could provide details.</p>
<p>If Yosemite doesn’t work out for you, you might want to go see Death Valley NP. It’s not far from 395 and it has some pretty spectacular views. At that time of year there may even be a lot of cactus and desert flowers in bloom.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm[/url]”>http://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm</a></p>
<p>It was quite a few years ago but we went to stay in Yosemite in April. I remember having to stop and get snow chains for the car on the way in. It was pretty cold and snowed while we were there, some roads were closed and one of the activities we did was snow-shoeing. Early in the week there was no snow in the valley and I think we rented bicycles as well as going for walks on the trails which were pretty muddy. We also went to see giant Redwoods very close to the park but I can’t remember exactly where. The scenery is spectacular even if you just go down into the valley.</p>
<p>Yes, because of high altitude, weather (including snow & ice) can be quite variable in Yosemite. You have to be prepared for whatever you may encounter if you plan to visit in April. It is quite lovely, whether you see it this trip or another time.</p>
<p>I just heard that the snowpack in the Sierra this year is 165% above normal. </p>
<p>If you go to the west side to enter Yosemite, April is doable. But trails can be icy and it can be cold. Also one of the best views of the park is from Glacier Point and the road to Glacier Point (which provides a spectacular view of the valley) will be closed. </p>
<p>Also be aware that the waterfalls won’t be flowing as much as they will once the snow in the mountains above the valley begins to melt. </p>
<p>On the plus side, Yosemite is still one of the most beautiful places on the planet and in April you won’t have to deal with the crowds of summer.</p>
<p>Yosemite Valley was shut down last week for three days, after yet another snowstorm. There was no power for a week.</p>
<p>So, expect plenty of cold and snow. Bring snow chains, of course, and don’t be surprised if you have to use them. Also be ready for a two hour drive to turn into a ten hour drive, as it did for a friend of mine this week.</p>
<p>Expect most trails to be closed because they are under feet of snow.</p>
<p>Yosemite is beautiful at all times of the year. Have fun!</p>
<p>on edit: Yosemite from 395? No, not for months yet. You have to get in from the west.</p>
<p>I have been to Yosemite at all parts of the year…even dead of winter with most of the park closed (son taught me how to properly throw snowballs…on a bridge over a river, using the boulders as targets!). It is always stunning. Actually, probably one of my most memorable trips ever was in April…hiking and it started to snow unexpectedly…just gorgeous. Be aware of what is open & what is closed, and make the most of it. You’re sure to have a wonderful time.</p>
<p>I’d also second the other idea about Death Valley. Spectacular & perfect time to visit.</p>