Visiting Yosemite at beginning of April 07

Hi. I need some advise. My partner and I are visiting California in March and April and plan to visit Yosemite/Sequoia etc the first week of April. I am abit confused about where abouts we will be able to visit as I understand visitors have to be aware of snow etc.

Can anyone recommend where some first timers should visit - taking into consideration that we dont want to be driving through snow particularly.

Also advise on where to stay and what to see would also be appreicated.

We plan a 1 night stop in Yosemite and maybe also 1 night in Sequoia/Kings Canyon.

thanks in advance.

Visiting Yosemite at beginning of April 07

Where will you be starting your journey? If you are coming form San Francisco, then I would recommend taking Hwy. 140 into the park, as it enters the park at a lower elevation where you are unlikely to encounter snow in April. However, you may not have any snow problems at all by then; you will have to keep your eye on the weather reports but if there are no new storms, even the roads at the higher elevations are plowed clean.

I would recommend you stay in the valley itself if you can (go to yosemitepark.com for reservations.) If reasonable accomodations are all booked, keep trying as there are many cancellations. In April. most of your touring will be in the valley area, although the Mariposa grove of Big Trees should also be open. And while I admit I am a bit prejudiced in this, I think in April you would do better to spend 2 nights in Yosemite and skip Sequoia.

If you enjoy guided tours, begin with the Valley Floor Tour, which is very comprehensive. You can also check out the Inside Pages for Yosemite on this site, starting with ';What to see as you drive into the valley.'; Fortunately, the valley is very self-contained and full of some very obvious natural wonders, so onc you get there, you will know what you want to see!

There are also numerous hikes and/or walks I can recommend- what kind of activities are you interested in?

Visiting Yosemite at beginning of April 07

Good morning packing,

Just another note on your itinerary. While Yosemite and Sequoia appear to be close on the map, the travel distance is probably double what you think. if you only have two days, you might consider using them both in Yosemite and plan that one of the days will take you on a hike to the big trees. If there is a bit of snow on the ground, rent snowshoes and do the Tuolumne Grove up near Crane Flat. It has a nice hike along with a tree you can walk through.

Have a super vacation!