Hi I know you asked 5 months ago, but no one really reads this Q&A section. It's so much better to post on the TripAdvisor forum for Yosemite. Questions are answered within a few hours. If you choose to post on the TripAdvisor forum (English version ~ just translate with an on-line tool), let folks know when you're visiting. Oakhurst is so far away.

Check out the Mountaineering School located inside the park at Curry Village. They may be able to help. Also check into renting gear at REI. Learn more at their website.

The Yosemite forum is the best place to ask. The water level needs to be low enough (and it's low this year!), the water temperature needs to be high enough (it's been right around 40 degrees lately), and the air temperature needs to be warm enough (it has snowed recently, but hot weather is coming again.)

Hi Next time use the forum rather than this seldom viewed Q&A feature.

Spend as much Tim in Yosemite Valley, it’s breathtaking. You don’t need a “tour” just make lodging reservations in the valley well in advance and just drive there, rent bikes and take in the amazing beauty if the waterfalls, granite, meadows and wildlife. May & June are the best months. Mid summer can get extremely hot and by end of summer waterfalls can be dry.

Hi I recommend asking on the Yosemite NP forum page. Late October could be 70 degrees or could be snowing or anything in between . If you are lucky, it will be 65 degrees, sunny, with a gentle breeze. I would go for a thin but warm layer. Best wishes (from a June Yosemite bride!)

Hi Rather than using this seldom seen Q&A feature, I suggest asking your questions on the Yosemite forum. The Top Questions on the right side of that page is loaded with topics that can help you with your planning. Getting lodging will be the biggest challenge as other April visitors booked months ago. See the first topic in the Top Questions. Fresno Yosemite Airport / FAT is the closest airport, but it might not be the easiest to use. There is a topic about airports in the Top Questions. The "site" of the Park that is good to visit is Yosemite Valley. You will probably also want to visit Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. High country roads will be closed, but you can access these two places.

I did a huge amount of research before our visit to California last June/July and unless you want to pay the huge prices to stay in Yosemite Valley then I can highly recommend staying in Oakhurst. Oakhurst is a small town approximately 15-20 mins drive from the South entrance to Yosemite National Park. At the south entrance you will find Mariposa Grove which is where the giant sequoia trees are located - a beautiful place and a must visit. Also, another 15-20 mins drive will get you to Glacier Point and at 4,500 feet you will have breathtaking views across Yosemite Park and it’s mountains and waterfalls - I’m not easily impressed but this place blew me away! Another 20 minutes drive will get you to the main Yosemite Valley where you can park and take some beautiful walks and take the park bus which is free and will drop you off at different points in the park. We only stayed in Oakhurst for 1 night and managed to squeeze in all the above in a long day but I wish we’d stayed for 2 nights as there was so much more to do and see. If you like walking, research Glacier Point as there are a lot of talks/various organised walks with guides on certain days which we’d like to have done. Apologies for bombarding you with this information but I know that staying in the right place can make your stay. I can recommend the Best Western Plus, Yosemite Gateway Inn, Oakhurst if you’re looking for a good base at a reasonable price. If you have more questions just ask!👍

The sun is still up at 7 p.m. in August, so you won't be driving in the dark.

I think the Valley Shuttle would be a very good option. Parking is very limited, so is your time. The shuttle had designated parking spots and you hop out snap a few pics and hop back on. The ranger talks in between