A heavy, slow melting snow pack has drawn large crowds to Yosemite during the past couple months -- as many as 17,000 per day, causing long waits at park entrances and bumper-to-bumper traffic in the valley.
That's how it was over the Memorial Day weekend, and that's what could happen again this weekend, said Nanci Sikes, director of the Tuolumne County Visitor's Bureau.
"Because it's a three-day holiday, we're going to be extremely busy just like we would be for Labor Day or Memorial Day weekend," Sikes said.
"When people get three days off in a row, they tend to want to get away."
Before the weekend, there were still several hotel, motel and bed and breakfast rooms available in Merced and Tuolumne counties, both gateway communities to the national park.
But all reservable Yosemite Valley campsites are taken, and lodging in towns closest to the park -- such as Groveland and El Portal -- were almost filled by Friday.
Availability of lodging in the Merced area can be found by calling 1-800-446-5353. For lodging in Mariposa County, call 1-866-425-3366.
"I would say the closer you get to the park, the harder it is to find a place to stay," said Aurelia Rios, operations manager of the Merced Conference & Visitors Bureau & California Welcome Center.
Yosemite Park Ranger Adrienne Freeman didn't want to predict the size of the crowd this weekend, but said people should plan ahead before planning an overnight trip anywhere near the park.
For people planning a day trip, Freeman said people can best avoid crowds by arriving at the park either before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m.
Or, she said, people can drive to Merced, pay $20 and ride a bus round-trip to the park. For information on the bus system, called YARTS -- Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System -- call 1-877-989-2787.
"Whatever the traffic situation, there are always ways to mitigate it," Freeman said.
People who do make it to the park this weekend must be cautious, Freeman warned. The melting snowpack makes for spectacular sights, she said. But the swift, often calm-looking rivers could quickly ruin anyone's vacation.
"A lot of people come up here every year and have family traditions of being around the river," Freeman said. "This year is a little bit different. You've got to be careful out there."
Reporter Scott Pesznecker can be reached at 385-2431 or spesznecker@mercedsun-star.com.
