May in Yosemite means spectacular waterfalls and dogwood blooms. Mountain (Pacific) dogwoods are common throughout Yosemite Valley, but especially along the banks of the Merced River in the western half of the valley and just as you enter the valley from El Portal. You can also spot them in the higher elevations in Yosemite. The typical dogwood season in Yosemite is late April through early June, depending on elevation.
This year the Dogwoods are blooming in abundance in the valley.
Dogwoods bloom in bunches, making a flowering dogwood tree an arresting sight.
There’s just something magical about seeing the already scenic roads and trails in Yosemite lined up with dogwood blooms. Dogwoods are a wonderful subject to photograph whether they are in shade or when they are backlit, and whether you photograph one bloom or photograph them in clusters.
