Yosemite National Park is loveliest in May when the waterfalls are pouring over the canyon rim and Western Dogwood (cornus nuttallii) are blooming.  These flowering deciduous trees are most spectacular along banks of the Merced River between El Portal and Yosemite Valley.Â

Hundreds of white leaves, called bracts, give the impression of flowers. The bracts contrast with the deep green colors of late spring foliage and are particularly stunning when reflected in the dark, still waters of the Merced River. This annual show happens only in May each year. To make a reservation in a Yosemite lodging to see the display, visit www.yosemitemariposa.com and click on “Places to Stay.”

Spring is the season of wildflowers in the Merced River Canyon just outside Yosemite National Park. Beginning in March, a six-month show of beauty unfolds there, then progresses up by elevation into the national park, as temperatures rise, snow melts and new blooms appear.California State Route 140, from Mariposa to Yosemite is the first to display color.

From now into April, the grassy green flanks of the Merced River Canyon become splashed with yellow, blue, lavendar, orange, purple, pink and red, as fields of poppies, owl’s clover, Sierra Nevada peas, lupine, mock orange wildflowers and redbud shrubs populate its hillsides.

One of the Sierra Nevada’s best wildflower trails is the Hite Cove Trial, located eight miles west of El Portal in the canyon. Some 50 to 60 varieties of wildflowers grow along this trail, which begins from Savage’s Trading Post and winds five miles along slopes above the south fork of the Merced River. The trail rises and descends, so good walking or hiking shoes are recommended.Displays of wildflowers are evident all along the trail, though the best are found beneath the shade of foothill oaks where colorful communities of Indian pinks, baby blue eyes and globe lilies live. The observant will find monkey flowers, shooting stars, fiesta flowers and waterfall buttercups in seeps and little creeks that flow to the Merced River from melting snows above. Near the end of the trail are the photogenic remains of an abandoned gold mine and town.

Accommodations closest to Hite Cove include vacation homes at historic Savage’s Trading Post, deluxe rooms at the Yosemite Cedar Lodge and luxury rooms at the Yosemite View Lodge, all in El Portal. More information is found at www.yosemiteresorts.us.