Yosemite - what to expect?

[eDUBz]

Headed to Yosemite this weekend, checking the weather it shows rain and snow, what should we expect and plan for? We will be
Leaving Friday AM.

[sin_cal_hd]

Weather reports for Yosemite this weekend.

Snow above 7000'

[Trailblazer87]

I live just down the hill from Yosemite, with this system you can expect rainfall on the Valley floor and possibly snow up higher. Pretty normal for this time of year. 41 can accommodate your length easily. Fair warning, there have been a number of fires in the area this year so the Wawona area is a bit scorched along with some of the back country trails. Not sure if they are open. You chose a very good time of year to go, the fall colors will be setting in, take the trail that goes to Mirror Lake, lots of trees changing colors in there plus the view right below Half Dome. Not sure if Glacier Point is open, it has been closed all year for construction as have the big trees. If you get a chance go check out Nelder Grove off of 41 just above Oakhurst, one of the few groves of Giant Sequoia trees and little known.

Have fun!

[Gonzo42]

El Portal Road bridge restrictions:

https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/restrictions.htm

http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM54XN_California_Highway_140_Ferguson_Rockslide_West_Bridge

Also there is one-way traffic controlled by lights.

[eDUBz]

1L243 wrote:
Curious are campgrounds open in Yosemite year round? Did you have to have reservations? I know summer camping w/o reservations is impossible...

I made Reservations Back when it opened up in June. It was dang impossible to get summer and I barley got in For Nov. decided Nov for my wife’s Birthday.

[1L243]

Curious are campgrounds open in Yosemite year round? Did you have to have reservations? I know summer camping w/o reservations is impossible...

[eDUBz]

@Lwiddis we always pack for all conditions better to have and not need it...
@Y-Guy, Snow makes for great adventures we have never done it so we have to experience before we can decide if we want to do it again 🙂
@Dedmiston paddle sledding...Hmmm

[Lwiddis]

Dedmiston is always thinking positive.

[dedmiston]

If he gets stuck, he can use his paddle boards to sled to safety.

[Y-Guy]

Trailer in the snow isn't a lot of fun, but it's very doable if you go smart and drive safe (aka slow). If you know for sure you are going to haul through now load up your tanks make sure you have a fair amount of weight on your drive axle.

[Lwiddis]

Maybe its just me...clothes always packed for hot, cold and wet. Always carry my chains for TV and TT. Yosemite in November...fabulous!

[eDUBz]

Thanks guys - I got chains. I’ll most likely take I5,99,41
@gonzo my Truck and trailer measure 45’ total length. What bridge is it?

[Gonzo42]

140 is probably your best bet as its the lowest elevation and an easy drive. There is one restriction regarding rig size for a bridge. I seem to remember 40 ft length max. Better check if your rig is big.

They will probably turn you back at the gate if you have no chains. If you do take 41, you can buy chains in Oakhurst.

[sin_cal_hd]

Take snow chains if anticipating snow.
CHP will be at a checkpoint below the snowfall checking for proper size of chains. Call park or CHP central division night before to see if there are any road closures. You can also get on cal trans website for closures.

Take I5 to 99 up to Fresno 41.

[eDUBz]

Won’t be going through the 395 this time - 1-5 to 41