abi_maha

Hi All

We will be in California (Bakerfsfield) just prior to the Christmas weekend and we are wondering if it would be worth it to drive all the way to Yosemite national Park for a day on 25th December?
And if yes it is worth a day's trip do give us an idea of what we can see in a day keeping in mind it is winter and may have a little snow..
Any advice would be much appreciated!
-Abi

PaulRabe

> may have a little snow..

http://tinyurl.com/CalStorm

Actually, they're expecting five to ten FEET of snow in the Sierras this weekend. Check for road closures and the rules on chains before you head on out. They may be able to dig out by Christmas, but they may not.

abi_maha

Ohh, that sounds bad!We are from Minneapoils, so 10 feet of snow sounds like coming back here!
I shall keep a look out and maybe not venture out this time. hopefully we should be back in LA in spring next year when we can plan a trip to Yosemite.. Thanks Paulrabe!

spirobulldog

We hit Sequoia National Park over Christmas Break a couple of years ago. There was a lot of snow and chains were required, but it was very amazing. I would like to back in the Summer to Sequoia. We did Yosemite this past May and loved it. Trees are better in Sequoia, but the waterfalls at Yosemite are spectacular in the spring and the big trees there certainly are worth a vistit too. Ideally 4 or 5 days would be better for Yosemite.

Michael

The valley floor should not have that much snow. The National Park starts at 4000 ft. elevation, and these storms had snow above 6000 feet. If temperatures drop, the snow level will drop. But for a single day, the valley floor would be sufficient but chains would probably be required to approach it from the south using CA 41. The area can be magical under snow.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...7624516613985/

november_moon

I believe the elevation in Yosemite Valley is only about 4000 ft, so it might be below the snow line for this storm. Judging by the doplar maps currently, Yosemite Valley is in that rain/snow mix zone. At any rate, even if they do get some snow, the accumulation won't be anything close to 10ft - that will be in the high country, which isn't open this time of year anyway.

I wouldn't rule out Yosemite, just keep an eye on the weather and go up if the weather is clear. If you go, take Hwy 140 into the park rather than 41 or 120 because Hwy 140 doesn't go over any passes, so you are least likely to run into road closures.

abi_maha

Thanks all, that does sound a little more encouraging! If we get some chain rentals and the weather looks ok, then we will try and brave the trip for sure!

qwovadis

Was there in Dec stayed at the Shiloh Inn in Oakhurst

booked for $59 on www.orbitz.com got a great suite

with a delicious breakfast with Belgian Waffles homemade yum

10 minutes from the www.yosemite.com south gate

Mariposa redwoods and all the other attractions

had a wonderful visit..

Odds are great you will 2 weather permitting of course.

Happy Journey,

abi_maha

Thanks qwovadis! I shall keep you all posted one way or other!

sf7307

>>

You can rent chains (from a ski store), but most rental cars prohibit use of chains at all.

janisj

The next wave in this series of storms is expected tobe much colder w/ lower snow levels. You won't be allowed to put chains on a rental car --but if it is a relative's or friend's car that would be OK.

But IF there is lower snow and you do need chains -- the maximum speed limit w/ chains is 30 mph and often set at 25 mph.

In the summer w/ dry roads B'field to Yosemite Valley is a 4 hour drive. It is over 200 miles and not on high speed I-5. In the winter w/ rain/snow/fog - easily 6 hours each way.

Not a day trip IMO

Michael

One can rent a 4 wheel drive, but the cost is quite high.

basingstoke2

Thanks qwovadis - for the past few months I was feeling very alone in recommending the Shiloh Inn in Oakhurst. We thought it a fine choice too.

janisj

"One can rent a 4 wheel drive, but the cost is quite high."

Sure one can rent 4wd - but it would still be a 5-6+ hour drive each way depending on the weather this week.

abi_maha

Hi All,

I am most certainly leaning against making this trip, so if we feel like extending Xmas here we shall head down to LA or Las Vegas I guess Thanks for all your inputs! And Merry Xmas all!

MichelleY

abi: If the weather is somewhat nice, head over to the coast - San Luis Obispo or Pismo Beach area. Only a couple of hours from Bakersfield.

Barbara

Even with a 4wd you still need to carry chains in Yosemite-and know how to use them.

abi_maha

Thanks MichelleY, San Luis Obispo looks interesting, so does Channel Islands.. not sure if it is too early for the gray whales but that would be a great trip on the coast from there to Oxnard..
Thanks Barbara, we most certainly aren't headed to Yosemite this trip!

MichelleY

abi: If you go to SLO/Pismo Beach at Christmas time, check out the Monarch butterfly grove just south of Pismo. Very cool. Here is a link:

http://www.monarchbutterfly.org/

We did this last Feb. and also did a hummer trip on the sand dunes.

abi_maha

Thanks Michelle, I didn't get a chance to see this before I left, however we did head to Camarillo and then to the Channel Islands for what ended up being a wonderful trip out in the ocean watching gray whales, sea lions and dolphins! We were there on 27th and we spotted 8 gray whales (they breached and fluked), some 70 sea lions and nearly 700 dolphins as the sun set in the horizon. Truly a memorable experience!!