I'm planing a 3day-2nights trip to Yosemite during X'mas weekend, although it's a bit late, still want to hear your opinion.

1. How is the traffic from bayarea? I've never been there in winter.
2. We have 5 adults and 3 2-year-old, and looking for a 3 bedrooms cabin/suite. Any recommandation? I have checked and a lot of them either require 3 nights stay or sold out.
3. Does it require snow chain when touring the valley during that time?

Thanks.

We've taken a day trip to Yosemite the week after Christmas. Bay area traffic is the pits almost anytime! Try to avoid rush hour and Friday's leaving the Bay Area.

Snow chains are REQUIRED in Yosemite National Park during the winter months. I don't think I'd want to be caught with out a set or at least have a 4 wheel drive with snow tires. Snow can happen at any time and it does snow in the valley.

It is BEAUTIFUL in the winter!!!! My web server is down or I'd give you a link to my winter Yosemite pictures.


Utahtea

I do not know what the term "chains are required" means. I have never been asked if I carried chains. One year, a big snowstorm hit us while in Yosemite, and then we needed chains even on 4 wheel drives. But generally I have found the valley floor to be free of snow.

It does snow in the valley, I've seen it. If my website wasn't down, I'd show you pictures!

As per the offical Yosemite National Park website:

http://www.nps.gov/yose/now/conditions.htm

"Carry tires chains in your car and be prepared to use them (even if you have four-wheel drive): chains may become mandatory at any time"


http://www.nps.gov/yose/news/2004/sard1020.htm

"Travelers to Yosemite should expect winter conditions. Tire chains are required to enter the park."


http://www.nps.gov/yose/news/2003/tiog1103.htm

"Yosemite National Park is open year-round. All park roads are subject to chain control or temporary closure due to hazardous winter driving conditions. Motorists must carry tire chains while traveling in the park during winter months. Chains may become mandatory at any time. The following chain control guidelines exist:
* "R-1" requires vehicles to have mud and snow tires or tire chains
* "R-2" requires vehicles to have 4-wheel drive or tire chains
* "R-3" requires all vehicles to use tire chains.

For updated 24-hour road and weather conditions for Yosemite call (209) 372-0200. For information on road conditions outside Yosemite, call Caltrans at (800) 427-7623."


Utahtea

I really don't want to put a damper on yor plans - Yosemite is glorious in the winter.

BUT - finding an 3-bedroom cabin near the Park at this late days will be a very tall task. And finding one that will rent for only 2 nights over Christmas would be even tougher.

Maybe consider going somewhere else -- Mammoth, Bear Valley, Lake Tahoe -- but even for those places it is getting awfully late.

Yes, there is snow in the valley and I should have said "the valley floor roads."