Yosamite open in Jan/Feb???
 

Hi<BR><BR>Will be visiting friends in San Francisco in Jan/Feb and am told by pople who have visited the area that Yosamite National Park is wonderful. Trouble is, they went in the summer, and they're not sure it'll be open in the winter..<BR><BR>Can you help?<BR><BR>Many thanks<BR><BR>Sonia

The www.nps.gov website says the part is open 365 days a year.

Sonia,<BR><BR>Yosemite National Park is open all year round. There are a few sections that are closed in the winter like Tioga Pass and Glacier Point but the beautiful valley where most of the waterfalls are is open all year.<BR><BR>If you go in the winter you will need to carry snow chains. It is required by the park. <BR><BR>Utahtea

Note this conumdrum: tire chains are required to drive into the Park. However, most rental car companies will not allow you to put chains on the tires of their car. So you would have to get to Park in someone's private car. Talk to your friends in SF about taking a trip to Yosemite while you are there. They may not need much incentive!

We've never been in Yosemite in the winter, but I've heard it is magical. There are special weekends, with famous chefs at the Ahwanhee. Can't speak to the chains dilemma since we live nearby and drive our own 4 wheel drive. There is a special dinner at the Ahwanhee that is by lottery only, that's how popular the place is in winter.

We were there in Feb right after a big snowstorm about 8-10 yrs ago in a rental car. They let us in with no chains. It was awesome! We rented x-country skis and cruised around the backcountry. Everything was covered with snow but it wasn't real cold. There were no crowds and we were able to rent a rustic cabin in the park with no advance reservations. It was a great trip!