I would like to plan a weekend trip to Yosemite with my boys and for those of you who have experience there in winter and with accomodations there, I'd appreciate some input. I've been to Yosemite more times than I can count and am almost embarrased to admit that I haven't yet taken my kids!

Here's my plan: To leave the Central Coast at 2Pm on a Friday and drive to Tenaya Lodge for the first night. We'd get there no later than 8 pm or so if we have a long dinner and also stop for s' more fixins! That first night we'd just play games or whatever and head to the valley in the morning for tram rides, short hikes and maybe a bit of snow play and ice skating.

Would stay at Yosemite Lodge for the second night and leave at 8 am to drive out the other entrance, into Merced as we'll attend my Grandma's 99th birthday party at noon.

I drive a Tahoe and know to carry chains... I've just never put them on by myself. Frankly, I cant see myself laying under the car with three small boys inside to put them on either. (Im NOT trying to sound like a princess... it's just more than I would want to take on.) So if its snowing and chains are required, is there a business, like a service station, that puts them on for you? Do good ole boys hang out by the side of the road offering to help? ( I would certainly pay them... this happens often here when people get stuck in the dunes at Pismo Beach.)

Im just trying to determine if this is feasible or not !

Advice and any recommendations appreciated!

TIA!

Not to worry - chains are required, chain monkeys (installers) will be there to install/remove chains.

I can, and usually do, put the chains on myself - It isn't that hard - you can do a dry run to practice. But if you just can't or don't want to, pay those guys to do it for you.

I will do a dry run at home...no problem with that. I was just concerned about putting them on in the dark on my own, really. I've already printed out all of the instructions! I'm just trying to be smart and not bite off more than I can chew!

Thanks for the encouragement!

If your driving after dark, just be careful of black ice!

Utahtea

Carry some cash and be prepared to pay someone to do it for you. The last I heard was that the guys at the side of the road charge $30. It seems very worth it to stay warm inside the car and not be frustrated.

We were in a 4 wheel drive in Sequoia last winter and they didn't require chains if you were in a 4 wheel drive. All other vehicles required chains. There was a crew there installing the chains and I think it would be will worth the money to let them do it. I am sure they are faster and get them on correctly. There was a service station that rented chains as well. Had we needed to install the chains, I didn't know if I was supposed to "tip" the people or not. I assume this is exactly the same.

onemoneygirl, You don't mention seeing the Maripossa Grove. I assume that this can be seen in the winter and I think that would surely impress your kids.

utahtea: That;s exactly why Im staying at Tenaya Lodge the first night instead of driving all the way to the valley that night. I will have been on the road for several hours and it will be dark.

spirobulldog: Thanks for the reminder! Yes, they will love the trees!