Yosemite in March?
 

Would it be worth a visit in March, considering how much of the park might be closed by snow? (We'd be flying from the Northeast, and this would be our first visit to the park) Would four nights be too much? Anything else that would be worth doing within driving distance of Fresno? Thanks.

In March, the high country will be closed, but there is plenty to see in the valley. You might have some inclement weather, but it should be ok. It isn't high summer season, so you wont have the crowds that you would in the summer time.

Four nights is great for some, too much for others. It just depends on how much you want to hike and wander around, how much you like to relax versus be on the go. For some, seeing the sights from the car as they drive around is enough.

I've stayed 4 nights in Yosemite valley and loved every minute of it. Having that much time, you can really relax and appreciate the area. I've been to Yosemite 4 times, and each time the high country was closed - still found plenty to do.

March wouldn't be my preference for a first visit to Yosemite, but if it fit with other plans, I would consider it. Weather could range from cool and sunny to pouring rain or dumping snow. Trails would likely be somewhat muddy in the valley (and impassable in the high country).

I assume you are flying in and out of Fresno. We did the same a couple of years ago. It took about an hour and a half to get to Yosemite Valley (north). We came back through Fresno and it took about an hour and a half (east) to get to Grant's Grove in Kings Canyon. I couldn't find anything else that was worth it to us around Fresno. I also don't know what is open in March in the Sequoia/Kings Canyon Parks. IMO it would be worth it to see Yosemite (4 nights there at that time of year would be too much for us -- we spent 5 nights and could have stayed longer, but 3 days were spent doing things that won't be open when you are there.)

The falls will be running and that alone is worth the price of admission...for me.

I've been to the Valley in March 4 times and I've had a little bit of everything; rain, snow, cold and sun. I've gone for walks in the rain and the snow in the Valley and while it is not optimal, it was an amazing experience to watch the clouds and mist ebb and flow revealing, then concealing the valley walls. Another of my favorite Yosemite memories is sitting by one of the colossal fireplaces in the Ahwahnee Hotel's gathering room looking at the snow falling with the snow covered Half Dome in the background. Amazing. Do you have lodging in the park?

-Bill

Thanks for the information. If we went, we'd stay in the Yosemite Lodge in the park. We're considering driving from LA. I understand that takes about 5 hours. Does anyone have experience with that?

Thanks again.

I haven't driven from LA to Yosemite, but I have driven all of the roads that you will take. I-5 from LA up the central valley is not very exciting, but you can drive fast - you come up over the Grapevine through some mountains, then come into the central valley which is largely agricultural. You will leave I-5 and head east to go up into the mountains.

You can enter Yosemite from 3 entrances - I would recommend the south entrance on Hwy 41 - so you cut over to Hwy 99 from I-5 and then head up Hwy 41. This will take you into the park past the Mariposa redwood grove and then down into the valley - passing the tunnel view vista point.

Tunnel view was my first view of Yosemite valley and I highly recommend it. You come out of a tunnel and BAM - the entire valley is in front of you. There is a spot to pull over and get out of the car.

There isn't a lot of interest along the route, although once you hit Hwy 41 it starts to get scenic. So I would plan to drive straight through, stopping only for breaks as you need them.

Yes 5 hours is about right. Depending on conditions you may need to be careful about black ice on the road int the valley but I don't know if chains are required. Check the Yosemite park website when time is near. Definitely stay in the Valley.