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Cbbi Sep 20th, 2007 03:04 PM

Yosemite in November
 
We are taking our first trip to California at the end of Nov - flying into San Francisco. One week in San Francisco area and a drive down the coast to Los Angeles for a week there. My big question is should we try to get to Yosemite? We will have a rental car but don't want to drive with snow chains and I've read the weather is unpredictable during the end of November so hiking might be limited. I do want to visit Yosemite but I'm thinking it would be wiser to wait for a trip just to Yosemite in the spring. Am I right? Or am I blowing the snow worry out of proportion? Thanks in advance for any advice.

J_Correa Sep 20th, 2007 03:20 PM

With the exception of the problem with a rental car and chains, I would go. The different seasons each have their own beauty. The valley is only at 4000 ft elevation, which doesn't get a ton of snow and November is still early for snow anyway (although there is some forecast at higher elevations THIS weekend - so who the heck can predict - LOL).

Otis_B_Driftwood Sep 20th, 2007 06:00 PM

Yosemite is beautiful in late November. Rarely are chains needed that early in the season but it can happen. We've had some strange weather the past few years including this one.

The one drawback to that time of year is the lack of sunlight in the canyon. Yes, Yosemite is more like a canyon than a valley and the sun shines for only a few hours a day in many areas. However, if you hike on the north side say up to Upper Yosemite Falls, there is considerably more sunlight and usually the trail is not covered in snow for the season until December. But, there is no guarantee.

There is a guarantee of some interesting wine and food at the Ahwhanee though because it's in November and early December that they have their Vintners Holidays events.

See their webite:

http://www.yosemitepark.com/SpecialE...sHolidays.aspx

I've attended some of these events in the past and they are excellent.


jamesr3939 Sep 20th, 2007 06:50 PM

I would try it. As is pointed out this side of the Sierra's doesn't get that much snow to keep you out of the valley/canyon.

You can even drive that way (Hwy 120) and if the roads get bad, closed, or you just change your mind you can hit Hwy 99 within an hour at the most and be on your way south to LA without the loss of much time out of your way.


Cbbi Sep 28th, 2007 06:24 PM

Thank you for the replies. Also thanks for the website link. Following your replies I called to make a reservation. Also appreciate the route suggestion for a way out in case the weather does not cooperate.


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