murrayandlorna

hi,were going to yosemite for two days at the end of this month,does the park have a requirement for us to take snow chains?
know any good day hikes that will be clear of snow/open, walking out from the valley?

Patty

I think if there's been a recent storm or if they're expecting snow, they'll require that you have chains to enter the park. I would carry them just to be safe. Depending on where you buy, you may be able to return the chains if you don't end up using them.

utahtea

This is from the offical Yosemite Web site:

If you are planning on driving your own vehicle into the park anytime from October through April, it is a good idea--and often required--that you carry tire chains. Chains can be rented or purchased in the communities of Oakhurst (Highway 41), Mariposa (Highway 140), and Groveland (Highway 120) just outside the park.

The chances are slim that you will need chains but I would keep an eye on the weather.

Here is a link to the parks Newspaper for March 2 - April 5th.

http://www.nps.gov/yose/now/pdfs/yt04-3.pdf

The waterfalls should be beautiful, but your guess is as good as mine what the weather will be like. It could be like this week be in the high 70's or it could be snowing.

Utahtea

utahtea

Be carefull when you buy chains. Places like Wal Mart DO NOT let you return chains EVEN if the box wasn't opened! You might be better off renting them if needed.

Utahtea

Patty

Last season a friend of mine bought tire chains from Pep Boys and was able to return them. He actually had to return them twice, once because they didn't fit, and the second time because he never needed to use them. Not sure if this is store policy or he just lucked out, so definitely check first. We were headed up to Big Bear after a storm and the chain requirement was lifted just an hour before before we got on the road. I have a pair of quick fit chains and I always carry them whenever I head up to the mountains in the winter.