Yosemite National Park Warning or Danger Tips by karenincalifornia

For many years, we have driven our 4WD all over the Sierras in the worst winter conditions and have never needed or been required to put on chains. However, it is a different story when you get to Yosemite after a snowstorm.

As we approached the Park, we noticed a very long backup of traffic. It was all due to the chain control. I have the deepest respect for our Park Rangers, but they were under some weird mandate. The signs approaching the Park said "4 wheel drive ok", but the sign was apparently meaningless, because the Ranger said we could not go into the park without chains. We were told we could purchase chains from the chain installer in the parking lot for $60 and he would install them for another $25. If we didn't do this, we would have to drive back to Mariposa (1 hour) or possibly Merced (1-1/2 hours) to look for chains. Then we would have to wait in the long line again to get into the park.

Well, Murphy's law. As soon as it was our turn to buy chains, the guy was all out. At this point, driving to Mariposa or Merced was not attractive. So, instead we slunk out of the parking lot and drove on to our hotel in the Park. Miracle of miracles, the roads were completely plowed and sanded, the weather was sunny, the roads are flat and we never slid once.

Next time, however, we will bring chains. We didn't particularly like setting the example of scofflaws in front of our young impressionable teenagers, who no doubt will turn to a life of crime because of this experience.

Leave a Comment

It never fails. Despite the preponderance of warning signs and barriers all around Lower Yosemite Falls, we never fail to see people climbing all over the boulders at the bottom of the falls, even in the winter. This year was no exception, people were still trying to get as close to the falls as possible, even though the boulders were covered with ice and snow. Not my cup of tea.

Leave a Comment