Thank you for the video. My fiance and I are heading up there for our honeymoon later this month. The information across your videos have been amazing. Also thank you for the links in the description. Definitely getting the micro spikes. The only challenging part is trying to figure out what trails are open and closed. We also hope to see the "fire fall". Again thank you, yall have a wonderful day.
Congratulations to the both of you 🙂 as far as Trails go most are open, I would recommend stopping by Tunnel view early in the morning to watch sunrise, head down to walk the short Bridalveil Falls hike, the swinging bridge and the meadows are always beautiful "good views of upper yosemite falls", lower yosemite falls hike is also a short and easy hike followed by mirror lake hike "its an easy loop" . If you're looking for more of a challenge look into "the mist trail to Vernal Falls or Nevada falls is a great option, Upper Yosemite Falls is Open but I would say it's a lot more strenuous". Safe Travels.
Awesome video! We were planning to visit Yosemite this month and weren't sure what all we could do during the winter season, but now we have a better idea. We also watched your snow chain video which was super helpful :)
There’s so many things to do, just not enough time to see it all. That’s why we keep going back, we just can’t get enough of Yosemite. We hope you guys enjoy your trip.Thanks for watching.
Thank you for making this video. I am a convention manager planning on bringing my team to Yosemite between shows and I have never been before and was a bit discouraged to see so many roads closed for the winter. Thank you for telling me about the available roads and Bus options!
Nice video! Do you know when is best time to go when the road have no snow and safe to drive but the park still have some snow so the kids can still play in the snow?
Always pay attention to the weather, I would recommend to wait 1-2 days after a snowfall. The park does a really good job at clearing the roads. Highway 140 is what I would recommend taking during the winter as it is known as "the all weather highway' its at a lower elevation. you can always call (209)372-0200 for updated road conditions in Yosemite. Safe travels😃
yes Yarts runs year round as long as the weather allows it. Highway 140 usually is better to drive through in the winter as there's less snow than on highway 41, safe travels 😄
Glad to hear you found it helpful! Yes, theres a few designated snow play areas including Goat Meadow (between Fish Camp & Mariposa Grove), there's also Badger Pass (between Mariposa Grove and Tunnel View). Both of these are close to the South entrance of the park.
Thanks for the video, very helpful. I am wanting to stay in Yosemite West and will be driving from LAX. I will not get there until 6 PM or so, do the south gates stay open or do they close to traffic at a particular time? Thanks in advance :)
Going next week I’ve been hearing there’s still winter storms happening and the glacier point, tioga and mariposa rd are closed. Is there still a lot we can see even with those 3 road closures?? Hoping the trip isn’t ruined.
Yes the weather has been unpredictable lately! It snowed yesterday, sunny today, and rain is expected tomorrow. Those roads will likely not be open next week. You can still hike up to Mariposa Grove we actually uploaded a vlog recently on how we did it. And there’s still plenty to see and do down on the valley floor: Lower or upper Yosemite falls, bridal veil falls, mirror loop trail, vernal falls, Nevada falls, there’s also a few museums and visitor centers.
Great Video! I am planning to head to Yosemite for the first time in December, but have been there before during Spring and Summer. I usually take Highway 41 from Fresno and was wondering how the drive was for you guys heading to Yosemite taking Highway 41 , since it looks like you guys took Highway 41 also. I will be taking a Tacoma 4x4 and will have snow chains, but was wondering if you guys had to use snow chains at all during your drive there. I know that snow chains are required for R3 roads on all cars with no exception, but for R2 roads a 4x4 with 4WD engaged and snow tires are okay. Thanks!
You have good taste in trucks! We have the same one. We just drove in this weekend and Highway 41 was R2 but being early on in the day we just made sure to drive extra slow 25-30mph, the ranger did recommend possibly using chains once we got closer to Glacier point turnout as the ice gets thicker there heading down to the valley. Once in the valley very few people had chains on since most of these vehicles came in through highway 140. For people that have never driven in snow/ice we would recommend Highway 140 as the roads are practically clear compared to highway 41 as we drove out this way to check the road conditions.
Hi, Great video! I am from Costa Rica, I am planning to go ont December 26th. Have you guys eer gone to Yosemite in those days? How was it? I really want to go but me and my family are scared about the conditions and the chains and everything.
@@S_Fuentes22 Hello Sebastian, yes we have gone during that time. It honestly all depends on the weather, each year is different. Right now it seems like it might be a small winter storm on the 27th. I recommend checking the weather each day because it can change. We recommend you drive in through highway 140 through the city of Merced. This road is less curvy and less likely to have snow or ice. If you're still uneasy about driving you can take a Yart bus that will drive you into the park. Once you're in the park you can use the free shuttle system to get around. Here's the link for the bus yarts.com/
@@roamingthetrails I have been looking for that bus, do you know if there are more buses inside de park? I want to go to Tunnel view and Yosemite Valley view
@@S_Fuentes22 Yes there's a free shuttle system in Yosemite Valley with various stops. I'm not sure if the shuttle can take you to Tunnel View though. For Valley View you could probably get off at stop 8 and walk to the destination. Here's a link to the shuttle map. www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/images/valleyshuttle.png
Hi, very informative video. How does one rent a car in SF as most car rental companies don't allow snow chain to be fitted on their cars? Been googling the answers but to no avail. First time going to USA from the sunny part of Australia. Thanks.
@ Thank you. I’m familiar with the road on 41, gone to Yosemite 6x but not much on snowy conditions. Been there in one icy February. Will be driving a Tacoma OR 23. Do you think there’ll be snow on 140 or maybe not as bad? Thank you. Wish me luck lol 🤞
Personally 140 has less curves than 41 and I think looks safer, however I always take 41 and just play it safe. Just make sure you have chains sometimes rangers asks to see them but I’ve only ever had to put them on my 21 OR.. take it slow and you’ll be fine, enjoy it
We're still working on that video. We weren't able to get all the footage we needed because of the recent snow storms. In the meantime you can read our blogpost of things to do/sights to see roamingthetrails.com/2022/12/20/10-things-to-do-in-yosemite-during-winter-no-hiking-required/
If you're looking for a hike you can do Vernal & Nevada Falls. Would only recommend this hike if you're an experienced hiker and if you have appropriate gear ruclips.net/user/shortsFSgFpeXmUX8?feature=share
@@ST1YUNGKEVO some of these are pretty far apart. You could use the free shuttle system in Yosemite to get around the valley and walk to the spots you want to see. Here's the route: www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/publictransportation.htm#CP_JUMP_566977
Hey guys! Thanks for your video. Questions, what´s weather like first days in november? And what do you suggest in a one-day park with small kids? Thanks!!
The weather is chilly but it doesn’t usually snow during that time. There’s many things to do depending how adventurous the kids are. Tunnel View is a good spot for pictures. You can take the kids to lower Yosemite falls, Happy Isles Nature Center, Yosemite Museum. There’s a few short hikes/trails but it depends on how active the kids are. Mariposa Grove and Glacier Point are a short drive from the Valley, you’ll just have to check the road conditions before going up there.
Hello, can you let us know if the snow is bad during christmas day? And we are planning the following trails, please let us know if they will be closed/worth it: Mist Trail to Vernal Fall Footbridge Mirror Lake Trail (Partial Hike) Valley Loop Trail (Short Section) Valley View Lower Yosemite Fall Trail Valley Loop Trail Cook's Meadow Loop
Each year it’s different, but it’s always better to prepare yourself for what you need for hiking in the snow. The trails can be very slick in the winter. We recommend heading to the ranger station in the valley or the national park website for up to date trail clausures.
Good info. Have you done camping in winter? Reservation system looks very complex! Is it too difficult to get spots for first come first serve campsites during December?
During winter it might actually be easier to score a first come first serve campsite than during other times throughout the year. I would suggest getting there early in the day. Although we haven’t camped in the winter because it’s too cold for our preference. We’ve camped other times in the park but it’s by getting reservations 3-5months in advances as it’s when the reservations open.
Hello! I’m planning on taking a trip out there mind January and will be staying out in rush creek lodge. Could you possibly recommend a good route for me who doesn’t have much experience driving in snow? I would be coming from the Los Angeles are. Thanks a bunch!
Instead of going through Fresno and taking highway 41, go through Merced and take 140. Check the weather 1-2 weeks before your trip, if it hasn’t been snowing or raining 41 should be dry and safe for you. Safe travels!
@@roamingthetrails thank you for the reply. As of now when I check maps, it suggests going through Merced route 132 to 120. If I’m correct, does route 140 turn into 120?
Yes there’s plenty of spots in Merced and Mariposa where you can either purchase or rent. I would maybe look ahead just in case they don’t have your tire size.
Hi! we are going to visit Yosemite on December 18, but I know they close a few hiking trails during winter. Is there a chance of closing the entire park if it's snowing? I'm scared that will happen! :(
Yes when the park gets heavy snow they tend to close some of the trails but the park stays open. Just make sure to stay up to date on weather conditions and possibly the need for chain installation on your vehicles. Last year with the heavy snow pack the park didn’t close but the use of chains was enforced even on 4WD vehicles. hope this helps😊
Most years it snows about the last week of Nov, first week of December but it changes, for example last year the first snow occurred by the first week of Nov. If it snows by the first week most trails are hard to hike without proper equipment such as snow crampons. Always stay up to date on weather conditions.
It’s hard to say especially since some years we’ve had snow as late as May. Even if it snows they’re good at keeping the roads clear, I would recommend taking highway 140 “Big Oak Flat” also casters route from San Fran. Always look at the weather forecast ahead of time. Hope this helps.
Excellent video guys thank you! Concise and very informative!
Thank you 😊 safe travels.
Thanks a lot! the Yarts system tip was very valuable
We’re glad it was helpful😊
Luv, luv Yosemite!!! Such a beautiful place!!!!
it really is beautiful!
Thank you for the video. My fiance and I are heading up there for our honeymoon later this month. The information across your videos have been amazing. Also thank you for the links in the description. Definitely getting the micro spikes. The only challenging part is trying to figure out what trails are open and closed. We also hope to see the "fire fall". Again thank you, yall have a wonderful day.
Congratulations to the both of you 🙂 as far as Trails go most are open, I would recommend stopping by Tunnel view early in the morning to watch sunrise, head down to walk the short Bridalveil Falls hike, the swinging bridge and the meadows are always beautiful "good views of upper yosemite falls", lower yosemite falls hike is also a short and easy hike followed by mirror lake hike "its an easy loop" . If you're looking for more of a challenge look into "the mist trail to Vernal Falls or Nevada falls is a great option, Upper Yosemite Falls is Open but I would say it's a lot more strenuous". Safe Travels.
I am planning a trip in November, thanks for all the tips!!
Safe travels 😊
You guys are great
Thank you 😊
Great video and info!
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!
Loved this 🤙
Thanks 😊
Ty for this video
Thanks for watching
Awesome video! We were planning to visit Yosemite this month and weren't sure what all we could do during the winter season, but now we have a better idea. We also watched your snow chain video which was super helpful :)
There’s so many things to do, just not enough time to see it all. That’s why we keep going back, we just can’t get enough of Yosemite. We hope you guys enjoy your trip.Thanks for watching.
Thank you for making this video. I am a convention manager planning on bringing my team to Yosemite between shows and I have never been before and was a bit discouraged to see so many roads closed for the winter. Thank you for telling me about the available roads and Bus options!
We’re glad this video was helpful to you and we wish you guys a good trip. 😊
Helpful video. Visiting early January 2025 thanks!
Thank you 😊 safe travels
0:09 thanks for making this video! where is this spot located ?
Thanks for watching! That spot was Cathedral Beach. It’s a hit or miss during winter because the road/parking lot closes often
merci beaucoup pour cette vidéo, j'habite en Belgique, et c'est un de mes rêves :)
Thank you 😊
Planning to visit Christmas week but don’t plan to drive on snow .. can you provide more information on how to take the shuttle bus ?
Hopefully your plans worked out, sorry just saw your message.
Thanks so much 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Thanks for watching
Fun video ideas!!
Thanks!
Nice video! Do you know when is best time to go when the road have no snow and safe to drive but the park still have some snow so the kids can still play in the snow?
Always pay attention to the weather, I would recommend to wait 1-2 days after a snowfall. The park does a really good job at clearing the roads. Highway 140 is what I would recommend taking during the winter as it is known as "the all weather highway' its at a lower elevation. you can always call (209)372-0200 for updated road conditions in Yosemite. Safe travels😃
Thanks for this video. So YARTS runs year-round, and Highway 140 is open? Thanks.
yes Yarts runs year round as long as the weather allows it. Highway 140 usually is better to drive through in the winter as there's less snow than on highway 41, safe travels 😄
Thanks for the great video! Lots of good info in here. By the way, is ther any good sledding spots at the yosemite area for the kids??
Glad to hear you found it helpful! Yes, theres a few designated snow play areas including Goat Meadow (between Fish Camp & Mariposa Grove), there's also Badger Pass (between Mariposa Grove and Tunnel View). Both of these are close to the South entrance of the park.
Thanks for the video, very helpful. I am wanting to stay in Yosemite West and will be driving from LAX. I will not get there until 6 PM or so, do the south gates stay open or do they close to traffic at a particular time? Thanks in advance :)
The gates don’t close so you should be fine, you probably won’t encounter a ranger at the station that late in the afternoon. Safe travels😊
Thanks for the tip! @@roamingthetrails
Going next week I’ve been hearing there’s still winter storms happening and the glacier point, tioga and mariposa rd are closed. Is there still a lot we can see even with those 3 road closures?? Hoping the trip isn’t ruined.
Yes the weather has been unpredictable lately! It snowed yesterday, sunny today, and rain is expected tomorrow. Those roads will likely not be open next week. You can still hike up to Mariposa Grove we actually uploaded a vlog recently on how we did it. And there’s still plenty to see and do down on the valley floor: Lower or upper Yosemite falls, bridal veil falls, mirror loop trail, vernal falls, Nevada falls, there’s also a few museums and visitor centers.
Great Video! I am planning to head to Yosemite for the first time in December, but have been there before during Spring and Summer. I usually take Highway 41 from Fresno and was wondering how the drive was for you guys heading to Yosemite taking Highway 41 , since it looks like you guys took Highway 41 also. I will be taking a Tacoma 4x4 and will have snow chains, but was wondering if you guys had to use snow chains at all during your drive there. I know that snow chains are required for R3 roads on all cars with no exception, but for R2 roads a 4x4 with 4WD engaged and snow tires are okay. Thanks!
You have good taste in trucks! We have the same one. We just drove in this weekend and Highway 41 was R2 but being early on in the day we just made sure to drive extra slow 25-30mph, the ranger did recommend possibly using chains once we got closer to Glacier point turnout as the ice gets thicker there heading down to the valley. Once in the valley very few people had chains on since most of these vehicles came in through highway 140. For people that have never driven in snow/ice we would recommend Highway 140 as the roads are practically clear compared to highway 41 as we drove out this way to check the road conditions.
@@roamingthetrails Thanks for the reply! Will consider Highway 140 as an alternative if I don't feel comfortable. Keep up the great work!
Hi, Great video! I am from Costa Rica, I am planning to go ont December 26th. Have you guys eer gone to Yosemite in those days? How was it? I really want to go but me and my family are scared about the conditions and the chains and everything.
What can you recommend us? Thank You
@@S_Fuentes22 Hello Sebastian, yes we have gone during that time. It honestly all depends on the weather, each year is different. Right now it seems like it might be a small winter storm on the 27th. I recommend checking the weather each day because it can change. We recommend you drive in through highway 140 through the city of Merced. This road is less curvy and less likely to have snow or ice. If you're still uneasy about driving you can take a Yart bus that will drive you into the park. Once you're in the park you can use the free shuttle system to get around. Here's the link for the bus yarts.com/
@@roamingthetrails I have been looking for that bus, do you know if there are more buses inside de park? I want to go to Tunnel view and Yosemite Valley view
I know how to buy the tickets for the yart bus but i don't know if inside the park we can find other buses
@@S_Fuentes22 Yes there's a free shuttle system in Yosemite Valley with various stops. I'm not sure if the shuttle can take you to Tunnel View though. For Valley View you could probably get off at stop 8 and walk to the destination. Here's a link to the shuttle map. www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/images/valleyshuttle.png
Hi, very informative video. How does one rent a car in SF as most car rental companies don't allow snow chain to be fitted on their cars? Been googling the answers but to no avail. First time going to USA from the sunny part of Australia. Thanks.
Honestly i would just buy the chains at walmart then return them after im done with them
We’re going tomorrow from Fresno. Is 140 the safer/easier route when it just snowed? Thanks
Yes, I encourage. You to Take Highway 140. Especially if you’re not familiar with the road on 41. Or driving in the snow.
@ Thank you. I’m familiar with the road on 41, gone to Yosemite 6x but not much on snowy conditions. Been there in one icy February. Will be driving a Tacoma OR 23.
Do you think there’ll be snow on 140 or maybe not as bad? Thank you. Wish me luck lol 🤞
I Haven’t driven on 140 though.
Personally 140 has less curves than 41 and I think looks safer, however I always take 41 and just play it safe. Just make sure you have chains sometimes rangers asks to see them but I’ve only ever had to put them on my 21 OR.. take it slow and you’ll be fine, enjoy it
Thank you. You have a good concise video.
Where’s the video on what to do at upper pine Yosemite, me and my friend is going there to camp 3 days 2 nights next week.
We're still working on that video. We weren't able to get all the footage we needed because of the recent snow storms. In the meantime you can read our blogpost of things to do/sights to see roamingthetrails.com/2022/12/20/10-things-to-do-in-yosemite-during-winter-no-hiking-required/
If you're looking for a hike you can do Vernal & Nevada Falls. Would only recommend this hike if you're an experienced hiker and if you have appropriate gear
ruclips.net/user/shortsFSgFpeXmUX8?feature=share
@@roamingthetrails these are all the places that we can walk from upper pine campgrounds?
@@ST1YUNGKEVO some of these are pretty far apart. You could use the free shuttle system in Yosemite to get around the valley and walk to the spots you want to see. Here's the route:
www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/publictransportation.htm#CP_JUMP_566977
@@roamingthetrails do I need permit for all of it ? If yes can we still get it ?
Good video. So is snow normal at Yosemite in winter?
Yes it is, this year we’ve gotten more snow than previous years
Hey guys! Thanks for your video. Questions, what´s weather like first days in november? And what do you suggest in a one-day park with small kids? Thanks!!
The weather is chilly but it doesn’t usually snow during that time. There’s many things to do depending how adventurous the kids are. Tunnel View is a good spot for pictures. You can take the kids to lower Yosemite falls, Happy Isles Nature Center, Yosemite Museum. There’s a few short hikes/trails but it depends on how active the kids are. Mariposa Grove and Glacier Point are a short drive from the Valley, you’ll just have to check the road conditions before going up there.
Hello, can you let us know if the snow is bad during christmas day? And we are planning the following trails, please let us know if they will be closed/worth it:
Mist Trail to Vernal Fall Footbridge
Mirror Lake Trail (Partial Hike)
Valley Loop Trail (Short Section)
Valley View
Lower Yosemite Fall Trail
Valley Loop Trail
Cook's Meadow Loop
Each year it’s different, but it’s always better to prepare yourself for what you need for hiking in the snow. The trails can be very slick in the winter. We recommend heading to the ranger station in the valley or the national park website for up to date trail clausures.
Good info. Have you done camping in winter? Reservation system looks very complex! Is it too difficult to get spots for first come first serve campsites during December?
During winter it might actually be easier to score a first come first serve campsite than during other times throughout the year. I would suggest getting there early in the day. Although we haven’t camped in the winter because it’s too cold for our preference. We’ve camped other times in the park but it’s by getting reservations 3-5months in advances as it’s when the reservations open.
hi, leaving los angeles. which road do you recommend? we will go in December
If you’re comfortable driving in the snow highway 41, but a safer alternative would be highway 140 as it has less elevation change
Thank you very much!
Hello! I’m planning on taking a trip out there mind January and will be staying out in rush creek lodge. Could you possibly recommend a good route for me who doesn’t have much experience driving in snow? I would be coming from the Los Angeles are. Thanks a bunch!
Instead of going through Fresno and taking highway 41, go through Merced and take 140. Check the weather 1-2 weeks before your trip, if it hasn’t been snowing or raining 41 should be dry and safe for you. Safe travels!
@@roamingthetrails thank you for the reply. As of now when I check maps, it suggests going through Merced route 132 to 120. If I’m correct, does route 140 turn into 120?
If you drive through Merced you’ll get highway 140East to Mariposa. You shouldn’t have to get on highway 120 unless you’re coming from San Francisco.
@@roamingthetrails any chance I can rent or purchase chains up there?
Yes there’s plenty of spots in Merced and Mariposa where you can either purchase or rent. I would maybe look ahead just in case they don’t have your tire size.
Hi! we are going to visit Yosemite on December 18, but I know they close a few hiking trails during winter. Is there a chance of closing the entire park if it's snowing? I'm scared that will happen! :(
Yes when the park gets heavy snow they tend to close some of the trails but the park stays open. Just make sure to stay up to date on weather conditions and possibly the need for chain installation on your vehicles. Last year with the heavy snow pack the park didn’t close but the use of chains was enforced even on 4WD vehicles. hope this helps😊
Great video. Thank you
How about December first week visit ??
I'm curious too
Most years it snows about the last week of Nov, first week of December but it changes, for example last year the first snow occurred by the first week of Nov. If it snows by the first week most trails are hard to hike without proper equipment such as snow crampons. Always stay up to date on weather conditions.
how is Yosemite in march? im scared to drive when it snows.
also which route would you recommend coming from San Fran ?>
It’s hard to say especially since some years we’ve had snow as late as May. Even if it snows they’re good at keeping the roads clear, I would recommend taking highway 140 “Big Oak Flat” also casters route from San Fran. Always look at the weather forecast ahead of time. Hope this helps.
@@roamingthetrails thank you so much
Well informative, cute couple.
✝️🔥❤️🙏👑🙌💪
Thank you for your kind comment, we appreciate it!
jeez yall sound like robots
Yup, you can tell were new to this. If you have any public speaking tips feel free to share them. thanks for watching, have a nice trip!