I love Yosemite. Even during a snowstorm, it's beautiful. It's my favorite place! I will be back there in a few weeks and sharing the advetures on my channel. 🏞
Going in Feb 1st 2025...first time even seen snow for us...I have already a hotel close to south entrance.... questions for you: chains are for sure mandatory and very likely needed early in Feb? seen some videos and looks not so easy to install, any recommendations? also, I do have gaiters just in case but don't have snow shoes, maybe worth getting some cheap ones in amazon?... planning something light honestly as this: first day getting around 1pm from San Francisco... just planning to do Mariposa Grove trail (again our hotel is very close to entrance)...the short version meaning from parking lot up to California Tunnel Tree then back... maybe not the best use of the entrance money if doing only that? second day would be to go to the actual park and see around.. have really some insecurities, how cold can it be since we are from Costa Rica...very different climate to say the least...
Hello, I have been to Costa Rica twice along the pacific side. Went to Manuel Antonio and Corcavado NP's. Loved it! California law requires all vehicles in the mountains to HAVE tires chains with them. Yosemite rangers will create checkpoints during snowfall where they will not allow you to pass unless they physically see the tire chains on your tires. You will need tire chains that are sized for your vehicle's tires. And if you are coming from out of state you may not be able to buy these in advance. Once you have your rental car you could buy some on your way to the park. I have also seen a person selling tire chains right at the ranger checkpoint. I am uncertain if that person is there all the time so I would not risk it and show up there expecting to buy chains on the spot. The kind I have I bought on Amazon. Konig THULE XG-12 PRO 245 Snow chains. I practice putting them on where the pavement is dry, so when I get up to the mountains and its snowy, wet and cold I am not struggling trying to figure it out then. It can also be helpful to have a small groundsheet (plastic tarp) to put on the ground to kneel on. Your hands will be wet and colder the longer it takes you. The Mariposa Grove busses will not be running in Feb. You can walk up the road from the main parking area or take a trail. If the conditions are nice I'd suggest doing the trail on the way up and walking back down on the road. Your National Park entrance fee is good for multiple days so its no big deal if you only come into the park for 1 thing then leave. I would not bother with snow shoes. They are bulky and heavy. Odds of there being enough fresh powder are maybe 50%. I'd suggest having some Micro-Spikes instead and waterproof gaiters that come up to the knee. Even if there ends up being fresh powder you should still be OK trekking thru it with that setup. More than likely there will be packed snow or icy spots the spikes will keep you upright. I often see people in Yosemite in winter wearing shorts and it shocks me. I assume they are from LA and dont know how to look up the weather. Please please dont be that person! lol. Have several layers of bottoms and tops. More thinner layers is better than 1 really thick bulky layer. My ears always get cold first so I have a thermal headband that I wear when I am active. I'd also suggest at least 2 pairs of gloves. Something thin and light. And something that could layer over that like a mitten. If you forget something, the Yosemite Valley main store does have some items like this to buy onsite but best to have everything before because that isnt guaranteed. I hope you have fun in Yosemite in winter! I love it there that time of year. It can be magical with the snow on the pine trees and white blanket everywhere.
@@MountainsCallingMe thanks a lot and pura vida for all the extra tips mae! glad you had the chance to visit our small land and you enjoy it! highly recomend to consider Bajos del Toro area or San Gerardo de Dota area next time! bet you would enjoy that too...or even Chirripo hiking. close to the dates I will check if this winter will be as extreme as in your video..hope not! my family went to Yosemite this past January late and were nice conditions and did not snow at, guess is true is truly unpredictable...you were there late February? thansk for the tips about the chains and I have put a note to myself to remember bringing gloves if I need to install them + something for the knees too!
I want to come later this month but I don’t have snow chains…now I’m wondering if I should just stop at Utah instead of trying to drive all the way to Cali.
Snow chains are really only needed when there is unplowed snow on the roadway or if its packed snow covering the road. As soon as they clean up the roads chains arent needed. But if there is snow you'll be glad you have them But that said its difficult to say if there might be additional snow later this month. There is an atmospheric river hitting CA right now and more storms forecast for next week. Current storm is warm so the lower elevations like Yosemite Valley are getting rain right now. :( There might be flooding. There is more weather incoming next week. Keep an eye on forecasts and leave your options open. Depending on what you want to do there things could still be a mess and certain trails may be closed/unhikable. The waterfalls should be spectacular this spring! I have several trips planned to Yosemite in April, May & June. :)
Wow! Twenty inches of snow. I live in the Ridge and Valley mountains very near The Blue Ridge. Love it. I am a professional artist and I share my paintings and demos here. So much to see and hear on RUclips. Cheers on a Thursday!
Thanks for your comment. Since the day Yosemite closed 15ft of additional snow has fallen. And another atmospheric river is hitting CA starting today. Gonna make for some amazing waterfalls in Spring! My schedule over the coming months is stacked with trips to Yosemite. It is my favorite place. I was in your area last October hitting National Parks. The Blue Ridge Mountains were interesting and beautiful to drive through. Happy Thursday 😃
I have a trip to Yosemite planned for April 6-10. Do you think the main popular trails (upper Yosemite, mist trail, vernal and nevada falls, etc.) will be easily accessible for beginner hikers? Will the shuttle be operating? Not sure if it is worth coming or pushing the trip back. Thanks!
If there is no new storms between now and then its likely things will start to return to normal in Yosemite. The shuttle was actually runming during the blizzard. I expect it will be running if park is open. The Yosemite Falls trail is exposed to sun so it should be ok by then. The Mist Trail is more shaded and will still be covered in snow. Further up its probably dangerous especially for beginners. There is a road behind the Happy Isles Nature Center. If u walk up that road it leads to a trail and some bridges over Illilouette Creek. Its very pretty and usually no one there cuz its a secret. If Mist Trail is closed check that out. Best of luck with your trip. My next trip back is April 27. 😃
I was actually thinking about that right after hitting SEND... I live on CA coast straight west of Yosemite and we have had hard rain since yesterday evening. Raining hard right now. My power is out since 2pm yesterday from 80mph winds. I would think this current storm is bringing snow to higher elevations but likely rain in the Valley floor. I just looked at NPS Yosemite webcams and it looks partly sunning at the moment. And the meadow in front of Half Dome has some bare spots. If these temps hold this may just be bringing rain to the Valley floor. The Yosemite Falls trail probly would be hikable but the Mist Trail probly has lots of snow and ice. Could also be falling rocks towards the stairs to Vernal Fall. I wish I could tell more better answers. I have had good luck calling the information line and speaking to a ranger when I couldnt find answers to something on nps.gov/yose
@@MountainsCallingMe thanks, I’ve been closely checking for updates and have been trying to contact a park ranger, but it a recording states each day that no one will be available to pick up calls.
@@aakash1120 Another great source of breaking news and information is the Yosemite Twitter page. They seem to post much more frequently than Facebook. Check it out. twitter.com/YosemiteNPS
@@MountainsCallingMe reason I ask because I seen a lot of vans and didn’t know if someone could get away with parking over night. We were there last week before they closed the park. Absolutely my favorite park so far.
It depends. On busy weekends I have seen rangers going around to vans parking in Yosemite Lodge parking lot knocking on them. Parking at a trailhead is a better way to avoid trouble and of corse black out windows, park late and leave early..etc. I am here in Yosemite now and stealth camped on sunday because my campground reservation was canceled 1nt due to the flooding closure. Ive been to 54 national parks and Yosemite is my favorite too! I never get tired of coming here. (On my 25th visit now) 💙🏞
LOVE this!!! Yo if you get to the east coast, look KathyW's and zi up and we can grab some food!!! HMU if you'd like to use some of my #piano music from #soundcloud on a video! Life after 0kta amiRite!
@@MountainsCallingMe Just send me a DM or I'll just to host some stuff on #soundcloud and OSS it, or what ever the musical equivalent is (creative commons?). Nice set of chains you've got, van looks LEGIT!!!!! Can't wait to see more!
What is your favorite thing to do in Yosemite? Tell me about it.
Whooo this is so beautiful
I love Yosemite. Even during a snowstorm, it's beautiful. It's my favorite place! I will be back there in a few weeks and sharing the advetures on my channel. 🏞
thats a pretty cool experience!
Yes, it was awesome! Thanks for your comment.
Going in Feb 1st 2025...first time even seen snow for us...I have already a hotel close to south entrance.... questions for you: chains are for sure mandatory and very likely needed early in Feb? seen some videos and looks not so easy to install, any recommendations? also, I do have gaiters just in case but don't have snow shoes, maybe worth getting some cheap ones in amazon?... planning something light honestly as this:
first day getting around 1pm from San Francisco... just planning to do Mariposa Grove trail (again our hotel is very close to entrance)...the short version meaning from parking lot up to California Tunnel Tree then back... maybe not the best use of the entrance money if doing only that?
second day would be to go to the actual park and see around..
have really some insecurities, how cold can it be since we are from Costa Rica...very different climate to say the least...
Hello, I have been to Costa Rica twice along the pacific side. Went to Manuel Antonio and Corcavado NP's. Loved it!
California law requires all vehicles in the mountains to HAVE tires chains with them.
Yosemite rangers will create checkpoints during snowfall where they will not allow you to pass unless they physically see the tire chains on your tires.
You will need tire chains that are sized for your vehicle's tires. And if you are coming from out of state you may not be able to buy these in advance. Once you have your rental car you could buy some on your way to the park. I have also seen a person selling tire chains right at the ranger checkpoint. I am uncertain if that person is there all the time so I would not risk it and show up there expecting to buy chains on the spot.
The kind I have I bought on Amazon. Konig THULE XG-12 PRO 245 Snow chains. I practice putting them on where the pavement is dry, so when I get up to the mountains and its snowy, wet and cold I am not struggling trying to figure it out then. It can also be helpful to have a small groundsheet (plastic tarp) to put on the ground to kneel on. Your hands will be wet and colder the longer it takes you.
The Mariposa Grove busses will not be running in Feb. You can walk up the road from the main parking area or take a trail. If the conditions are nice I'd suggest doing the trail on the way up and walking back down on the road.
Your National Park entrance fee is good for multiple days so its no big deal if you only come into the park for 1 thing then leave.
I would not bother with snow shoes. They are bulky and heavy. Odds of there being enough fresh powder are maybe 50%. I'd suggest having some Micro-Spikes instead and waterproof gaiters that come up to the knee. Even if there ends up being fresh powder you should still be OK trekking thru it with that setup. More than likely there will be packed snow or icy spots the spikes will keep you upright.
I often see people in Yosemite in winter wearing shorts and it shocks me. I assume they are from LA and dont know how to look up the weather. Please please dont be that person! lol. Have several layers of bottoms and tops. More thinner layers is better than 1 really thick bulky layer. My ears always get cold first so I have a thermal headband that I wear when I am active. I'd also suggest at least 2 pairs of gloves. Something thin and light. And something that could layer over that like a mitten. If you forget something, the Yosemite Valley main store does have some items like this to buy onsite but best to have everything before because that isnt guaranteed.
I hope you have fun in Yosemite in winter! I love it there that time of year. It can be magical with the snow on the pine trees and white blanket everywhere.
@@MountainsCallingMe thanks a lot and pura vida for all the extra tips mae! glad you had the chance to visit our small land and you enjoy it! highly recomend to consider Bajos del Toro area or San Gerardo de Dota area next time! bet you would enjoy that too...or even Chirripo hiking.
close to the dates I will check if this winter will be as extreme as in your video..hope not! my family went to Yosemite this past January late and were nice conditions and did not snow at, guess is true is truly unpredictable...you were there late February?
thansk for the tips about the chains and I have put a note to myself to remember bringing gloves if I need to install them + something for the knees too!
I want to come later this month but I don’t have snow chains…now I’m wondering if I should just stop at Utah instead of trying to drive all the way to Cali.
Snow chains are really only needed when there is unplowed snow on the roadway or if its packed snow covering the road. As soon as they clean up the roads chains arent needed. But if there is snow you'll be glad you have them
But that said its difficult to say if there might be additional snow later this month. There is an atmospheric river hitting CA right now and more storms forecast for next week. Current storm is warm so the lower elevations like Yosemite Valley are getting rain right now. :( There might be flooding.
There is more weather incoming next week. Keep an eye on forecasts and leave your options open. Depending on what you want to do there things could still be a mess and certain trails may be closed/unhikable.
The waterfalls should be spectacular this spring! I have several trips planned to Yosemite in April, May & June. :)
@@MountainsCallingMe Thank you for the information! I’m definitely keeping me options open. Much appreciated!
Wow! Twenty inches of snow. I live in the Ridge and Valley mountains very near The Blue Ridge. Love it. I am a professional artist and I share my paintings and demos here. So much to see and hear on RUclips. Cheers on a Thursday!
Thanks for your comment. Since the day Yosemite closed 15ft of additional snow has fallen. And another atmospheric river is hitting CA starting today. Gonna make for some amazing waterfalls in Spring! My schedule over the coming months is stacked with trips to Yosemite. It is my favorite place. I was in your area last October hitting National Parks. The Blue Ridge Mountains were interesting and beautiful to drive through. Happy Thursday 😃
Welcome and glad you made it to the wonderful Blue Ridge! Hope you can stop by my channel sometime!
Great artwork!
Thank you!
I have a trip to Yosemite planned for April 6-10. Do you think the main popular trails (upper Yosemite, mist trail, vernal and nevada falls, etc.) will be easily accessible for beginner hikers? Will the shuttle be operating? Not sure if it is worth coming or pushing the trip back. Thanks!
If there is no new storms between now and then its likely things will start to return to normal in Yosemite. The shuttle was actually runming during the blizzard. I expect it will be running if park is open.
The Yosemite Falls trail is exposed to sun so it should be ok by then. The Mist Trail is more shaded and will still be covered in snow. Further up its probably dangerous especially for beginners. There is a road behind the Happy Isles Nature Center. If u walk up that road it leads to a trail and some bridges over Illilouette Creek. Its very pretty and usually no one there cuz its a secret. If Mist Trail is closed check that out. Best of luck with your trip. My next trip back is April 27. 😃
@@MountainsCallingMe what about with the snow currently falling through tomorrow with a little bit more expected end of week?
I was actually thinking about that right after hitting SEND... I live on CA coast straight west of Yosemite and we have had hard rain since yesterday evening. Raining hard right now. My power is out since 2pm yesterday from 80mph winds. I would think this current storm is bringing snow to higher elevations but likely rain in the Valley floor.
I just looked at NPS Yosemite webcams and it looks partly sunning at the moment. And the meadow in front of Half Dome has some bare spots.
If these temps hold this may just be bringing rain to the Valley floor. The Yosemite Falls trail probly would be hikable but the Mist Trail probly has lots of snow and ice. Could also be falling rocks towards the stairs to Vernal Fall.
I wish I could tell more better answers. I have had good luck calling the information line and speaking to a ranger when I couldnt find answers to something on nps.gov/yose
@@MountainsCallingMe thanks, I’ve been closely checking for updates and have been trying to contact a park ranger, but it a recording states each day that no one will be available to pick up calls.
@@aakash1120 Another great source of breaking news and information is the Yosemite Twitter page. They seem to post much more frequently than Facebook. Check it out. twitter.com/YosemiteNPS
I have a question did you stealth camp with in the park or where you at a campground.
One night outside the park then was in a campground.
@@MountainsCallingMe reason I ask because I seen a lot of vans and didn’t know if someone could get away with parking over night. We were there last week before they closed the park. Absolutely my favorite park so far.
It depends. On busy weekends I have seen rangers going around to vans parking in Yosemite Lodge parking lot knocking on them. Parking at a trailhead is a better way to avoid trouble and of corse black out windows, park late and leave early..etc. I am here in Yosemite now and stealth camped on sunday because my campground reservation was canceled 1nt due to the flooding closure.
Ive been to 54 national parks and Yosemite is my favorite too! I never get tired of coming here. (On my 25th visit now) 💙🏞
LOVE this!!! Yo if you get to the east coast, look KathyW's and zi up and we can grab some food!!! HMU if you'd like to use some of my #piano music from #soundcloud on a video! Life after 0kta amiRite!
Thanks for your comment. I might take you up on that. Finding good non-copyright music is difficult. I will check out your soundcloud.🎶
@@MountainsCallingMe Just send me a DM or I'll just to host some stuff on #soundcloud and OSS it, or what ever the musical equivalent is (creative commons?). Nice set of chains you've got, van looks LEGIT!!!!! Can't wait to see more!