Yosemite Questions

I will be in the eastern Sierras the first week of November. I would like to spend two days in Yosemite. Per the AAA guide and maps I have become confused if Yosemite is open. On maps some roads say "Closed Winter".

I also have come across information the park is open May through September. Or, May through October. And, it was written the roads are open year round depending on the weather. To make matters worse I read a shuttle is available coming in from the east side which is the side I am coming in from. Does this mean cars are not permitted?

Can anyone shed some light on this for me. I will be coming from the east side and would like to get over to Yosemite Village. Is this as simple as if the roads are clear and weather cooperative, I can drive to Yosemite Village.

I appreciate any information provided.

Inayat Noor

The direct road from the east will most likely be closed by November.
But here's some info from the source; http://www.nps.gov/yose/

You're a little confused between whether the park is open and whether you'll be able to get there from the east. They are different things. The park is open all year AFAIK. But they close the Tioga Pass and many other routes across the Sierras at the first serious snow and they are closed until late spring early summer depending on how much snow and how easy it is to clear.

I don't think I'd want to plan on being able to access Yosemite from the east in November. There are likely to be passes open further north but its a long drive around from Lee Vining to Yosemite that way.

And then you have to recognise that the park being open and all the roads to sights inside the park being open are different things. You are much more likely to be able to drive round the valley than to access Glacier Point for example. If you're content with that and you're prepared to take a very long drive across or round the Sierras, fair enough. But no-one can promise you now what conditions will be like and what you'll be able to do.

I don't remember the park (as distinct from the passes) ever closing when I lived in California -- but then, I lived south of the park, and drove in the easy way, and besides, I left California in '92. A 'Golden Eagle' pass (as it then was) works out as a bargain across a year if you visit national parks at all often.

Hint: go more than 100 yards/metres from the car parks, and the density of people drops by 90-99 per cent.

Cheers,

Roger

I learned the hard way once that it's a very long drive around the Sierras. You can't count on the pases being open even in October. Be willing to abort your Yosemite plans if the weather doesn't cooperate. Being in Yosemite and having to get back to your return flight on the east side wouldn't be much better, either. Oh, and don't forget the chains. Don't ask me how I know.

It varies from year to year, but Tioga Pass, the road between Lee Vining (adjacent to Mono Lake on the East flank of the Sierra) and Crane Flat (the junction of Highway 120 and Big Oak Flat Road in Yosemite) typically closes for the winter following the first major snowstorm of November. But, since that road climbs to nearly 10,000 feet in elevation at the park boundary, it can close short periods even in summer due to snow.

Yosemite Valley and Wawona are open year-round and accessible via three roads: Highway 120 from Groveland, 140 from Mariposa and 41 from Oakhurst.

Yosemite Valley is at 4,000 feet in elevation, and while it can have snow in October and November, it usually doesn't last long. But while it is snowing and for chilly periods following the storms, conditions can trigger chain controls, ie. you need a set of chains to be granted access to the park.

Of the three roads open year-round, Highway 140 is considered the All-Year Highway because it doesn't climb above 3,000 feet before reaching Yosemite Valley, though it currently has a size and weight limit due to a detour around a rockfall that happened last year.

The pros: It is gorgeous in Yosemite Valley in late October and early November, which is when the foliage peaks. Snow can make things even prettier.

The cons: It is a long drive from the East side that time of year. 5 to 8 hours depending on where you start and which route over the Sierra you take. You may have to go as far north as Tahoe, or south to Bakersfield to make the east-west trip over the mountains.

The only problem with Yosemite is all the other Ansel Adams wannabes standing in your field of view.

The only problem with Yosemite is all the other Ansel Adams wannabes standing in your field of view.

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A summer visit might lead to this feeling, however, October through March the number of travelers drops off radically. With children back in school, the type of visitor changes, and the pace of the place slackens like the waterfalls. Weekdays are especially nice.

kswatapug said:

A summer visit might lead to this feeling, however, October through March the number of travelers drops off radically. With children back in school, the type of visitor changes, and the pace of the place slackens like the waterfalls. Weekdays are especially nice.

Click to expand...

Here in Canada at such parks as Banff and Jasper most visitor servces and campgrounds close on Labour day. Fishing is also not allowed. Is this the case in Yosemite?

The park is open year-round. There are restrictions on fishing certain parts of the river, and it is barbless hooks, catch and release for native rainbow (they aren't concerned about the non-native browns) and the season runs from the last Saturday in April until November 15. There is also a 2-mile section of the river in El Portal that is designated for year-round fishing.

The higher elevation campgrounds close for the winter, as do some others in Yosemite Valley, but Upper Pines is open year-round in the Valley. Mind you, there are no hook-ups at any Yosemite campgrounds. Stricly a pad, table, fire ring and bear box.

Overall, the number of services available and hours of operation contracts in winter to reflect the reduced visitation, but The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Lodge and Curry Village are open, often with reduced rates, especially mid-week.

Outside Yosemite Valley (Wawona), the campground is open, as is the Wawona Hotel. To check specifics, prices, availibility etc., you can visit www.yosemitepark.com (the hotels, restaurants, activities) and www.nps.gov/yose (National Park Service) for general info such as campgrounds and regulations. It really is a wonderful time to visit.

Thanks for the information. I need a fall vacation this year.