Advice requested: Yosemite in the Winter (short trip)

I'll be in the bay area for work the 2nd week of March. Having only been to Yosemite once in the late summer (and before I got into photography), I have little idea what it will look like during that time period. From the research I've done, it appears that a decent snow will make it look magical, but absent that, it might look a bit muted (and I'll be limited where I can go due to road closures).

Does anyone have any advice on what the shooting conditions normally look like in Mid-March? Do you have any recommended spots to explore during that time given that I probably can't pack snow shoes etc. with me to get into the back country?

Since it's a short trip (one night, maybe two nights) - I'd like to spend my time wisely and may just hit Big Sur again if Yosemite will be iffy.

Thanks in advance.

Scott,

There's no more magical place than Yosemite Valley after a winter snow storm. BUT, it's always a crap shoot and not so magical with bare trees, no snow on the branches and dirty, crusty snow in the meadows, and no color. The best opportunities are when you watch the weather, web cams and can get there in a moments notice. So you'll only be about 3.5 hours away where you can make that call. If the weather is clear and dry, you may just be better off driving along the coast, Monterey/Big Sur or north to Muir Woods, Pt. Reyes etc. I'm not discouraging Yosemite, but March is kind of a transitional period, not as many winter storms, yet everything is still dormant in the valley. Some benefits would be the water falls will be flowing, although certainly not at peak, crowds will be fewer, and perhaps a bonus would be the Merced River Canyon along Highway 140 between Mariposa, El Portal and the Arch Rock entrance. The canyon will be a vibrant green with moss and quite possibly the hills will be displaying poppies. It will be early for redbud, but the Merced Canyon will be much farther along in terms of spring.

So, watch the weather patterns and be prepared to go if you really want to go. Personally, I wouldn't make any lodging reservations and commit yourself because odds are there won't be snow. As far as driving conditions, by law you're required to carry chains, but in all my years of going to the valley, I've never had to use them on the valley floor, especially coming up via highway 140 where the elevation is lower and less likely to require chains on that road. hw 120 and 41 are different stories because they get above 6,000ft and chains will be required if snow.

Hope this helps. Feel free to post again when you're here for some local judgments on conditions.

Lon

I would echo Lon's comments, except to say I have been in the valley during storms several times when chains were required if you did not have 4 wheel drive. Rangers were enforcing it, too.

I think Yosemite is great, bare trees or not. Even without fresh snow, you might catch fog in the valley from Tunnel View. There are always plenty of opportunities for intimate work along the river and creeks. At that time of year, hardly anyone will be there, a joy in itself.

You may want to consider the southern entrance at that time of year. The Sequoias might be interesting even if there is not a lot of snow. Or you may want to see if you can get up to Calaveras Big Trees State Park instead of Yosemite.

Thanks all. Mind giving me some lodging suggestions?

The closest lodging to Yosemite that's not inside the park is on 140 in El Portal. Highly recommend the Yosemite View Lodge and just 5mi further away is Cedar Lodge. Reservations inside the park like Yosemite Lodge can be found [url=http://www.yosemitepark.com/lodging.aspx]here.[url] I would avoid the tent cabins in Curry Village due to recent hantavirus breakout.

If you want to go real cheap, you can probably get a room for as little as $60 in Mariposa. It's just a 45min drive to the Valley.

Have fun and good luck,

Lon