Posted by Anne K. Rusk on July 21, 2014 at 5:37 PM
Hello!
I am an RMNP member and plan to be in Carmel for the week of Thanksgiving. We are thinking of spending one night in Yosemite just to check it out for a future trip and had a quick question about the weather. Generally speaking, do you know if the valley receives much snow by then? Does the snow melt/evaporate off roads quickly? We are from Denver so snow is not so much of an issue, except that we'll be in a rental car and chains are required, from what I've read. I also know that it is hard to say what the weather will do. In Denver, most Thanksgivings are snow-less, but we have had a handful of monster storms roll through in the past many years. I am just trying to decide if I pick a day and reserve a place to stay or I make a day trip out of it as the weather allows. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!!
I would say you stand a real good chance of being snow-less at Thanksgiving in Yosemite. It is a little early and the elevation is fairly low. It is not unheard of, but not too common that early in the season to get a big storm come through.
It is a long trip from Carmel. I suspect you would enjoy it far more to stay the night. It would be a long, long and tiring day trip.
Posted by Lon Overacker on July 22, 2014 at 11:48 PM
Anne, I agree with Harley that it's not likely to have snow at Thanksgiving. However, I wouldn't be willing to lay down any money on it. We've been hitting the valley at the very beginning of November for a number of years now and were snowed on Nov 6, 2011. Weather is always unpredictable. Having said that, if it were me, I wouldn't hesitate to make the trip. If snow, it's very unlikely the valley would require chains; and your best route in to the park to avoid elevation is Highway 140. If snow, chains likely required if you leave the valley up 120 or 41 towards Wawona. Stick to the valley and you should be fine.
Of course by Thanksgiving, most of any fall color will have run it's course, although there still should be some black oak leaves hanging on. The only chance of seeing water in the falls is if there are any storms prior to your visit. We did have water flowing on that trip mentioned above.
Being that Yosemite is what it is, there are photographic opportunities everywhere, all the time, any time of the year. Early morning photo ops in the meadows are great as there is typically ground fog for a few hours in the morning before the sun creeps over the valley wall.
If you can't get lodging within the park, I would highly recommend the Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal. It's literally right outside the border of the park and only 20min ride to the valley proper. River view rooms - awesome. In the park, personally, I still avoid tent cabins due to the hanta virus. I don't think any reported cases recently, but a problem as recent as 2 yrs ago.
Hope this helps. Be sure and report back if you go.
I have spent a number of Thanksgiving weeks in Yosemite Valley. Before Wednesday night it is often possible to get a room (if not in the valley at least at the Wawona) in the park and the valley is less crowded. I have experienced all types of weather during this time period . There usually isn't snow, but one year we had snow on the ground the whole week. It is supposed to be an El Nino year so anything is possible. You should have either chains or 4 wheel drive as that could be required. There is always plenty to see and photograph regardless of weather.
Posted by Anne K. Rusk on July 23, 2014 at 11:16 AM
Thank you, everyone! That sounds like what I was expecting so it makes me feel a lot better to book a room (there are still plenty available at the Lodge at the Falls--thanks for the info on the cabins!). My husband has never seen Yosemite, so this is a scouting trip for making a longer pilgrimage during more photogenic times. We will have chains with us in case, although I've never used them! That is a great image, Lon, and makes me want to get there even more! We'll keep our eye on the weather, but will most likely be there the Tuesday before Thanksgiving! I can't thank you all enough!
Discussion
4 repliesI am an RMNP member and plan to be in Carmel for the week of Thanksgiving. We are thinking of spending one night in Yosemite just to check it out for a future trip and had a quick question about the weather. Generally speaking, do you know if the valley receives much snow by then? Does the snow melt/evaporate off roads quickly? We are from Denver so snow is not so much of an issue, except that we'll be in a rental car and chains are required, from what I've read. I also know that it is hard to say what the weather will do. In Denver, most Thanksgivings are snow-less, but we have had a handful of monster storms roll through in the past many years. I am just trying to decide if I pick a day and reserve a place to stay or I make a day trip out of it as the weather allows. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!!
It is a long trip from Carmel. I suspect you would enjoy it far more to stay the night. It would be a long, long and tiring day trip.
Of course by Thanksgiving, most of any fall color will have run it's course, although there still should be some black oak leaves hanging on. The only chance of seeing water in the falls is if there are any storms prior to your visit. We did have water flowing on that trip mentioned above.
Being that Yosemite is what it is, there are photographic opportunities everywhere, all the time, any time of the year. Early morning photo ops in the meadows are great as there is typically ground fog for a few hours in the morning before the sun creeps over the valley wall.
If you can't get lodging within the park, I would highly recommend the Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal. It's literally right outside the border of the park and only 20min ride to the valley proper. River view rooms - awesome. In the park, personally, I still avoid tent cabins due to the hanta virus. I don't think any reported cases recently, but a problem as recent as 2 yrs ago.
Hope this helps. Be sure and report back if you go.
Lon