Originally Posted by
JerryFF
I too am sorry you missed your opportunity.
You started a previous thread on this subject about 2 weeks ago where a number of useful suggestions were offered -
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/calif...e-rd-open.html
including checking the CHP and Caltrans websites or renting a vehicle with 4-wheel drive and snow tires. The 4 WD vehicles with snow tires are almost always allowed to pass without chains, especially at these lower altitudes.
There are no chains required on highway 41 or any of the roads into the main areas of the park or Mariposa Grove today. I got the information from the Caltrans website and the Yosemite Road conditions phone number listed on the Caltrans website. There is no rain or snow predicted for the next couple of days and the roads show remain open. You do not need to carry chains in a non-commercial vehicle.
I called CHP and they said that even though there is no chain control, I still need chains inside Yosemite. So we drove along 49 then 140, we had some time so we decided to head in 140 to almost to El Portal (just to do a picnic by Merced river with the kids). We met 2 ladies at the picnic site and I asked if they know whether there is more thing to see. They said, 'Yosemite is beautiful .......' Then I said but I was told that I need chain, they said, 'you are only 10 mins away from a very beautiful site, why not just drive in, the weather is beautiful......'
On Hwy 49 we saw tons of signs that turned 90 degree.
We struggled and decided to drive into Yosemite, at the entrance we told the ranger that we don't have chain with us and asked if we could get in. She said, 'there was some snow earlier today in the valley but it's fine and nice now, I can see that you have a 4WD with M+S tires so you should be fine.'
We were
and
and
because:
1. We could have 2 whole day there if we'd drive in regardless of chain control;
2. Why on earth do they state on Yosemite's site saying that chain must be carried at all time and if you don't you risk a $5000 fine?
3. I didn't get to see a Giant Sequoia
4. Yosemite is so beautiful - even though we only had 3.5 hours there.
Once again thanks for all the inputs and we'll be back to Sweden tomorrow.
In Europe chains are only used on the Alps - M+S is adequate for most conditions.