Snow in yosemite? what? no way

imported
#1

ok im goin to yosemite with a few friends in the beginning of may. i’ve never been , neither have they. We are not nessessarly goin on the JMT but thats the only option i had to post under. we have 30 hours to get in, see the sunset, see the sunrise, see a water fall and have a good time and get out. my question is: what kind of snow conditions can we ecpect at 10,000 feet? 9000 feet? 8000 feet? 7000? just curious as to what kind of gear we should bring (crampons?? snowshoes???) We are all experienced hikers (everyone has at least either thru hiked the AT, or the Long Trail more than once or both) (traversing wildcat mt, in nh, in chest high snow is also not uncommon) Any input would be greatly appreciated thank you thank you.

lorax

#2

Hey Lorax, I thought you were going to hike the JMT a couple of years ago?

I’m not sure about the snow conditions in may, but you also might want to check for road closures.

A lot depends on what part of the park you will be going to.

jalanjalan

#3

If you are visiting Yosemtie Valley which is very scenic, you will find no snow, spectacular waterfalls, and crowds of tourists (but nothing like July will bring). If you are thinking of driving up to Toulumne Meadows, it may be closed as they may or may not have plowed the road yet. As for how much snow will be in higher elevations, it depends on how much snow has fallen and how fast it mets off. I’ve been in the high country in mid May with little snow (a very low snow year), but in general, usually the higher country will still be covered. The snowpack will be consolidated so snowshoes will likely not be needed. As for crampons, it depends on where you are going and what time of the day (usually the snow softens by mid to late morning only to freeze again overnight if you are in the higher elevations). Ice Axe might be needed though.

But given how short of time you have, you could spend the entire time below the snow line and still have a good time and see alot of really nice scenery.

Miner

#4

I’m in Yosemite right now…and it is snowing! Sorry for the not really on topic post…

goslowgofar

#5

hey jalanjalan!!! whats up man? as to be more specific, we are getting dropped off in the valley and picked up in the valley, i realize that there is plenty of beautiful stuff to check out in the valley, but one of our main objectives it to see the sun set or the sun rise (or both, in a perfet world) from a outstanding spot, with little or no obstructed views. sleep will not be happening, just 30 hours to check out as much stuff as possible. anyone know of spots like this???

lorax

#6

Sunset from Glacier Point is a popular spot for seeing the sun set/rise (though it can get crowded). Sentinel Dome would be another nice spot. The backcountry area between Half Dome and Tenaya/Sunrise Lakes should offer some nice views in places.

One suggestion would be to see sunrise from Glacier Point, hike to Little Yosemite and summit Half Dome for the sunset. Hike down to the Valley in the dark. Or reverse this.

Miner