Yosemite self drive Mid March 2025

Question

Gday all,

Myself and partner from Australia are planning a self drive tour down the west coast and looking to venture into Yosemite national park mid March.

Questions: Is the park open/ accessible to all terrain vehicles ie SUV, sedans etc during this time of year?

What would the foreseeable road conditions be like?

best accommodation that anyone could recommend?

Stay well Pete.

Answer

G’day Pete — great plan! Visiting Yosemite in mid-March can be magical: lots of snow around, quieter trails, and a very different vibe than in summer. But there are a few important things to know and plan for. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Is the park open / accessible by SUV, sedan, etc?

Yes — Yosemite National Park is open in mid-March, and many of the main roads (especially in the valley) are accessible by regular vehicles, including SUVs and sedans.

However, because it’s still winter, chain (or cable) controls are common, and you must carry chains even if you don’t plan to install them unless conditions are very mild. Chains are strictly enforced under chain-control signs; all vehicles (including AWD / 4WD or rental cars) must have chains in possession. Also, not all roads are open: Tioga Road (Highway 120 through to Tioga Pass) is typically closed in winter. Similarly, Glacier Point Road is often closed beyond Badger Pass during the winter months.

2. What might road conditions be like in mid-March?

Here are some realistic expectations for road and driving conditions in Yosemite in March:

Snow and ice risk: Snow and icy patches are common in March. You should be ready for winter driving, especially at higher elevations.
Chain requirements: As mentioned, when chain controls (“R-levels”) are in place, you may be required to stop and install chains. Conditions can shift quickly, so even if the road is clear when you enter, that may change.
Major entrances: Lower elevation routes (e.g., Highway 140 / El Portal) tend to be safer and less likely to require chains compared to higher-elevation roads like Highway 120 or 41. According to some guides, Highway 140 is the “all-weather road” in winter.
Road closures: As noted, Tioga Road is usually closed in winter/spring. Glacier Point Road is also likely to be closed to through traffic (only maintained up to Badger Pass for skiing).
Rapid changes: Because weather at high elevations can change very quickly, it’s wise to check current road conditions before and during your trip. Yosemite’s road-conditions line is 209-372-0200 (1–1 option).

3. Weather expectations

Around mid-March, Yosemite’s weather is transitioning. Temperatures in the Valley can range from near freezing at night (around 30 °F or –1 °C) to milder daytime highs (e.g., high 40s to 50s °F). Snowfall is still quite possible, though the amount varies from year to year. There may also be rain, and some days could be overcast or wet. All this means: pack warm layers, waterproof/windproof gear, and sturdy footwear — potentially even microspikes or snow-boot traction if you plan to hike.

4. Accommodation recommendations

Staying inside the park gives you the most flexibility to explore Yosemite, especially when roads might be slower. Here are some solid mid-March accommodation options to consider, plus a few outside-the-park alternatives:

The Ahwahnee (formerly Majestic Yosemite Hotel): The park’s luxury option. Open year-round and historically the most iconic.
Yosemite Valley Lodge: More modest than the Ahwahnee, but extremely convenient for valley access. Open year-round.
Curry Village tent cabins: In winter, there are heated canvas-tent cabins. The “Winter at Curry Village” offer can drop the rate significantly.
Winter cabins / cottages: For something more private and romantic, places like Tenaya at Yosemite cottages or cabins in Foresta are great. They offer heaters, fireplaces, and a cozy winter feel.
Ostrander Ski Hut (wilderness): If you’re adventurous, there’s a ski hut (bunks, stove) at Ostrander Lake accessible by cross-country ski when roads like Glacier Point are closed.

If you'd prefer accommodation outside the park (for more flexibility or possibly lower cost), you can look at lodges and hotels in gateway towns like Mariposa, El Portal, Oakhurst, or Groveland. These may also make it easier to avoid driving in snow every day.

5. Tips / Warnings

Practice putting on chains before your trip — doing it on a roadside in snow is tougher than in a warm, dry driveway.
Check road and weather conditions frequently: call the Yosemite road-condition line (209-372-0200) for updates.
Have a flexible itinerary: Some high-elevation viewpoints or roads (like Tioga or Glacier Point) will almost certainly be closed, so plan your expectations around the Valley, Wawona, or lower elevation areas.
Consider public transport if you want to avoid driving in snow: Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) buses operate in winter and can drop you into the Valley.
Be cautious around water: melting snow can cause fast-moving rivers, and water stays very cold even in spring. (This is more of a general safety note.)
Book lodging early: even though March is “off-peak” compared to summer, the limited winter options inside the park mean good places go quickly.

6. Pros & Cons of visiting in mid-March

Pros: Fewer crowds; snow-dusted landscape; quieter winter atmosphere; good chance for dramatic winter photography; potentially lower lodging costs (winter rates)
Cons: Some key roads closed; risk of snow / chains / icy driving; less access to high-country trails; limited access to shuttle or some services outside the Valley.

Final thoughts: Yes, you can absolutely self-drive into Yosemite in an SUV or sedan in mid-March — but you must come prepared for winter driving. Bring (or rent / buy) chains, check road conditions before you go, and choose your accommodation carefully (inside the Valley is ideal, but nearby towns are viable too). With good planning, you'll likely experience a quieter, more peaceful Yosemite than in peak season.

Yosemite self drive Mid March 2025

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