End of March trip to Mariposa and destination Yosemite

Question

Has there been much snow this season? I bought tire chains to practice putting them on. I bought microspikes/crampons for hiking and was thinking about my snow shoes.

Answer

Great question. Yes — there has been *quite a bit* of snow this season in Yosemite’s higher elevations, and snow conditions are very much still a factor at the end of March. Based on recent NPS reports, here’s what to expect, plus advice on your gear (chains, microspikes, snow shoes):

Snow Conditions This Season

According to NPS, as of March 5, 2025, snow depth in some high country locations (like their snow-survey area) is around 56 inches.
On March 12, they recorded 11″ of new snow, with a settled snowpack depth of ~50″ in the high country.
By March 19, another ~61″ of new snow had fallen in the Tuolumne Meadows area, bringing the snowpack to about 90% of average for this time of year.
As of March 26, snow conditions are changing: daytime temperatures are warming, snow is becoming “wet, sloppy” in spots, and the snow surface is refreezing overnight.
The NPS seasonal guide notes that in March–April, while lower elevations (like Yosemite Valley) may begin to warm, *higher elevations remain deeply snowed in*.

What This Means for Your Gear

Tire Chains: Very wise that you bought them. Road conditions can require chains, especially after storms or on mountain roads. Even though you're practicing, have a plan for when to use them.
Microspikes / Crampons: These are likely very useful in March, especially for hiking in areas with compacted snow or icy patches. Many trail users have reported needing traction devices on snow in late March.
Snowshoes: Whether you need them depends on where you plan to hike.
- For high-elevation areas (Tuolumne Meadows, high-country trails): yes, snowshoes could be very helpful if the snow is *deep and soft*, especially away from packed trails. - For lower-elevation trails or valley hikes: you might not need full snowshoes — microspikes would likely suffice, based on reports. For instance, some people note you won’t always need full snowshoes for Valley loop trails in March if you’re okay with some slipperiness.

Advice & Recommendations

Check the current Yosemite road and trail conditions before you go. Snowpack, weather, and hazards change rapidly. Use the NPS site or call their info line.
Try to hike early in the day. Snow that’s refrozen overnight will be firmer, making microspikes more effective; later in the day, snow may soften.
Bring waterproof and insulated footwear, and dress in layers. March weather is very transitional — it can feel very wintry early in the day, then warm up significantly.
If you're considering snowshoeing, pick trails that are known to have snow cover but are not avalanche-prone. Stay on established tracks if possible.

Summary

Yes, there’s been a strong snow season in Yosemite this year, especially at higher elevations. Your microspikes are almost certainly going to be useful, and snowshoes might make sense depending on how deep your planned hikes go. Chains are a smart call for driving. With the right gear — and checking the most recent park conditions — you’ll be well-prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip.

End of March trip to Mariposa and destination Yosemite

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