Beginning of April in Yosemite, Lake Tahoe and SF

Question

Hiya, we are looking at a road trip between SF, Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Sequoia and back to SF in the first week of April.

We are unsure if weather wise this is doable or we should opt to do the coastal route.

What would you reccommend ?

Answer

Planning a road trip in early April that includes San Francisco, Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, and Sequoia National Park is ambitious but potentially very rewarding. However, weather conditions in April—especially in the mountains—require careful consideration, as snow and road closures are still possible in Yosemite and Lake Tahoe, while Sequoia can also have lingering snow at higher elevations.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of considerations for each destination:

San Francisco: Spring is mild and generally clear, though occasional rain can occur. Driving around SF and the Bay Area is fine.
Napa Valley: Early April is great for vineyards—spring blossoms, mild temperatures, and not too crowded. Roads are excellent, and no weather issues are expected.
Lake Tahoe: Early April is still ski season. Snow is likely, and some passes may require chains. If you’re planning to drive around the lake, check road conditions daily, as winter storms can still occur.
Yosemite National Park: Glacier Point Road, Tioga Pass, and some high-elevation areas are usually closed due to snow. Yosemite Valley is accessible and beautiful with waterfalls at peak flow from snowmelt. Spring snowmelt may mean some trails are muddy or partially closed.
Sequoia National Park: Roads to Giant Forest are usually open in early April, but some higher-elevation roads may still be snow-covered. Chains may be required in inclement weather.

Given these factors, here are some travel options:

Option 1 – Original Mountain Route (SF → Napa → Lake Tahoe → Yosemite → Sequoia → SF) Pros: You see mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and giant trees. Cons: High risk of road closures or requiring chains. Weather unpredictable. Early April may still limit access to key roads in Yosemite and Tahoe. Recommendation: Only attempt if you are comfortable with winter driving and have flexibility for adjustments.
Option 2 – Coastal / Lower Elevation Alternative (SF → Napa → Monterey/Carmel → Big Sur → Sequoia → SF) Pros: Mostly mild weather, open roads, scenic coastal drives, and easier driving. Sequoia accessible at lower elevations without winter hazards. Cons: No Lake Tahoe or high Sierra views. Still plenty of iconic California scenery. Recommendation: Safer and more predictable for early April, especially for a mixed road trip with family or less experienced drivers in snow conditions.
Option 3 – Hybrid (SF → Napa → Yosemite Valley only → Sequoia → SF) Pros: Limits mountain exposure to Yosemite Valley (accessible in April), includes key destinations, and avoids Tahoe’s winter roads. Cons: Misses Lake Tahoe and higher elevations in Yosemite and Sequoia. Recommendation: Good compromise if you want the National Parks experience without winter driving risks.

Additional tips:

Check Caltrans road conditions daily for Sierra passes.
Carry chains if you attempt mountain routes, and know how to install them.
Book accommodations in advance, especially near Yosemite and Sequoia, as some lodges have limited availability in spring.
Allow flexibility in your itinerary to adjust for snow closures or weather delays.

Summary Recommendation: For early April, the coastal or hybrid routes are safer and more reliable, with still spectacular scenery. Attempting Lake Tahoe plus Yosemite at high elevations is feasible but requires careful monitoring of weather and road conditions, plus readiness for winter driving challenges.

Beginning of April in Yosemite, Lake Tahoe and SF

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