We are headed to Northern CA next week and was planning on driving south to Phoenix. We wanted to go through Yosemite and then check out Sequoia National Park. With the snow in the Sierras and never being down there is that a place you guys think would be open and drivable in a rent a car? We are trying to escape the snow and cold. Is there anything else on the route to checkout? We were going to drive through Death Valley and then over to Hoover Dam.

Where in N. CA are you heading ?

Yosemite and Sequoia might have some snow but probably ok to drive. If you're going to phoenix I would take a look at The Grand Canyon although it may be closed you can still drive in and look. If you have the time, Mesa Verde in Colorado is worthwhile but you may encounter snow there also.

Hoover dam may be a disappointment since the water is so low. If they still allow tours down into the dam it is interesting.....maybe not for youngsters though.

Second the Mesa Verde a place to explore.

The west side of the Sierras got over 6 inches of rain since new years eve , the top of the mountains got over 4 feet of snow. All the passes between interstate 80 and south are more then likely closed till June or July. Youd probably have to go all the way South to Barstow then come back North to Death Valley or up to Reno then South to death Valley. The Dam is interesting, the grand canyon acess around the Flagstaff area might also be closed due to snow.

If you make it through all the flood- closed roads in the Central Valley and go in to the Park through either El Portal or Wawona entrance just know that you HAVE to have snow chains in your vehicle. Even if you are driving an AWD rental you'll have to have chains in the vehicle or they'll refuse you entry into Yosemite. I worked in the Park for several years, they don't play around with that stuff. Yosemite valley is much nicer in the winter than in the summer. Much quieter and prettier with all the snow. You'll only get to see about 5% of the Park at this time of year though.

Thanks for the info. We are going to San Jose for my nieces hock eye tournament for a few days then a few days to spend before meeting my wife’s family in Phoenix. We saw the Grand Canyon last year.

Stop over in Sedona while you're out there. It's between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon.

Russ

Sounds fun
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