Fishcamp / Yosemite in January

look 171 · 04-16-2015, 12:16 AM

Don't know what's gotten into her, Wife wants to to book a trip and stay in Fishcamp and visit Yosemite in January for a week. In our younger days way before kids, I took her snow camping in the Sierra and she froze and hated it. She's thinking about a ride in a Snowcat, and do some snowmobiling with the kids. Now I am all smiles just thinking about those two things, but I am afraid there's just not enough to do with two little kids. I don't think there's much to do or eat in Fishcamp especially that time of the year. I would hate to see them go to their video games in such beautiful environment. Anyone done it during winter? I suggested Oakhurst to her because its a little bigger and there's more then one place to eat. Road close will really screw up our plans and that's a real possibility.

5String43 · 04-16-2015, 05:57 AM

We were just there in February, drove through Oakhurst and Fishcamp for a stay in Yosemite Valley. Because of the relative warmth and total lack of snow, the place was jumping, plenty of kids in evidence. But Fishcamp looked basically closed up. Plenty of activity in Oakhurst. The valley itself was wonderful, as it always is, campgrounds empty but the hotels (mostly) full. Restaurant reservations in the Awahnee were a necessity, morning and night.

All that said, Yosemite during the winter is one of life's great pleasures - we've visited during that time of the year many times. Snow on the ground really gives the place a different aura. But climate change seems real, and winter in Yosemite may no longer be what it once was. While we were there, it rained enough to start up the waterfalls again. Yes, it's been that bad there.

look 171 · 04-16-2015, 09:03 AM

I know lots of those little towns near the park close up during the winter due to the excessive amount of snow and was afraid of that. Too bad about the lack of snow in the valley. Rain in the valley in Feb. is sad to hear. there's always lot of snow in the high country but I have been there in the past 10 years during the winter months.

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

Depends on the weather. Might be a total mess, might just be cold and snowy.

rusnak · 04-16-2015, 01:41 PM

Hate to say this, but Spring is better. You can see more and do more without the dang snow. Snowcats might be more fun around Shaver or Huntington Lake. You can usually get through if you have a 4x4 and bring chains.

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

I like the waterfalls more than cross country skiing, though with the precipitation we have been getting, it might make for some good hiking. She wants to go play in the snow though, good luck on the weather.

Nostril Cheese · 04-16-2015, 07:37 PM

Winter in Yosemite is downright magical.

The wife and I always camped near Fishcamp. We need to get back there soon.

5String43 · 04-16-2015, 07:55 PM

Quote:

there's always lot of snow in the high country but I have been there in the past 10 years during the winter months.

Unfortunately, when we were there in February, there was no snow. It rained a lot and we enjoyed it. Leaned that it did indeed snow, finally, just a little, from 8,000 feet and up. Some of the weather folks are saying that this is the new normal. If it is, we in California are in a whole lot of trouble.

look 171 · 04-16-2015, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rusnak

Hate to say this, but Spring is better. You can see more and do more without the dang snow. Snowcats might be more fun around Shaver or Huntington Lake. You can usually get through if you have a 4x4 and bring chains.

I have 4WD, CHP will still make us put on chains unlike other states. Getting throw snow country isn't the problem, Hwy closure can be a PITA especially with kids who just want to to and have fun. Huntington is one my favorite place in the Sierras. Spent so much time in all seasons up there doing backpacking in my younger days.

Cajundaddy · Cajundaddy's Garage

I love Yosemite in winter but we stay outside and drive in for the day. A good 4wd will nearly always get you in.

In the 70s my brother used to train with a mountain rescue team there in winter. They would snowshoe into high altitude glaciers, build an igloo, and spend several days exploring ice crevasses in subzero temps. Cray-cray if you ask me.