Where To Hike In Yosemite In March?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

The following hiking trails are typically open in March:

Lower Yosemite Falls, Mirror Lake, Bridalveil Fall, and the Vernal Falls footbridge on Mist Trail

. Hetch Hetchy and Wawona remain open year-round. The Upper Yosemite Falls trail is traditionally closed during the month of March.

Is it a good time to go to Yosemite in March?


March is a great time to explore Yosemite without the crowds

. The beauty and majesty of snow in the Valley makes the park very photography-friendly. Make sure you catch sunrise or sunset from Tunnel View, just outside the Valley.

Is Yosemite crowded in March?

We found Yosemite in March (when we visited and when all these photos were taken) to be absolutely wonderful. There was still snow falling,

the winter and holiday crowds had dissipated

, and rates were not as high as during the peak of summer.

Is Yosemite too cold in March?

Yosemite late March usually sees the snow beginning to melt. On average there are around nine days in March with snow or rain. What is this? Even though there is less snow on the ground,

be prepared for ice and freezing temperatures

.

Do I need a reservation for Yosemite in March?

Yes. Yosemite National Park is open 24 hours per day.

A reservation is only required to drive into the park between 6 am and 4 pm

.

Can I hike Half Dome in March?

A permit is required to hike Half Dome when the cables are up. If you plan to hike Half Dome, you must have a permit. For day hikers,

permits are available by lottery in March, with a limited number available two days in advance

.

Is Taft Point Open in March?

Hours: The trail is only accessible when the Glacier Point Road is open, approximately late May through October or November.

When Badger Pass Ski Area is open (mid to late December through March

), the Glacier Point Road is groomed for cross-country skiing beyond the ski area. See website for more information.

How should I dress for Yosemite in March?

Be sure that you have breathable layers, including a waterproof lightweight jacket, a mid-layer long sleeve shirt for both sun coverage and warmth, and a baselayer such as a tank or t-shirt for when it gets hot. Opt for sports fabric over cotton. Jeans or denim of any sort are not recommended.

How is Big Sur in March?

The amount of rain in March is normal with an average of 57mm (2.2in). It rains on average a total of 8 days. The average maximum daytime temperature lies around 21.0°C (69.8°F). March is known as one of the best months to visit Big Sur.

Is Mariposa Grove Open in March?


From approximately December to March, the Mariposa Grove Road is closed to vehicles and the shuttle no longer operates

. The road, along with all trails within the Grove, remain open to hikers, snowshoers, and skiers.

Is Glacier Point Open in March?

Glacier Point, an overlook with a commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite’s high country, is accessible by car from approximately late May through October or November.

From mid-December through March

, cross-country skiers can experience this view after skiing 10.5 miles.

How many days do you need in Yosemite?

If you only plan to do a few hikes and drive around to see the sights,

three days

is enough to see most everything. If you’d like to linger, you’ll have time to enjoy more ranger-led activities, attend evening programs, take tours, and hang around enjoying the scenery.

How long is Yosemite in March?

I would be good with

two days

. Three days is good if one of the days is downhill or cross country skiing. The cross country skiing at the Yosemite Ski Area is excellent and pretty cheap. In March and early April we experienced snow and drizzle in the Valley as well as sunny dry days.

Is Yosemite National Park open in March?


Yes; Yosemite National Park is open in March

. March is a wonderful time to visit the park without experiencing large crowds. Visitors can access Yosemite Valley and Wawona by personal vehicle year-round, but there are some internal road closures to note. Tioga Road is seasonally closed mid-November until mid-April.

How many waterfalls are in Yosemite?

How many waterfalls are there at Yosemite? There are

more than 25

waterfalls at Yosemite National Park, ranging in size from the 100-foot-tall Alder Creek Falls to the 2,425-foot-tall Yosemite Falls.

Are permits required to enter Yosemite?

Other than the entrance fee,

you don’t need a reservation or permit to visit Yosemite

. However, you should get a lodging or campground reservation if you plan to spend the night.

Has anyone fallen off Half Dome?


13 people have died scaling Half Dome since the national park was established

, and there have been around 300 accidents there, as the Chronicle notes. And many of those accidents have involved the smooth granite portion near the top of the cliff edge where Thursday’s accident occurred.

How far can you hike Half Dome without a permit?

You are allowed to hike all the way to the Sub Dome,

about 0.5 mile before the summit

, without a permit. Generally the ranger will be sitting there, checking people’s permits.

Is Half Dome El Capitan?


El Capitan in Yosemite National Park

rises nearly 3,600 feet above the valley floor (7,500 feet above sea level) making it one of the most prominent features in the park. One of the largest exposed pieces of granite in the world, this behemoth attracts rock climbers from aroundthe world.

Is Taft Point or Sentinel Dome better?


Taft Point

is an amazing viewpoint along an exposed ridgeline with sheer vertical cliffs that offer amazing views down into Yosemite Valley. Sentinel Dome is the inconspicuous highpoint far above Glacier Point that offers panoramic views in all directions.

Where do you park for Taft Point hike?

The trailhead for Taft Point is on Glacier Point Road, which is closed in the winter. Check the park website for the status of any road closures. To navigate, press the arrow keys. The trailhead is about 6 miles after you turn-off onto Glacier Point Road, and

the parking lot is on the left-hand side of the road

.

Do I need bear spray in Yosemite?

According to Yosemite’s official website: “the possession, use, or discharge of pepper spray (including bear spray), pellet guns, and BB guns in Yosemite National Park is prohibited.” Rangers from Yosemite say

there just isn’t a need for the spray

.

Do I need hiking shoes for Yosemite?


Waterproof hiking shoes and boots are necessary for hikes during spring and winter when trails are wet and snowy

. All Season Hiking Clothes: Dressing in layers is always suggested when planning an outing in Yosemite. Very few hikes begin and end in only shorts and T-shirts.

Can you just drive through Yosemite?


You can drive your car into and around Yosemite

, although some roads are closed from around November through May/June and tire chains may be required on open roads from around October through April (depending on conditions). You can use public transportation to get to and around Yosemite all year.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.