March brings winter road closures, possible snow, flowing waterfalls, and lighter crowds to Yosemite Valley.
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The reward for visiting Yosemite National Park in March is a quieter Yosemite Valley framed by snow-dusted granite and waterfalls returning after winter storms. The price is uncertainty: a warm afternoon can turn into heavy snow overnight, and much of the high country remains unreachable by road.
Plan the trip around Yosemite Valley, allow two full days, and treat every higher-elevation outing as weather-dependent. Carry tire chains or cables, reserve lodging before arrival, and check road and trail status again on the morning you drive.
March In Yosemite: What The Park Is Like
March in Yosemite is still winter, not an early version of summer. Yosemite Valley and Wawona stay reachable year-round, while Tioga Road, the full Glacier Point Road, and the seasonal Mariposa Grove Road are normally closed by snow.
Snow on the Valley floor is possible but not guaranteed. The National Park Service lists winter averages for Yosemite Valley and Wawona at about 53°F during the day and 28°F overnight, yet individual March days can be much warmer or colder. Rain in the Valley may fall as heavy snow higher on the approach roads.
Waterfalls usually flow in March, especially after rain or a thaw, but peak runoff generally comes later in spring. Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, and the Merced River still give the Valley energy without summer’s parking pressure.
Do You Need Tire Chains In March?
Tire chains or cables should be in every vehicle entering Yosemite in March, including four-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive, and rental vehicles. Chain controls can begin with little warning, and drivers must carry an approved traction device whenever controls are active.
Highway 140 through El Portal follows the lowest-elevation western approach and tends to face chain controls less often than Highway 41 or Highway 120 from the west. No route is guaranteed to stay clear during a storm. Drivers who cannot fit chains should consider parking outside the control area and using YARTS when service and schedules fit the trip.
Before departure: Practice installing the correct-size chains at home, pack work gloves and a ground sheet, and call 209-372-0200, then press 1 and 1, for Yosemite road and chain information.
What Is Open And Closed In March
Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and the western entrance roads are the dependable March choices, subject to temporary storm closures. The east-side crossing over Tioga Pass is closed, so a route from Lee Vining or Mammoth Lakes cannot pass through the park to Yosemite Valley.
- Yosemite Valley: Open year-round, with road access, the free Valley shuttle, lodging, food, and several low-elevation walks.
- Badger Pass: The first section of Glacier Point Road is normally plowed to the ski area through March when winter operations are running.
- Glacier Point: Closed to vehicle access because the road beyond Badger Pass remains buried in snow.
- Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadows: Closed to vehicles for the winter season.
- Mariposa Grove: The seasonal road and shuttle are normally closed; the Washburn Trail adds a two-mile approach with about 500 feet of climbing and may be snowy or icy.
March Access At A Glance
March access centers on the Valley floor and a few lower-elevation areas. The table below separates dependable options from plans that should wait for warmer months.
| Place Or Activity | Typical March Status | Planning Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Yosemite Valley | Open year-round | Allow for temporary storm delays and chain controls |
| Wawona | Open year-round | Highway 41 can receive heavier snow than Highway 140 |
| Highway 140 via El Portal | Usually open | Lowest-elevation western approach; chains may still be required |
| Tioga Road | Closed for winter | No drive across the Sierra through Yosemite |
| Glacier Point | Closed to vehicles | Road beyond Badger Pass is not plowed for visitor traffic |
| Badger Pass Ski Area | Seasonal | Operations depend on snow, staffing, and the year’s closing date |
| Mariposa Grove Road | Usually closed | Reach the grove on foot only when trail conditions are safe |
| Valley Floor Trails | Often accessible | Expect ice, puddles, snow patches, and short-term closures |
Road, trail, campground, and facility status can change after a single storm. Check the National Park Service Yosemite current conditions page before committing to a route.
March Costs And Reservations
Yosemite’s standard private-vehicle entrance pass costs $35 and is valid for seven consecutive days. Non-US residents face an additional $100 per-person federal fee under current rules. A day-use entrance reservation is not required in 2026, but lodging, campgrounds, and overnight wilderness trips have separate reservation or permit rules.
Lodging capacity inside Yosemite is limited, so reserve before arrival rather than relying on a same-day room. Winter campground availability is also limited, and sleeping in a vehicle outside a reserved campsite is not allowed.
Food, fuel, and evening services are thinner than in peak season. Fill the tank before entering, bring breakfast and trail food, and check operating hours for any restaurant or store you plan to rely on.
March Walks And Winter Activities
Yosemite Valley’s flat and lower-elevation routes provide the most reliable March sightseeing. Lower Yosemite Fall, Cook’s Meadow, Bridalveil Fall, Mirror Lake, and sections of the Valley Loop can work well when surfaces are clear enough for the group’s footwear and ability.
The lower Mist Trail beside Vernal Fall and the John Muir Trail’s icy section close in winter because of falling ice and slick rock. A marked winter route may remain available, but it is longer and can involve snow, ice, or avalanche exposure farther uphill. Four Mile Trail is commonly closed above its winter gate, so Glacier Point should not be treated as a March day-hike objective.
Badger Pass may offer downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and access to marked winter routes when the ski area is operating. Rental availability and closing dates vary with the snowpack, so confirm the season status before driving there.
- Wear waterproof boots with a grippy sole; traction cleats can help on packed ice.
- Carry insulating layers, a waterproof shell, gloves, and a warm hat.
- Turn back when ice, falling snow, or poor visibility exceeds the group’s experience.
- Do not walk onto frozen lakes or rivers; ice thickness is not managed for public travel.
Where Should You Stay?
Yosemite Valley is the easiest March base because it removes a long, icy commute and puts the shuttle, food, and main Valley sights close together. El Portal is the strongest outside-park alternative for travelers approaching on Highway 140, while Wawona suits visitors focused on the South Entrance side.
Lodging location matters more in March than in summer because a 30-mile drive can become slow under chain control. Compare each property’s position against the entrance road you plan to use:
A Two-Day March Plan
A two-day March visit gives enough time for the Valley’s main viewpoints plus one weather-dependent winter activity. Build slack into both days rather than chaining together distant areas.
- Day one: Enter after checking road controls, stop at Tunnel View if Highway 41 is open, then walk Cook’s Meadow and Lower Yosemite Fall. Add Bridalveil Fall or a short Valley Loop segment before sunset.
- Day two: Choose Mirror Lake and more of the Valley Loop in dry weather, or use Badger Pass for snow play, skiing, or snowshoeing when operations and road conditions allow. Keep a Valley-based backup for any mountain plan.
One day is enough for viewpoints and two short walks, but a storm can consume much of the schedule. Three days make sense for photographers, winter-sports visitors, or anyone driving a long distance through changeable Sierra weather.
The March Verdict
March is a strong month for Yosemite visitors who value snow scenes, active waterfalls, and fewer people more than broad road access. Choose March for a Valley-centered trip with flexible plans; choose a summer date after the seasonal roads reopen when Glacier Point, the high country, and longer trails matter more.
The safest plan is simple: stay near Yosemite Valley, approach from the west, carry chains, and decide each day’s route from current conditions. That turns March’s uncertainty from a problem into room for a slower, more focused visit.
References & Sources
- National Park Service.“Current Conditions — Yosemite National Park.”Provides current road, trail, campground, and facility status for trip planning.