Snow chains in Yosemite?

Over confidnence in a 4WD: when I lived in Washington, DC, there were always people driving in the snow, or even ice, who forgot-- until it was too late-- that 4WD does not help you stop quicker.

Rubber on ice is still rubber on ice, no matter how many wheels are powered.

I have driven that route dozens of times in April. I never used chains. No, don't buy them. The northern and southern roads in climb up and then down over a mountain, and there could be snow on these roads. Highway 140 (Merced) follows the road up a gentle river canyon. Highway 120 will look shorter on a map, and in clear weather is a bit quicker. Yosemite Valley never has snow in April, but the mountains that tower about it may. Badger Pass may be open above it for skiing. Amtrak from San Francisco to Yosemite is about $40, and you don't need a car when you get there. Technically there is a law that requires carrying chains past certain marked points. Don't worry about the law, it really won't get you in trouble, there won't be any such signs with people there asking you about chains. If this happens, just drive back to WalMart in Merced and get a set for $25 and return them (unopened) on the way back. If you are asked if you have chains and lie, and then crash, yes - you violated a law.

Yeah Ragz, good point about the "chains required" signs. In my life of driving the mountain west-now 30 years+ of driving-I have seen cops checking precisely twice. It just doesn't happen often enough to be an issue.

Ed

Whilst this thread is old, the same no doubts applies, as I am going to California in April, and was concerned about the need for snow chains, as most car rental companies I have spoken with will not allows chains.

Looks like as long as we check on the weather before setting out, we should be okay without.

Can I also check if the easier trails like the Mist Trail will be easy enough to navigate (acknowledgeing that if it snows/or poors down, atht there might be an usse) for normal hicking with standard walking boots ?

To disagree a little with what's above, regardless of what Ed has seen himself, highway patrol on the Sierra passes do stop cars if chains are required and turn them back. This is for safety, not to harass anyone. As noted, you can generally pick up chains in Mariposa at the gas station.

Also the weather can change quickly; if you're going to high elevations, carry chains. I was caught in a blizzard in the Sierras on a previously sunny day, discovered my (cheap, used) chains didn't latch, and ended up having to pay a tow truck on Donner Pass to cut me some for another $100.

There are hotlines during the winter that will tell you when you are required to carry chains. Google "california highway patrol road conditions" to get the number.