El portal to Bend via klamouth fall in may with summer tires

Hi everyone

We have started planning a road trip with our two children. The route we have planned so far with suggestions from others here is:
El Portal -> Jackson (via highway 140 as it is the most likely to not require snow chains) -> lake tahoe -> klamouth falls -> bend

We will be travelling that way from the 7th till the 14 th of May. I have now found out that the car we rented comes with summer tires which worries me somewhat... Is this all valid concern or do you think we would be fine? Are there any alternative scenic routes that we couldn't take in case the weather conditions are icy?

(I'm aware of the situation at yosemite as I've researched with other threads. in case we can't drive highway 140 all the way to the park we'll park the car and take yarts).

Thank you so much for your help.

You'll be fine.

Your only issue will be if your in high elevation, say over 7-8000 ft and leave before the sun rises, probably around 6am at that time of year.
With the amount of snow this year there will be a lot of run off during the day and at night, in very high elevation, the run off could turn to ice. Next morning once the sun hits it it will melt the small sheet of ice and be like driving after a rain shower. You guys probably know this.
At that time of year, again at high elevation, if you leave after 8am or so you shouldn't have any issues. Always ask at your motel and any local authorities for current road conditions.
Also check the local weather to see if you get freezing temps overnight where your staying, highly unlikely in May, buy ya never know.
No worries mate, you'll have a blast.

Good job at getting lodging in Yosemite, hope your staying in the Valley!

Hi again :)
Ok perfect, so then I won't worry too much anymore as we'll not get up that early anyway :P.

Noooo unfortunately everything in the valley was booked already :(. We're staying in Yosemite View Lodge. I hope it will be ok... They told me it's about 30min into the Valley...

You guys will be fine, El Portal is a pretty cool small town, easy 1/2 hour to the park.

This is going to sound a little strange but one place you should get up and leave a bit early is for Yosemite.
Recommend you leave around sunrise or so, to avoid any traffic going into the park. Get ahead of the crowd.
If your visiting on a weekday in early May you can probably leave a bit later but not too much, it's a very popular place.
Your at low elevation in El Portal, 2000ft-590m and even the Valley is around 4000ft-1200m so ice from the night should not be an issue.
It's much more pleasant to get to the valley early ahead of other folks then kick back and have breaky.

Get a small cooler and have some drinks and food with you, enough for breakfast and lunch, park food and drinks are pricey

Oh yes in that case we'll do that.
Do you recommend going around the park in our own car (if it's actually possible without having chains in the car in May, I still don't get it if it's always mandatory or if it's only at certain times) or use the free transport available? We'll definitely have to take a stroller with us for the little ones...

Chains-cables are not required at all times, no specific dates in California on when to carry them, clear as mud huh! Welcome to California!
Again in early May you should have no problems, you will see electronic signs on the status of chains and road conditions for high elevations and passes.
If by chance, highly unlikely, they are required at the time of your arrival I'm sure you will have the ability to purchase chains locally if needed.
IMO, don't worry about the rental agreement, safety first, but again you won't need them.
In the Yosemite-El Portal area you will see-hear if chains are required, signs-motel-locals-cops, you'll get plenty of notice if they are required at higher elevation which I highly doubt.

At that time of year very little if any worries, your at low elevation. Even the Valley floor is only 4000ft-1200m.

If you can, which I'm sure you can, drive your self into the Park, probably as close to the Majestic Hotel as you can, good place to go for a beer, then maybe take the valley shuttle if needed. I'd probably stick to your car. Hard to say how crowded it will be in early May, ask locally.
Having your own car gives you more Independence and you can bring all your crap-stuff.

Not sure how much time you have for Yosemite but:
If Hwy.120 is partly open on the top of the Park, I highly doubt it, drive it, incredible scenic with awesome views from the top.
The road to Glacier Point will most likely still be closed, 50-50, but if not drive it, great views.
Hope this helps.

Oh how wonderful all these tips. Thank you so much for it.

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