Snowy sequoias in mid Feb

[MiriamdeVries]

Hi,

I've been reading the forum (and the site) for years but have only just joined.

I'm currently planning a trip to the US in February.  A (non-photographer) friend has offered to take me on a week's road trip in his 4wd through California: LA to Yosemite (via Bakersfield, Fresno and the 41), then Monterey, Big Sur, and down the coast to San Diego.  It's obviously a lot of ground to cover in a week, and I'm looking at it more as a sightseeing trip with occasional photography than a "real" shooting trip, as I'd drive him crazy otherwise  

I've also got the additional complication that I'm partially disabled - I can walk, but only very short distances - a mile total in a day is about my limit.

I'm keen to photograph some sequoias in the snow while I'm there, but in my online research I haven't been able to find any groves that are within easy reach of a road at this time of year - and preferably a road that's not too far off our route. We looked at doing the 198 and the 180 through Sequoia/Kings Canyon, but decided against, as it'd just take too long.  The 245 and 180 to Grant's Grove is still an option, but it still seems like a fair distance off our route to me.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

thanks,
Miriam

[BradSmith]

The only one I can think of would be Mariposa Grove at the south end of Yosemite Park.  However, I think that the 2-3 mile long road to it, from Rte 41, is usually closed to vehicles in the winter.  I don't think there is any motorized transport into it from Rte 41, but you should check with the National Park Service to see if there is.

Brad

[bobtowery]

If you don't want to go to Sequoia then I don't really have a solid suggestion for you.   But as someone who has lived in CA most of my life (except for a year as a Sydneysider!) and traveled here extensively, I would just choose the coast. Great time of year. You can see a reasonable amount in a week.

For your proposed trip, the LA to Yosemite and then Yosemite to Monterey bits are about 750 kms of mostly unappetizing scenery.

There is a park with lots of redwoods relatively close to Monterey:

http://www.americansouthwest.net/californi...state-park.html

But no snow, sorry.

I hope you have a great and safe trip whatever you decide to do.

Cheers, Bob Towery.

[MiriamdeVries]

Brad, Mariposa was my first thought, too.  But the NPS confirms that there's no way I'll be able to get up there this time of year, even though they're very flexible about allowing disabled people to drive almost everywhere.

Bob, yeah, I know going to Yosemite is driving a long way to see one specific place - but as an Aussie, I'm used to that, and fortunately my friend enjoys driving.  Plenty of good conversation and music should see us through.

So to date it looks like Grant's Grove is the way to go, but if anyone else has suggestions I'm all ears!

[luong]

Yes, Grant Grove is your best chance. Note that in my opinion, sequoias in snow are truly spectacular only after or during a fresh snowfall.