Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon Under Winter Weather Advisory

Above, one of the lakes along Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Two winter storm (even though we're technically still in autumn) systems have loaded the Sierra Nevada mountains with snow, which should bring a smile to Southern California since that's where they get their drinking water.

Already, Glacier Point Road and Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park have been closed for the season.

The Visalia Times Delta wrote:

A week into December, several nearby areas for winter recreation have already gotten more than their fair share of snow, and like the song "Let it Snow" poetically states, "it doesn't show signs of stoppin'." 

Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks are under a winter weather advisory from 10 p.m. Friday to 7 p.m Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
Between 1 and 3 feet of snow is expected above 7,000 feet, and about 1 foot is expected above 6,000 feet.  

It's the second big storm to sweep the Sierra Nevada so far this season. Here's a look at how winter weather has hit the parks and other popular snow play places this year.

This latest storm system is expected to hit New Mexico tonight and tomorrow.

To read more, go here. 

Yosemite Valley To Reopen Tuesday

Above, a view of Half Dome from Yosemite Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's good news for those who want to visit Yosemite Valley before the summer vacation season ends.

The Visalia Times Delta reported:

For those still hoping to see the wonders of Yosemite National Park before summer is over, you're in luck.  

Yosemite Valley, which has been closed due to a wildfire burning to the west of the park, will reopen at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, park officials said Friday afternoon.  

The park closed to visitors more than two weeks ago because of bad air quality and firing operations in response to the Ferguson Fire. Smoke filled the park making it hard to see. 

To read more, go here. 

Camping: What You Need To Know

Above, camping on the Keene Ranch near Tehachapi. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With Memorial Day weekend and summer vacation season just around the corner, many people will be heading out into the wilderness.

The Visalia Times-Delta has an article on what you need to know (and bring) when camping.

They begin with:

Camping checklists usually require a tent, hiking gear, fishing equipment, non-perishable food and now-- technology. 

With Memorial Day just around the corner, summer activities such as barbecues, roadtrips and camping are sure to get people outdoors. Millennials are the generation most excited. 

The 2017 North American Camping Report said 97 percent millennials of are enthusiastic about spending time participating in outdoors activities. Those activities include camping, fishing, hiking, kayaking or rock climbing.

To read more, go here.