Tag Archives: snow

outdoors, travel

Seasons of California

spring summer autumn winter

All Four Seasons in California

californiaWhile some may think there are only 2 seasons in California

WINTER (the wet season) and SUMMER (the dry, hot season) which may also be known as Fire Season (as in wildfires).

findingfall

There are indeed 4 Seasons in California:

However – Spring and Autumn are much shorter, as rapid swings in rain and drought (weather related events) often dominate the West Coast region.

And by the way, Earthquake Season is any time of year.

june lake loop
June Lake Loop is a popular spot for Autumn Colors

campCamping Season can be all year long in California, where we often have mild winters, sometimes without much precipitation.

Southern California has camping and hiking all the time, in every area. Deserts are a favorite camp destination in the winter months, usually December thru March. Find more info on Desert Camping. See also, a page on Winter Camping.

The Central Coast and Central Valley regions often have campgrounds available and open year-round. Northern California and the Sierra Nevada mountains get most of the real wet weather, between November and April, so campgrounds usually close (for half the year) depending on weather conditions.

Wildflowers can be found beginning in late FEB in the Southern California deserts – and last until AUG in the higher elevation mountain meadows.

calif wildflowers

WILDFIRE SEASON is typically from JUNE-DEC annually inside California. If winter is without any significant rain, then the camp fire restrictions could go well through the year! Camp Fire Safety

contained fire
a contained fire, is a good fire
tableviews
High Country Sierra Nevada mountains

Often the higher elevations of California (5000’+) can only be accessed by vehicle during summer months. Deep snow pack means paved roads are usually closed for the majority of the year (Nov-May) and sometimes, during a ‘good’ winter, the main Sierra highway routes do not open up to public access until June or July. Read more on Sierra Road Conditions.

potrerocabin

totalescape.com/outside/journey/california-road-conditions/

snow conditions

outdoors

Snow Mo the Sierra

Snow Mobile in the Sierra Nevada

snowHidden well above Fresno deep in the Sierra National Forest, in between Yosemite & Kings Canyon, is the area of Lakeshore, also known as Huntington Lake. Secluded, remote & largely undeveloped wilderness offers much to the sport of cross country skiing or snow-mobiling. With hundreds of miles of groomed back country snow trails, it easy to get away from it all.

WILDFIRE NOTE:
CREEK FIRE 2020 destroyed a large portion of this forest

snowmobile CA
 

snowmobile in CaliforniaRancheria Enterprises is a short walk from Lakeshore Resort & rents snowmobiles by the day or half day. Most machines are tandem, so you can ride 2 people & split the cost. NOTE: Maximum weight per machine = 300lbs.

Rancheria Enterprises
Lake Huntington, CA
Western Sierra / E of Fresno
at the end of Hwy. 168
559-893-3234

100+ miles of groomed trails

snowmoModerate driving distance from Bay Area or Los Angeles & fairly easy to get to, depending on weather (of course). Saloon and mountain dinner restaurant at the old lodge, newer lake view condos up on the hill and Sierra Summit Ski Resort. Not bad for the middle of nowhere in the Sierras.

Central Sierra Nevada Mountains get a fair amount of deep snow most winters. Since there is a ski resort locate back here, HWY 168 is open year round; with very limited access to the backcountry. NFSMono Hot Springs Resort may be open, but double check before you plan your trip. Lakes Edison & Florence are usually inaccessible for more than half the year.

LOCATED SOUTH OF YOSEMITE
Sierra National Forest

sierra snow mobiling
Meadow is a Play Zone

California snowmobile rentals Winter wonderland overnight stays in this area

Lakeshore, Huntington Lake, Shaver Lake

Huntington Lake, Lakeshore, California

Cabin Rentals, Condo Rentals, Restaurant & Saloon

Shaver Lake, California

Bed & Breakfast, Lodging, Ski Rentals, Restaurants & Shops

lake cabins

The historic and rustic Lakeshore Resort offers small rental cabins set in pine forest. Kitchenettes or full kitchens available in all the cabins; No fireplaces or wood burning stoves. Super basic, yet older cabins. Affordable.

If you want your campfire indoors and all the ambience it brings, choose a more expensive lake view condo – on the hill, overlooking the lake. These high end units can usually sleep 6 or more w/ fold out sofas and extra bedrooms. Very spacious rentals w/ lake views and balcony.

condo

pano1
Backcountry Views

Winter recreation on the Western Sierra:

sledding

Muddy Roads Trio

xcski Tamarack
XC Ski Tamarack

Sierra Travel Options:

Drive partially (at night) and stay overnight in Visalia or one of many other country towns that dot the rolling hills of the Sierra Nevada foothills.

After the snow-mo adventure: On the return trip, make sure to take a slight detour on to Tollhouse Road which runs parallell to Hwy. 168 and rejoins it on the way back down the mountain. Spectacular rolling hills with meadows full of wildflowers and oak trees in mid to late Spring.

snowtrees


camp, outdoors

Winter Camping

winter camping

Camping isn’t only a summer time thing. In California, it can be enjoyed all year long – if you have the right gear to enjoy yourself. The deserts alone are prime destinations for your winter vacation OUT of DOORS. Star gazing is great & Back Road exploration is a great way to use that SUV.

Most meteor showers occur during the colder part of the year, so winter camping is a great way to experience the full sky & not miss any of these special shooting star shows. Desert locations well away from the city are the “best dark sky” choices. Less crowds, cooler temps and maybe more clouds. desert

stargazeKELBAKER ROAD is perfect place for stargazing, rock climbing, bon fires and free overnight camping.

weather:

We are not talking about making igloo camps in the highcountry. No snow shoes, nor cross country skiing chalets. Not even much snow camping. This page is just the basics on how to tolerate chilly temps in the milder climates for California’s dry destinations.

Make sure to check road conditions & check the closest town’s forecast before you head out on your road trip.

Bring enough clothing for a variety of temperatures. LAYERS, is the best advice for clothing. You may go from shorts to winter jacket all in 10 hours.

rain & wind:

California gets most all it’s precipitation from DECEMBER to APRIL, and a lot of winds along with each storm system. So be prepared for some weather.

Big wind event – can blow old trees down, across the road – trapping you on way back in there, so be prepared for a hike out. Super strong winds (40mph+) are also big factors in these outta control wildfires, as we’ve seen in recent years with the West Redding & Paradise fires.

camping in winter months:

Great desert locations & destinations:

purple mini
More helpful links:

sleeping outdoors:

A good zero degree sleeping bag is well worth the cash you will spend on it and it will make those chilly Sierra nights bearable even in the early season. Where fold-up cots will circulate the cold air underneath you, Inflatable air mattresses can be total luxury!

Don’t throw out that old sleeping bag. Make is useful! Try placing a blanket under your air mattress & another on top for cushion & warmth…and to protect you from the cold ground temperatures that can creep up.

snow camping:
California Wilderness
National Forests
National Park
Rather book a Cabin?

camp comforts!

  • tent heaters
  • zero degree bags
  • good clothing
  • lotsa firewood

metal fire ring

Anza Borrego State Park allows you to camp along nearly any dirt back road, but requires that you use a metal fire ring to protect the soils & sandy washes from unsightly black ashes & coals.

A metal bucket like this can be found at your local hardware store. Old washing machine tubs work well too.

real heat:

Firewood Dealers all over California can sell you a way better deal than those grocery store bundles.

Make sure to bring more firewood than you think you may need. It’s better to have more than enough than to be wishing you had more.

Tent Heaters are the latest great idea to keep you super toasty even inside your tent. Not intended for overnight use. Shut it off before you go to sleep.

mrheater