A thunderstorm rolls in, the road turns to slush, and Yosemite’s drama cranks to 11. We pull over, wait it out, and keep going—dogs panting, windshield fogging, laughter on loop. Come along as we thread Tioga Pass, hunt for Tunnel View, daydream about the sequoias, and find the magic in the messy middle. 🎧 Watch the companion video: youtu.be/Wl2GJBzWWfg
- Where we are: Yosemite National Park via Tioga Pass (Lee Vining side)
- Weather curveball: Thunder, lightning, hail/sleet “mush,” low visibility, rockfall, and big temperature swings (high 30s–40s°F).
- The plan: Explore Yosemite Valley on a rainy day; opt for a short, paved, dog-friendly walk with views of Half Dome & Yosemite Falls.
- Reality checks:
- James is 5 days post-foot injury (tetanus shot contemplation 😅).
- Campsite is ~3 hours from Mariposa Grove; sequoias go on the “next trip” list.
- Dogs = adorable, steamy windows.
- Highlights:
- Watching waterfalls kick back on after the storm.
- Three tunnels (!!) on the way toward the Valley (friend memory unlocked).
- That “is that…a payphone?!” bit.
- The way rainy days thin the crowds and amplify the mood.
- Dog tips: Bring towels, extra water, and plan paved, low-impact routes in bad weather.
- Safety note: Pull over during lightning/hail, watch for rockfall, and mind those no-guardrail edges.
- Watch the visuals: https://youtu.be/Wl2GJBzWWfg
Key takeaways (bullets):
- Rainy days can be the best national park days—crowds clear, waterfalls reappear, and the drama is unreal.
- Plans change; the park isn’t going anywhere. Save big hikes (like Mariposa Grove) for a future trip if conditions or health say so.
- Long drives to/from dispersed camp are worth it when the starlink/solar/views hit right.
- Safety > schedule. Pull over, breathe, and wait out the storm.
