Yosemite in March for 2-3 days (from Europe)

[hbguru]

Hi all,

We are one lucky bastards to have won a trip to California in March.
I'm trying to put together an itinerary and currently it seems we will have 2-2.5 days in Yosemite. My wife and i are rookie-medium hikers when in comes to experience in hiking but we do want to camp and hike in Yosemite. Since we are from Europe i highly doubt we will have much more chances to get back.
Could you please recommend what would be the most beautiful hikes for that duration. Please also name if those trails require any special gears (like harnesses, etc).
We can choose to have Yosemite around March 11-13 or March 19-21 if you have any pros and cons for either date that's also welcome.
(current plans: rent a car in LA if we don't find a couch option where we can still hike on our own but can skip driving)

Also if anybody is interested to join us you're more than welcome.

Thanks in advance

Bence

[Grzldvt]

I would go for the later March date. It is still winter in Yosemite in March, warming a bit but still winter... So unless you plan on skiing/snowshoeing the back country is really closed to hiking. Glacier Point Road and Hwy 120/Tioga Road are closed for the winter. Camping is going to be on the Valley Floor, and a bit on the cool side. Hiking is going to be somewhat limited also. There are several places on the Valley Floor to hike from. The most strenuous being up to the top of Yosemite Falls. The 4 Mile trail is closed due to ice and snow, and as a guess the trail head at the Tunnel View, is snow clogged once you reach a certain point.
However you still have plenty of options, Yosemite Falls, the Mariposa Grove of the Big Trees, is pretty cool. Plus just spending the day touring the Valley Floor is pretty awesome in it's own right.

[balzaccom]

There magical hikes in and around the Valley--and some of them take you into areas where there really are no other people. Yes, Yosemite Falls trail is nice...and we love to hike around the meadows of the Valley itself---it's amazing how few people do this.

Also look at Ribbon Falls and Illilouette Falls---these are more cross-country hikes, but they are stunning. They're all on our website under the Destinations sections of Yosemite

[runningbear87]

Mirror Lake in the Valley is always an easy and beautiful stroll or bike ride. Or, down in Wawona Chilnualna Falls should be open.

[AlmostThere]

If you're taking climbing gear, it's no longer a trail....

I suggest a visit to the wilderness office when you get there. There are also sites like yosemitehikes.com and plenty of books that give details about hikes.

Get a good map, talk to the ranger about what's open at the time, and go hiking. Don't forget extra layers of clothing and good hiking shoes.