Northern California - December in California

Hi,

I'm looking to spend the whole of December cycle touring in California, (before heading to New Zealand in January) and was hoping for some cycling specific do's and don'ts relating predominantly to the weather etc. December in the UK is not so warm! Wind direction too might influence my routes...

I have found a route from Crescent City to California which sounds awesome, and is likely to take a week.

Also love to include as many National Parks as possible. Am I best to start in the north and head south as the temperature drops? Is Yosemite open in December? Thinking that the higher altitude National Parks in the Sierra Nevadas might be inaccessible due to snow.

I'll be bringing camping gear with me (mainly for NZ) but are camp sites out of the question (closed) in Decemeber in CA? Maybe hostelling is more appropriate...

I'm dead excited, but totally clueless at the moment! I did find a post that mentioned the weather in Southern California in December was great.

I cycled Lands End to John O'Groats last year, a fantastic way to see the UK if anyone was thinking about it.

Cheers,

Ols

Crescent City is still in California, although the northern area has attempted to succeed from the rest of the state before ("state of Jefferson"). It used to be a fishing and logging town, now it's home to a large prison.

Prevailing wind is from north to south. It changes direction when a storm comes in. Yosemite is open in December but it can be pretty darn cold. The northwest part of California is well into its rainy season in December. The weather there is way different than southern California... it's a big state.

The state is talking about closing many state parks due to budget problems. They may or may not actually do it, so stay tuned. Some campgrounds will be closed for the winter. The higher altitude areas in the sierras will definately be closed. Yosemite valley is low enough and popular enough that it stays open all winter but it often gets light snow.

Roads in the higher elevations of Yosemite (e.g. Tuolumne Meadows and Glacier Point) will be closed by snow during the winter, usually November through May. Lower elevations like Yosemite Valley are open year round (though there are rare road closures during winter blizzards).

December through March is the rainy season along the California coast and the stretch between Oregon and San Francisco get the most rain. South of San Francisco is drier. And one pop song says "it never rains in southern California", which is almost true. In recent years, rain in December has been lighter than usual (global warming?) but some long range forecasts are for heavier rain this winter (el nino).

Governor Arnold has reportedly canceled the plan for wholesale state park closures. He is somewhat unpredictable, though, so who knows? The California coast is not heavily populated and winter is the slow season for tourism, so check ahead to see what is open. Even some hotels and motels may be closed.

You might want to avoid trying to cycle to Yosemite in December. If it is in anyway wet (from snow, rain, melt) it is likely to be very slick and icy. The tiniest bit of snow and they enforce chain restrictions on 120 from the 120 west entrance and down to the valley. I assume on 140 as well, but I'm off the 120 entrance so I don't the 140 into the park. The valley isn't too bad, though it gets icy and much of the road is under tree cover so the ice doesn't melt quickly when it's sunny.

Sequoia is pretty much the same way and I think Kings Canyon may be closed during bad weather. I believe it was closed one April I was down there, however, I don't know if this is common or why it was closed.

You might consider Muir Woods though if you'd like to check out a national monument. And Pinnacles as well. Maybe you'll see a California condor.

I suggest Joshua Tree too.

I'm from the UK and I live in Northern California now - I've been cycling here for several years, and to be honest, the weather here in December is pretty similar to the weather in southern England in December. It might be a couple of degrees warmer, and there might be a little less rain, but generally December in Sacramento is cool and it can be damp. On the other hand, we've had a few years where the skies were clear blue for days and the temperature has been perfect for riding. It's a bit of a gamble - I personally wouldn't want to plan a serious ride in Northern California during December! Also be aware that the entire Central Valley region (Sacramento and south for several hundred miles) gets crazy fog in the mornings all winter!

Southern California is a different story - especially San Diego. Beautiful weather 365 days a year.

I'd stay out of the Sierras, too - including Yosemite. It snows from November to April, and I wouldn't want to come screaming down those mountain passes in sub-zero temperatures...

Have a great trip, though! There is some awesome cycling in California - especially around the area north of San Francisco.

You might want to avoid trying to cycle to Yosemite in December. If it is in anyway wet (from snow, rain, melt) it is likely to be very slick and icy. The tiniest bit of snow and they enforce chain restrictions on 120 from the 120 west entrance and down to the valley. I assume on 140 as well, but I'm off the 120 entrance so I don't the 140 into the park. The valley isn't too bad, though it gets icy and much of the road is under tree cover so the ice doesn't melt quickly when it's sunny.
Hwy. 140 does sometimes close for a little while after a snow storm, but not nearly as much as 120. The difference is the elevation - the 120 route is via Crane Flat at about 6300' vs. the valley which is at 4000' while the 140 route drops down from the valley elevation along the Merced river. Just check the weather forecasts while on your trip and see if Yosemite looks reasonable. In general, locations that aren't higher than 4000' won't see much snowfall and it doesn't last too long.

Of course the main bike touring route is along the coast and there are plenty of state parks (now that it looks like they'll stay open) with 'Hike & Bike' camping spots that make it convenient. That would get you down to the southern part of the state and warmer weather.

I would say visit Yosemite if you never have before. It is well worth the trip. December is not the best time to ride up there for sure, but you should try to get up there by other means then. Personally, I like Yosemite better in the winter. Less people and if there is a blanket of snow, you can't beat that. The pure serenity of it is just amazing.

Here is a link to different ways to get up there http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/cayosemite/a/get_there.htm

F.Y.I.- there are campgrounds open year round in the valley floor. Just make sure you have a sleeping bag warm enough for below freezing temps at night.

Also be aware that the entire Central Valley region (Sacramento and south for several hundred miles) gets crazy fog in the mornings all winter!

I can't believe I forgot about our pea soup! I don't think it was too bad last year (as in frequency of dense fog) or I might have remembered. Sometimes it's very hit or miss... other times it takes me 45 minutes to make my 20 minute drive to work along 99. So yes, beware of crazy fog that sometimes sticks around all day it's so thick.

Like this... taken at 4:00 in the afternoon on December 1st.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/cakesniffer/misc/Photo_120108_001.jpg


I would say visit Yosemite if you never have before. It is well worth the trip. December is not the best time to ride up there for sure, but you should try to get up there by other means then. Personally, I like Yosemite better in the winter. Less people and if there is a blanket of snow, you can't beat that. The pure serenity of it is just amazing.

I find it against my nature to actually suggest that someone avoid Yosemite, especially someone visiting from another country, so my first post was a hard one to make. I totally agree that it's worth the trip and if original poster can find another means to get there (like renting a car), then they should. Living so close I've been there countless times. Takes my breath away each time, no matter the season. Being there during a snow storm is an experience unlike any other. Everything is so still and quiet. Words and pictures don't do it justice.

I live in the Humboldt Bay area, about 70 miles south of Crescent City, and can say that it would likely be...uncomfortable. It changes slightly from year to year, but two things are a guarantee: rain and wind. What route were you thinking of? Between Crescent City and Eureka you'll be hugging the coast so you'll likely get a tailwind from the north and likely get a lot of rain, fog and heavy mist. Late in December it's common to get VERY high winds. The kind that snaps our giant trees in half. It is also typical to have temperatures be wonderfully cool in the day(50F or so)but can dip into the low 30's at night, at elevations over one thousand feet expect the upper 20's. Not great for camping. In the twenty odd years I've lived here we've had snow at sea level on a few occasions as well. Throw in narrow, winding roads, logging trucks and narrow shoulders, I'd say nuh-uh.

With all that in mind,we also have a saying you've likely heard of your own country; If you don't like the weather, just wait ten minutes. It's possible that you luck out with a mild winter. I guess I'd say hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst.

Another thing to bear in mind - and it pains me to say this - is that California drivers generally are not friendly to cyclists. If you're used to British drivers giving you a wide berth, you will be shocked by the drivers here. Many are openly hostile towards cyclists. Please be careful. I have had drivers intentionally swiping me, speeding up as they pass, blasting the horn even when I'm in a designated bike lane! There is something in the Californian driver psyche, out in the rural areas especially, which makes them despise cyclists.

Obviously there are generous and careful drivers in this wonderful State, too, but in general I found the majority of drivers are incapable of giving up any of the road to cyclists.

Just giving a little update. It's October 4th. I just received a tweet from @YosemiteNPS saying that Tioga and Glacier Point Roads have been closed due to.... wait for it... snow! Wawona Road has chain restrictions and the snow level is currently at 5,000 feet.

This might just be some odd storm and not any indication of the winter to come, but keep in mind that if you decide to try to cycle Yosemite, the weather is highly unpredictable. It's likely that the snow from the current storm will melt and the roads may reopen for a bit, but once November comes, they'll be closed until mid-May at least.

Thanks very much for all the information, really very useful indeed.

I didn't see my typo, I meant Crescent City to San Francisco! Stop offs in Eureka, Garberville, Fort Bragg, Gualala, Duncan Mills, Olema, SF (take in Muir Woods). I'd intended to cover that route between about 2nd December and 8th December, at that time I might avoid the worst of the December weather and the conditions might improve somewhat as i head south..? Maybe i should consider warmer accomodation on that leg too! But I'll check out those Hike and Bike spots, I like the sound of those (I assume i can find those all over the state). I'll ditch the panniers in SF and head off on a few day rides.

I've had an offer of a car trip to Yosemite with friends, so perhaps leaving the bike for a few days isn't such a bad idea!! I remember sheltering from a snow storm behind a dry stone wall while cycling on top of the Yorkshire Dales at Easter last year, was a bit unnerving! Yosemite cycling might be a bit foolhardy for this time of year.

After that I'd better head south (Pinnacles National Monument) and design the rest of the cycle around getting to Joshua Tree National Park, Mojave Desert and Death Valley. Just read about a ride through Death Valley in Cycling Plus magazine, sounds a bit crazy!

I booked the flights anyway, so better pull my finger out!!! Thanks again.