Hello Lynne,

In both Yosemite and Sequoia, California state law requires at least one set of traction control devices (chains or cables) to be carried in all vehicles when entering a chain control zone. Whether or not you will need to use them will depend on current conditions, but you will have to have them in the car. At certain times the Park Service will also screen vehicles entering the parks to make sure you have them. March is typically our heaviest snow month so my best advice would be to rent a vehicle with 4 wheel or all wheel drive. In most cases that will be enough to get you through the chain control zones.

I also highly advise calling the Sequoia road/weather hotline before entering the park to make sure the roads you intend to use are open (dial 559-565-3341). There is only one main road that runs through the park, and it can close temporarily about halfway between Sequoia and Kings Canyon after periods of heavy snow, so if you plan to drive straight through the parks on your way to Yosemite that could play a factor.