Visitors Flock to Foothills Near Oakhurst to Enjoy Rare Snowfall

Road closures and chain requirements don't deter visitors from taking in the winter wonderland

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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People are heading to the foothills near Oakhurst, California to enjoy the rare snowfall, despite road closures and chain requirements that are preventing them from reaching Yosemite National Park. Visitors like Billy Honaker and Sudeep Yadav are making the most of the snowy conditions, with Honaker describing it as 'walking in a winter wonderland' and Yadav experiencing his first time seeing snow in the U.S. The California Highway Patrol is advising drivers to be prepared with chains and supplies as the weather conditions could worsen overnight.

Why it matters

Snowfall in the foothills near Oakhurst is an uncommon occurrence, making it a special treat for both locals and visitors. However, the road closures and chain requirements pose challenges for those trying to access Yosemite, highlighting the need for proper preparation and safety measures when driving in winter weather conditions.

The details

Despite the Yosemite south entrance being closed due to the storm, visitors like Billy Honaker and Alexis Gutierrez are making the most of the snow by having a snowball fight and enjoying the 'winter wonderland'. Sudeep Yadav, who moved to the U.S. from India two years ago, is experiencing his first time seeing snow. The California Highway Patrol is advising drivers to have chains and supplies in their cars, as the weather conditions could worsen overnight and lead to additional road closures.

  • The Yosemite south entrance closed due to the storm, turning drivers around on February 19, 2026.
  • More snowfall is expected overnight on February 19, 2026.

The players

Billy Honaker

A worship pastor at People's Church in Fresno who is moving to the area this week and is enjoying the snow with his music director.

Alexis Gutierrez

The music director at People's Church in Fresno who is moving to the area this week and is enjoying the snow with Billy Honaker.

Sudeep Yadav

A man who moved to the United States from India two years ago and is experiencing his first time seeing snow.

Lieutenant Jeff Mesa

A California Highway Patrol officer who is advising drivers to be prepared with chains and supplies as the weather conditions could worsen overnight.

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What they’re saying

“It's like walking in a winter wonderland.”

— Billy Honaker, Worship Pastor (yourcentralvalley.com)

“In the US, it's my first time to see the snow. The road is closed to Yosemite, so we are not able to go farther because we don't have chains for the tires. But we are enjoying ourselves here for the last two, three hours.”

— Sudeep Yadav (yourcentralvalley.com)

“I feel like a kid, and I've seen snow before. But it's something that never gets old.”

— Alexis Gutierrez, Music Director (yourcentralvalley.com)

“When we were driving up, we're just listening to music, and I was like, 'man, this is the beauty of what Jesus made. That's what God made.'”

— Billy Honaker, Worship Pastor (yourcentralvalley.com)

What’s next

The California Highway Patrol will continue to monitor the road conditions and may lower the chain control requirements on State Route 41 depending on the snowfall level and roadway conditions overnight.

The takeaway

This rare snowfall in the foothills near Oakhurst is a special treat for visitors, but also highlights the importance of being prepared with proper equipment and supplies when driving in winter weather conditions, as road closures and chain requirements can quickly change and impact travel plans.