Getting to and from the trailhead safely is an important part of winter camping preparation. Mountain driving in winter conditions requires preparation, the right equipment, and careful technique.
Before heading to snow country, ensure your vehicle is ready for winter conditions.
Essentials: Check antifreeze levels (should be rated to well below zero). Verify battery condition — cold reduces battery capacity. Ensure windshield washer fluid is winter-rated (won't freeze). Check tire condition and pressure. Inspect wiper blades. Fill the gas tank before entering mountain areas.
Tires: All-season tires are the minimum. Snow tires or chains provide much better traction. Many mountain roads require chains or snow tires during winter — check CalTrans (or equivalent) road conditions before departure.
Know the chain requirements for your route. California requires chains on many Sierra Nevada roads during storms.
Practice installing chains at home before your trip. Installing chains in a parking lot in daylight is very different from doing it on the shoulder of a snowy highway at night in a storm.
Installation Tips: Pull completely off the road to a safe, flat area. Lay chains flat next to the drive wheels. Drive onto the chains, then connect them. Tighten after driving a short distance. Remove chains when road conditions improve to avoid damage to chains and road surface.
Reduce speed significantly. Stopping distances on ice can be 10 times longer than on dry pavement.
Increase following distance. Leave at least 4–6 seconds between you and the vehicle ahead.
Brake gently. Apply steady, gentle pressure. If you have ABS, press firmly and let the system work. If you don't have ABS, pump the brakes gently to avoid lockup.
Steer smoothly. Avoid sudden turns. If you begin to skid, steer in the direction you want to go and ease off the gas.
Use lower gears on downhill grades for engine braking rather than riding the brakes.
Bridges and overpasses freeze before other road surfaces. Be extra cautious.