Discussion: Non-O snow chain question

Knowing that many people here like flying to places like Tahoe and driving around, I was wondering if anyone had advice. We're going to Yosemite in a week and chains are still required to visit, even though the chance of us actually using them are non-existent.

Can anyone recommend a car hire company that allows that (probably not), or suggest a good work around? I've never used them but I hear there's a range of sizes, so buying ahead can be a little difficult and expensive. We're looking at public transport in too, but it works out kind of expensive - certainly more than a car plus gas for two.

Thanks!

I'm pretty sure Mike Smith was able to return the unused set he had to buy to Wal-mart. Most smaller stores don't let you do that. They should cost around $40.

That's cool, we went for hiring the car a day or so earlier so we could sort that out. To Walmart we will go!

The drawback of using Walmart is that if you DO have to put on chains to get up and over a pass, you will be stuck with them afterward. We used to rent chains by the day from random gas stations near the snow-line, once we became aware that a chain restriction had been imposed.

I assume you'll be going only to Yosemite Valley, from the west through Merced, Mariposa and El Portal. If so, treat yourself to a delicious lunch at Marie's Mexican Kitchen (used to be Sinaloa) in Merced on the way home...great enchiladas and guacamole tostadas!

Thanks Clark! If they're only $40 then keeping them wouldn't be so bad, we'll donate the to a worthy cause in San Francisco. We definitely have to present them to get into the Valley, so we'd rather be prepared in advance then faff around on the day.

We will be driving through Merced, so we may well check out that place! Thanks!