What to do in Yosemite in Winter
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The View from Tunnel View in January
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Yosemite Valley Does get quite a bit of snow!
If you’re looking for What to do in Yosemite in the Winter, you’re in the right place. I’ve put together all the things to do in Yosemite in Winter that let you experience gorgeous snow, a chance to experience Yosemite Ice Skating, and even take you to get a 180-degree view of winter in Yosemite Valley from above. While the park is incredible year-round, there is something magical about a Yosemite National Park winter.
This majestic park was established by an Act of Congress on October 1, 1890. It is America’s third National Park. If this is your first time in Yosemite National Park during winter, be prepared to fall in love with the unreal snowy landscape and breathtaking views. Yosemite National Park is visited by over 5 million people annually and is about is 761,747 acres. It is the 16th largest National Park of the 62 in the United States.
Every visitor to Yosemite National Park should make a stop at one of the 4 visitor centers to get a park map, get a weather update, and info about the park’s road conditions and possible closures. You can also visit HERE to see up-to-date closures, weather, and Yosemite winter activities. Park Rangers are also a wonderful resource for finding out the parks more off the beaten path spots. The Valley Visitor Center, located in Yosemite Valley, is the most popular visitor center and is open year-round. Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center, Big Oak Flat Information Station, and Wawona Information Station are open seasonally, so be sure to check operating hours.
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What to do in Yosemite in Winter
Badger Pass Ski Area (Ski, Snowboard, Tube)
The Acadia App
Click to See my other 10 Guides for California Parks
Weather in Yosemite in Winter
The weather in Yosemite in winter is cold and snowy. However, depending on which part of the park you visit, you may experience drastically different weather. Below are graphs showing Yosemite winter temperatures and precipitation of Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Grove. Tuolumne Meadows is at an 8,600-feet elevation while Yosemite Valley is much lower at only 4,000-feet. Since Yosemite National Park covers over 1,200 square miles and varying elevations - the weather patterns will not be the same in the North of the Park versus in the Valley.
Does it snow in Yosemite? Yes! You can see from the graphs that Yosemite in December and Yosemite National Park in January are cold with high precipitation (snow). From November to May, Yosemite receives 95% of its precipitation and you can assume that there will be snow in Yosemite National Park during this time. Yosemite in the winter is cold, but gorgeous. The best time to visit Yosemite in Winter, in my opinion, is January. Smaller crowds and cooler temps mean getting to experience the real Yosemite! Don’t let the cold and snow at Yosemite scare you off though, winter is arguably the best time to visit Yosemite National Park.
CLICK HERE for my 1-2 Day Itinerary for Yosemite National Park
The average annual temperatures and precipitation for yosemite valley — reference COURTESY of https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/weather.htm
The Average temperatures and precipitation for tuolomne grove (North yosemite) reference courtesy of: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/weather.htm
Click for a 1-Day Itinerary for Yosemite
How to get to Yosemite National Park
Getting to Yosemite National Park in winter is about the same as accessing it all other times of the year. The park is located along the Eastern side of California, but it is a short drive from almost all of the major airports and cities in the state. It is definitely possible to drive to Yosemite in winter. **Please Note that Yosemite National Park can not be accessed from the East side in winter. When Tioga Road is closed, it is not possible to drive to Tuolumne Meadows or enter Yosemite National Park from the east. All other park entrances, including those along Highway 120 from the west, Hetch Hetchy, Highway 140, and Highway 41, remain open all year.
Obligatory national park sign photo in the snow!
Sacramento to Yosemite National park is 2 hours 30 minutes
How far is Yosemite National Park from San Francisco? 3 hour, 35 minutes
Sequoia National Park to Yosemite National Park is 2 hours, 40 minutes
L.A. to Yosemite National park is 4 hours, 45 minutes
San Jose to Yosemite is 3 hours, 35 minutes
Joshua Tree to Yosemite is 7 hours
Yosemite National Park is one of eight National Parks in California. While Yosemite in the winter is absolutely amazing, consider adding Pinnacles National Park or Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park on to this adventure! Also, Joshua Tree in winter is spectacular.
READ NEXT: Two Day Itinerary for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
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How Much Does it Cost to Get into Yosemite National Park?
It was a short wait to get into Yosemite from the North West Entrance
How much does it cost to get into Yosemite?
Seven-day pass if entering via:
Non-commercial car, pickup truck, RV, or van with 15 or fewer passenger seats
$35 per vehicle (no per-person fee)
Motorcycle
$30 per motorcycle (no per-person fee
Foot, bicycle, horse, or non-commercial bus or van with more than 15 passenger seats
$20 per person aged 16 or older
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Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park in Winter
Yosemite National Park Lodges in Winter:
There are several places to stay in Yosemite in Winter. Staying inside the park is an amazing experience and gives quicker access to trailheads, parking lots, and winter activities in Yosemite Valley. Visiting Yosemite in December weather can be a very cozy way to spend the holidays as the lodges will be fully decorated.
The Ahwahnee with Half dome in the background
Yosemite Valley Lodge: One of the best places to stay in Yosemite in Winter is the Yosemite Valley Lodge. The lodge is open year-round and is a favorite choice for families and large groups. Its close proximity to Yosemite Falls makes it the perfect base camp to head out for some Yosemite winter hiking. The glass and wood architecture work in unity with the surroundings and provide remarkable views of the snowy Yosemite Valley. Yosemite Valley Lodge offers 245 available accommodations with rooms ranging from traditional, family size, and ADA accessible options.
The Ahwahnee: If you’re wanting to fully experience snow in Yosemite National Park, but also be immersed in the deep history of the park, then The Ahwahnee is the best place to stay in Yosemite. The Ahwahnee was designed to highlight its natural surroundings with floor-to-ceiling picture windows that frame Yosemite Falls in Winter and the hotel sits with Half Dome towering as its iconic backdrop. The hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark as US Presidents, queens, and dignitaries from all over the world have stayed in this elegant hotel. The hotel offers fine dining, a gift shop, and even a heated outdoor pool where you can swim while taking in the breathtaking views of Yosemite in winter.
Curry Village: (Open only Friday-Sunday starting in late January with a full opening in March) Curry Village sits nestled just under Glacier Point and hosts stunning views of Half Dome from almost anywhere. The Village features standard hotel rooms, wood cabins, and canvas tent cabins for guests to rent. There are several dining options and activities are available at Curry Village, including the famous Yosemite Ice Skating.
Glacier Point Ski Hut: (ADVENTURE OPTION) Open from December-March. Glacier Point Ski Hut sits at one of the most gorgeous and breathtaking sites in the Sierra Nevada region. From this viewpoint, you'll overlook Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the Yosemite High Country. ***Visitors are required to cross country ski the 10.5 miles in to access this rustic lodge and while it is possible to ski the 21-mile round trip to the Hut and back in one day, many guests choose to stay at Glacier Point Ski Hut overnight. Reservations are required, and the Hut is only open in the winter. You can hire a guide to take you out.
Wawona Hotel
Closed for the Winter, Opens in March
Tuolomne Meadow Lodge:
Closed for the Winter, Opens in June
Housekeeping Camp:
Closed for the Winter, Opens in April
Closed for the Winter & closed indefinitely
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The Ahwahee and Yoesmite lodge both have outdoor heated pools that allow swimming in winter
Inside the dining room of the historic the ahwahnee hotel
Yosemite National Park Campground:
There are thirteen campgrounds inside the park however, only two campgrounds are currently open for winter camping in Yosemite. All of Yosemite National Park’s campgrounds currently require advanced reservations except Camp 4 which is based on a lottery system in peak season and is first-come, first-serve for winter camping.
Only 2 campgrounds are open in yosemite in winter - camp 4 and upper pines — both are inside yosemite valley
Camp 4: Year Round: First Come, First Serve (winter) and Lottery System (May-Oct). This campground has 25 walk-in tent sites. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. This campground has potable drinking water, flush toilets, and showers. ***This is the most popular and sought-after campground in Yosemite. It is located inside Yosemite Valley and is just steps from the Lower Yosemite Falls trailhead. It is not a quiet campground, but it is gorgeous. We saw campers staying cozy by the fire in January and it’s a great spot for winter camping in Yosemite.
Cost: $10 lottery entrance fee per person/per night
Upper Pines: Open Year Round: Reservations required. This campground has a total of 235 sites including 32 RV and 5 tent only. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. This campground has potable drinking water, flush toilets, and a dump station. There are no showers in this campground. All sites are close to Curry Village and Yosemite Village where guests can stock up on camping supplies.
Cost: $36/night
Wawona Campground: Open April - October
Lower Pines Campground: Open April - October
North Pines Campground; Open April - October
Bridalveil Creek Campground: Closed until 2023
Hodgdon Meadow Campground: Open April - October
Crane Flat Campground: Closed until 2023
Tamarack Flat Campground: Open June - October
White Wolf Campground: Open July - September
Yosemite Creek Campground: Open July - September
Porcupine Flat Campground: Open July - October
Tuolomne Meadows Campground: Closed until 2024 or 2025
READ NEXT: How to ENJOY Tent Camping with Toddlers
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Yosemite valley is a great place to camp in winter in yosemite
Where to Stay Outside of Yosemite National Park in Winter
There are so many options on where to stay near Yosemite. The places listed below are an easy drive to Yosemite in Winter.
Rushcreek Lodge has an incredible spa!
Recommended Hotels Near Acadia National Park:
Rushcreek Lodge: (Highly Recommend) This is the first new lodge in the area in more than 25 years! Rush Creek features a contemporary, rustic sensibility inspired by the breathtaking expanse of nature surrounding its 20-acre wooded hillside setting. Rushcreek is less than 5 minutes outside of the park.
Rushcreek Lodge offers a mix of 143 lodge rooms, suites, and hillside villas. The resort offers an awesome pool area, a variety of activities that the Recreation team hosts daily, including nature crafts, wilderness talks, games, adventure gear rentals and more.
We stayed in a 2-Room Villa that overlooked the property in January. We were blown away by the on-site dining options, massive heated pool and hot tub, daily on-site activities, on-site hiking, and the incredible (INCREDIBLE) on-site spa. Rishcreek has one of the best general stores and souvenir shops we’ve encountered around Yosemite. Rushcreek Lodge in winter is just as amazing as it is in summer!! This is the best place to stay when visiting Yosemite!
Yosemite View Lodge: This lodge is located right outside Yosemite National Park and is only about 10 minutes from Yosemite Valley. Yosemite View Lodge has several restaurants and a large general store. There are several indoor and outdoor pools; fun in any season! We stayed here in March with 3 adults and 6 kids in a family suite. It is a no-frills stay, but it is convenient to the park, is a fair price, and has everything you could need for a winter trip to Yosemite National Park.
Other Recommended places to stay near Yosemite National Park:
If you prefer to stay at a different hotel, use the map below to find a hotel that fits your family size and budget.
RV & Camping Near Yosemite National Park:
There are so many options for camping or staying in RV parks around Yosemite National Park. If you’re staying in an RV near Yosemite or looking to tent camp outside of Yosemite, know that campgrounds are very competitive and you must book in advance. Calling for last-minute cancelations works sometimes too! Also, if you have a self-contained RV, consider a Harvest Host stay where you can stay for FREE while you explore Yosemite.
We stayed out at the yosemite pines rv resort in a cabin in august 2020 - its a long 60-90 minute drive to the valley, so plan accordingly.
Rushcreek Lodge was an absolute dream for a Winter Trip to Yosemite
Winter Closures in Yosemite National Park
Each year, certain roads and areas of Yosemite National Park close for the winter. Snow and icy conditions make parts of the park unmanagable for Park Rangers and staff.
Tioga Road (Closes in November): Vehicles are not permitted between Crane Flat and Tioga Pass. **When Tioga Road is closed, it is not possible to drive to Tuolumne Meadows or enter Yosemite National Park from the east. All other park entrances, including those along Highway 120 from the west, Hetch Hetchy, Highway 140, and Highway 41, remain open all year.
The Road to Glacier Point (Closes in November): This road will be closed ALL of 2022 for construction
Mariposa Grove Road: Closes to vehicles on or about November 30 and reopens no earlier than March 15 (but usually not until sometime in April)
All other park roads, including Wawona Road (Highway 41), El Portal Road (Highway 140), Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120 from the west), and Hetch Hetchy Road are open all year. However, tire chains may be required late fall through early spring. Be sure to call and check Yosemite tire chain requirements before driving to the park.
Check on current road conditions and chain restrictions by calling 209-372-0200 (press 1 then 1).
Lower Yosemite Falls is an absolute must see
What to do in Yosemite in Winter
Yosemite Valley in Winter is absolutely stunning
1) Hike
Yosemite Valley sits at 3,966 feet. It does get snowy, but the Valley is still hikeable throughout the Winter months. I recommend coming prepared with insulating layers, warm boots, and ready to experience the awe-inspiring views of Yosemite Valley in Winter. In Yosemite Valley, there are easy, flat hikes, but there are also steep icy hikes that require more specialized gear. Hiking is one of my favorite things to do in Yosemite! No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find the perfect winter hike in Yosemite.
Tuolomne Meadow area is only accessible via Tioga Pass Road and is inaccessible in winter, but there are great hikes in this area in summer. Glacier Point Road will be closed for all of 2022 for construction and this area is closed in the winter months, but there are some absolutely stunning hikes here in the Summer months.
Best Easy Hikes in Yosemite in Winter
mirror lake in march — the water is still frigid, but standing right under half dome is incredible. expect much more snow december-february.
Lower Yosemite Fall Trail: (Do not Miss - Yosemite Valley) This easy 1-mile trail only gains 50 feet total in elevation. Hikers will be rewarded with direct views of the final drop of North America’s tallest waterfall. Lower Yosemite Falls in winter will be flowing, but its peak flow is in Spring. In Winter Yosemite Falls trail may have snow and ice, but it is paved and maintained. You can hike this as a loop trail or an out and back. Don’t miss a stop at the “Lower Falls View” spur for gorgeous views of snowy Lower Yosemite Falls.
Cooks Meadow Trail: (Yosemite Valley) This easy 1-mile loop takes hikers into Cooks meadow where there are stunning views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Sentinel Rock. During the winter, this trail is completely covered by snow, so instead of trying to follow it the entire way, we followed it to the center of the meadow where played in the snow and even built a Yosemite Snowranger!
Mirror Lake Trail: (Yosemite Valley) This 2-mile out and back trail takes hikers directly to the base of Half Dome. From there, hikers are rewarded with views of Tenaya Canyon, Mount Watkins, Washington Column, and more. We hiked this trail in late March and it was gorgeous and the water was high enough to swim in, but it was COLD.
Lookout Point Trail: (Hetch Hetchy) This easy 2-mile hike does involve some uphill climbing, but takes hikers to a rocky viewpoint overlooking Hetch Hetchy Valley.
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail zig zags across Yosemite Valley and is the perfect opportunity to play in the snow! This is where cooks trail would be.
Moderate Winter Hikes in Yosemite:
Columbia Rock is a perfect winter hike in Yosemite
Vernal Falls Footbridge: (Yosemite Valley): This moderate 1.6-mile round trip trail takes hikers to the Vernal Falls Footbridge. Hikers are rewarded with excellent views of Vernal falls from here. The first mile of this trail is almost entirely uphill, but there are views along the way. In the spring, the water levels are at their peak. **Check conditions past the bridge because it is often closed in winter due to dangerous conditions
Columbia Rock: (DO NOT MISS - Yosemite Valley) This 2-mile out-and-back trail takes hikers along one of Yosemite's oldest historic trails (built 1873 to 1877). It starts at the Yosemite Falls Trailhead and climbs over 1,000 feet in elevation. There are 3-5 dozen switchbacks. Once at Columbia Rock, hikers are rewarded with great views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Sentinel Rock.
Tuolomne Giant Sequoia Grove: This moderate 2.5-mile trail descends slowly 500 feet into the grove. The climb back out can be much harder, but it’s worth it because at the bottom hikers are rewarded with a walk through nearly two dozen mature giant sequoias in the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. **This trail requires snowshoes or cross country skis most of the winter. We hiked it in March and the snow was still very deep in some areas.
Wampama Falls: (Hetch Hetchy) This 5-mile moderate hike follows the shoreline of the reservoir. The trail takes hikers to the base of Wapama Falls. The trail includes spectacular views of Tueeulala and Wapama Falls. (The water flow is highest in spring) The Wapama Falls footbridge can sometimes close when water levels are too high.
the 180 Degree View of Yosemite Valley from Columbia Rock
Strenuous Hikes in Yosemite in Winter:
walk through a giant sequoia in the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias
Yosemite Falls Trail: (Yosemite Valley) This strenuous 7.2-mile trail is one of Yosemite’s oldest trails. It takes hikers to the top of the tallest Waterfall in North America where they are rewarded with spectacular views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Upper Yosemite Falls, and Sentinel Rock. If you aren’t ready for 7.2-miles of rigorous work, opt for the Columbia Trail option listed above. The trail is open year-round, but Yosemite Falls in winter can be difficult because the upper portion of this trail, which receives little to no sunlight in winter, can be very icy and slippery, or buried under feet of snow, making traction difficult.
Snow Creek Trail: This difficult 9.4-mile trail shares a trailhead with Mirror Lake, but continues on where it climes out of Tenaya Canyon toward Snow Creek. Hikers are rewarded with amazing views of Half Dome, Quarter Domes, Clouds Rest, and so much more. Snow Creek Trail in winter requires proper gear such as snowshoes or cross country skis. This is a popular Yosemite hike in winter for backpackers.
Four Mile Trail: Closed in Winter (the bottom half is open only until Union Point in winter, but closed beyond that)
Nevada Falls Trail: Closed in Winter
Half Dome Cables: Closed in Winter, Open Memorial Day thru Columbus Day
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Warm-up next to a fire while you take a break from Ice Skating in Curry Village
2) Ice Skating in Yosemite Valley
Ice Skating was such a fun way to spend the afternoon in the Yosemite Valley
Ice Skating is one of the most incredible winter activities in Yosemite National Park. We had the chance to experience Yosemite ice skating in January. Nothing compares to gliding on the ice in the shadow of Glacier Point with Half Dome as a backdrop!
Ice Skating has been a part of Yosemite winters since 1928! Over the years the ice skating rink has changed locations and size, but it remains one of the most family-friendly winter activities in Yosemite. Skaters can purchase hot chocolate or coffee to enjoy while watching other skaters or they can take a break around an open fire.
Tickets are available 15 minutes before each session and can be purchased at the Curry Village Tour & Activity Desk adjacent to the Registration Office.
How much does it cost to Ice Skate in Yosemite?
Adult/Seniors $14.00
Children (Ages 12 & under)
$12.50Skate Sharpening $15.00
Skate Rentals $4.75
Helmets Free
THERE IS A MILITARY DISCOUNT!
Ice Skating is by far one of the most memorable and fun Yosemite National Park winter activities!
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Here are some must haves for a Winter day in Yosemite!!
Jimmy and Charletta had a few minutes alone on the ice! Ice Skating in Yosemite Valley is such a unique experience.
climbing out of the valley to columbia point
3) Explore Hetch Hetchy in Winter
While visiting Yosemite in Winter, consider a visit to one of the park’s not-so-hidden gems; Hetch Hetchy. This area ia a treasure worth visiting in any season. Hetch Hetchy is located at 3,900 feet and has one of the longest hiking seasons in the park. It is home to thundering waterfalls and gorgeous spring wildflower displays. Hetch Hetchy offers visitors a chance to experience vast wilderness filled with stunning peaks, hidden canyons, and remote lakes.
Hetch Hetchy in winter offers visitors hiking, fishing, and bird watching.
clearly this photo is from summer, but on a clear winter day, hetch hetchy is just as breathetaking
4) Snowshoe and Cross Country Ski
Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing are two iconic winter activities in Yosemite. It has been an integral part of Yosemite’s winters since the 1920s and possibly even before that Throughout the park there are marked winter routes that generally have enough snow from mid-December through about mid-March.
he doesnt need snowshoes to get around the valley
The three main areas to cross country ski and Snowshoe in Yosemite are:
Badger Pass and Glacier Point Road
This area has the largest network of marked winter routes. Keep in mind that some trails have limited grooming, including the Glacier Point Road and the short semi-loop up to Old Badger summit. Longer ungroomed routes lead to scenic overlooks like Dewey Point which has a view down into Yosemite Valley.
Crane Flat
This area is a great spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The trails here range from short scenic out-and-back trips like the Crane Flat Lookout (1.5 miles one way) to longer routes like the Gin Flat Loop Trail (6.25 miles).
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
In a good snow year, The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is a great spot for cross-country skiers or snowshoers. The Washburn Trail goes from the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza, through the forest, and then up to the Mariposa Grove Arrival Area.
A 180 degree view of the snow blanketing yosemite national park in january
5) Badger Pass Ski Area
We hiked the tuolomne meadows in march and did not rent snowshoes, but we probably should have. at points the snow was up to our knees!
I have mentioned it a few times already, but Badger Pass Ski Area offers a variety of winter sports in Yosemite. Here you’ll find groomed trails for easy cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and plenty of equipment rentals for everyone. The Yosemite ski season runs from about mid-December to mid-April.
Badger Pass is home to The Badger Pass Ski Area School which was established in 1928. Today, the school continues to offer lessons taught by professional instructors—many of whom are members of Professional Ski Instructors of America. So, if you have never skied before, you can learn to snowboard or ski in Yosemite National Park!
If you aren’t ready to ski or snowboard, how about going snow tubing in Yosemite? You won’t need to rent a ton of gear or spend a ton of money to have a great day on the slopes! Passes are only $25 for 2 hours!
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Everyone who visits yosemite must make a mandatory stop at valley view for this iconic view of Yosemite valley.
6) Sledding and Snowplay
We didn’t sled in yosemite, but we had hours of snow play!
Sledding in Yosemite is only allowed in one designated spot and that is Crane Flat. Here you can sled, go tobogganing, or go inner-tubing. You have to bring all of your own gear.
Crane Flat Snow Play area is off Highway 120 at the Crane Flat Campground turnoff. The campground itself is closed, but the roads are plowed to allow visitors access to the area.
You can find your own sledding hill to take down to the meadow where it is perfect for building snowmen and enjoying a playful snowball fight.
READ NEXT: What to do Pinnacles National Park with Kids (California)
Some things to keep your Snow Play fun in Yosemite!
The Yosemite App
It’s worth noting that cell phone service is limited inside the park. Be sure to download the FREE NPS app that allows you to download maps for access while visiting the parks. Search for NPS and download the app from the Apple App or the Google Play store before you arrive at the parks. You can save the information for use offline.
READ NEXT: What to do in Death Valley National Park
Whether you’re visiting Yosemite in December for the holidays or visiting Yosemite in January for a post-holiday breather, you will find what you’re looking for here. People come from all over the world to experience the dramatic granite walls, the hoovering presence of Half Dome over the snow in Yosemite valley, ice skating in the fresh open air, or to learn to ski in one of the most iconic parks in the country. Yosemite National Park in winter offers hiking for any ability, incredible snowy vista views, and an opportunity to witness nature thousands of years in the making. No matter whether you camp inside the park or stay nearby, Yosemite is the perfect winter adventure for all ages. There’s nothing quite like Yosemite in the snow.
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