There is just something magical about a Yosemite Winter! I think for me, it stems back to my childhood.
I can still remember falling in love with the National Parks after seeing photos of Yosemite Valley by Ansel Adams.
The one photo that truly captured my spirit was seeing Half Dome blanketed in snow with the Merced River in the foreground.
Little did Ansel Adams know that, at the moment, he just captured a photo that inspired so many people!
Yosemite Winter Guide
I was so inspired by Adams, that I spent my youth outdoors and eventually spent 20 years working as a Park Ranger.
I have continued my love of the outdoors now for six years writing my experiences at my online site ParkRangerJohn.com.
Several decades later, my life has led me full circle as I find myself staring at Half Dome with the Merced River in the foreground in winter.
I feel that I have found myself all over again as I explored Yosemite National Park in the winter!
I found much more than an iconic photo, I found a park bursting full of winter activities that I can't wait to share with everyone!
Let's explore the magic of a Yosemite Winter and discover everything you will need to know to plan your ultimate trip to Yosemite in the Winter!
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Keep an eye out for tons of Yosemite coverage this year and let us know what you would like to learn more about!
Yosemite National Park Entrance Fee
You must first pay to enter Yosemite National Park. It does not matter if you have a Hotel/Lodge/campground reservation, you still have to pay the entrance fee to get into the park. Here is the cost to enter Yosemite:
Private Vehicle: $35
Motorcycle: $30
Snowmobile: $20
Rates vary for Organizations and Businesses
Planning a National Park vacation? The National Park System has an America the Beautiful/National Park Pass which covers entrance fees for an entire year to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites.
The park pass covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites. The cost is $80 for the pass.
Buy on REI.com and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.
Where to Stay in Yosemite in Winter
There is a reduction in the number of lodging and camping options in Yosemite in the winter. Here is a list of the National Park Lodges and campgrounds that are open in the winter.
Yosemite Winter Lodging
There are two hotels/lodges, both in Yosemite Valley, that are open year-round in Yosemite National Park. These hotels/lodges not only provide a place to stay in Yosemite National Park but they are both absolutely beautiful!
Ahwahnee Hotel
The Ahwahnee is one of the four widely known lodges considered one of the premier/elite lodges in the entire National Parks System.
It is so Iconic that the only other National Park Lodges that compare are The El Tovar at Grand Canyon National Park, the Crater Lake Lodge at Crater Lake National Park, and the Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone National Park.
These are the lodges that will leave lasting memories for park visitors, especially for park enthusiasts like myself who will find themselves fawning over the lodge's "Parkitecture" design, also known as National Park Service rustic.
This is a style of architecture that was developed in the early and middle 20th century in the United States National Park Service to create buildings that harmonize with the natural environment.
People in the know also know about something special that happens at the Ahwahnee Hotel each year around Christmas. The great Ansel Adams was the director of the very first Bracebridge Dinner held in 1927 and it has become a Yosemite tradition ever since. Read below for more information about this incredible event.
Bracebridge Dinner
The Bracebridge Dinner is a Yosemite Tradition that dates back to 1927. Each December, The Ahwahnee hosts this 7-course feast prepared by the hotel's world-class culinary team while turning The Ahwahnee Hotel dining hall into a 17th-century English manor.
Guests are invited to join Squire Bracebridge for a Christmas celebration that includes a 4-hour Yuletide celebration of singing and acting and of course a 7-course feast.
Make sure to click here to get your tickets!
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Yosemite Valley Lodge
The Yosemite Valley's 241-room lodge made of wood and glass has recently been renovated and is a much more affordable option to the Majestic Yosemite Hotel. It also has breathtaking views of Yosemite Falls and a great central location to explore Yosemite.
Where to stay when visiting Yosemite
* National Park Lodges often sell out months in advance but there are several lodging options near Yosemite National Park in Oakhurst, California. Below is a list and map of several options for lodging outside of Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite Winter Camping
There are 4 developed campgrounds in Yosemite National Park that are open in the winter; Upper Pines and Camp 4 in Yosemite Valley, Wawona in south Yosemite, and Hodgdon Meadow in north Yosemite.
Keep in mind that Yosemite is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and is a high-elevation park that can easily get multiple feet of snow at a time. Be prepared for the elements to ensure a great camping trip.
Wawona Campground
At 4,000 feet in elevation, The Wawona Campground is the only South campground open in the winter. The campground has 93 campsites and has flush bathrooms.
The easiest way to access the campground is to travel on Highway 41 through Oakhurst. Oakhurst is a good-sized city and makes for a great place to get last-minute supplies or something to eat before heading into the park.
Reasons to camp in the south area of Yosemite include:
The Wawona Campground is perfectly located to explore the giant Sequoia Trees in Mariposa Grove. There are 5 winter recreation trails that you can take in this area also.
The Wawona Campground is less than a half-hour away from Oakhurst if you want to go have dinner.
You are also less than a half-hour away from Bass Lake which is best known as the location where the movie "The Great Outdoors" was filmed with John Candy and Dan Ackroyd. There are a couple of really good Oakhurst restaurants here and a nice lodge too.
Leaving the Wawona Campground and head towards Yosemite Valley for one of the most iconic views in the entire National Parks System, Tunnel View. this is the point where you drive through a tunnel and as soon as you begin to exit the tunnel is one of the most breathtaking views anywhere in the world!
Just make sure to keep focused on the road long enough to park in the parking lot and just take your time. You will be looking out into the Yosemite Valley with El Capitan on the left, Bridalveil Fall in the foreground, and Half Dome in the background on the right.
Great location to head up to the Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Park for downhill skiing and snowboarding.
Great location to head up to Glacier Point Road winter recreation trails.
Upper Pines Campground
At 4,000 feet in elevation, the Upper Pines and Camp 4 Campgrounds are open year-round in Yosemite Valley. They have flush restrooms with over 250 campsites available between both campgrounds.
Reasons to stay in the Yosemite Valley campgrounds/lodges include:
Located in the heart of the park and easily accessible to Yosemite Village and Curry Village. You can visit the park's visitor center, explore the Ansel Adams Gallery, and even go ice skating!
It is also a great place to ditch the car and ride the bus to many of the park's attractions in the Yosemite Valley.
Have lunch/dinner at the Ahwahnee Hotel
Great location to head up to the Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Park for downhill skiing and snowboarding.
Great location to head up to Glacier Point Road winter recreation trails.
Hodgdon Meadow Campground
At 4,900 feet in elevation, the Hodgdon Meadow Campground is the only campground open in the north portion of Yosemite National Park. The campground has 105 campsites and flush restrooms.
Reasons to stay in the North Portion of Yosemite Include:
The best location to access the Crane Flat Winter Recreation Trails
The closest location to Tubing Yosemite
Still in close proximity to Yosemite Valley
For a fun adventure, check out Escape Campervans. These campervans have built-in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss!
Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago, New York, and Orlando
What to do in Yosemite in Winter?
The winter months turn Yosemite National Park into a winter wonderland filled with winter recreation activities!
The winter season brings in smaller crows than the busy summer season, especially as heavy snowfall can close roads and require you to put snow chains on your vehicle's tires.
But don't let this scare you off, just grab yourself a warm jacket, go for a short walk, and hear silence in the valley!
This is a luxury in the Valley with more and more people discovering the magic of Yosemite. those who come in the winter can find beautiful sunny days, breathtaking views, and the feeling of walking in a Norman Rockwell painting!
Badger Pass Ski Area
Did you know that you can go downhill skiing and snowboarding in Yosemite National Park? The Badger Pass Ski Area has an 800-foot vertical drop starting at 8000 feet in elevation with 10 runs and 5 chair lifts. There is everything from beginner to advanced, even a Badger Pups program for 4-6-year-old kids.
Call (209)372-8430 for more information.
Make sure to check on road conditions before heading out. Also don't forget to check the chain requirements as it is easy to run into winter conditions and snow-covered roads on your way up Badger Pass Road.
Yosemite Ice Skating
Park visitors have been enjoying Ice Skating in Yosemite National Park since 1928! The outdoor Ice Skating Rink is beautifully aligned with views of Half Dome to provide an unforgettable experience. You can even plan for private parties on weekdays.
Hours vary depending on the weather so make sure to call ahead at (209)372-8333 for more information and rink hours.
Tubing Yosemite
Yosemite Hospitality offers snow tubing and sledding in Yosemite National Park. Rates are for two-hour blocks and typically have two different blocks each day.
The hill is perfect for kids of all ages but kids need to be 4 years and 42" tall in order to snow tube alone.
Yosemite is one of our favorite winter family vacations. There is so much to do!
Snowshoeing Yosemite
I have to admit that snowshoeing is my favorite winter activity! It's extremely easy, and affordable, the winter brings fewer people and the air is cold and crisp. Did I mention that the sun reflecting off the snow is a great way to get some vitamin D in the winter! Yosemite is also a great place to go snowshoeing.
Mariposa Grove
The Mariposa Grove Road closes to vehicle traffic from the end of November until at least March 15 of each year. During this time, all trails in the grove remain open in the winter for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking.
Glacier Point Road
Glacier Point Road has one of Yosemite's iconic views of Half Dome! It's also home to several winter recreation trails to explore. Make sure to click here for a detailed list of winter recreation trails and map for Glacier Point Road.
Crane Flats
Crane Flats has 8 different winter trails to explore.
Yosemite Cross-Country Skiing
Cross Country Skiing and snowshoes have several marked winter trails are available, generally from mid-December through March. Look in the snowshoeing section for links to the detailed maps with trail descriptions.
Park Ranger John Pro Tip
Glacier Point Ski Hut is one of the most gorgeous and breathtaking sites in the Sierra Nevada. Upon arrival, you will overlook Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the Yosemite High Country all from 3500 feet above the Yosemite Valley!
The Glacier Point Hut is open from December through March and Glacier Point Road is groomed beyond The Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area. It is possible to ski the 21-mile round trip to the Hut and back in one day but experienced guests know to stay longer and stay at Glacier Point Ski Hut overnight.
Reservations are required for overnight stays.
Inside the Glacier Point Ski Hut, you'll find a dining room and rustic accommodations that include:
- Comfortable Sofas
- Woodstove
- Restrooms
- Large bunk bed area that sleeps up to 20 people in a single room.
- Call (209)372-8444 for more information
Yosemite Chapel
The Yosemite Valley Chapel, located in the heart of the Yosemite Valley, has welcomed residents and visitors alike for over 135 years! The chapel has spectacular views of Yosemite Falls as well as the Yosemite Valley.
They have weekday services, and weekend services and also host weddings. They also have Easter Services, Thanksgiving Services, Christmas Eve Service, and New Year's Night Watch Service.
Yosemite Village
Yosemite Visitor Center
The Yosemite Valley Visitor Center and Bookstore are open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The visitor center offers information, maps, and books. Explore the exhibits and learn how Yosemite’s landscape formed and how people interact with it.
The theater behind the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center plays two different films daily: Ken Burns’ Yosemite, A Gathering of Spirit plays on the hour and The Spirit of Yosemite plays on the half-hour.
Indian Cultural Museum
The Indian Cultural Museum is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and may be closed for lunch. Here you can learn about the cultural history of Yosemite’s Miwok and Paiute people from 1850 to the present day.
Ansel Adams Museum
The Ansel Adams Museum is located in the heart of Yosemite Valley by the park's Visitor Center. The gallery location has magnificent views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Glacier Point and has numerous photos from Ansel Adams and a nice gift store to take home that perfect gift.
The gallery has several activities including camera walks, Fine Print Tours, photography classes, photography workshops, and Ansel Adams films!
Camera Walks are Free, led by staff photographers, and are offered on Tuesday (from the Majestic Yosemite Hotel), Thursday, and Saturday. The Camera Walks depart from the Gallery porch at 9 AM and is limited to 15 people. Topics are basic information about using cameras, composition, exposure, and whatever questions come up.
Registration opens 3 days in advance of the scheduled walk so make sure to call and reserve your space at (209)-372-4413.
Yosemite Winter Hikes
The Yosemite Valley usually doesn't have sufficient snow for skiing or snowshoeing making this a great place to go for a hike or walk. Remember that there can still be plenty of snow and ice so make sure to watch where you step and know your abilities.
Here is a list of a few easy day hikes from Yosemite Valley:
Bridalveil Fall: .5 mile easy round trip should take approximately 20 minutes.
Lower Yosemite Falls (Shuttle stop #6) 1-mile easy round trip hike, should take approximately 20 minutes
Mirror Lake (Shuttle stop #17) easy 2 Miles round trip and should take approximately 1 hour (Mirror Lake is a seasonal Lake)
Vernal Falls Footbridge (Shuttle Stop #16) Moderate 400-foot elevation gain 1.4-mile round trip hike. It should take approximately 1-2 hours.
There could be other trails accessible depending on snow levels. Make sure to check at the park's visitor center or with a ranger before heading out about the park's trail conditions. Trails may close at any time due to unsafe conditions, make sure to follow all warning signs.
Now you have seen a little of what makes a Yosemite Winter so magical! I vividly remember the first time I saw the Yosemite Valley in the winter, I instantly felt as if I was placed in the middle of a Norman Rockwell painting and was transported into a time where everything was serene.
It's hard to believe that most visitors miss this opportunity and opt for the busy crowds of the summer. Now you can start planning your own trip to Yosemite in the winter.
Make sure you check the weather for Yosemite before heading to the park! Depending on the weather the roads leading into Yosemite may be closed. This year Yosemite National Park has experienced a large level of snow which has damaged some of the Yosemite Valley structures and many trees.
Make sure to download the Yosemite Winter Guide for the Park. The current edition is for November 29, 2023, through February 2024.
Additional Yosemite National Park Resources
Epic Guide to Yosemite National Park - a complete guide to exploring Yosemite National Park
Things to Do Yosemite National Park - A list of some of the most popular activities in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park Complete Lodging Guide- A guide to all of Yosemite's lodges with detailed information to plan your trip.
Yosemite National Park Camping Guide - A complete guide to all of Yosemite's Campgrounds with detailed information to plan your trip.
Ultimate Yosemite Valley Guide - The Guide will help you plan and navigate Yosemite's most popular area, the Yosemite Valley
Moonlight Yosemite Valley Floor Tour - A great way to explore the park after dark!
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias - Guide to exploring this incredible forest!
National Park Sites Near Yosemite National Park
Devils Postpile National Monument
Manzanar National Historic Site
César E. Chávez National Monument
National Parks near San Francisco - Complete guide to the numerous National Park Sites in the San Francisco Area.
Things to do near Yosemite National Park
Oakhurst California - The Southern gateway to Yosemite National Park
The Sierra Vista Scenic Byway - This beautiful drive up into the Sierra Nevada Forest with several points of interest along the way!
Wassama Round House State Historic Park - California
Bass Lake California Travel Guide - Complete guide to exploring EPIC Bass Lake in central California
Bass Lake Camping Guide - Complete list of campgrounds around Bass Lake California
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad - Take a ride on the Logger! A fun activity for the kids (and grown kids too)
The Madera Wine Trail - Fun rainy day activity! Get out and explore some of the epic wines that comes from California
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