Yosemite National Park is a true winter wonderland: soaring granite walls, frozen waterfalls, fairytale snow, and gorgeous vistas at every turn.
While many roads and trails close for the winter, Yosemite Valley, at lower elevation than the rest of the park, remains open year-round. If you’re lucky, you’ll even catch it powdered with snow!
Here are 11 of my favorite things to do in Yosemite during the most wonderful time of the year:
1. Marvel at the Yosemite Firefall
Yosemite Firefall happens for a short window of time each February, when the setting sun behind Horsetail Falls gives the appearance of molten lava. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience and worth planning an entire trip around.
Read my post on Yosemite Firefall 2019 and Tips for Firefall 2020!
In 2020, your best chance of catching Firefall is February 19-22. But even if you don’t manage to catch Firefall, which depends on fickle winter weather, you’ll have a blast with the other 10 winter activities on this list.
2. Go Ice Skating at Curry Village
Yes, you can ice skate with views of Half Dome!
$15 gets you rental skates and 2 hours of rink time at the Curry Village Ice Rink. There’s even a fire pit to warm your hands by in between laps.
3. Stay in a Heated Tent Cabin
The heated tent cabins at Curry Village are glamping at its finest. You’ll be right in the center of Yosemite Valley for much cheaper than a room at The Ahwahnee, Yosemite’s historic hotel.
Each cabin is equipped with a heater, wool blankets, linens and towels, but you’ll still get a full digital detox (no electric outlets, phones, or TVs.)
4. Snowshoe or Ski to Dewey Point
This beginner-friendly trek is 7 miles round-trip from the Yosemite Ski Area, and the views of Yosemite Valley from above are out-of-this-world amazing. Check out my blog post on Snowshoeing to Dewey Point!
You can rent snowshoes at the Yosemite Ski Area, or go snow tubing if that’s more your style.
5. Embark on a Full Moon Snowshoe Walk
The only thing better than snowshoeing? Snowshoeing under a full moon, when moonlight on the snow makes the trail so bright you won’t need a headlamp.
Travel Yosemite leads naturalist-led snowshoe walks for beginners each month, including snowshoe rental.
6. Gaze out at Tunnel View
Tunnel View is perhaps the most iconic viewpoint in Yosemite National Park and it’s even more breathtaking in winter — no hiking required.
It’s also the best place to catch a winter sunrise turning the valley purple and pink.
The eponymous tunnel is extra special in winter, too, with human-sized icicles often hanging from the edges.
7. Tour Yosemite Valley in Snow
Snow doesn’t last long in Yosemite Valley, but when it’s there it can’t be beat. Take the shuttle or park near Swinging Bridge to explore these iconic locations on foot:
• El Capitan Meadow
• Sentinel Bridge
• Yosemite Chapel
• Cathedral Beach
8. Snowshoe through Giant Sequoias
The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is home to 75 gorgeous specimens of the largest tree species on planet Earth, with many winter trails as short or as long as you’d like.
9. Savor Sunset from Cook’s Meadow
Cook’s Meadow is your best bet for a colorful sunset in Yosemite Valley and is open year-round. You might even a picturesque mist kissing the granite as the evening fog rolls in.
10. Trek to Mirror Lake
This easy 2-mile roundtrip hike ends with a view of Mirror Lake, known for its gorgeous reflections of Half Dome.
The lake is more of a pond these days and dries up in summer, so your best chance of catching the famous reflection is in the winter months.
If you’re looking for a warmer hike without any ice or snow, head to Hetchy Hetchy, which is even lower in elevation than Yosemite Valley and typically remains snow-free all year.
11. Admire Frozen Waterfalls
Bridalveil Falls and Lower Yosemite Falls typically freeze in winter, creating gorgeous stalagmites even Queen Elsa would be proud of. Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America.
It’s best to admire Yosemite Falls from a distance, stopping at the viewpint for Lower Yosemite Falls, as hiking on the partially frozen rocks can be incredibly dangerous.
Know Before You Go
• Tire chains are often required for winter travel in Yosemite, even if there is no snow currently on the roads. I use these tire chains from Amazon and keep them in my car year-round, just in case.
When chain control is in effect, you must carry chains even if your car is 4WD, has snow tires, or is a rental. Check Yosemite’s website for current chain control info.
• Tioga Pass (Route 120 East) is closed in winter, cutting you off from the Eastern side of the park. If you’re looking for an Eastern Sierra adventure, you’ll want to visit in summer or plan a separate trip.
The Pass typically closes for the season in November and re-opens in May or June, depending on snowfall. Check Yosemite’s website for 2020 opening dates as they become public.
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Have you been to Yosemite in the winter? Let me know what I missed in the comments!
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