Ultimate Guide to a Winter Visit of Yosemite National Park

Visiting Yosemite National Park in winter is an amazing experience, and so much different than a summer visit.

Even though it is incredible and so much fun, visiting this park in the winter months can seem like an intimidating feat to some, and I totally get it! I actually visit Yosemite more in winter than summer, so I’m here to give you the insider scoop on visiting this beautiful place in the cold months.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about vacationing in Yosemite in the wintertime: from where to stay, to what to pack, and includes over 25 winter activities to enjoy in the park!

Why Visit Yosemite in the Winter

A lot of people don’t really associate Yosemite with winter. People think about hiking to the summit of Half Dome, or seeing the gushing waterfalls in the valley, or catching a sunset from Glacier Point – all things that… don’t really exist in the winter!

But despite all of that – yes, Yosemite is open in the winter! And there are still plenty of reasons you should visit – because Yosemite is beautiful and amazing in all seasons.

Pros of visiting Yosemite in the winter

• Less people: Snow and cold temperatures scare people away from doing things outside! The lack of people in Yosemite during the winter is so noticeable and it’s amazing!
• No reservation system: Because there is less demand to visit during the winter, the park doesn’t need to implement a day-use reservation system, which is really great! The only exception to this is during “firefall” season, when the park implements day-visit restrictions on the weekends during the month of February.
• Photography: Sunrise and sunset in Yosemite during the winter months have a better chance of dynamic weather with clouds and clearing storms, and having snow or frozen water features creates exciting perspectives for photography.
• Horsetail Falls “firefall” phenomenon: Twice a year (in February and October) the sun sets at the exact angle to cast light on an ephemeral waterfall on El Capitan. It’s incredibly rare in October, but relatively common in February.
• Wildlife viewing: I’ve always seen wildlife when I visit in the winter. Usually coyotes or bobcats! They come alive in the winter and romp around the valley so much more!
• Price: Lodging is much less expensive in Yosemite in the winter due to decreased demand.
• Unique, winter only experiences: There are some things you simply can’t do in Yosemite in the summer! Like snowshoe to Dewey Point, ski at Badger Pass, or ice skate below Half Dome!

Cons of visiting Yosemite in the winter

• Weather: Winter storms can be park-closing events if they are big enough, and temperatures can be very cold. I’ve experienced temps as cold as the teens in Yosemite Valley!
• Driving conditions: Tire chains can be required to drive in the park if you don’t have all-season tires and a 4WD/ AWD vehicle, and could be required even if you do!
• Trail closures: Sometimes trails close in the winter – like the Mist Trail or 4 Mile Trail due to icy, unsafe conditions. While most trails don’t close in the winter, you’ll need to be prepared for deep winter conditions to access most of them.
• Road closures: Two very popular roads – Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road – close in winter. This prevents you from visiting large areas of the park including Tuolumne Meadows.
• Less lodging available: There are significantly less accommodation options in the winter. Housekeeping camp closes, Curry Village and its food options close for a bit, the Wawona hotel is closed, and the majority of campgrounds are closed.

Yosemite National Park Winter Weather & Average Temperatures

Yosemite has many different climate zones within the park. But since most visitors will be in Yosemite Valley during the winter, we’ll be focusing on weather in the Valley, Badger Pass, and Wawona.

Winter weather is mainly seen in Yosemite from November – February. October rarely sees snowfall, and March can have variable weather.

The average highs in Yosemite Valley at 4,000 ft in elevation are mid 40s – mid 50s and the average lows are high 20s – mid 30s. At higher elevations, like Badger Pass and the Big Oak Flat entrance, temperatures usually average 5-10°F cooler.

Snow is inevitable in Yosemite. But, when it falls and how much of it accumulates is a whole other story.

Usually, Tioga Road – the continuation of the high elevation CA 120 through the park from Crane Flat to Lee Vining and Hwy 395 – permanently closes in mid-November, usually in anticipation of a large storm. Glacier Point Road usually closes at the same time.

There are some rare drought years, however, when the roads close much later in the season because there are no storms.

I’ve experienced snow in Yosemite Valley in every winter month. I’ve seen dumps of snow in November and March! I’ve gone to sleep with a completely dry valley floor and woken up to several inches of snow on a visit! It’s magical!

So while snow does fall in Yosemite Valley, it’s usually not covered in snow all winter long. Above 7,000 ft in elevation though, which is where Badger Pass sits, you can expect snow to linger most of the winter.

When it’s not snowing in Yosemite, you can get a little bit of everything! Rain is common, but the sun comes out a lot too. And again, the differences in elevation mean different weather. It could be snowing at Badger Pass and raining in Yosemite Valley.

Driving and Transportation in Yosemite National Park During Winter

How to get to Yosemite National Park in winter

In the summer, you can access Yosemite National Park from the east and west. In the winter, however, you can only drive into Yosemite from the western side of the mountain range.

There are four different entrances to take during the winter: Big Oak Flat on CA 120, Arch Rock on CA 140, or Wawona on CA 41. There is also the Hetch Hetchy entrance off of Evergreen Road and CA 120, but that entrance is separate from the main part of the park.

If you are driving from the Los Angeles or Fresno area, you’ll enter via the Wawona entrance. If you’re driving from San Francisco, the Bay Area, or Sacramento, you’ll enter from either CA 120 or CA 140. I usually recommend CA 140 in the winter since it is at a much lower elevation than the CA 120 entrance.

There are not many options to get to Yosemite National Park. You can:

1. Drive a car yourself.
2. Take YARTS from various cities close to the park.
3. Hire a day tour or one-way transfer.

Driving a car yourself will give you the most freedom and flexibility to experience the park.

Flying Into California to Visit Yosemite in Winter

If you are visiting from out of state, I would highly recommend flying into San Francisco (SFO), Oakland (OAK), San Jose (SJC), or Sacramento (SMF). These are the largest cities that have easy access to Yosemite National Park.

If you are able to find well-priced flights to Fresno (FAT), this may be the most convenient option if you don’t want to rent a car since you can take YARTS from Fresno to Yosemite Valley.

You can drive from Los Angeles (LAX) as well, and if you plan to visit Sequoia National Park at the same time as Yosemite, this might be the most convenient option. It is a longer drive from LA to Yosemite, however.

Winter road closures in Yosemite

As mentioned above, Tioga Road (CA 120 inside the park) is closed during the winter, specifically from Crane Flat to Tioga Pass. You cannot drive a vehicle on this road once it closes for winter.

Glacier Point Road is mostly closed in the winter. It does open in mid-December for vehicles to drive to Badger Pass Ski Area, which is the starting point for snowshoeing or nordic skiing adventures along Glacier Point Road, or downhill skiing at Badger Pass.

Mariposa Grove Road also closes in the winter. There is a large parking lot where you can park your car and hike or snowshoe the Washburn Trail 2 miles (one way) to reach the entrance of Mariposa Grove.

There are times when other park roads may close depending on storms. Be sure to check the current conditions page on the NPS website for the most accurate information.

Driving restrictions in Yosemite in winter

Tire chains may be required at any time from November – March. When chain controls are in effect, chains must be in your possession, even if they are not required to be on your vehicle.

Yes, even rental cars and 4WD vehicles!!

There are three chain control levels:

1. R1 = Snow tires OK; carry chains
2. R2 = Must have 4WD/ AWD and snow tires on all 4 wheels; carry chains
3. R3 = Must use chains on drive wheels, no exceptions.

Read more about chain control in Yosemite here.

Driving in the snow can be new and scary for many people. It’s important to drive slow and conservatively when there is snow and ice on the road. When you have chains on your tires, you should not drive above 25 mph.

In general, it is rare for Yosemite to enter R3 conditions. And usually, you will only see R2 when driving on highway 120 between the entrance gate and the valley, or Glacier Point Road to Badger Pass.

The park does plow roads in the valley, but if there is a storm, plowing could be delayed. And even though roads are plowed, they can still be icy!

Using the Yosemite Valley shuttles in winter

The good news if you don’t feel like driving around the valley in the snow: the visitor shuttle does run in the winter!

The shuttle does NOT go everywhere in the valley, and the route can be altered due to road work. Generally, the furthest west the shuttle goes is El Capitan Drive, and east is Mirror Lake. This means you can’t go to Tunnel View, Valley View, or Bridalveil Fall with the park shuttle.

I personally love to take the park shuttle – the winter shuttle drivers are a wealth of knowledge in the park and it’s so convenient to not deal with parking since many sights don’t have parking lots nearby!

Ski Shuttle to Badger Pass

Don’t like driving in the snow but still want to experience snowshoeing or go skiing? The park concessionaire operates a shuttle from Yosemite Valley up to Badger Pass.

It operates in the morning and afternoon, and does pick-ups at Curry Village, the Visitor Center, the Ahwahnee, and the Yosemite Lodge, so you can have a ride up and back down! Check out the website here for more information.

Top Things To Do in Yosemite National Park in Winter

Yosemite Valley

Watch sunrise or sunset at Tunnel View

Both are incredible and if you have the chance – do both! In winter the sun rises over Cathedral Rocks and lights up El Capitan, and it sets behind Tunnel View, lighting up both El Capitan and Half Dome. I’ve seen more colorful skies at sunset though!

Watch sunset at Valley View

One of my favorite views of El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall in the park!

Drive the Valley Loop

There are so many pull-outs to stop at and admire the views in the valley. There are unique sights and perspectives all over the place! Most of my favorite spots are on Northside drive. I challenge you to pull over at every single pull-out spot – there’s quite a few – and just look!

Stargaze or watch a full moon

If you’re lucky enough to be in Yosemite Valley with a full moon and snow on the ground: be thankful. And definitely get out for an evening stroll on the valley floor. Cook’s Meadow will have the most wide open views, plus views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls!

Visit the Ansel Adams Gallery, Yosemite Museum, and Yosemite Exploration Center

All of these indoor attractions are right next to each other in the Yosemite Village area. They’re the perfect place to rest, learn, and shop! Or hide from the elements if a storm comes in. I love admiring the Native American handwoven baskets in the museum (not always on display).

Visit the Yosemite Chapel

Even if you’re not religious like myself, the chapel is so quaint and when there’s snow all around it, you almost feel like you’re in a fairytale.

Watch the Horsetail Falls “Firefall”

One of the best reasons to visit Yosemite in the winter! The Horsetail Fall “firefall” event is so unique. It’s never a guarantee that it will happen – so much depends on the weather leading up to February and on the days themselves. So if you do get to experience it – know that you are very lucky!

Walk the Lower Yosemite Falls loop

I do this loop every time I visit in the winter! It’s so quick and the falls and snow around them are always a little different! I highly recommend it. Plus, if you do have your pets with you, they can do this hike on-leash!

Walk along the Valley Loop Trail

The full Valley Loop Trail is over 13 miles long and loops along the entire valley floor! You don’t need to do the entire loop – but you certainly can! There’s very little elevation gain and loss along the loop, so it’s not a challenging 13 miles.

My favorite part of this loop is finding the little nooks along the trail that most people skip over because they don’t know about the trail or are driving past it! You can find some good views on this trail.

Stroll through Yosemite’s meadow boardwalks

I love making a big loop starting at Lower Yosemite Falls and walking through Cook’s Meadow, along Southside Dr., Sentinel Meadow, Swinging Bridge, and ending up back at the Yosemite Lodge. You get to see so many sights including the chapel, Half Dome, Sentinel Rock, Yosemite Falls, the Merced River, and more!

Walk to Bridalveil Fall

The new paved walking path to the base of Bridalveil Fall is great for everyone. Be careful though, there can be a lot of water spray and it could get icy below the waterfall!

Hike to Mirror Lake

From the shuttle stop for Mirror Lake, you can walk 0.8 miles along the paved road to the first views of Mirror Lake. The elevation gain is only 100 feet and very gradual. In the winter, this lake might be entirely snow-covered. Beyond the paved road, you can hike the trails to the bridge at the back of Mirror Lake. This full hike is much longer: 4.5 miles and still not a ton of elevation gain.

If you have a disability placard for your car, you can also drive the road to this spot – I know my grandparents loved to see this spot even though they couldn’t walk to it!

Pro tip: The trail around Mirror Lake does not see a ton of sunlight in the winter, which leads to icy conditions. Wearing microspikes on your hiking shoes is a smart idea to avoid slipping and falling.

Hike the John Muir Trail to the Vernal Falls Footbridge

This is a great short hike along the Merced River. You’ll be able to see Vernal Fall from here. You may be able to hike further, but the Mist Trail usually closes between here and the top of Vernal Fall. You can continue on the John Muir Trail to reach the top, and then hike the Mist Trail to the top of Nevada Fall. Make sure you bring microspikes and trekking poles with you if you want to do the full hike!

Hike the Pohono Trail to Inspiration Point

The trailhead for the Pohono Trail is in the small parking lot opposite of Tunnel View. This trail is also most likely covered in snow and ice, so be prepared! The round trip hike to Inspiration Point is short & steep: 2.5 miles with 1,000 feet of elevation gain and loss. The view will be similar to Tunnel View, but a higher vantage point!

Participate in the Bracebridge Dinner at the Ahwahnee

This is a Yosemite winter tradition! You can dine and watch a medieval-themed theater production! I’ve never done it myself, but it looks like a fun experience if you’re into that kind of thing! Learn more here.

Go to a Ranger Talk 

Our national park rangers are full of wisdom and love teaching visitors about our parks! You can learn about geology, wildlife, human history, and more during a ranger talk. Some are at night at campgrounds and some are guided nature walks during the day. I highly recommend doing one on any visit. You can view the calendar here.

Snow Camp at Upper Pines Campground

Snow camping has its challenges, but it’s a lot of fun! I personally love making a fire, and snuggling up in my camp chair with my warm clothes and a puffy blanket, and roasting s’mores!

Watch for wildlife

I’ve had the most luck with wildlife viewing in the winter! I’ve seen multiple bobcats and coyotes in Yosemite Valley in the wintertime. Once, a bobcat slinked right past me at Lower Yosemite Falls! It was pretty amazing and I still kick myself for not having my camera ready to capture the moment.

Outside of Yosemite Valley

Snowshoe to the Tuolumne Grove of Sequoias

This hike is 2.7 miles with 500 feet of elevation gain – on the way back to the trailhead! You’ll see a small grove of sequoia trees and even get to walk through a tunnel tree! I’d recommend snowshoes if there is snow – we were much faster than everyone around us who kept post-holing down to their knees through the soft snow.

Snowshoe Badger Pass to Dewey Point

This is the most epic snowshoe hike in Yosemite! You’ll get amazing views of El Capitan from above! You’ll start at Badger Pass and hike on Glacier Point Road before turning off and walking towards Dewey Point. You should definitely have a map and GPS device with you on this trail. There are small markers up high in the trees to indicate the general path, but it’s not always clear where to go, especially if there has been a large dumping of snow!

This hike is 7 miles and 1,000 feet of elevation gain round trip. Make sure you bring all of your hiking layers and your backpack with plenty of water and snacks. Be careful at Dewey Point too, and don’t get too close to the edge since it’s a long fall down to the valley floor below.

Don’t have your own snowshoes? Don’t worry: you can rent them when you get to the park! Learn more here.

Reminder: if you are snowshoeing, stay off of the parallel cross-country ski tracks!

Downhill ski or snowboard at California’s oldest ski resort: Badger Pass

Did you know that Badger Pass is the oldest ski hill in California? It might not boast the biggest mountains like at Palisades or Heavenly, but it’s a fun time for all the skiing enthusiasts and it’s one of the cheapest ski tickets in the state! Plus, you can say you skied in Yosemite! How cool is that? Learn more about the resort here.

Take a nordic ski lesson on Glacier Point Road

For only $86 you can learn how to cross-country ski in Yosemite! There are three levels of lessons: beginner, intermediate, and advanced! All lessons include equipment rental. Maybe one day you’ll be skilled enough to complete the XC ski route along the entire road to Glacier Point! Learn more about all ski lessons here.

Yosemite National Park Winter FAQs

Can I visit Yosemite National Park in the winter?

Yes! Yosemite is open for visiting in the winter. Just make sure you are prepared for snow and cold temperatures.

When does it snow in Yosemite National Park?

Snow starts to fall beginning in November each year. Sometimes there are small storms in September or October, but these usually only impact the areas of the park around 9,000 – 10,000 feet in elevation. Snow storms usually cease by March, but sometimes there are surprise storms in April.

Yosemite Valley is not covered in snow most of the winter. It takes a very cold and heavy storm to come through and cover the most popular sights.

What is open in Yosemite National Park in winter?

Most things are open! Yosemite Valley, the Hetch Hetchy area, Wawona, and Badger Pass ski area are open. However, the trails around them could look a little different in winter conditions.

Do I need a reservation to visit Yosemite National Park in winter?

You do need a permit to visit during certain dates in February. Check out all of the reservation information here.

How do I visit Yosemite National Park without my own car in winter?

You have limited options, but they do exist!

You can use YARTS to take public transportation into the park from the towns of Sonora, Merced, or Fresno. Learn more about YARTS here.

You can also take a guided tour with transportation included. Most leave from San Francisco and are (very long) day trips.

Some tours are actually just one-way transfers. They’re a little expensive, but probably around the same cost as renting a car and purchasing tire chains! These are nice because you can explore the park more freely and for much longer than a day tour. And you can take advantage of the free in-park shuttles to get around!

When is the Firefall?

“Firefall” refers to the phenomenon where Horsetail falls lights up in the sunset due to the sun setting at the exact right angle. It happens around the same time every year, and is best seen during the middle-end of February, usually around the dates of February 17th – 25th.

Firefall is not guaranteed to happen though: Horsetail falls only flows if there is enough snowmelt, and there needs to be clear skies to the west. One year I spent 4 nights in a row attempting to see it happen, and only got lucky on the last night! So you must be patient and flexible.

Do I need to worry about the bears and other wildlife in Yosemite National Park in winter?

You don’t need to worry, but yes, bears and other wildlife can be active in Yosemite during the winter months because Yosemite Valley doesn’t get that cold. Yosemite is home to Black Bears, which are scavengers and love to get their paws on any kind of food.

Your job as a visitor is to keep your food away from them. If you’re camping or staying in Curry Village, make sure you store all of your scented items (food, toiletries) in the provided bear lockers. While you’re hiking, make sure you don’t litter. Black bears are scared of humans. If you see one, consider yourself lucky and just yell out “Hey bear!” super loud and it will most likely run away from you.

For other wildlife, please do not approach or feed any animals, including squirrels, chipmunks, birds, or deer. We must keep our wild animals wild and healthy. Feeding them human food will kill them.

How do I know if it’s safe to visit Yosemite National Park in winter?

You can never guarantee 100% safety in any outdoor space, especially in winter. Freak accidents do happen. But the #1 thing you can do to be safe in Yosemite in the winter is to drive safely and responsibly.

Otherwise, just be prepared with warm clothes, proper hiking equipment, good shoes, and a map! If you’re feeling nervous at all, don’t be afraid to ask a park ranger for assistance. They love to help people enjoy our parks!

Yosemite Winter Photography Tips

Sunrise and sunset are both really amazing in Yosemite in the winter. There’s a higher likelihood of clouds, which makes for dramatic skies.

In all of my visits to Yosemite in the winter months, I’ve seemed to have the best luck with sunrises, usually because when I’ve been there, clouds have actually moved in too much in the afternoon and evening. But, you should still try for sunset photos, because when I have had luck, sunsets are usually more colorful!

I would recommend using apps like PhotoPills, Windy, and Alpenglow to best predict sun angles and chances of a good sunset or sunrise. I’d also bring a polarizing filter since it can help reduce glare with so much snow on the landscape.

For winter photography, check out these locations:

If you’re looking for a great photography spot, my opinion is you need to explore! You’ll find great places on the many bike paths and along the Yosemite Valley Loop Trail – places you can’t drive up to. Just make sure you stay on trails. Leave No Trace is important!

Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park in the Winter

I will always advise people to stay inside of the park if you are able to. This is because nearly all accommodations outside of the park will require you to drive 20-30 minutes minimum to get to some kind of viewpoint in the park. It is so much easier if you wake up inside the park, and you’re just able to get up and get your day started!

A reminder about staying outside of Yosemite National Park: During certain dates in February, you will need a day-use reservation to enter the park due to the popularity of the Horsetail Fall “Firefall” event. If you have a lodging reservation inside the park, you don’t need to make a day-use entry reservation.

Winter lodging recommendations inside Yosemite National Park

Budget: Curry Village

My #1 recommendation for staying inside of Yosemite National Park! There are a few weeks in the winter when it is not open. Be aware of the different lodging types here: some tent cabins are NOT HEATED. If you are not prepared to sleep in below freezing temperatures with your own gear, DO NOT book an unheated tent cabin. Food options are on-site at Curry Village, including a coffee shop, which is great for warming up in the morning! Check it out here.

Mid-Range: Yosemite Valley Lodge

The Valley Lodge is centrally located to everything in Yosemite. You can easily walk from your room to Lower Yosemite Falls, Cooks Meadow, and Swinging Bridge. There are multiple food options on site, and EV charging. I really enjoy staying at the Valley Lodge, especially in the winter since there is so much to do nearby, but it’s usually too expensive for me unless there is a promotion running. Check for vacancy here.

Luxury: Yosemite West Private Rentals – Majestic Forest Lodge A Frame

This would be an amazing place to stay with a large family or a bunch of friends! The A-frame feel is magical and it’s pretty amazing to be able to stay in a full house – not hotel – inside of Yosemite! You’ll be close to Badger Pass at this location and be able to drive through the famed Wawona Tunnel before Tunnel View. Check out this amazing vacation rental.

Camping: Upper Pines Campground or Camp 4

Camping is a little more rough in the winter and you definitely need to be prepared! I’d recommend staying at Upper Pines Campground if you want to sleep in your vehicle – whether that’s a hatchback, RV, or campervan. Book at Upper Pines.

If you plan to tent camp, I’d recommend Camp 4 since it’s closer to the center of Yosemite Valley, literally across the street from the Valley Lodge! Be aware that you can’t sleep in your car at Camp 4 and you have to walk all your gear to your campsite and will potentially have to share a camping space with others. Check out Camp 4.

Winter lodging recommendations outside Yosemite National Park

For full disclosure, I’ve never stayed at these locations because I hate staying outside of the park when I visit Yosemite. The amount of driving and dealing with parking is just not worth it to me, especially since I like to photograph sunrise and sunset. But, if I was forced to stay outside of the park boundary, I would choose one of these options!

Budget: Best Western Plus Mariposa

This Best Western is in the town of Mariposa, which is about an hour’s drive from the El Portal Arch Rock Entrance on CA-140. It’s not very expensive, but comes at the cost of a long drive to and from the park each day! Check it out here.

Mid-range: Yosemite View Lodge

This hotel is also on CA-140, but it is located in El Portal and only minutes away from Yosemite’s entrance gate! You’ll be on the Merced River too, which is a nice ambiance. Check for vacancy here.

Luxury: Rush Creek Lodge

Rush Creek Lodge is a luxury resort located right outside of Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat entrance on CA-120. There’s a pool, a spa, restaurant, and more! This is definitely for those who want a more upscale experience after they’re done playing in the park all day. Check for deals here.

Camping: Lupine Campground in Bass Lake

This is the closest public car camping campground outside of Yosemite National Park that is open during the winter. It’s located in Bass Lake within Sierra National Forest, about 40 min south of the Wawona entrance to Yosemite. Book campground here.

Where to Eat in Yosemite National Park in Winter

I have a hot take here: dining at the Ahwahnee is SO NOT worth it with buffet-only dining options. I used to enjoy the breakfast buffet but they raised the price ~$5ish per person and took away some items (like the amazing smoked trout).

Here are some of my recommendations for food in Yosemite:

• Curry Village Pizza Deck – literally the best food in the national park! The pizza flavors are awesome, but you can build your own too! The Half Dome is my personal favorite.
• Bar 1899 in Curry Village – great spot for cheaper drinks & grub like smashburgers, potstickers, fries, and more!
• Yosemite Lodge Mountain Room Lounge – similar to bar 1899. Great for drinks and dinner in a more casual but still nice environment. Note that the last call for hot food is early: 7:30 pm.
• Yosemite Lodge Mountain Room Restaurant – I’d recommend going here for a fancy sit-down dinner inside the park.
• Degnan’s Kitchen & Loft – Great for breakfast on the go and lunch bites near Yosemite Village.
• Village store – this is a large grocery store. There are some ready-to-eat items like sandwiches and wraps and fresh produce, and traditional grocery store and camping goods like canned food, fuel, firewood, etc. This is a great place to stock up on snacks.
• Seven Tents at Curry Village & Base Camp Eatery at Yosemite Lodge – these are pretty “meh” eating options in my opinion. They’ll do if there’s nothing else, but they’re not the best.
• Starbucks at Yosemite Lodge – you’ll find the normal drinks & food options at Starbucks here, just be aware they may be out of stock of certain specialty toppings.
• Coffee Corner at Curry Village – my preferred breakfast option for on-the-go activities. They serve Peet’s Coffee, pastries, and have grab n go lunch items.

What to Pack for a Winter Trip to Yosemite National Park

In addition to the 10 essentials, you should make sure to bring these items with you on a winter Yosemite trip:

• Breathable hiking shirts: choose merino wool, tencel, or polyester for the best moisture wicking. >This is my favorite for winter hiking.
• Softshell hiking pants: I like wearing thicker pants in the winter that have DWR water repellent added. >These are my go-tos.
• Base layer bottoms: To layer underneath your softshell hiking pants if it is really cold. I like merino wool or polyester. >My top pick.
• Mid Layer Fleece: Layers are key in the winter! I prefer a fleece zip-up jacket since it’s easy to take on/off if I’m changing up layers. >My favorite active fleece.
• Insulated Jacket: You definitely want a puffy jacket in the winter! You need to trap your body heat and stay warm and toasty. >Check out this jacket.
• Rain Jacket: Rain and snow are common in the winter! You need a waterproof shell to keep you and your layers dry. >This is a great option.
• Rain Pants: I would only bring rain pants if it’s forecasted to rain. Otherwise, your softshell hiking pants will repel snow really well! >These are my pick.
• A beanie: Keep that head warm! It makes such a difference. >I love this classic style.
• Gloves: Keeping your extremities warm is so important in the winter. Gloves are a personal preference, but I like ones that have an inner liner glove and waterproof outer glove combo. >Like these ones.
• Socks: Quick drying and sweat-wicking is key here. It might be cold, but your feet will sweat with all the walking you’ll be doing, and those cotton socks will not be comfy! >These are my favorites.
• Waterproof, insulated boots: When it’s really cold and you’re walking on snow all day, an insulated boot really does make a difference. No snow on the ground? Your regular hiking boots will be fine. >These are my go-tos.
• A water bottle: I prefer bottles to reservoirs since in the cold temperatures, the drinking tube in a reservoir can freeze! >Can’t go wrong with this bottle.
• A headlamp: Shorter days mean you might be out later than normal exploring! A headlamp is important for finding your way when it gets dark, plus it’s just handy to have! >I like this one.
• A backpack: You’ll want something that can carry your layers and all of your hiking snacks and camera! >I love this day pack.
• Handwarmers: So nice to have when it’s cold!! >Try these ones.
• First Aid Kit: Absolutely essential to have! >This is a good option.
• Sunscreen: Snow reflects sun! Make sure you lather up and get tricky places like under your chin and nose! >I prefer this mineral one.
• Chapstick: Winter = dry weather! Nothing worse than getting chapped and sunburned lips on vacation. >Try this one.
• Sunglasses: Winter days can be really bright, especially if you’re hiking in the snow. Make sure to protect your eyes! >These are my go-tos.
• Microspikes: You’ll need these if you want to hike icy trails like the Mist Trail or Upper Yosemite Falls Trail. >I swear by this brand.
• Trekking poles: You’ll want trekking poles for harder hikes and for snowshoeing! >These are great all-around poles.
• Phone charger: Phone batteries die faster when its cold. Make sure you keep yours charged, especially if you’re using hiking apps like AllTrails! >This is my favorite lightweight external battery.
• Snow Pants: If you’re planning to ski or snowboard, insulated snow pants will be better to wear than layering a bunch of bottoms. You might just want them for touring around if it’s cold, rainy, or snowy instead of hiking pants! >This is a great entry-level pair.
• Tire chains/cables/socks: Required to be carried in your car from November – March! Don’t be without them, and make sure you size them for your tires. >These are the ones I carry. Never had to use before!
• Garmin inReach: Such a great device, even if you aren’t hiking. You can use the Garmin to call for help without phone service and it will ping the nearest search & rescue and authorities. A must-have for any winter exploring – even just driving – when an accident could turn deadly in cold weather quickly. >Buy one here.
• National Parks Pass: Buy one at the park or pick it up early! For only $80 you get a full year of National Parks access – to all parks in the USA! >Get yours now. If you are older than 62, pick up your $80 LIFETIME Senior Parks Pass at the park entrance or visitor center!

General Tips for Visiting Yosemite in the Winter

• Flexibility is key! The weather might not cooperate and roads could close, but a trip to Yosemite is always amazing. I recommend checking in with the rangers at the visitor center if you need help with plans when you’re in the park, and always check the current conditions NPS page.
• The entry fee for winter is $35 per standard car and includes entry for all passengers inside. This is good for three days in the park.
• Use the resources the National Park Service provides! I love checking the park webcams before my trip so I know what the snow coverage looks like and how much water is in the waterfalls! I also love the park guide newsletter you get at the park entrance. You can download it from the website ahead of time though to prep!
• Wear layers: Temperatures will be cold, but if you’re active with snowshoeing and hiking, you might need to shed layers… only to need to put them right back on again if it starts raining or snowing! Being prepared is key to safety and comfort.
• Always practice Leave No Trace principles while visiting our public lands. This means picking up your trash (including toilet paper), staying on trail, not walking into the meadows, not interacting with the wildlife, and being courteous to your fellow visitors. We want to leave these places better than we found them for generations to come!
• Have a detailed map of Yosemite! The free one the park gives is just ok. You’ll be able to see more with a better topographical map! >This is a good one.

Map of Key Destinations and Viewpoints in Yosemite

Final Thoughts

Yosemite National Park is truly a magical winter wonderland. I really hope you get to visit and witness the magic – and I really hope you get to go when there is fresh snowfall!! Remember to be safe, Leave No Trace, and show respect to this amazing National Park!

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Have any questions, comments, or memories about Yosemite that you’d like to share? Let me know in the comments below!