Complete Yosemite Winter Guide

There is just something magical about exploring Yosemite during Winter!

I think it stems back to my childhood for me. 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 had just captured a photo that inspired so many people!

Half Dome and Merced River with snow at Yosemite National Park in the Winter

Here are my top finds for Yosemite National Park:
🏨Hotels: Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge, The Pines Resort(Bass Lake)
📍Tours: Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad, Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour
🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip

Yosemite Winter Guide

Adams so inspired me 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!

This year I am partnering with Visit Yosemite Madera County to bring you a ton of updates on why you need to visit Yosemite National Park!

Keep an eye out for tons of Yosemite coverage this year, and let us know what you would like to learn more about!

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 Falls on a Bright sunny day in the winter, Yosemite National Park California

Yosemite National Park Winter Lodging Options

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

Click Here to Book the 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, including 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 lodges 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, 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.

Did you know that something special happens at the Ahwahnee Hotel each year around Christmas? An annual tradition began in 1927, which even had the great Ansel Adams as the director of the very first Bracebridge Dinner. 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!

Yosemite Valley Lodge

Click Here to Book the 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 than the Majestic Yosemite Hotel. It also has breathtaking views of Yosemite Falls and a great central location to explore Yosemite.

Bridalveil Falls at Yosemite National Park in the Winter

Things 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.

Curry Village Ice Skating with Epic views of Half Dome

Park visitors have been enjoying the Curry Village Ice Skating Rink 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.

Curry Village Ice Skating Rink with views of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park California

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 old 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.

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.

going for a snowy hike in Yosemite National Park California

Yosemite Winter Tours

California Audio Tour Bundle (Get 4 Audio Tours)
⭐️ Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 days | 🔊Check Rates and Availability

With Shaka Guide's GPS Audio Tours, you are guided to hidden gems and iconic sights. Now, you can explore at your own pace without worrying about keeping up with a tour. Tours include:

Yosemite's Majestic Beauty
Death Valley's Unique Geology
Joshua Tree's otherworldly Landscapes
Lake Tahoe's Clear Waters

Yosemite Winter Highlights Small Group Tour
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 7 hours | 🚌Check Rates and Availability

This tour is perfect for those wanting to visit Yosemite in the winter but don't want to drive in potential winter weather, worry about carrying tire chains, etc. as this tour will pick-up and drop-off in Coarsegold, Bass Lake, Oakhurst, and Fish Camp . You can also rest assured as this tour operator has been honored of being a top 10% Traveler's Choice Award the past two years in a row.

On this tour, you will get to see the iconic viewpoints in Yosemite Valley like Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite Chapel, Wawona, Glacier Point and many more. Some locations may change with weather conditions/closures.

Private Guided Snowshoe Hike in Yosemite
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 to 6 hours | ⛄Check Rates and Availability

Discover the stunning winter scenery of Yosemite National Park on a guided snowshoe hike that goes deep into the frozen landscape. Embark on a beginner trail or take on an extended option for this 4-6 hour adventure, and watch for the tracks that deer, coyotes, bobcats and bears leave in the pristine snow. See the Yosemite Valley or the High Country, take in the views of soaring rocks with an icy glaze, and experience the remarkable tranquility of the park's quietist season.

Private Giant Sequoia Grove Hike or Snowshoe
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars with over 1150 reviews! | ⏳ Tour Length: 6 hours | ⛄Check Rates and Availability

Discover the towering Giant Sequoia Trees of Yosemite during the winter on this half-day snowshoe hike. Hike through the Tuolumne and Merced Groves to marvel at these 3,000-year old treesthat reach hights upward of 300 feet.

Check out more great tours of Yosemite. Tours include hiking, snowshoeing, roundtrip tours from San Francisco, and more!

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 ic,e 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 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.

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.

Foggy day at Yosemite Falls in Yosemite National Park California

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 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 five winter recreation trails that you can take in this area, also.

The Wawona Campground is less than half an hour away from Oakhurst if you want to go have dinner.

You are also less than half an 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 heading 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

Additional Yosemite National Park Information & Resources

Lodges In Yosemite National Park

⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Ahwahnee Hotel - Click here for Rates and Availability.

The Ahwahnee stands as Yosemite's most iconic lodge, a National Historic Landmark that has hosted royalty and presidents while offering unmatched views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. This architectural masterpiece blends historic elegance with modern comfort, featuring fine dining, a heated outdoor pool, and artisan shops right at your doorstep. After a day exploring the valley's waterfalls and granite cliffs, you'll appreciate the world-class hospitality and luxurious amenities that make this more than just a place to stay.

⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Yosemite Valley Lodge - Click here for Rates and Availability.

Yosemite Valley Lodge sits right at the base of Yosemite Falls, offering 245 rooms including family rooms and bunk rooms perfect for groups exploring the park together. The lodge's glass-and-wood architecture frames incredible views while keeping you close to trailheads, with shuttle access, multiple dining options, and seasonal bike rentals right onsite. After hiking to Vernal Fall or exploring the valley floor, cool off in the seasonal outdoor pool or grab a meal before heading to the outdoor amphitheater for evening ranger programs.

⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Curry Village Tent Cabins - Click here for Rates and Availability.

Nestled beneath Glacier Point since 1899, Curry Village tents offers an authentic lodging experience. This historic base camp puts you right in the heart of Yosemite Valley with multiple dining options, an outdoor pool, and easy shuttle access to trailheads and waterfalls.

Lodges near Yosemite National Park

There are several great lodging options near Yosemite National Park. We are huge fans of staying in Oakhurst, California and entering the park from the southern entrance. Check out my Oakhurst Lodging Guide.

⭐️ 4.4 of 5 Stars - The Pines Resort at Bass Lake - Click here for Rates and Availability.

The only lakeside resort in the Yosemite area, sitting right on the shores of Bass Lake just 17 miles from Yosemite National Park's South Gate with a private beach, full marina, and some of the best sunsets in the Sierra Nevada!

Choose from lakeside suites with log-burning fireplaces, wet bars, and lake-view decks, two-story chalets with full kitchens, or a romantic Honeymoon Suite with an oversized jetted tub. Ducey's on the Lake serves farm-to-table cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with stunning water views, and the poolside beach bar is perfect for after-hike refreshments. Amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool with pool hoist, hot tub, full-service spa, 24-hour fitness center, yoga classes, boat and kayak rentals, two tennis courts, billiards room, convenience market, live entertainment, coin-operated laundry, free WiFi, and free parking. Pet friendly and open year-round!

⭐️ 4.8 of 5 Stars - Chateau du Sureau - Click here for Rates and Availability.

A Forbes Five Star, AAA Four Diamond Provence-inspired castle tucked in the Sierra Nevada foothills just 20 miles from Yosemite's South Gate, widely regarded as the finest luxury hotel in the entire Yosemite region!

The 11 individually designed rooms and suites feature working fireplaces, pillowtop mattresses, down comforters, hypoallergenic bedding, separate soaking tubs and showers, Moulton Brown toiletries, slippers, robes, and private balconies overlooking nine acres of terraced French gardens. A bottle of local rosé awaits you on arrival, and a full gourmet breakfast is included each morning with fresh-squeezed orange juice. The legendary Erna's Elderberry House restaurant is one of California's most celebrated dining destinations, drawing food lovers from across the state for its tasting menus and wine pairings. Additional amenities include a full-service spa, seasonal outdoor pool, bocce court, concierge, valet parking, room service, free WiFi, and free parking. No children under 10. Pet friendly with a fee, open year-round!

Click on this link or the map below to see additional lodging options near Yosemite NP.

https://www.stay22.com/embed/61f07d51cbb4390015c70b0f

Yosemite National Park Entrance Fee

New in 2026: Each Non-US Resident aged 16 and older visiting Yosemite National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.

Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.

Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.

Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.

$0.00 for Education/Academic Group

$300.00 for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)

$40.00-$20.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons)

$20.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats

$200.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats

$300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats

Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

Photo of a 2024 America The Beautiful National Park Pass that featured a winning photograph taken by photographer Paulette Donnellon at Wuptaki National Monument of a Eastern Collard Lizard.

Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.

Yosemite National Park No Longer Requires Peak Hours Reservations

Yosemite National Park will not require advance reservations in 2026, including during peak summer months and the February-March firefall period. The park will rely on real-time traffic management measures, including temporary traffic diversions when parking areas reach capacity and deployment of additional seasonal staff to manage high-use areas.

Make sure to follow Park Ranger John on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok