Winter In Yosemite National Park
When you think of visiting Yosemite National Park, you probably imagine it being summer time. But visiting Yosemite in the winter is so underrated and there are a ton of things to do! And the best part? It isn't crowded! From someone who has visited Yosemite 10+ times, this guide covers all the best hikes and activities for the winter.
Cross-country skiing Badger Pass in Yosemite National Park
Badger Pass
Did you know you could ski in Yosemite National Park? Badger Pass Ski area is truly a hidden gem! You'll find miles of groomed trails perfect for cross-country skiing, chairlifts that take you to the ski runs, a terrain park for snowboarders and skiers, and a tubing area.
They have all the equipment you may need to rent (skis, tubes, cross-country skis, snowshoes, etc.), plus lessons all at reasonable prices. No need to reserve your rentals prior to your trip, you can just show up.
I cross-country skied for the first time ever here in January of 2023 and it was so much fun! For those who are more experienced and really want an adventure, you can do a guided or self-guided over-night ski trip to Glacier Point, which is a 21-mile journey.
If you're planning a trip to Yosemite in the winter, definitely plan to spend a day or two exploring the Badger pass area.
Upper Yosemite Falls Hike
The Upper Yosemite Falls hike is an incredible hike that I've done multiple times both in summer and winter. Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in the continental US, dropping 2,425 feet to the bottom of the valley from the top.
This hike consists of three sections: upper falls, middle cascade, and lower falls. If you're strapped for time, or if the snow pack is too heavy, you could make this hike short and only go to lower falls or middle cascade, but if you have the time I recommend going all the way to Upper Falls where you'll be rewarded with stunning views of Half Dome, Sentinel Dome, and the valley.
If you're doing this hike in the winter, I recommend coming prepared with crampons and poles (I linked the ones that I used). Even if there isn't snow at the trailhead, there probably will be some as you get closer to middle cascade.
This hike is out-and-back and about 8 miles, with 3,000 feet of elevation gain. It starts near the famous Camp 4 and quickly ascends along multiple switchbacks through the trees.
Nevada Falls summit
Nevada Falls Hike
The Nevada Falls hike is one of the most popular hikes in Yosemite because it passes by three major waterfalls in the park: Mist Falls, Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls. Because it is so popular, the beginning of the trail is often packed, but less-so in the winter.
Nevada Fall is a 594-foot high waterfall on the Merced River located below granite dome, Liberty Cap, at the west end of Little Yosemite valley. This 7-miles roundtrip hike can be done as an out and back or you can take the John Muir trail down from the top of Nevada Falls back to the beginning of the Mist Trail making it a loop.
The best time to hike this trail is in spring or early summer, while the snow runoff is high and the falls are full of water. However, it is a great hike to do in the winter. The photo above was taken in January for reference.
Tunnel View
Tunnel View
Tunnel View is a must stop for any first time visit to Yosemite! Find it just outside the Wawona Tunnel on State Highway 41 (I pinned it on a map below). No hiking is required, you simply park at one of the lots and make your way to the vista.
From this vista you can see El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. This vista view changes with each season to show something new but the best times to see Tunnel View are early spring (when Bridalveil Fall is at peak flow) and winter, when the beautiful granite domes are draped in snow and mist.
El Capitan Meadow
A lot of people drive by the El Cap meadow and admire it from their car window, or park and take a quick picture in it and then drive away. But one of my FAVORITE activities to do whenever I'm in Yosemite is to spend some time in the meadow. In the summer, I normally bring a bottle of wine, snacks, a picnic blanket, and binoculars and look for rock climbers climbing the famous slab.
Since you're planning to visit in the winter, I recommend bringing some gloves and building a snowman. The meadow is usually empty of other people in the winter, so you should have plenty of space to play around.
