Why Visit Yosemite in Winter
Winter is Yosemite's most underrated season. The summer crowds are gone, El Capitan and Half Dome wear caps of snow, and the granite walls glow when low sun breaks through clearing storms. You trade waterfalls at full roar for solitude, frosted meadows, and some of the best photography light of the year. With the right preparation, a winter visit can be the most memorable trip you take here.
For trail ideas that carry over from the warmer months, see our Yosemite hiking itinerary, then adapt the lower-elevation valley routes for snow.
The Horsetail Fall Firefall
The most famous winter event is the Horsetail Fall firefall. For roughly two weeks in mid to late February, the setting sun lines up with this thin seasonal waterfall on the east face of El Capitan and lights it up like molten orange lava. You need three things to align: water flowing in the fall, a clear western horizon at sunset, and a spot on the designated viewing area. The park often runs traffic and parking restrictions during this window, so check the rules before you go.
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing
The high country around Badger Pass (the park's small downhill ski area) is the hub for winter trails. From there you can:
- Snowshoe or ski the road toward Glacier Point, which is closed to cars in winter and becomes a quiet 10.5-mile one-way route to one of the greatest views in the park.
- Join a ranger-led snowshoe walk to learn winter ecology.
- Ski the gentle trails through the Crane Flat and Mariposa Grove areas of giant sequoias.
The Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias is especially magical with snow clinging to the largest trees on Earth.
Trails That Stay Open
Plenty of the Yosemite Valley floor stays walkable all winter. Easy options include the loop to Bridalveil Fall, the Lower Yosemite Fall trail, the path to Mirror Lake, and the flat Valley Loop sections. Microspikes or traction cleats make icy stretches much safer. The steep Mist Trail above the Vernal Fall footbridge closes for the season because of ice.
Other Winter Activities
- Ice skating at Curry Village with Half Dome in the background, an old-school outdoor rink.
- Wildlife watching: deer, coyotes, and bobcats are easier to spot against the snow.
- Photography: Tunnel View after a clearing storm is one of the most iconic shots in the world.
Getting There and Staying Safe
Mountain weather is the main thing to manage. Tire chains are frequently required on park roads, and you must carry them even with all-wheel drive when chain controls are in effect. The Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road close to cars for the winter, so plan around valley and Wawona-area access. Dress in warm layers, pack traction devices, start early because daylight is short, and check the road and weather conditions before you drive up.
