The Perfect Yosemite Winter Itinerary – How To Spend A Day

“Who on earth goes to Yosemite in the winter?” If this question has crossed your mind, get ready to uncover the hidden charm of Yosemite National Park with this winter itinerary.

Contrary to popular belief, a winter visit to Yosemite is a magical experience, with snow-covered landscapes and unique activities. Yosemite transforms into a serene wonderland with fewer crowds, insects, and parking worries.

This perfect one-day itinerary will guide you through iconic sights, easy hikes, and fun activities, that show off Yosemite’s winter appeal. It’s your sign to go on a California road trip even if it’s winter.

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Is it worth going to Yosemite in winter?

Yes, Yosemite is absolutely worth visiting in winter and is a unique experience you need to try. It’s also a great idea for a romantic weekend getaway.

There’s no other national park I love more than Yosemite and I would go there several times a year in any season. In fact, I’ve been to Yosemite twice during winter as well as early spring, specifically in the months of December and March.

So far, my experience in Yosemite during the colder seasons have been amazing. Hence, I’m convinced that you will love it too! To help you see why Yosemite is worth visiting in winter, here are some pros and cons before we get into the itinerary.

Pros of going to Yosemite in winter

• Snow-covered landscapes on the meadows and granite peaks.
• Fewer crowds mean a more relaxing experience, especially when it comes to parking.
• Amazing photography during sunrise and sunset with clouds to enhance the shot.
• Unique activities like skiing, snow-shoeing and ice skating.
• More campground availability within Yosemite Valley.
• Cheaper accommodations during off-peak.

Cons of going to Yosemite in winter

• Icy road conditions on higher elevation roads.
• Colder weather and shorter daylight hours.
• Hiking trail closures.
• No access to Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road.

Recommended Yosemite winter itinerary for 1 day

For a 1-day trip, we’ll focus our time on exploring Yosemite Valley. Here’s an amazing nature-filled itinerary that maximises the full day so that you can enjoy winter in Yosemite.

Whether you’re a first time visitor or you’ve been to Yosemite a few times before, you’ll love the winter experience at these iconic attractions – so let’s get into the itinerary!

1. Sunrise at Yosemite’s iconic Tunnel View

Tunnel View is one of the most iconic and must-see viewpoints in Yosemite. If you’re entering by the South Entrance, Tunnel View is the first sight you’ll see once you exit the tunnel. It’s absolutely stunning at sunrise because you get to see the pink hues light up the valley.

When is the best time to get to Tunnel View for sunrise?

I recommend arriving here at least 20 minutes before the actual sunrise because the best colors happen around this time. If you can stay for another 30 minutes after sunrise, you may see the sunlight shine directly on the Dawn Wall of El Capitan.

What you can see from Tunnel View

I love coming here in winter because you get to see snow in the landscape, and you most likely won’t have to wait for parking in the small lot. It’s also nice that you won’t have a lot of people crowding around you trying to get their pictures.

You can see several of the well-known granite formations from Tunnel View, including El Capitan and Half Dome. I also love that Bridalveil Fall is visible from here, and you can see the water cascading down the cliffs.

In case the view looks familiar, that’s because this view of Yosemite Valley was used for a Mac OS default wallpaper. Get your tripod or phone stand ready to take a time lapse!

2. See the Yosemite Valley Chapel

On the way in to Yosemite Valley, stop by the Yosemite Valley Chapel which will be especially beautiful after a snow storm. There are also parts of the meadow nearby where you can walk on the boardwalk towards the Merced River. It was all very exciting to enter Yosemite and see snow on the peaks.

3. Hike Mist Trail to Vernal Falls Footbridge

After arriving in Yosemite Valley, let’s warm ourselves up by going on a hike along Mist Trail to Vernal Falls Footbridge. In winter, only this part of the hike will be accessible and the rest of the trail leading to Nevada Falls will likely be closed due to the treacherous and icy paths.

Overview of Mist Trail to Vernal Falls Footbridge

The trail leads you along the Merced River towards the footbridge where you’ll be able to see Vernal Falls. Although the falls will not be flowing at its peak during winter, this part of Mist Trail offers incredible views of the surrounding granite structures.

It takes roughly 1.5 hours to hike the 1.6 miles (2.6 km) round trip with 400 ft (120 m) of elevation gain. I was sweating and panting quite a bit when we got to the footbridge because it was just uphill most of the way. Overall, it’s a moderate trail that most people can do. You may also want to bring trekking poles to help relieve pressure on your knees during the descend.

Where to park for Mist Trail

Do note that there are no parking lots at the trailhead, and the nearest parking will be at:

• Yosemite Valley Trailhead Parking – 0.6 mile (1 km) away
• Curry Village Parking Lots – 0.9 mile (1.4 km) away

Since the parking areas are quite a distance away from the trailhead, it begs the question – does the trail start from your car or the trailhead? It’s not a serious question, just something I always wonder to myself.

Restrooms near Mist Trail

There are restrooms you can use at either Curry Village or at the trailhead. Although some signs will show that there’s a restroom at the Vernal Falls Footbridge, it is usually closed for winter season so don’t count on it.

4. Lunch at Degnan’s Deli in Yosemite Village

Head to Degnan’s Deli for a hearty sandwich lunch in a cosy wooden restaurant. I was surprised to find a fireplace inside the dining area, and it’s great that Degnan’s Deli is open throughout the winter. You can also dine outside if the weather is good, but there may be ravens waiting to get your food.

We tried their grilled beef sandwich and the pastrami on rye, and it was better than expected given the affordable price within Yosemite. The dining area isn’t very big, and was just enough space to comfortably accommodate the winter weekend lunch crowd.

Where to park for Degnan’s Deli

The official parking lots for Degnan’s Deli would be at Yosemite Village Parking. However, I believe it should be fine to park at the Village Store 30-Minute Parking for a short while.

Meanwhile, why not pop by the Village Store while you’re here and browse for some souvenirs. If you’re planning to camp in Yosemite, you can get firewood in the Village Store as well.

5. Visit Yosemite Valley Welcome Center and Yosemite Exploration Center

The new Yosemite Valley Welcome Center was open in November 2023. If you need more help deciding what to do, you can get advice on trails and trip planning here.

At the same time, the former Yosemite Valley Visitor Center has been converted into Yosemite Exploration Center. This is where you can learn more about the geology and history of Yosemite.

As of December 2023, Google Maps has 2 locations for the Yosemite Valley Welcome Center, and the correct one is located next to the Village Store. The benefit of this is so that people don’t have to walk through Yosemite Village just to get to the information booth. You’ll also get to enjoy a view of Glacier Point from the Welcome Center.

You can also access the Bookstore located beside the former visitor center/Yosemite Exploration Center to shop for souvenirs and books there.

6. Browse through art and photography at The Ansel Adams Gallery

Another excellent places to draw inspiration from and admire Yosemite’s winter landscape is The Ansel Adams Gallery. Ansel Adams is a famous for his black-and-white landscape photography and his role in expanding the national park system. You can find some of his original as well as replica works for sale in the gallery.

There were quite a number of photographs that captured the beauty of Yosemite in winter, including the grand Black Elm tree standing in Cook’s Meadow. You can also browse through the works of other photographers and artists, including paintings and pottery. I was also surprised that there was a section of the gallery that had books for sale.

7. Check out Lower Yosemite Falls

Did you know that Yosemite Falls actually consists of 3 different parts? They are Upper Yosemite Falls, the Middle Cascades, and Lower Yosemite Falls.

You can see both Upper and Lower Falls as you approach the Lower Yosemite Falls trail in a clockwise direction. If you want to scramble over the rocks to get to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls, only do so if the rocks are dry and not icy.

The path is quite easy and relaxing, only 1 mile (1.6 km) along a flat trail. Going through this trail takes around 30 minutes, but it can be longer if you want to take it slow. There are wooden seats at the viewpoint of Lower Yosemite Falls where you can sit and enjoy the the 320-foot-tall (98-meter-tall) waterfall.

This loop can be accessed via these Google Maps locations:

• Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead
• Lower Yosemite Falls Shuttle Bus Stop C (Google has it wrong – it should be stop #6)

The nearest parking areas are:

• Yosemite Village Parking – 0.7 mile (1.1 km) away
• Yosemite Falls parking areas – 0.5 mile (0.8 km) away
• Sentinel Bridge parking area – 0.5 mile (0.8 km) away

I recommend leaving your car at the Yosemite Village Parking since we’ll be walking back towards that direction with our next activity.

8. Sunset walk along Cook’s Meadow Loop

When planning your winter Yosemite itinerary, do note that the sun sets before 5pm. A great place to enjoy the sunset and its evening colors would be from Cook’s Meadow.

After completing the Lower Yosemite Falls loop, head towards Sentinel/Cook’s Meadow Loop on Google Maps. This takes you on an anti-clockwise loop that ends at Cook’s Meadow Loop Trailhead. It is also a short and easy trail, covering 1 mile (1.6 km) along a flat route.

As you walk through the meadow, you’ll experience the vastness of the surrounding landscape. Look out for Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Sentinel Rock as you walk through Cook’s Meadow Loop.

My favourite part of the Cook’s Meadow Loop is the boardwalk that leads from Yosemite Falls Vantage Point towards the Cook’s Meadow Loop Trailhead. This section of boardwalk has the backdrop of Yosemite Falls and it’s especially well-framed for a person to step into the frame for a photo.

9. Ice skating at Curry Village Ice Skating Rink

If you want an alternate place to enjoy the sunset from, or are just looking for more activities to do in Yosemite Valley, try ice skating! Curry Village has an Ice Rink from November to March and it’s a nice place to hangout after it gets dark.

Don’t worry if you don’t have your own skates as you can rent them at Curry Village. They also provide ice skating support frames for those who need them.

There will be parking spaces right outside the Curry Village Ice Skating Rink, so let’s drive over and have a look.

How much it costs

Overall, it will cost at least $31 for the entrance ticket and ice skate rental for each person.

• Entrance fee is $16 per person, which you can purchase online. In-person ticket sales are also available (next to the Curry Village Registration Office) 15 minutes before each session.
• Ice skate rental is available at $15.
• Helmets are free to borrow.
• Hot cocoa and spiced cider costs $2.25, which you can bring enjoy around the fire pit.

Opening hours

There are 3 ice skating sessions on weekdays, and 4 on weekends and holidays. Each sessions lasts 2.5 hours and your entrance ticket is good for 2 hours.

If you plan to ice skate after sunset, you may want to grab dinner somewhere first before heading over for the last ice skating session that starts at 7pm.

• 8:30 to 11:00am (weekends and holidays)
• 12:00 to 2:30pm
• 3:30 to 6:00pm
• 7:00 to 9:30pm

Yosemite winter driving conditions

Some of the entrances near Yosemite may have icy and snowy road conditions that require snow chains. Big Oak Flat Entrance (Highway 120) and South Entrance (Highway 41) have winding rounds with steep drop-offs and will require extra care to avoid skidding.

Ways to check road conditions in Yosemite during winter

If a snow storm is expected or has happened, I recommend calling ahead to find out about the road conditions. Here are some ways to find out more information about your journey to Yosemite.

• Call 209 372 0200 and press 1 twice when prompted with the automatic messages to check for road status.
• Check for road closures online, such as Tioga Road, Glacier Point Road, and Mariposa Grove Road.

Snow chain requirements around Yosemite during winter

The road conditions will determine whether or not you need snow chains.

• R-1: You don’t need snow chains if you have at least 2 snow tires (“M+S” rating) while keeping snow chains in the car. 
• R-2: You don’t need snow chains if you have AWD/4WD with only snow tires in additional to having snow chains in your possession.
• R-3: You are required to put on snow chains regardless of vehicle and tire type.

Depending on your car, you may need to use snow cables or socks instead of chains. We drive a Subaru and snow chains are not recommended due to the low tire clearance, so we opted to get a pair of the AutoSock. You’ll need to check your tire dimensions and get them in the right size to prepare for and avoid getting stranded in a snow storm.

If you’re renting a car in California, this article has tips on how to ensure a smooth road trip especially with the restriction of using snow chains on rental cars.

Which Yosemite entrance is best for winter?

The best way to enter the Yosemite Valley during winter is Arch Rock Entrance via Highway 140. It is the road with the lowest elevation, with its highest point at Yosemite Valley which is just 4,000 ft of elevation. The other roads, Highway 120 and 41, are likely to have more snow because they wind through higher elevations up to 6,000 ft before descending into the valley.

Choosing to enter Yosemite Valley via the Arch Rock Entrance (Highway 140) usually involves 20 miles of additional driving if you’re coming from San Francisco Bay Area. Highway 140 runs along the Merced River and it’s really beautiful driving through the gorge.

Where to stay around Yosemite during winter

Best places to stay inside Yosemite during winter

For an unforgettable winter experience within Yosemite Valley, you can choose to stay inside the park.

The Ahwahnee: This elegant and historic lodge has incredible views that will make for an iconic Yosemite experience. I’m sure it’ll look spectacular in winter.

Yosemite Valley Lodge: Convenient accommodation with direct views of Yosemite Falls. This is great starting point for hiking Upper Falls, seeing Lower Falls and walking around Cook’s Meadow.

Curry Village: Looking to camp without the hassle of bringing a tent? Stay in one of the classic Glamping tent cabins in Curry Village. Do note that there are no heaters so you need to bring along warm sleeping bags and clothes.

Upper Pines Campground: Yosemite is one of the best places in Northern California for winter camping. Sit around a campfire under the granite peaks and stargaze from your tent. This campground is also close to the trailheads for Mist Trail and Mirror Lake. You’d be surprised that some weekends might be fully booked even in winter! In that case, you can always try Camp 4.

If you’re camping, make sure to get the right gear for cold-weather camping such as sleeping pad and sleeping bag. Check out this guide here for things you need to pack for a weekend camping trip, including a packing checklist.

Some of these items are included in the top 10 road trip essentials as well. In addition, you can refer to this article for a comprehensive Yosemite packing list to check against. If you plan to get active, make sure you prepare appropriate gear for winter hiking.

Weather in Yosemite during winter

Winter season in Yosemite typically spans from December to February, but snowy conditions can go on up till March. Daytime temperatures range from 30 to 60 F (-1 to 15 C), while it’s common for temperatures to drop below freezing at night. It’s also the most rainy season, so remember to bring your rain jacket along.

Does it snow in Yosemite?

Yes! The first snow storms will blow through starting from end November, which covers the granite peaks and areas above 6,000 ft in a beautiful layer of snow.

December: Yosemite Valley gets completely covered in snow from late December onwards. It’s likely that you’ll have puddles of water that have frozen overnight so you’ll need to be careful especially around parking lots.

January: Yes, January is probably the snowiest month for Yosemite. Enjoy the winter wonderland in the peak of winter. Do also drive with caution and be prepared for snow storms as you’re driving in and out.

February: Aside from expected snowfall, watching the Firefall at Horsetail Fall is also a very popular activity that attracts crowds to Yosemite in the middle of winter. It typically happens in the second half of February, and you will need a ticket reserved online to be allowed to enter during certain weekends. If you’re planning a winter itinerary to Yosemite at this time, you may encounter some crowds.

March: Similar to December, you might get heavy snow storms that last through till early spring. You are likely going to see snow on the trails and all around Yosemite Valley, though they won’t be as much as the peak of winter. Do be prepared for rain rather than snow during this time. As the snow starts to melt, the waterfalls start to have more water.

Additional tips for your Yosemite winter itinerary

• If you have more than a day, check out more itinerary ideas such as the best things to do in Yosemite during winter.
• Search for off-peak accommodation deals when you travel during winter! Here’s another guide for where you can stay inside and outside Yosemite for your upcoming trip.
• For a fuss-free trip, consider going on a Yosemite tour and let an expert guide you through the winter wonderland.
• Most of the hikes that are open in winter are relatively easy, I highly recommend including a hike in your Yosemite itinerary to immerse yourself in nature.
• If any of the higher elevation roads happen to be open, check out this day trip or 2-day Yosemite itinerary.
• Visiting in November instead? Check out the best spots to see fall colors.