Yosemite in Winter: Quiet, Beautiful, and Dynamic
Don’t let the quiet fool you. Winter brings plenty of activity — both the human and animal kind — to the Sierra Nevada. While the season is associated with animal hibernation and leafless trees, the canvas actually spreads wider for wildlife observation here than at any other period. It’s the time to spy a bobcat high step across a meadow, a fox pounce upon a vole beneath the snow, or a bald eagle perch on a bough above the Merced River. The Yosemite landscape reveals other wonders, including frozen waterfalls, moonbows, and giant sequoias wearing their skirts of snow.
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“It’s a quiet and majestic season, You’ll find a halo of snow along the high peaks and clinging to ledges along the famous cliffs.”
Yuli Gotsev
“One of my family's most cherished winter activities is playing in the snow in the open fields of Yosemite."
Jerry Fisher
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Mariposa County
“It’s a quiet and majestic season,” says Yuli Gotsev, marketing manager at The Redwoods in Yosemite. “You’ll find a halo of snow along the high peaks and clinging to ledges along the famous cliffs.”
Seeing wildlife when snowshoeing or cross-country skiing is a highlight for any active traveler in winter. However, you can often hike among the conifers in the lower elevations with a solid pair of hiking shoes. Weather changes beautifully here, the temperature and moisture combining to create ethereal vapors that shroud the sequoias or hover above the water in the Merced River Canyon.
Douglas Shaw, owner of Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort, says he loves to snowshoe, snowboard, cross country, alpine, and backcountry ski.
“Badger Pass is best for families and learning to ski or board at a good price,” Shaw says. “I completely enjoy the laid-back days of skiing here.”
Shaw recommends renting cross-country skis at Badger or bringing our own skate skis for the groomed trail to Glacier Point 10 miles out.
“Just stop and turn back when you like.”
Though Shaw recommends the Mariposa Grove and Merced Groves of Giant Sequoias for snowshoeing, he says going to Dewey Point from Badger is doable and stunningly beautiful.
“Think about booking Ostrander Hut and using your backcountry skis with skins to spend quiet days bopping about in the High Country,” he says. “You won’t see anyone else except the other adventurers you meet at the hut. Last year I witnessed a group of women headed out to snow camp off of the Glacier Point XC trail after they got their permits.”
One way to go is to book the night before and after at the Bug to enjoy excellent fresh meals and the large hot tub and sauna at the spa.
Photo by Charles Phillips
Returning to the resorts at lower elevations after your day in the high country offers an ideal opportunity to relax in warmer temperatures in friendly environments, occasionally accompanied by the familiar deep hoot of the great horned owl, the nocturnal predator being most vocal in winter.
“Cozy up in the AutoCamp Clubhouse," says Helene Petersen, senior director of brand marketing for AutoCamp Yosemite. "We have a gorgeous, cozy Clubhouse perfect for warming up after a day of adventuring. Grab a cocktail or hot cocoa from our bar, cozy up by the fireplace, play board games, and take in the views of the surrounding forest.”
Mariposa County accommodations are known for their relaxed and inviting environs. Petersen also recommends joining a half or a full-day tour of the park. The moderate hike and — if necessary — snowshoe tour collect guests from their respective lodging to explore Yosemite Valley's
natural and cultural history.
Get your cameras and smartphones ready for waterfalls, frosted monoliths, and other “only in winter” sights. Naturally, the small tour's flexibility allows frequent pauses to look for critters, including black bears that don't regularly hibernate at lower elevations.
“You have to see the iconic El Capitan and Half Dome dusted with snow — it is simply stunning,” says Jerry Fischer, co-founder of Yosemite Resorts. “One of my family's most cherished winter activities is playing in the snow in the open fields of Yosemite. We love building snowmen, having snowball fights, and enjoying the pure, unadulterated fun that comes with a fresh blanket of snow.”
Fischer also encourages visitors to try new activities such as snowshoeing, snowboarding, or skiing at Badger Pass, the oldest ski area in California.
Photo by Chris Migeon
Not that all of your time in Yosemite requires adrenaline, says the longtime resident. “It's quieter in the winter months compared to the bustling summer. Take this time to unwind, see Yosemite from a new perspective, and take in the serene beauty of snow-covered landscapes.”
In February, all eyes turn to the Horsetail “Firefall,” occurring when the setting sun ignites the water’s edge to cast a golden cascade glow. Light dances sublimely throughout Yosemite in winter, drawing professional and amateur photographers from across the world who come to capture the Firefall as well as the “moonbows” that hover above waterfalls when conditions align.
Yosemite culture shines brightly, too, offering an opportunity to head indoors and learn about the history, admire the artists, and embrace the local customs. The Valley Welcome Center, Mariposa County Visitor Center, and Yosemite Exploration Center feature exhibits, information, and an excellent collection of books and materials. The Ansel Adams Gallery and Yosemite History Center display the talents of extraordinary talents local characters.
Though Highway 140 is usually clear and passable through the Merced River Canyon, drivers should always travel with chains and other winter preparations from September to June.
“The weather can change quickly in the mountains, and even the best forecasts can be off,” says Gotsev. “There aren't any specific regions of the park that always require or don't require chains in the winter. If it's February, but the roads are dry and snow-free, you won't encounter any chain control areas. If it’s May, and a huge cold storm just rolled in, all roads within Yosemite National Park could have chain controls in place.”
Like his colleagues, Douglas Shaw remains captivated by Yosemite in all seasons, where small surprises appear in the quiet moments.
“I have seen eagles gliding above the Merced River looking for fish, mocked back at ravens in their playful chatter as I rested under a tree, watched otters bark and call playing Hide-and-Seek with me, and once snuck past a beaver doing her work on branches,” he says. “I have also been followed remotely for a long while by a coyote that I think was hoping that I would drop a snack during a ski. Having quiet moments like these can give you the most wondrous winter experiences.”
Nature unveiled, the lack of congestion, exhilarating recreation, and cozy confines define winter visits to Yosemite. Visit the Yosemite-Mariposa County website to plan your winter escape.
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“The Bug” sits beside a stream in a forested black oak grove that’s perfect for snowshoeing. Located 26 miles from Yosemite Valley, the resort’s June Bug Café and Yosemite Health Spa warm up guests with hot drinks and rejuvenation therapies. The laidback Bug is perfect for families and friend groups.
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Yosemite Hospitality takes care of all your visit needs from accommodations at the Wawona Hotel, Yosemite Valley Lodge and elsewhere to lift tickets at Badger Pass Ski Area. You’ll also find one stop dining information and reservations at a variety of restaurants, as well as an array of tours like “Discover Yosemite,” “Curry Village Ice Skating” among dozens of other adventures.
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AutocCamp Yosemite’s 80 luxury Airstream trailers provide a cozy homebase for winter explorers. Friend groups and family members gather in the 4,000-square foot clubhouse to plot and recall snowshoeing, skiing and other seasonal adventures. The hot tub offers a great rendezvous point too.
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The Redwoods offer cozy vacation home rentals inside Yosemite National Park. Guests find numerous options including fully-equipped cabins and spacious homes that are perfect basecamps for winter exploration. Many accommodations are also pet-friendly, feature fireplaces and other resort-level amenities.
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THE REDWOODS IN YOSEMITE
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Ken Yager Climbing Freestone Route on Yosemite Falls Walls
Photo Credit: Mark Chapman, courtesy of the YCA
Warren Harding rappelling from Dolt Tower after a Thanksgiving Feast Photo Credit: Allen Steck, 1957, courtesy of the YCA
Douglas Shaw
“You have to see the iconic El Capitan and Half Dome dusted with snow — it is simply stunning"
Jerry Fischer
“Having quiet moments like these can give you the most wondrous winter experiences.”
Learn More
Yosemite Hospitality takes care of all your visit needs from accommodations at the Wawona Hotel, Yosemite Valley Lodge and elsewhere to lift tickets at Badger Pass Ski Area. You’ll also find one stop dining information and reservations at a variety of restaurants, as well as an array of tours like “Discover Yosemite,” “Curry Village Ice Skating” among dozens of other adventures.
Yosemite
hospitality
Yosemite
hospitality
Learn More
AutoCamp Yosemite’s 80 luxury Airstream trailers provide a cozy homebase for winter explorers. Friend groups and family members gather in the 4,000-square foot clubhouse to plot and recall snowshoeing, skiing and other seasonal adventures. The hot tub offers a great rendezvous point too.
AUTOCAMP YOSEMITE
Learn More
The Redwoods offer cozy vacation home rentals inside Yosemite National Park. Guests find numerous options including fully-equipped cabins and spacious homes that are perfect basecamps for winter exploration. Many accommodations are also pet-friendly, feature fireplaces and other resort-level amenities.
THE REDWOODS IN YOSEMITE
Learn More
“The Bug” sits beside a stream in a forested black oak grove that’s perfect for snowshoeing. Located 26 miles from Yosemite Valley, the resort’s June Bug Café and Yosemite Health Spa warm up guests with hot drinks and rejuvenation therapies. The laidback Bug is perfect for families and friend groups.
YOSEMITE BUG RUSTIC MOUNTAIN RESORT
Where to Stay
Tenaya
Lodge
Come Experience
Winter at Yosemite
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THE REDWOODS IN YOSEMITE
YOSEMITE BUG RUSTIC MOUNTAIN RESORT
AUTOCAMP YOSEMITE
Nose in a Day team: Billy Westbay, Jim Bridwell, and
John Long after their Ascent
Photo Credit: Mike White, 1975, courtesy of the YCA
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Yosemite Resorts represents an array of lodging options to fit every visitor’s need. Yosemite View Lodge sits beside the roaring Merced River within minutes of the park entrance. Cedar Lodge is ideal for family groups with its own sandy beach. Indian Flat RV Park provides sites for all styles of camper. Yosemite Resorts also offers a variety of vacation homes for families and groups.
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Photo by Chris Migeon
“Having quiet moments like these can give you the most wondrous winter experiences.”
Douglas Shaw
Photo by Chris Migeon
“We have a gorgeous, cozy Clubhouse perfect for warming up after a day of adventuring.
Helene Petersen
YOSEMITE
RESORTS
Helene Petersen
Learn More
Yosemite Hospitality takes care of all your visit needs from accommodations at the Wawona Hotel, Yosemite Valley Lodge and elsewhere to lift tickets at Badger Pass Ski Area. You’ll also find one stop dining information and reservations at a variety of restaurants, as well as an array of tours like “Discover Yosemite,” “Curry Village Ice Skating” among dozens of other adventures.
Yosemite
hospitality
Yosemite Resorts represents an array of lodging options to fit every visitor’s need. Yosemite View Lodge sits beside the roaring Merced River within minutes of the park entrance. Cedar Lodge is ideal for family groups with its own sandy beach. Indian Flat RV Park provides sites for all styles of camper. Yosemite Resorts also offers a variety of vacation homes for families and groups.
YOSEMITE RESORTS
AUTOCAMP
YOSEMITE
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“We have a gorgeous, cozy Clubhouse perfect for warming up after a day of adventuring. ”
Helene Petersen