5 Best Winter Things to Do in Yosemite National Park
It’s no secret that Yosemite National Park is widely believed to be one of the most beautiful National Parks in the U.S., but with so many things to do—including day hikes, backcountry adventures, and countless different sites to see in Yosemite Valley—it can be challenging deciding what you may want to experience in such a diverse National Park.
Therefore, I highlighted a few of my favorite things to do from my short stay during the Yosemite winter off-season.
Hiking Checklist - Yosemite
Obviously, for camping, you will need general backpacking gear. For this reason, I wrote a separate post about what backpacking gear is worth the money, from my experience, and what the best alternatives are to save you money.
Read My Separate Post: Best Ultralight Backpacking Gear
In addition, here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Yosemite National Park.
That being said, bear spray is purposefully excluded from this list because, while the Sierra Nevadas are home to black bears, bear spray is not allowed in Yosemite National Park. This is because there has never been a reported attack within the park.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
5 Best Winter Things to Do in Yosemite National Park
The following list is written in no particular order of best or worst.
That being said, it’s important to note that the waterfalls in Yosemite are seasonal based on the annual snowmelt, meaning they typically don’t flow throughout the year.
If you visit Yosemite during the late summer/ early fall, expect to see a different Yosemite Valley compared to some of the most iconic photos.
On a different note, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
1. Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls within Yosemite Valley, and to get there, the trail is nothing more than an easy 0.3-mile (0.5 km) one-way walk from the trailhead off of Northside Dr.
However, as mentioned previously, Yosemite Falls is one of a few that will likely stop flowing during the late summer/ early fall season.
Google Maps Directions: Yosemite Falls
2. Sentinel Bridge (Half Dome)
Year-round, the Sentinel Bridge is a beautiful place to see Half Dome above the Merced River, but on top of this, the Sentinel Bridge is also an amazing place to watch the sunset on Half Dome, as the orange light cuts across the beautiful granite face.
That being said, you can generally expect to see a number of photographers on the bridge, so be prepared to be patient, especially if watching the sunset is something you’re interested in.
Google Maps Directions: Sentinel Bridge
3. Tunnel View
The Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic viewpoints in America!
I mean, how could you visit Yosemite Valley without pulling over at this incredible overlook?
All said, Tunnel View is one of the most popular locations within the Valley, so again, be prepared to be patient. This is especially true in the summer season, as the parking lot also serves as the trailhead for the adjacent Artist Point Trail.
Google Maps Directions: Tunnel View
4. Bridalveil Falls
Much like Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls is an easy 0.25-mile (0.4 km) one-way walk from the trailhead off of Southside Dr.
Furthermore, both make for very quick and easy sights to see, which are exceptionally beautiful come spring snowmelt!
Google Maps Directions: Bridalveil Falls
5. Dewey Point Trail (Summer & Winter)
Distance: 7.7 miles / 12.4 km
There are two different routes for the Dewey Point Trail, which entirely depends on the time of year that you’re visiting.
First, there is the Dewey Point Trail via Badger Pass Ski Area, which is the winter-only route, as there is no trail come summer. Then, there is the summer-only route by way of the McGurk Meadow Trailhead a little further down Glacier Point Road.
In either case, snowshoes are absolutely necessary for the winter trail, while normal hiking gear is more than appropriate come summer.
All said, Dewey Point is generally one of the least-trafficked areas along the Valley rim, which is why it’s one of my favorites for any time of the year!
AllTrails: Dewey Point Trail [Summer Route] / [Winter Route]
My Print - Dewey Point
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
The California black bear is quite commonplace in Yosemite National Park, with seemingly no regard for human activity. Meaning, you will find them wandering through the busiest parts of Yosemite Valley to the backcountry deep in the high Sierras.
Furthermore, while hiking in black bear territory generally presents less of a risk as opposed to hiking with grizzlies, it's important to never get complacent.
As previously mentioned, bear spray is not allowed within Yosemite National Park, but storing your food properly, both on your person and in your vehicle, is not only necessary but required. For this reason, always keep your food and trash with you, and follow these basic rules from the NPS with regards to food in your vehicle.
Additionally, there are mountain lions and one poisonous rattlesnake in Yosemite, although encounters with either are fairly uncommon.
Wildlife aside, one of the greatest risks in a place with dramatic topography like Yosemite is always related to falls. It happens all too often at places like Yosemite—the Grand Canyon, Angels Landing, etc.—that someone falls in, so be cautious wherever you hike around the park.
Finally, if you are making an off-season visit, be aware that the National Park Service reserves the right to require tire chains at any time for all vehicles in Yosemite.
As always, find the most up-to-date information and conditions on the official National Park website.
National Park Service: Yosemite National Park
My Print - Yosemite Falls
U.S. National Parks Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
More U.S. National Parks
If you’d like to read more about some of my best recommendations when visiting other U.S. National Parks, check out some of my other posts below!
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