15 Things to Do in Winter in Yosemite Country
Tunnel View in winter in Yosemite National Park.
Winter is a beautiful time to explore Yosemite and its gateway towns. With fewer visitors during the season, you can find peace in this winter wonderland, and also adventure without waiting in lines.
1. Cross-country Skiing
Of the hundreds of miles of trails, our favorites wonder past giant sequoias.
2. Snowshoeing
Ranger guided snowshoeing tour of Yosemite
Public Domain
Tromp through a wintry landscape on your own or take a guided trip.
3. Ice Skating
Couple skating at Yosemite's Curry Village Ice Skating Rink. Photo courtesy DNC
Photo courtesy DNC
Skate at the outdoor Ice Rink under Half Dome in the park or head to covered rinks near the south and west entrances.
4. Sledding and Snow Tubing
Snow tubing in Yosemite. Photo by Chris Falkenstein courtesy of Yosemite/Mariposa County
Photo by Chris Falkenstein courtesy of Yosemite/Mariposa County
There are two official snow play areas inside Yosemite plus sledding hills at the south entrance and in Strawberry near Sonora Pass.
5. Winter Sightseeing
Horsetail Fall in February when the sun hits the water
See frazil ice, frozen waterfalls, and in February, watch Horsetail Fall light up at sunset.
6. Stargazing
The Milky Way at Bass Lake. Phot by Darvin Atkes courtesy of Yosemite Sierra
Head out on your own to explore the dark winter skies or attend a night event at Bass Lake.
7. Winter Camping
Get a free wilderness permit and snag a camping spot near Dewey Point or Glacier Point. Outside the park, camp near Bishop and in the Sierra National Forest.
8. Stay at a Backcountry Hut
Glacier Point Ski Hut in Yosemite. Photo courtesy of DNC
Photo courtesy of DNC
Three popular ski huts are inside Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks.
9. Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
Skiing and snowboarding at the Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area (previously called Badger Pass). Photo by Trey Clark courtesy of Yosemite/Mariposa County
Photo by Trey Clark courtesy of Yosemite/Mariposa County
Learn to ski at the Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area (previously called Badger Pass) inside the park (4th graders ski free) or try the more challenging runs at Mammoth and Lake Tahoe.
10. Ride a Horse-drawn Sleigh
Horse-drawn sleigh ride. Photo courtesy of Yosemite Trails
Your whole family will enjoy a sleigh ride pulled by Belgian Draft Horses complete with jingle bells.
11. Ride a Mini Snowmobile at Leland Snowplay
Kids ages 5-12 will enjoy the thrill of revving miniature snowmobiles while zipping around the oval course. It's like gocarts on snow.
12. Visit Museums
Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Village. Photo by Grant Ordelheide
Winter is a great time to avoid the crowds at popular museums such as the Yosemite Visitor Center, Ansel Adams Gallery, Indian Culture Museum. Outside the park, visit Railtown, the Navel Museum, the Eastern California Museum, or the Mariposa Museum and History Center.
13. Take a Zipline Tour
Ziplining with Yosemite Zipline and Adventure Ranch. Courtesy photo
Photo courtesy of Yosemite Zipline and Adventure Ranch
Yosemite Zipline and Adventure Ranch is open year-round. Record your adventure by renting a GoPro video helmet.
14. Celebrate the Holidays
Father Christmas at Fresno Flats in Oakhurst, CA. Photo by Peter McLean courtesy of Yosemite Sierra
Participate in local traditions with holiday parades, theater performances, and events.
15. Dine at Yosemite's Majestic and Big Trees Hotels
Special winter dinner events include Renaissance-style Bracebridge dinners in mid-December, a special Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, and a New Year celebration. Yosemite’s Chefs' Holidays at the Majestic Yosemite Hotel (previously called the Ahwahnee), held each year in January and February, feature some of the country's most innovative and acclaimed chefs.
What is your idea of winter adventure in Yosemite country? Share your experiences and pictures on our Facebook page.
