The contrasts between summer and winter in Yosemite are a sight to behold. Busy trails become private ski tracks, hot cocoa brims your thermos and the mist from Bridalveil Fall crystallizes on the tree branches in a dazzle of diamonds. Add to this seasonal shift the dramatic difference between weekends and weekdays, and the Park suddenly becomes your personal playground.
For the winter adventure seekers out there, a midweek expedition to Yosemite is sure to thrill. From carving the spacious ski slopes to e-biking Gold Rush minefields and nailing the lutz on center ice, the stage is set to flash your skills. Sweetening the pot is the savings you’ll find on midweek lodging, not to mention the happy hour fire pits where sips and spirited stories are swapped at the end of the day.
Getting that first glimpse of the snow-capped Sierra crest always bumps the serotonin and gets your mind abuzz with the adventures ahead. The key at this point? Pacing. Enjoy the journey up and know that the mind-blowing beauty of Yosemite Valley will greet you in good time.
Whether you’re driving up All-Season Highway 140 to Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance, or Highway 41 to the park’s Southern Entrance, a worthy (and well-timed) breakfast/lunch stop in one of Yosemite’s gateway towns makes perfect sense. In the town of Mariposa, the old west vibe is pure Gold Rush while featuring the most culinary choices, coffee shops and groceries in the region. Off Highway 41, the tiny burg of Fish Camp offers outsized menus at Tenaya At Yosemite’s heralded dining outlets, providing an ideal way to fuel up before hitting the Valley.
The headliner on Day One is…drumroll, please…Yosemite Valley. It’s the obvious choice, and for good reason. Winter brings a special majesty with ice-forming along the flanks of its iconic waterfalls such as Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall, while the interplay between storm clouds and 3,000 foot rock faces such as El Capitan and Half Dome are pure moodplay.
When it comes to winter things to do in the Valley, head to the Curry Village Ice Skating Rink for a triple axel or just an easy glide as Glacier Point looms above you. This outdoor rink features a fire pit and views of Half Dome, as well as skate rentals. The 2.5 hour sessions can be purchased online or at the Curry Village Tour & Activity Desk, and typically begin at 12 noon, 3:30 pm and 7 pm midweek.
It can feel like Yosemite Valley is a much higher elevation than its actual 4,000 feet. After a heavy winter snow, strapping into some snowshoes and padding out the Mirror Lake Trail towards Tenaya Canyon is a stunner, or simply heading out into Cook’s Meadow provides 360 degree views of vertical granite. But at this elevation, there are times when snow on the ground is light or non-existent, which lends itself to winter hikes with just your waterproof boots. Try portions of the Valley Floor Loop Trail during these periods, or the lower section of the Mist Trail up to the footbridge where the view of Vernal Fall mist-ifies. Note: The upper portion of the Mist Trail is closed in winter due to dangerous conditions.
Midweek winter travel opens up some literal doors when it comes to lodging in Yosemite Valley. Make the most of it!
Today is all about snow sports in the Glacier Point Road region of Yosemite. Badger Pass Ski Area is a hub for winter activities, whether that’s downhill slalom, shredding the terrain park or snowshoeing/cross-country skiing out to Dewey Point.
As one of only three lift-operated ski areas located within a national park, Badger Pass is also the oldest (established 1935). A visit here midweek will change the experience, you’ll have an open canvas to carve the slopes and more room to freestyle the terrain park. Midweek is also a great time to take a lesson from their experienced pros, not to mention sip some hot cocoa on their sun deck between runs.
A signature winter experience is a Yosemite snowshoe out to Dewey Point. After parking in the lot for Badger Pass, the relatively flat trail winds through the clifftop forest and emerges atop the 3,000 foot canyon rim above Yosemite Valley. Looking north, El Capitan stares back at you like the face of a grizzled Iditarod musher with its icy crags and shadowy fissures. The view is unforgettable, and the journey gives a sense of accomplishment you’ll share with friends for the rest of your life. It’s 7.8 miles out and back, so be sure to bring water and something to munch as you gaze to your hearts content.
After your day on the slopes, head over to Tunnel View for another iconic Yosemite experience that becomes much more enjoyable midweek. This is the postcard vista that defines the Park, where winter sunsets have an extra warm glow reflecting off walls of granite, especially if there’s a dusting of snow in the Valley. You’ll see all the heavy hitters from one spot: Half Dome; Bridalveil Fall, and yet another portrait of El Capitan from a different angle. Added bonus? You won’t have to jockey for parking like those busy summer weekends.
The closest lodging to Glacier Point Road region is Yosemite West, but the winter fun is easily reached from all of these locations.
Exploring Southern Yosemite feels a world apart from the Valley. In winter, this already quiet section of the Park welcomes a pace all your own where the branches of massive trees provide shelter from the fluttering snow, where kids can race their sleds and the never-ending Sierra National Forest invites exploration. As John Muir famously noted: “The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.”
With its winter solitude, a snowshoe to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias midweek is like entering an ancient cathedral where time stands still. The far-reaching boughs of these arboreal wonders instill a sense of perspective, with some trees having been around at the time of the first Olympic Games in Greece. In winter the Welcome Plaza is closed for the season, requiring a 4-mile out & back (plus bonus steps exploring the Grove) along the Washburn Trail. But these extra miles only add to the sense of adventure and accomplishment. Due to its elevation range and seasonal variations, Mariposa Grove can experience periods with little to no snow. In this case a sturdy pair of waterproof boots will suffice but be sure to check current conditions before embarking.
Flanking Yosemite National Park on its southern border is the Sierra National Forest, where established fire roads make for ideal winter cross-country ski tracks or snowshoe trails. Bring your sled to Goat Meadow Trailhead and Snowplay Area for some hoots & hollers, or strike out from here with your skis/shoes. The roads surrounding Tenaya At Yosemite also provide a nice crisscross of forest fun surrounded by pines and the whispering winter breeze. Pro Tip: Guests of Tenaya at Yosemite have access to free snowshoes if you want to strike out directly from the lobby, and its storybook vibe in winter is hard to beat.
The closest lodging options for Day Three are in Fish Camp and Wawona, but Southern Yosemite is easily reached from all lodging in Yosemite Mariposa County.
Whether it’s your first foray or a bookend visit, visiting Yosemite’s gateway towns on your way home is sure to provide the full Gold Rush experience. From dining and shopping to mountain and e-biking, the grills are sizzling and thrills are pumping for your last hurrah.
Late morning check-outs lend themselves to late lunches or early dinners on your way home. A dining/shopping foray in Mariposa meets the moment regardless of your cravings. Grab a bite, do some souvenir or vintage clothes shopping and soak up the old west vibe along the elevated sidewalks of this historic town’s main drag. With adventure on your mind, stop by the Yosemite Climbing Association Museum & Gallery and clip in for a thrilling retrospective on one of the world’s premier big wall climbing destinations (current hours).
A unique component to a winter visit to Yosemite Mariposa County is enjoying higher-elevation snow sports with snow-free fun at lower elevations. Yosemite E-Biking operates year round, taking riders through the foothills that once fueled the California Gold Rush. Half and full day tours can be customized, while gold panning and rock climbing are popular add-ons (weather permitting). For any questions about the tours, contact Yosemite E-Biking so see about their winter offerings.
Surrounded by green, oak-studded foothills in winter, horseshoe shaped Lake McClure transforms into a hidden jewel. Adventurers can test their mettle (and mud flaps) at Exchequer Mountain Bike Park, with 700 acres of terrain for all experience levels. Trails with names such as Dirt Surfer, Wild Turkey and Gnarnia capture the cheeky spirit of the park, and when you reach the top you can even see Gray Peak (11,573 ft) and Red Peak (11,699 ft) off to the east, part of the Clark Range in Yosemite.
Staying in Yosemite’s gateway towns is a cost-savvy choice for an amenity-rich basecamp where restaurants, shopping, spas and nightlife take center stage. The perfect way to balance wilderness with Sierra culture.
Winter Travel Essentials
Be sure to gear up for the winter season, and learn about Yosemite winter travel tips.
Always check road conditions prior to your trip and carry snow chains (or consider public transit!)
Midweek travel in winter offers a bounty of special offers on lodging.
For some fun context, be sure to check out Yosemite’s winter history!