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.
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
My Print - Yosemite Falls
