What You Should Know For a Successful Trip

As I am writing this Yosemite National Park is slowly being reopened to the public after being closed to visitors because of the heavy snowfall of the past few weeks.

As of now the only access is through Hwy 140 from El Portal. Check the National Park Services website for Yosemite before you plan your trip for the most current conditions in the park.

I have visited Yosemite in January after the first two snow storms of this year, and it was every bit the winter wonderland I have always imagined it to be.

In case you have never been to this national park or if you have only gone in the high tourist summer months I want to let you know Yosemite in winter is a haven for the true nature lover. If you take delight in admiring majestic mountain peaks covered in snow, icicles hanging on the edge of waterfalls, giant sequoias dressed in winter white, a winter visit will absolutely enchant you. However! And this is a big however, Yosemite is not like Mammoth, or Tahoe when it comes to services and amenities available in winter as they are far more limited. Yosemite in winter is more for those who take joy in admiring the wildness of nature.

While it is stunningly beautiful, a pleasant winter visit also requires some preparation.

Here are some things to put on your list:

1. Take dry foods, fruit, snacks & plenty of water with you.

Food service is very limited in the park right now, probably until late spring. The grocery store is undergoing renovation, as are the Ahwahnee and the Mountain Room Lounge at Yosemite Valley Lodge. That leaves visitors with the very spars options at Base Came, the more pricey Mountain Room Restaurant and Degnan’s Kitchen, which I love but sells out early of food.

Another thing to consider is that you might get stuck somewhere on the road because of the snow, so it is a matter of safety to have water and food with you.

2. Carry chains with you.

They were required when I was there and I am pretty sure they will be once the park re-opens while there is still snow or a chance for more winter storms. Have them with you just in case. Even better, if you know there is snow, practice putting them on before you leave for your trip.

3. You need crampons/ice grips for the trails

Most of the trails are open in winter. Stop by the Visitor Center where they have daily information posted on trail conditions. They are color graded based on their snow/iciness status. Crampons are not mandatory, but highly recommended if you are venturing beyond the Valley floor.

4. Bring a flashlight or headlamp

In winter it gets dark early, and in Yosemite, once the sun goes down it is entirely dark, pitch black dark, there are no lamp-posts or any artificial lights.

5. Fill up your tank before you drive into the park

Go into the park with a full tank to be on the safe side. Tank in Oakhurst or El Portal if you are driving in from the west.

There are no gas stations in Yosemite Valley. There is one little station with limited schedule on Rt 41 in the Wawona area, but you really don’t want to rely on this, keep it in mind only as an emergency. I drove by it several times when it was not open and also it is much more expensive than outside of the park.

6. Check for Closures

Before you leave for your trip check the national park service’s webpage for Yosemite on road closures inside and into the park. In winter these are very common and can happen suddenly. Some areas and roads remain closed until spring. It’s best to know ahead than get disappointed when there.

7. Dress For Winter

I find it almost too obvious to include this, but then I think back on a few people I ran into and I am reminded it is not obvious. Winter in the mountains is not the same as winter on California’s coast. Dress in layers, boots, winter jacket, hat, gloves. Especially dress the children appropriately for goodness sake!

8. Mariposa Grove Shuttle is not operating in winter

If seeing the majestic sequoias in the snow is on your wishlist you will have to walk a few extra miles to the trail head. Cars are not allowed on the road that leads out to the trail and the shuttle is not operating in winter. After the long restoration project from a few years ago, parking for Mariposa Grove was moved two miles from the trailhead. That means you need to consider an extra 4 miles total just to and back from the trailhead plus however much you want to cover while in the grove. This is not a track to take with kids in winter! You should be in good shape and have enough water and some snacks with you. Hiking in the heavy snow is quite the exercise. Plan enough time so you don’t get stuck on the trail in the dark.

What to do in winter in Yosemite ?

Ski and snowboard at Badger Pass. But do check if it is open before you leave for your trip as ski slopes here have a very limited season. If you are experienced in winter sports you can hit the slopes. For the novice they have introductory classes and easy slopes. There is also tubbing here, fun for kids and adults alike.

Go snowshoeing. The National Park System offers a free snowshoeing walk. It is only 2 miles roundtrip and doable by anyone in good physical condition. Older kids will be fine on the walk too, it is a slow walk and the ranger makes sure no one gets left behind. They provide the snowshoes and a knowledgeable guide will take you to Old Glacier Point Summit. It is limited to a certain number at attendees per walk so you need to have a reservation. Call 209-379-1899 to make a reservation. They don’t offer the walk everyday. When I went it was offered Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays, although it might change when the park reopens after the flurry of storms, so check with the park.

You can also do this on your own, bring your own snowshoes or you can rent them when the resort at Badger Pass is open.

Skate at the open air skate-rink in Curry Village. You’ll have Half Dome right behind you and the most glorious view. Skates are available to rent right there.

Go hiking. Most of the trails stay open for winter. Have proper equipment, clothing, food and water for your hike. Check trail conditions and the weather forecast. If you are well prepared a hike in winter can be safe and stunning.

Walk around the Valley floor. I have never seen Yosemite Valley looking more enchanted than it did in the snow. If you are with children or you are not into long winter hikes you can absolutely enjoy a trip only staying in Yosemite Valley. Enjoy the sights, build a snowman and take strolls on the Valley floor. You can easily walk to the bottom of Lower Yosemite Falls, do part of the trail that loops around the Valley, visit the little chapel, stop by the Visitor Center where you can have your questions answered by the expert rangers, walk Sentinel Meadow, go by the Ansel Adams museum.

The key for a fun winter trip is being well prepared and having realistic expectations. I hope this article helps you do just that. Enjoy the wonder of winter in beautiful Yosemite!