Roaming The Trails

In this article we will discuss the following common questions visitors have about visiting Yosemite National Park during the winter season:

1. Is Yosemite open during the winter?
2. What entrance and roads are open?
3. Is it safe to drive and do I need chains?
4. Do I need a reservation to enter the park?
5. Where can I stay if I’m visiting for more than one day?
6. What can I do during winter season?
7. What is the weather like and what should I wear?

Is Yosemite Open During Winter?

Yosemite is open year round including during the winter season. Majority of amenities are also open year round, although temporary closures may occur depending on weather and staffing. Some roads are closed in the winter (we’ll get to that in the next section).

What Entrance and Roads Are Open?

Yosemite is open year round including during the winter season. Some roads are closed in the winter, like Tioga Pass Road that leads to the West Entrance. However the South entrance remains open. You can take HWY 41(Oakhurst) or 140 (Merced). If you’re worried about driving on potentially icy roads, or if you have a car rental and are unable to use snow chains, we recommend taking HWY 140. This road is less curvy and is at lower elevation than HWY41, so it’s less likely to have snow or ice on the road.

Is it Safe to Drive and Do I need Chains?

During seasons with snowy or icy road conditions, federal regulations and California state law required all vehicles to carry snow chains, even if there’s a chance they might not be needed. This is because weather conditions can change rapidly, so you need to have chains on hand in case they are required. And yes you are required to use chains even if you have a AWD or 4X4. You may not be required to use them, but legally you’re required to carry them.

As soon as chains are required, You can pull into a turn out area and put your chains on. We recommend you practice putting chains on at home (here’s an example). 

YNP staff do a good job of clearing the roads to make them safe and accessible. If chains are required, signs will be posted. You can plan ahead and check road conditions by calling (209)372-0200. 

If you’re uneasy about driving in during winter, or you have a car rental that does not allow chains, then consider taking the YARTS bus from to YNP. The bus fare covers your entry into the park. Once inside the park you can use the free shuttle system that has buses running about every 10 to 20 minutes from 7 am to 10 pm. You can look at the route map here, just make sure to check the website for updates as the route can change throughout the year.

Do I need Reservations to Enter the Park?

You don’t need a reservation to enter the park on most days during the winter seasons, you’ll only need to pay for the entry fee or you can use your “America the Beautiful“ pass. If you’re visiting Yosemite during the month of February, you will need to make a reservation though recreation.gov.

What Can I do During Winter Season?

During winter Yosemite offers beautiful scenery and fun activities. Walking trails on the valley floor are typically paved and safe. Popular hiking trails include Mirror Lake, Upper Yosemite Falls, Vernal and Nevada Falls. Some trails may be closed during the winter because of unsafe conditions. Be prepared with a backup itinerary, as some trails can be closed on a short notice.  

If you plan on hiking, we recommend having micro-spikes as some of the trails can get very slippery. Also, keep in mind there is less sunlight during winter, so you’ll want to time your hikes accordingly. Carry headlamps and flashlights with you for safety. Click here to check out the micro-spikes we use.

Personally, we wouldn’t recommend you hike the waterfall trails if you’re not familiar with the trail or not an experienced hiker. Take a look at this post on things to do in Yosemite during winter that don’t require hiking.

What is the Weather Like and What Should I Wear?

Make sure to dress appropriately and bring extra layers, as temperatures can drop to the low 20’s. Even if you don’t plan on hiking, we recommend dressing in layers and wearing waterproof boots/snow boots. Because of the tall granite walls, part the valley floor is often shaded. You’ll notice a drop in temperatures if you’re in a shaded areas vs a sunny area. On average temperatures can range from low 20’s to high 50’s (Fahrenheit).

Peak winter months are typically December, January, and February. However, snow can fall as early as late November, and can melt as late as May. If you’re wanting to see Yosemite covered in snow, we recommend visiting the part a couple of days after a snow storm.