Last Updated: June 18, 2026
Yosemite National Park is breathtaking in any season, but winter transforms it into something almost otherworldly. We visited in February, coming north from Sequoia and Kings Canyon, and encountered back-to-back winter storms that closed most of the park roads. We were fortunate to get one hour of blue skies during our entire stay — but that hour was spectacular. El Capitan gleaming in the sun, Bridalveil Falls thundering over ice-crusted rocks, and the Yosemite Valley floor blanketed in fresh snow. If you ever get the chance to see Yosemite in winter, take it.
Visitor Information
Address: Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, 9035 Village Drive, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389. Hours: The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, though some roads close due to snow from approximately November through May or June. Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are closed in winter. Admission: $35 per vehicle (valid 7 days), $30 per motorcycle, $20 per person on foot or bicycle; the America the Beautiful Annual Pass is accepted. No cash — entrance stations are cashless. During peak season, advance reservations may be required for day visitors; check the website before you go. Phone: 209-372-0200. Website: nps.gov/yose.
Tunnel View
Tunnel View is one of the most iconic vantage points in all of American national parks. As you emerge from the Wawona Tunnel on the valley approach road, the entire Yosemite Valley opens before you — El Capitan on the left, Bridalveil Falls on the right, Half Dome in the center distance, and the valley floor stretching away beneath granite walls that rise nearly a mile on each side. In winter with snow on the ground, it is something you do not forget. The drive to Yosemite via the winding mountain roads is steep and demanding, and Michael navigated the RV through it in challenging conditions. Driving conditions change fast in the Sierra Nevada — when we left the park we ran into gusty wind and hail.
El Capitan
El Capitan is a sheer granite monolith rising approximately 3,000 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor — one of the largest exposed granite faces on earth. It is among the world’s most celebrated rock climbing destinations, drawing climbers from every continent to attempt its legendary routes, including the famous Nose. In winter, the face is often streaked with ice and snow, and the scale of it — especially from the valley floor — is almost impossible to take in.
Bridalveil Falls
Bridalveil Falls is one of the most recognizable waterfalls in Yosemite and one of the first landmarks visitors see entering the valley. It flows year-round and drops 617 feet into a mist-filled pool below. In winter, the surrounding rocks and boulders become encased in ice from the constant spray, and chunks of ice breaking off and crashing down made the waterfall unusually loud and dramatic during our visit.
Getting close to the falls requires a short walk over very slippery ice-covered rocks. Take it slowly and wear traction devices if you have them — the mist from the falls freezes everything it touches.
Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Valley is a glacier-carved canyon roughly seven miles long and one mile wide, sitting at about 4,000 feet in elevation. The surrounding granite walls rise 3,000 to 4,000 feet above the valley floor. In winter the crowds disappear almost entirely, and with snow covering the meadows and the Merced River running clear and quiet between snow-covered banks, the valley feels serene and deeply wild. Every direction offered a different composition.
The snow-covered boulders in and along the Merced River were endlessly photogenic — perfectly still, perfectly white, with the dark cold water moving slowly around them. These are the kinds of images that are nearly impossible to capture in the busy summer season.
Half Dome
Half Dome is the signature landmark of Yosemite, rising 4,737 feet above the valley floor to an elevation of 8,839 feet. Its sheer northwest face drops nearly 2,000 feet in a near-vertical wall of granite. In summer, hikers can ascend to the summit via an 8.2-mile trail that ends with a steep cable-assisted section on the bare granite dome — a permit-required route that sees over 800 hikers a day at peak times. In winter, the cables are removed and the dome is inaccessible, but the view from the valley floor — Half Dome white against the sky — is unforgettable.
Wildlife
With road closures limiting access to much of the park and deep snow covering the higher terrain, wildlife sightings were limited but rewarding. Common Ravens were everywhere — bold and intelligent, they thrive year-round in Yosemite and are completely unintimidated by people. Mule deer grazed in the open meadows along the valley floor, and a large flock of wild turkeys crossed the road on our way in. Winter is actually one of the best times to spot wildlife in the valley, with far fewer visitors and animals more active in the open.
Yosemite Ridge Resort
We stayed at Yosemite Ridge Resort in Groveland, about 30 minutes from the Big Oak Flat park entrance. It is a small RV park and we were the only guests during our stay. When we arrived, snow on the ground made maneuvering into our site a bit treacherous — if we ever camp in snow again, we will bring tire chains for the RV itself. It is remarkable that a 40,000-pound motorhome can spin its rear wheels on ice, but it absolutely can.
The hookups included 50-amp service (which had been out for three days before our arrival), sewer, and water at 30 psi. Internet and cable were knocked out by the winter storms for the first day; wifi returned but kept dropping. There was no Verizon coverage at the site, and the tree canopy prevented satellite reception. We took it as an opportunity to read. Winter camping in a mountain RV park comes with its share of challenges — but it also comes with something you cannot get in peak season: complete solitude.
This Common Raven seemed to be posing at Tunnel View — it stood right at the overlook railing and surveyed the valley below with obvious confidence. Ravens are highly intelligent birds and are among the most interesting wildlife to observe in the park.
Groveland & the Iron Door Saloon
Groveland is a small Gold Rush-era town on Highway 120, about 25 miles west of the Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite. It is the main service town for visitors approaching from the San Francisco Bay Area. The Iron Door Saloon, established in 1852, is claimed to be the oldest continuously operating saloon in California. The interior is exactly what you would hope for — mounted trophies, Old West memorabilia, a classic saloon painting, and cold beer. It is a great stop before or after a day in the park.
Practical Tips for Visiting Yosemite National Park
Check road and reservation status before you go. In winter, Tioga Road, Glacier Point Road, and Hetch Hetchy Road may be closed due to snow. During spring and summer, day-use reservations are required to enter Yosemite Valley. Always check the park website the day before your visit for current conditions and reservation requirements.
Carry chains in winter. Chain controls are enforced on all Yosemite roads in winter conditions, including for 4WD and AWD vehicles. Rangers will turn you around without them. Buy chains before you arrive — options are very limited near the park entrances.
Entrance stations are cashless. Yosemite does not accept cash. All entrance fees must be paid by credit card, debit card, or digital payment. Purchase passes in advance online at recreation.gov or through the NPS app to skip the entrance station line entirely.
The America the Beautiful Pass pays for itself quickly. At $80 per year it covers entrance fees at all national parks and federal recreation areas. Seniors 62 and older can get it for $20 annually or $80 for a lifetime pass — exceptional value for anyone who visits national parks regularly.
Stay in Groveland for easier access and availability. Lodging and RV parks inside the park book up many months in advance, especially in summer. Groveland on Highway 120 is a good base — about 30 minutes from the Big Oak Flat Entrance — with restaurants, fuel, and services. The Iron Door Saloon alone is worth the stay.
Wear traction devices at Bridalveil Falls. The short trail to the falls base becomes extremely icy in winter from the constant mist. Microspikes or traction cleats make the difference between an easy walk and a dangerous fall on the frozen rocks.
Winter wildlife viewing is underrated. With summer crowds gone and animals more active in the open, winter is one of the best times to spot mule deer, coyotes, and ravens in Yosemite Valley. Carry binoculars and a telephoto lens.
FAQ
Is Yosemite National Park open in winter? Yes — Yosemite is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, several roads close due to snow from approximately November through May or June, including Tioga Road (which crosses the Sierra Nevada) and Glacier Point Road. Yosemite Valley remains accessible year-round, though chains may be required on the approach roads during winter storms.
Do you need reservations to visit Yosemite? During peak season (generally spring through fall), advance day-use reservations are required to drive into Yosemite Valley. In winter, no reservation is typically needed. Requirements change, so always check the park website at nps.gov/yose before your visit.
What is Tunnel View at Yosemite? Tunnel View is an overlook at the eastern end of the Wawona Tunnel on the Valley approach road. As you exit the tunnel, the entire Yosemite Valley opens before you — El Capitan on the left, Bridalveil Falls on the right, and Half Dome centered in the distance. It is one of the most photographed viewpoints in the United States and is accessible year-round.
Can you hike to the top of Half Dome in winter? No. The cables used to ascend the steep granite face of Half Dome are removed each fall, typically in October, and reinstalled in late spring. Winter ascents are extremely dangerous and not permitted. The Half Dome permit lottery for cable season is very competitive — apply in early spring if you plan a summer or fall visit.
What is the best time to see Yosemite Falls? Yosemite Falls, which drops a total of 2,425 feet in two tiers, is at its most powerful in spring when snowmelt is at its peak — typically April through June. In late summer and early fall it can slow to a trickle or stop entirely. Bridalveil Falls flows year-round and is more reliable for a winter visit.
Is the Iron Door Saloon in Groveland really the oldest bar in California? The Iron Door Saloon in Groveland was established in 1852 and claims to be the oldest continuously operating saloon in California. Whether or not every detail of that claim survives historical scrutiny, it is undeniably one of the most atmospheric and historically rich bars in the state, and a great stop on the way to or from Yosemite.
