How to Visit Yosemite in Winter for Skiing, Snowshoeing, and the Famous ‘Firefall’

Key Points

• Open year-round, Yosemite National Park offers winter sports like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowy hikes.

• Put safety first when exploring Yosemite during winter: wear the right clothing, use snow chains, and bone up on backcountry navigation skills.

• One of the top reasons to visit Yosemite in the winter is getting the chance to see the famous “Firefall,” when the setting sun ignites Horsetail Fall.

Warm weather may lure the majority of Yosemite National Park travelers, but there’s a reward for those who visit this outdoor adventure destination in the winter: thinner crowds.

“Winter here is quieter; it’s a magical time, especially when there’s snow on top of Half Dome or the falls,” says Yosemite public affairs officer Scott Gediman, who has worked as a ranger for more than 25 years. “If you have a good vehicle, tire chains, and you’re prepared [for the weather], it’s really special.”

While the park does have a few seasonal closures, Yosemite stays open year-round and offers cold-weather activities like skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating. Here’s why you should visit Yosemite in winter and what to know before you go, from the best hikes to important safety precautions.

Most trails remain open.

The majority of gentler Yosemite day hikes remain open and doable throughout the off-season. Some of the most scenic winter hikes in Yosemite include the one-mile Lower Yosemite Fall path, which is wheelchair-accessible if the trail isn’t too snowy or icy; the two-mile round-trip route to Mirror Lake; and, for a longer challenge, the 11.5-mile Yosemite Valley Loop.

Backpacking in Yosemite National Park does get more involved in the colder months, requiring skis or snowshoes plus serious winter route-finding skills. “With snow in the backcountry, we have more search and rescues because people lose the trail,” says Gediman. With that in mind, it’s important to know and respect your limits—for your safety and that of others.

Road tripping? Use snow chains.

Even if your car has four-wheel drive, you need snow chains to drive in Yosemite in winter. They’re required by federal regulation when the roads are snowy and icy (usually from November through March but sometimes as early as September), no matter the vehicle type, per the National Park Service.

Pack layers.

The weather is anything but consistent during the winter in Yosemite. “Be prepared for everything,” says Gediman. “Have outer layers that repel rain or snow, but know it could also be a balmy 50 degrees.” In addition to packing layers, it’s important to bring gloves, water, a flashlight, a portable phone charger, and other supplies in case you get turned around and stay out longer than anticipated.

Related: I’m a Travel Writer, and These Are the 13 Things I Never Go Anywhere Without in the Winter — Starting at $7

Try snowshoeing or skiing.

Countless visitors see Yosemite by hiking, but winter expands the ways to get around the park, with snowshoeing and skiing available. Badger Pass Ski Area is the main winter adventure hub, with downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and tubing (depending on snow). Guided snowshoeing excursions are available at Badger Pass for those who don’t feel comfortable venturing out on their own.

Related: The Best Time to Visit Yosemite National Park

Go ice skating at Curry Village.

Ice skating at Yosemite’s Curry Village rink is an age-old park tradition. The family-friendly attraction, complete with Half Dome views and cozy fire pits, is usually open from mid-November to mid-March, weather permitting. Tickets can be purchased online or at the kiosk, which opens 15 minutes before each skating session, according to Travel Yosemite.

Add Horsetail Fall’s “Firefall” to your calendar.

One of the most popular winter events in Yosemite? “Firefall.” This natural phenomenon occurs when the sun dramatically illuminates Horsetail Fall (on the east side of El Capitan), creating the illusion of a stream of rushing fire. You can snag this view in late February if conditions are right (a clear western sky at sunset and enough water flowing), says the National Park Service. In the past, reservations have sometimes been required due to the popularity of this event, so be sure to check the NPS site before visiting.

Watch for wildlife.

Yosemite is home to plenty of animal species, including showstoppers like the black bear, Sierra Nevada red fox, mountain lion, and deer. You can see many of these creatures year-round, but according to Gediman, winter is a particularly good time to spot the elusive bobcat.

Monitor winter closures.

The park and its visitor center in Yosemite Valley stay open all year (the Wawona visitor center is open from late May to early October), but there are a few seasonal closures to keep in mind. Tioga Road typically closes from November through late May or early June. During its seasonal shutdown, vehicles cannot pass between Crane Flat and Tioga Pass, according to the National Park Service. The road up to Glacier Point is also closed to vehicles during this time. Keep an eye on the park’s alerts page to stay in the loop.

Related: How I Fell in Love With Yosemite National Park During a Surprise Snowstorm

Dodge the cold at a park museum.

It’s essential to bookmark museums in and around Yosemite for a quick respite from the cold. Yosemite Museum, open year-round, showcases the culture of the park’s Indigenous inhabitants, including the Miwok and Paiute people. Photographers and nature lovers will also enjoy The Ansel Adams Gallery, which showcases the beloved landscape photographer’s best work. It’s open year-round but closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The park also offers lectures on Adams and walks with a staff photographer.

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