As of October 1, 2021, reservations are no longer required to enter Yosemite National Park.  To enter Yosemite, drive to the gate and pay your admission or show your annual pass.

Note:  Some services are still limited inside the park due to Covid-19.

Please see the FAQ page for more information about visiting the park - https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/covid19.htm.

For a list of concessionaire services go to www.travelyosemite.com.

Experience the beauty of Winter in Yosemite!

Many things awaken in Yosemite in the winter months as the waterfalls and Merced River come alive again.  While Tioga Pass and Glacier Point roads are closed, there are many roads and trails open throughout Yosemite. Make sure you carry tire chains, as they are required during snowy times in and around the Park whenever chain controls are in effect.  Check here for Tire Chain Requirements and here for more info about Traveling to Yosemite in Winter.

Here are a just few of our favorite things…

1. Wandering around Yosemite Valley during a snowy day having a hot toddy at The Ahwahnee Bar or Dining Room.  Park your car and take the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle to all the destinations in Yosemite Valley (The Yosemite Valley Shuttle is planned to resume operations starting December 17).  Make sure to take the short hike to the base of Yosemite Falls and be amazed as the water forms a snow cone as the mist freezes on the falls. Check out our piece The "Natural" Events Of A Yosemite Winter for more natural sites to explore that are unique to Yosemite's Winter experience.
2. Snowshoeing around Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias – Mariposa Grove Road closes during wintertime so the only access into the grove is by hiking, skiing and snowshoeing the 2-mile road from the south entrance to the Grove.  Make sure to bring your camera, the Grove is truly spectacular blanketed in snow. 
3. Hiking to Mirror Lake during wintertime is another way to see how Yosemite changes in each season.  The trail is open year-round, and can be icy and snowy during wintertime.  It’s an easy to moderate two mile round trip to the lake or five mile loop around the lake.  Go to Shuttle Stop #17 for the trailhead.
4. Ice Skating at Curry Village – a favorite since 1928.  The ice rink is a spectacular family-friendly outdoor skating rink in the heart of Yosemite Valley with views of Half Dome.
5. Badger Pass Ski Area is scheduled to open for the 2021-22 Season on December 17, 2021 through March 27, 2022 conditions permitting.  Badger Pass Ski Area has it all and makes it easy—from getting here to renting equipment to taking lessons. You'll find groomed trails perfect for cross-country skiers, chairlifts that take Alpine skiers to the top of the runs in minutes, a challenging terrain park for snowboarders and skiers to test their limits, and a tubing area where the whole family can experience the thrills together.  Check out the Webcam for current conditions.
   

Click these links for more Yosemite Itineraries & Stories.

More information to help you make the most of your visit to Yosemite National Park:

There is so much to explore in Yosemite National Park! We have put together several suggestions of things to do in Yosemite to jump start your planning:

• Yosemite in a Day: The can’t miss sites of Yosemite through the seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.
• Yosemite Hikes: Tony Krizan gives an insider’s guide to Sentinel Dome & Taft Point Hikes.
• Fossils to Falls: A 4-day tour of history, Bass Lake, and Yosemite waterfalls.

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention that one of the best ways to see the park is with a little help from a knowledgeable Yosemite tour guide. You get the best Yosemite Park information, without someone having to miss out on the beauty because they're driving. Guided tour companies and adventure tours specialize in making your Yosemite Trip memorable.  

YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transit System) is another way to get to and from Yosemite from the gateway towns.  YARTS operates in the southern gateway towns of Fresno, Coarsegold, Oakhurst, Bass Lake & Fish Camp along Highway 41 from mid-May through mid-September.   Note:  YARTS service along Highway 41 (Fresno*Oakhurst*Yosemite Route)  is seasonal and only runs May 10 through September 10, 2021.

FREE VALLEY SHUTTLE:  To help with find your favorite icons in Yosemite Valley, you can view and download the Yosemite Valley Shuttle Map.  Note:  Yosemite Valley Shuttle is temporarily closed due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Finally, here are a couple outside sources that we recommend incorporating into your planning arsenal:

• Yosemite National Park Services: For current conditions, special alerts and more information inside Yosemite National Park.
• Yosemite Gateways: More information on the Park's 4 major entrances.
• Hike Smart Yosemite: Plan and prepare for a safe and enjoyable hiking trip in the park.
• Google Street View: Check out Yosemite's iconic spots!
• Yosemite Bears: Learn more about the bears of Yosemite National Park  

Okay - so you've figured out where to go and what to do.  Now it's time to determine where to stay during your visit. There's a wide variety of options available through the region; from hotels, bed & breakfasts, vacation rentals, campgrounds and RV sites, and much more!  Click below to explore the options here.

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Like what you see? Save any of these pins (or all of them) to your travel planning board(s) to give you an easy way to find your way back here!  Also check out our travel stories/blog posts and itineraries for more ideas and pins!