Top 8 Winter Activities in Yosemite to Add to Your Bucket List

Winter transforms Yosemite National Park into a quiet, snow-dusted wonderland filled with adventure and postcard-worthy views. From skiing through evergreens to stargazing in the crisp night air, this is the season when the park slows down and magic takes over. If you’re staying at Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal – just 30 minutes from Yosemite Valley – here are the best winter activities to add to your bucket list.

1. Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding at Badger Pass Ski Area

Yosemite’s Badger Pass Ski Area is one of California’s oldest ski areas and a true family favorite. With gentle slopes, beginner-friendly terrain, and a cozy atmosphere, it’s perfect for travelers looking for winter adventure without the chaos of big resorts. The ski area is roughly 30 miles from Yosemite View Lodge (road conditions permitting).

2. Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

Yosemite offers some of the best cross-country skiing in California, with more than 90 miles of marked trails and 25 miles of machine-groomed track. These activities offer a slower, more immersive way to experience Yosemite’s winter beauty.

3. Snow Tubing, Sledding, and Snow Play

Kids and adults alike will love Yosemite’s snow play areas around Yosemite. Enjoy a snow tubing hill, with inner tubes available to rent, or the snow play area at Crane Flat, close to the cross-country ski trails, that is open in winter for sledding and other fun snow play when conditions allow.

4. Winter Hiking on the Valley Floor

Many lower-elevation trails in Yosemite Valley remain open through winter, giving visitors the chance to walk among snow-covered meadows and frozen waterfalls. Try easy routes like the Cook’s Meadow Loop or Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, both of which are accessible and scenic even in colder months.

5. Visit the Giant Sequoia Groves in Winter

Experience the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias beneath a fresh layer of snow. These towering trees, some over 3,000 years old,  look even more majestic in the stillness of winter. The trail to Grizzly Giant often requires snowshoes or microspikes, but it’s well worth the effort.

6. See the “Firefall” at Horsetail Fall

Each February, the setting sun lights up Horsetail Fall in Yosemite Valley, creating the illusion of glowing lava pouring down the cliff. It’s a rare, spectacular sight that draws photographers and nature lovers from around the world.

Yosemite Firefall at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, CA

7. Stargazing on Clear Winter Nights

With long nights and crisp mountain air, Yosemite is one of California’s best places for stargazing. The valley and El Portal areas, where Yosemite View Lodge and Yosemite Cedar Lodge are, offer wide-open views of the Milky Way and countless constellations. Bundle up, bring hot cocoa, and take in the quiet brilliance of the Sierra night sky.

8. Scenic Drives and Winter Viewpoints

Even though Tioga and Glacier Point Roads typically close for the season, Yosemite Valley’s main roads remain open (chains may be required). Enjoy snow-covered cliffs, frozen rivers, and viewpoints offering breathtaking photo opportunities without long hikes.

Tips for Visiting Yosemite in Winter

• Check road conditions: Before driving into the park, visit the NPS current conditions page for updates on snow, ice, and chain requirements.
• Dress in layers: Winter mornings can dip below freezing, while afternoons warm up in the sun.
• Bring traction gear: Ice cleats or microspikes help on packed snow trails.
• Plan extra travel time: Winter driving requires slower speeds, but the views make it worth every minute.
• Stay close: At Yosemite View Lodge, you’re minutes from the park entrance,  an ideal base for early starts and cozy evenings after your adventures.

Plan Your Winter Stay

Whether you’re chasing snowflakes, sunlight, or serenity, winter in Yosemite delivers it all. After a day of exploring, return to your riverside room at Yosemite View Lodge, warm up by the fire, and watch the stars above the Merced River.