Visit Yosemite National Park In The Winter

Yosemite National Park is a very popular destination and is usually very crowded during most of the year. But Yosemite in the winter is one of California's best kept secrets. The snowy winter scenery is just amazing! It is not crowded and there are many winter camping activities to enjoy. Located at only 4,000 feet Yosemite Valley has mild winters compared to many parts of the country. It rarely dips below 30-40 degrees all winter long so snow on the valley floor lasts for only a few days. But at higher elevations in the park the snow can be enjoyed all winter long. Yosemite National Park boasts California's oldest ski area where you can participate in or take classes on all types of winter sports . While visiting Yosemite National Park you can enjoy tent, backcountry camping and RV Camping or choose between many different lodging options. Don't like driving in winter conditions? The National Park Service offers free shuttle service to places in and around Yosemite Valley. Where To Stay Yosemite National Park has four campgrounds, including 3 for RVs that are open during the winter season. Some of the other accommodations available range from unheated canvas tents and cabins to a 4-Diamond hotel. Campgrounds

• Upper Pines: $20 a night, 238 Campsites, RV/ Trailer Spaces, Reservations
• Camp 4: $5 a night, 35 Campsites, Walk Up
• Wawona: $14 a night, 93 Campsites, RV/ Trailer Spaces, Oct-Apr Walk Up
• Hodgdon Meadow: $14 a night, 105 Campsites, RV/ Trailer Spaces, Oct-Apr Walk Up

Other Accommodations

• Ahwahnee Hotel: 4-Diamond Hotel Queen Elizabeth II stayed here on her trip to Yosemite in 1983
• Yosemite Housekeeping Camp: Located along the Merced River it offers an indoor camping experience with an outdoor feel
• Wawona Hotel: Historic Victorian style lodging with easy access to Badger Pass Ski Area for winter sports

What To Do

Winter Activities

• Yosemite's Badger Pass® Ski Area
• Ice-Skating at Curry Village
• See the winter sites of Yosemite Valley on a 2-hour guided tour in a heated motor coach
• Snowshoe Walks: Enjoy a two-hour ranger-led snowshoe walk from Badger Pass
• Snow Tubing: Simple Classic Family Fun
• Glacier Point Overnight Tours: cross country skiing Led by an experienced guide

Special Winter Events

• Bracebridge Dinner: a Middle Age Themed 4hr Christmas feast with live entertainment
• Chef's Holidays: Held in January and February
• Yosemite Nordic Holiday Race: This 10-mile event is California's citizens' oldest cross-country ski race.
• Yosemite Springfest: A traditional winter carnival takes place at Yosemite's Badger Pass Ski Area

Must See

• Giant Sequoia Trees: Cross country ski along 5 different trails. See groves of the Giant Sequoia trees, one of the largest trees in the world.
• Half Dome: Yosemite's most distinctive monument. It looks even more impressive when blanketed in snow and ice.
• Horsetail Falls: In mid to late February see it glow orange during sunset.

How To Get There

San Francisco/Bay area

• Distance: 195 mi / 314 km
• Time:4-5 hours
• Take I-580 east to I-205 east to Highway 120 east (Manteca) or Highway 140 east (Merced) into Yosemite National Park.

Los Angeles Area

• Distance: 313 mi / 504 km
• Time: 6 hours
• Take I-5 north (or I-405 north to I-5) to Highway 99 north to Highway 41 north (Fresno) into Yosemite National Park.

Las Vegas

November through May

• Distance: 495 mi / 797 km
• Time: 8-10 hours
• Take I-15 west to Barstow; Highway 58 west to Bakersfield; take Highway 99 north to Fresno. In Fresno, take Highway 41 north into Yosemite National Park.

For more information www.nps.gov/yose/