Your Guide to Visiting Yosemite in Winter-Skiing, Snowshoeing, and the Epic 'Firefall' Included

"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.""

"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."

Yosemite experiences thinner crowds in winter and offers scenic snowy vistas of Half Dome and waterfalls. The park remains open year-round with activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating. Most gentler day hikes stay accessible, including Lower Yosemite Fall, Mirror Lake, and the Yosemite Valley Loop, though backpacking requires skis or snowshoes and advanced winter route-finding. Winter conditions increase search-and-rescue incidents when travelers lose trails. Federal regulations require snow chains on snowy or icy roads regardless of vehicle type, typically November through March. Variable winter weather calls for layered clothing and preparedness, and travelers should know and respect their limits.

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