Growing up in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California, I have been fortunate enough to go to some pretty amazing places over the years, especially Yosemite. Living about 45 minutes from the south gate of Yosemite, my parents and I share an annual pass and go as often as we can.
Yosemite has always been my happy place and holds a lot of memories for me. The park is beautiful all the time, although it especially shocks me during the winter when it is covered in snow. Here's some things to do in the winter in Yosemite!
1. Visit Tunnel View
It's the most stereotypical view of Yosemite and everyone posts a picture of the view, but seeing it through the seasons is always a joy. From Tunnel View you can see (from left to right) El Capitan, Clouds Rest, Half Dome, Cathedral Rocks, Bridalveil Fall and, last but not least, the valley in the very middle of it all.
Let's continue our way into the valley!
2. Spend some time in Curry Village (now known as Half Dome Village)
There's a pizza place that sells a few options other than pizza, including coffee, which only cost $2.05!
In the village there is also an ice rink that is open for 2.5 hour sessions throughout the day, but make sure to check if it is open as well as session times before you get your hopes up of ice skating under the formation of Half Dome.
3. Go for a hike
Mirror Lake is a good trail to take if you have kids or aren't too sure about hiking, as it just follows a road over to the lake and back.
If you're lucky, the lake might be a bit frozen over and you can stand on it! Be sure to stand in the areas that are covered in shade, so that you don't fall in. As you can see, everyone's reaction is different! (Disclaimer: my friend on the far left is from Minnesota, so she was not entertained with walking on a frozen lake since she does it all the time!)
The trail to the Vernal Fall footbridge IS open, ALTHOUGH a lady my group talked with a few weekends ago told us that she would not hike it without crampons and trekking poles because it was completely iced over. If you are going to venture on this hike, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE be careful and DO NOT go past the footbridge, because the winter conditions are dangerous!
Bridalveil Fall trail is open during the winter. In the summer, it's practically a stroll. Not so much during the winter!!
Because the waterfall exudes a TON of mist and the sun does not hit the trail, the last 100 or so feet of the trail is pure ice. Be extremely careful when you're climbing up the ice, letting others help you. Also, be prepared to slide on your bum to get off the extreme ice! Don't worry, everyone is doing it.
The top of Yosemite Falls is quite a sight, especially in the winter. Be prepared for even more ice and lots of snow, but most of all the beautiful views!
4. Play in the snow
This snowman was already made and he had a friend nearby, but that didn't stop us from having fun with them! Of course, one of our other friends stepped on the friend and knocked this one out of our hands...
There are plenty of meadows and places to be able to stop and play in the snow for a while. Have a snowball fight, make a snowman, or watch everybody else having fun!
5. Go skiing and/or snowboarding
I grew up learning how to ski at Badger Pass (now known as Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area). Although it is small, it satisfies the need for a winter sport, as well as being able to say that you went skiing (or snowboarding) in one of the most beautiful places in the world!
These are just a few ideas I have up my sleeve! Let me know if you want more!
