In Yosemite Valley
Lower Yosemite Falls Trail
A short, easy walk (1 mile round trip, paved most of the way) to the base of the lower falls. In winter, the falls form ice cones at the base that grow throughout the season — a sight nearly no summer visitor sees. Best in morning light. Plowed and accessible all winter.
Yosemite Valley Visitor Center & museum
The Visitor Center has a small but genuinely good museum on Yosemite's natural and human history. Free. Right in the middle of the Valley village area. The associated film is short and worth watching if it's your first visit.
Mirror Lake walk
About 2 miles round trip from the Mirror Lake parking area (shuttle stop 17 in the Valley loop). Flat, easy, often completely empty in winter. The lake itself is more of a meadow in winter, but the reflection of Half Dome in any remaining water makes for the postcard photo. Pack microspikes if there's been recent snow.
The Ahwahnee lobby and dining room
Even if you're not staying there. The Ahwahnee's stone-and-timber lobby, with its massive fireplace and Native American art, is one of the great hotel lobbies in the U.S. Order a cocktail at the bar and just sit for an hour. The dining room is also worth a meal if you're up for the price.
Easy winter walks on Glacier Point Road
Dewey Point ski tour from Badger Pass
From the Badger Pass parking lot, the Dewey Point trail is the classic Yosemite cross-country ski objective — about 7 miles round trip to one of the best winter views in the park. Strong intermediate XC skiers can do it self-guided; everyone else should consider the guided Adventure Snowshoe Hike to Dewey Point.
Glacier Point Road overlooks
The drive up and back down Glacier Point Road passes several plowed pullouts with views into the Valley. Bring binoculars. Mid-afternoon light is best.
In Wawona
Mariposa Grove (limited winter access)
The grove of giant sequoias near the south entrance. The road to the grove typically closes in winter, but the ~2 mile walk in (along the closed road) is doable and quiet, with the sequoias often dusted with snow. Best when there's been recent fresh snow but the trail is packed.
The Wawona Hotel lobby and dining room
Same principle as the Ahwahnee — even if you're staying elsewhere, the Wawona's lobby and dining room are worth visiting. Less grand than the Ahwahnee, more lived-in, more old-California.
Photography opportunities
- Tunnel View at sunrise. The classic Half Dome / El Capitan / Bridalveil Fall shot, with morning alpenglow. Drive up early.
- El Capitan Meadow. Mid-morning, the light on El Cap's east face is dramatic.
- Cook's Meadow. Best wide shots of Half Dome in winter. The boardwalk loop is flat and accessible.
- Glacier Point Road snow scenes. Quiet pull-offs along the road give you closer-than-Valley shots of snowy meadows.
A typical multi-day winter plan
- Day 1 (arrival): Settle in, light walk at Lower Yosemite Falls or Cook's Meadow before dark
- Day 2: Full ski day at Badger Pass
- Day 3: Morning at Badger (half day), afternoon at the Tunnel View overlook and Visitor Center
- Day 4: A guided snowshoe (Discovery Hike or Dewey Point) and dinner at the Ahwahnee
- Day 5 (departure): Easy morning walk somewhere photogenic, then drive home
The Yosemite winter experience rewards a slower pace than the summer experience. Crowds are minimal, parking is plentiful, and the iconic landmarks all look different in snow.