Yosemite National Park: Winter Edition
Yosemite National Park: Winter Edition
Always On PTO
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When you think of visiting Yosemite National Park, you probably imagine it being summer time. But visiting Yosemite in the winter is so underrated and there are a ton of things to do! And the best part? It isn't crowded! From someone who has visited Yosemite 10+ times, this guide covers all the best hikes and activities for the winter, plus hotel options.
This is a living map, meaning that every time I return to Yosemite and do something new (which is often), I'll add to it, and you'll get all of the updates automatically!
If you find this information helpful, any tips are appreciated for my work.
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Where To Stay
Selecting a hotel for your trip to Yosemite will depend on two major factors: what entrance will you be entering the park from (refer to my 'Yosemite National Park: The Ultimate Guide' linked below for detailed information on park entrances) and what you want to explore while you're there (which depends on how much time you have).
Hotels in Yosemite National Park:
The Ahwahnee
@alwaysonpto
This historic landmark hotel dates back to 1927 and is set on a valley floor with views of Half Dome, Glacier Point and Yosemite Falls. It's 1.5 miles from Yosemite Village. If you want to stay at a hotel in the park, this is the best of the best!
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Yosemite Valley Lodge
@alwaysonpto
Yosemite Valley Lodge is a good choice for families and large groups. Its close proximity to Yosemite Falls which makes it the perfect base camp for exploring the valley and surrounding area. Yosemite Valley Lodge includes 245 available accommodations with rooms ranging from traditional, family size, and ADA accessible options.
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Wawona Hotel
@alwaysonpto
This hotel is close to the South Entrance. It is 27 miles from the valley and is near the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and the Pioneer History Center.
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Hotels near South Entrance:
Tenaya at Yosemite
@alwaysonpto
Tenaya at Yosemite is one of the closest hotel option to the South Entrance and it is an absolutely stunning hotel. It is located 8 minutes away from the South Entrance and a little over an hour away from the valley floor.
Tenaya at Yosemite offer three different types of accommodations including lodges, cottages, and cabins. If you want to be as close as possible to the south entrance, I'd recommend staying here.
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Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oakhurst-Yosemite Park Area
@alwaysonpto
This hotel is located in Oakhurst and is 25 minutes away from the South Entrance and 1 hour and 20 minutes from the valley floor. The hotel has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, gym and free WiFi. Plus a continental breakfast is available daily. It is a great, affordable option for those interested in staying near the South Entrance (which is the entrance I usually use when visiting Yosemite).
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Hotels near Big Oak Flat Entrance:
Hotel Charlotte
@alwaysonpto
Hotel Charlotte is a great option for those who love historic buildings and are planning to enter Yosemite from the Big Oak Flat entrance. This historic old-west boutique hotel is right in the heart of downtown Groveland where there are a ton of bars and restaurants, including the 'Iron Door Saloon' which was built sometime before 1852.
The hotel is located 30-minutes from the Big Oak Flat entrance and is less than 5-minutes away from Pine Mountain Lake. All rooms include Wifi.
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Yosemite Westgate Lodge
@alwaysonpto
If you're looking to stay somewhere a bit more modern, check out Yosemite Westgate Lodge. This hotel is a bit closer to the Big Oak Flat entrance while still being extremely close to the center of Groveland.
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Hotels near Arch Rock Entrance:
AutoCamp Yosemite
@alwaysonpto
Set in Midpines near the Arch Rock Entrance, AutoCamp Yosemite offers luxury airstreams, cabins, and glamping tents situated in a beautiful forest.
All accommodation come with access to bikes, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a terrace. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, a concierge service and free WiFi.
There is a kitchen serving hot and prepared meal options (and pre-packed s'mores kits!), a bar with happy hour, and complimentary granola.
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What To Do
Badger Pass Ski Area
@alwaysonpto
Did you know you could ski in Yosemite National Park? Badger Pass Ski area is truly a hidden gem! You'll find miles of groomed trails perfect for cross-country skiing, chairlifts that take you to the ski runs, a terrain park for snowboarders and skiers, and a tubing area.
They have everything you need from rentals (skis, tubes, cross-country skis, snowshoes, etc.), plus lessons all at reasonable prices. No need to reserve your rentals prior to your trip, you can just show up.
I cross-country skied for the first time ever here in January of 2023 and it was AMAZING! For those who are more experienced and really want an adventure, you can do guided or self-guided over-night trips to Glacier Point, which is a 21-mile journey.
If you're planning a trip to Yosemite in the winter, definitely plan to spend a day or two exploring the Badger pass area.
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Upper Yosemite Falls Hike
@alwaysonpto
The Upper Yosemite Falls hike is an incredible hike that I've done multiple times both in summer and winter. Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in the continental US, dropping 2,425 feet to the bottom of the valley from the top.
This hike consists of three sections: upper falls, middle cascade, and lower falls. If you're strapped for time, or if the snow pack is too heavy, you could make this hike short and only go to lower falls or middle cascade, but if you have the time I recommend going all the way to Upper Falls where you'll be rewarded with stunning views of Half Dome, Sentinel Dome, and the valley.
If you're doing this hike in the winter, I recommend coming prepared with crampons and poles. Even if there isn't snow at the trailhead, there probably will be some as you get closer to middle cascade.
This hike is out-and-back and about 8 miles, with 3,000 feet of elevation gain. It starts near the famous Camp 4 and quickly ascends along multiple switchbacks through the trees.
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El Capitan Meadow
@alwaysonpto
A lot of people drive by the El Cap meadow and admire it from their car window, or park and take a quick picture in it and then drive away. But one of my FAVORITE activities to do whenever I'm in Yosemite is to spend some time in the meadow. In the summer, I normally bring a bottle of wine, snacks, a picnic blanket, and binoculars and look for rock climbers climbing the famous slab.
Since you're planning to visit in the winter, I recommend bringing some gloves and building a snowman! The meadow is usually empty of other people in the winter, so you should have plenty of space to play around.
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Not Finding What Your Looking For?
Click my below Yosemite National Park guide for more information on park entrances (something that is extremely important to take into consideration when planning your Yosemite trip), more hikes, and activities!
Want help planning your perfect trip to Yosemite, or another destination? Let's work together! Click below for a link to book custom travel services with me.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Always On PTO
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Hi there, welcome to my page!
Nearly 10 years ago, I packed up all of my belongings and moved across the US from my childhood home in Massachusetts to Los Angeles. I had no job, and no plan, but just enough ambition to try something new that got me out of my comfort zone.
It wasn't long after arriving in Los Angeles that I discovered my passion for traveling, adventure, and being outdoors. I've been exploring non-stop ever since and have been lucky enough to experience 7 countries, 25 states, and 15 National Parks. I'm an expert in west coast travel, having explored much of California, Arizona, and Utah.
I'm a hiker, camper, and love to explore off the beaten path, which you'll see reflected in all of my guides and itineraries. Because of my full-time job and limited PTO, I plan my travel ambitiously, often times driving or flying somewhere on a Friday after work for a weekend. I try to fit in seeing as much of a destination as I possibly can on my trips (even if that means sacrificing some sleep!).
I'm always thinking about my next adventure and am very excited to help you plan yours! I hope you're able to find some inspiration with my guides and itineraries, and discover a new place that you want to add to your bucket list.
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