Visiting Yosemite National Park - In Winter

There’s something magical about visiting Yosemite National Park and it is on most people's bucket lists but visiting Yosemite in winter has its benefits. This blog is about our short visit to Yosemite in January 2025 - which provided an unforgettable and perfect blend of peaceful and cooler weather for hiking, and moments of pure awe. We were quite lucky as there wasn't any snow during our visit which made driving and hiking a little less dangerous.

While summer crowds chase waterfalls and wildflowers, Yosemite in winter paints the park in a quiet serenity. If driving to Yosemite in January, it is recommended that visitors take Highway 140 (All Weather Road). The is the safest route into the park during the winter, but you should still have tyre chains (with you or on the car) just in case and check weather conditions.

Day 1

Our first stop was Bridalveil Falls. Going to Yosemite and not visiting Bridalveil Fall is like going to Yellowstone and not seeing Old Faithful. So, if you only have time to see one of the Yosemite waterfalls, be sure it’s this one. The easiest way to see Bridalveil Fall is to park in the designated lot just east of where Southside Drive hairpin curves into Wawona Road. There is a short, 0.5-mile walk along a paved path from the Bridalveil Fall parking area to a viewpoint where the fall is visible across Bridalveil Creek.

Bridalveil Falls

Equally famous is the park’s namesake waterfall. Yosemite Falls is made up of three falls — upper, middle, and lower — Yosemite Falls spans 2,425 feet, crowning it the tallest in the park (and one of the most massive waterfalls in the world). As a result, Yosemite Falls is visible from a variety of vantage points in the Yosemite Valley. The easiest way to view Yosemite Falls is via the relatively flat 1.2-mile Lower Yosemite Falls Trail loop.

 Lower Yosemite Fall Trail

• Distance: 1 mile loop

• Elevation Gain: ~50 feet

• Location: Yosemite Valley

• Why It’s Great: Super accessible - paved and stroller-friendly.

Lower Yosemite

Next drive to Yosemite Valley Chapel. Often not given more than a passing glance while driving by, Yosemite Valley Chapel is well worth a stop and a picture. Still an active Christian church, the chapel is straight out of a fairytale with red brick walls and a simple steeple.

Yosemite Valley Chapel

Make sure you visit the Yosemite Museum. We found this a super rewarding part of a trip to the park — especially if you're into history, Native culture, or just want a break from hiking while still soaking in Yosemite's magic. You’ll see traditional tools, baskets, clothing, and ceremonial items, plus displays explaining their deep connection to the land. Right behind the museum is a reconstructed traditional Miwok village.

It is located right in Yosemite Valley, near the Visitor Center and the historic Ansel Adams Gallery. Whilst here you can stop off to visit the toilets, grocery store or buy some souvenirs.

We finished off the day with a sunset view of the famous Tunnel View. El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall all stand proudly in the background. The most iconic of all lookouts on the road into Yosemite Valley, the Tunnel View is the picture that everyone has with El Capitan to the left, Bridalveil Falls cascading down the cliffs to the right, Half Dome standing tall in the distance, and the Merced River snaking through the entire valley. You don’t need to hike to get the view either. It is located on Highway 41 and is just a fifteen-minute drive from the valley. There is a car park and the viewpoint is just a short walk from there.

Tunnel View

Day 2

Today was a bit more active with some more hiking. Starting off with the easy Cook Meadow. Cook’s Meadow is not far from the valley and it is easy to reach using the shuttle service or drive and park. From Sentinel Bridge, there is a great view of Half Dome.

Cook’s Meadow Loop

• Distance: 1 mile loop

• Elevation Gain: Flat

• Location: Yosemite Valley

• Why It’s Great: Panoramic views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Sentinel Rock. Gorgeous any time of year, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Then we undertook the more strenuous Columbia hike. The switchbacks are a real workout, but you’re rewarded with killer views of Half Dome and the valley. You can continue further to Upper Yosemite Fall if you're feeling ambitious.

Columbia Rock (First part of the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail)

• Distance: 2 miles round trip

• Elevation Gain: ~1,000 feet

• Location: Yosemite Valley

After lunch we then finished the day with a hike through Merced Grove - which is close to where we stayed at Rush Creek Lodge and Spa. Located on the Big Oak Flat Road east of Big Oak Flat Entrance and approximately 6 miles west of Crane Flat, the Merced Grove has about two dozen mature giant sequoias. Sequoias are only visible after a 1.5-mile hike with 500 feet of elevation loss. Note that the 1.5-mile hike back to the parking lot gains 500 feet and is strenuous!

What to expect when visiting Yosemite in January / winter:

• Check the weather and road conditions daily. Snow can close routes quickly.

• Carry tyre chains, even if you have 4WD. Park rangers often enforce it.

• Dress in layers, including waterproof boots and warm gloves.

• Expect fewer crowds, which means more tranquility and better photo ops.

• Bring water, even on short hikes — Yosemite’s dry air and altitude can sneak up on you.

• Start early to avoid crowds, especially on popular trails.

Where to stay when visiting Yosemite

We stayed at the Rush Creek Lodge and Spa . Highly recommend Rush Creek - the accommodation was eco-friendly, yet modern. They had a great restaurant, spa and games room. In summer, they offer bike rentals, there is a large pool and walking tracks.