Is it safe to go to Yosemite when it snows?

Expect temperatures ranging from the 20s to high 40s in winter in the Valley. As you gain elevation, those temperatures can drop, so be sure to pack winter layers. Yosemite is a wild place, so there will always be dangers—such as avalanches on steep slopes and rock slides in canyons and near cliffs—to consider.



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All of the incredible and iconic viewpoints in Yosemite Valley are open year-round. After the first storms of the season, the waterfalls reappear and begin flowing again, and if you're lucky enough to be there during a cold snap, you might even have a chance to see Frazil Ice.

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Yosemite Valley roads normally remain open, making driving to Yosemite in winter relatively easy to view Yosemite's major icons, like Half Dome, El Capitan and Yosemite Falls. However snow fun is close at hand. Enjoy world-class snowshoeing and cross country skiing at Badger Pass Ski Area.

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Avoid Yellowstone in July and August if crowds and heat are not your game. Yosemite National Park sees its absolute peak crowds during July and August. You will need to book lodging – including campgrounds – and any guides, activities or tours well in advance. These are also the hottest months to visit the park.

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Most of the park is covered in snow during winter, but some trails in Yosemite Valley are often accessible. Backpacking options are very limited.

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Tioga Road (Highway 120 through the park, from Crane Flat to Tioga Pass) is usually closed from November through late May or early June. (View a list of opening and closing dates.) When Tioga Road is closed, alternate routes are available to get to various destinations.

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Chains are often required on roads both inside and outside of Yosemite from November through March, less often in October and April, and rarely in September or May.

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As others have said, there are no places in Yosemite to go off-roading so a 4x4 is not required. In winter when its snowing there may be times where a 4x4 would be useful as you would not be required to put chains on your tires, but I don't think that raises to the level of 'need'.

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The cool season lasts for 3.1 months, from November 21 to February 25, with an average daily high temperature below 61°F. The coldest month of the year in Yosemite Lakes is December, with an average low of 38°F and high of 54°F.

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Winter climbing can be found below Yosemite Valley at lower elevations. Shorter sunny crags like Arch Rock, Cookie Cliff and Pat and Jacks rarely get any lingering snow. Spring captures the sweet moments when the snow has melted, the cracks have mostly dried, and the temperatures are still cool in Yosemite Valley.

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As many as 500 American black bears live in Yosemite National Park. Though they hibernate through the winter, Yosemite's bears spend the warmer months wandering all over the park in search of food — including in developed areas, such as popular Valley campgrounds.

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So, where are the bears now? Most of them are hibernating, but not all! This is turning out to be one of those late hibernation years for some bears. We have observed several bears continuing to forage on this year's plentiful black and live oak acorns at lower elevations throughout December.

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The average trip duration for Yosemite tourists Most Yosemite visitors stay between three to four days. After all, there is so much to do and see! Even if you're coming to Yosemite for a specific purpose like a wedding, it's more than worth it to extend your trip.

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The winner: The opportunities for wilderness adventure in Yellowstone are many, but Yosemite has it all, from gentle trails along the floor of the valley to spine-tingling ascents of its rock faces. Plus, Yosemite remains open to many activities through the winter, while Yellowstone goes into bear-like hibernation.

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