Top 12 Yosemite Spots in Winter

El Capitan and Half Dome seen from Tunnel View

It’s mid February in Yosemite, and that means Firefall season! However, there is so much to love about Winter here, and this week I’m sharing 12 can’t miss Yosemite Valley spots to enjoy this time of year.

Firefall phenomenon in late February in Yosemite National Park

1. Horsetail Fall Firefall

The Winter months are a magical quieter time in this National Park, but for two weeks in February Horsetail Fall puts on one of the most incredible light shows in the park. Crowds flock to see this natural phenomenon (& for good reason!). When the conditions line up just right, this spot really does look like a waterfall on fire. For full details on this spectacle, see my full “Firefall” blog post here.

2. Lower Yosemite Falls

This famous waterfall is probably most popular in the Spring when the water rages, but Winter offers the opportunity for up close views as giant pieces of ice and snow crack away and crash down the falls. To learn all about this easy hike, see my full “ Lower Yosemite Falls” blog post here.

3. Yosemite Valley Chapel

Built in 1879, the Yosemite Valley Chapel has been welcoming residents and visitors for over 140 years. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, this New England style church structure stands like a Winter wonderland castle surrounded by snowy trees and icy granite cliffs.

Half Dome over the Merced River during sunrise from Sentinel Bridge

4. Sentinel Bridge

Sentinel Bridge is located just past the Yosemite Valley Chapel. Turning left on Sentinel Drive from Southside Drive, a generous parking lot can be found on the left after crossing over the bridge. Sentinel Bridge provides breathtaking views of Half Dome and its mirrored reflection in the Merced River, especially as the sun rises over the snowy shoreline.

North Dome over the Merced River from Stoneman Bridge

5. Stoneman Bridge

Located at the Camp Curry intersection, Stoneman Bridge was the last of seven stone-faced arch bridges built in Yosemite National Park during the 1920s & 30s. This historic bridge reflects the National Park Service "rustic style" of architecture and spans over 70 feet across the Merced. It’s the perfect spot to see North Dome surrounded by snow in the Winter.

6. Mirror Lake

This easy 2 mile hike to Mirror Lake is popular year round, but in the Winter you can rock hop across the giant granite boulders and see snow covered Half Dome reflecting in the glass-like water. For a look at this spot in the drier Summer months, see my full “Mirror Lake” blog post here.

7. Swinging Bridge

Famous for its picnic area and shoreline views of Yosemite Falls, the Swinging Bridge is definitely more popular in the warm Summer months…but if you want to skip the crowds (and packed parking lot), consider visiting during the dreamy Winter months.

Curry Village Ice Rink in Yosemite National Park

8. Curry Village Ice Rink

Since 1928, park guests have been able to enjoy outdoor ice skating every Winter with soaring Half Dome views from the Curry Village Ice Rink. If skating isn’t your cup of tea, you can still cozy up with a cup of hot cocoa at one of the ice rink’s fire pits with a view.

El Capitan and Half Dome from Tunnel View

9. Tunnel View

Technically Tunnel View is located just above the valley floor, but this is a can’t miss Yosemite spot any time of year. In the Winter after a recent storm, the evergreens below are often sprinkled with snow…and it’s not hard to see why this viewpoint earned a spot on the US National Register of Historic Places. To learn more about the history of the spot and what to expect on your Winter visit, see my full “Tunnel View” blog post here.

Bridalveil Fall from Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park

Bridalveil Fall from the trailhead in Yosemite National Park

10. Bridalveil Fall

While not the tallest waterfall in Yosemite, this waterfall plunges over 600 feet. It’s often the first waterfall you’ll see on a snowy day as you drive into Yosemite Valley. The Bridalveil Fall trail is currently in the final stages of a major 4 year rehabilitation project, which will improve accessibility for visitors and visitor services at the base of the waterfall, including brand new restroom facilities.

11. Valley View

It’s hard to beat a sunrise or sunset at Valley View anytime of year with El Cap on one side and Bridalveil on the other, both flanking the glassy Merced River directly in front of you. Watching the winter fog rise above the flowing water and snow capped rocks is nothing short of magical. For details on how to find this special spot, see my full “Valley View” blog post here.

12. Meadows

Sentinel & Cook's Meadow Loop is a gentle 3 mile trail that a features fantastic views of Yosemite Falls & Half Dome as you stroll the valley floor. Stoneman Meadow certainly has a storied history, and the short boardwalk might be covered in snow by December and January, but the Winter wonderland views are spectacular here. Proper footwear is a must along the boardwalks during Winter, as ice and snow can completely cover the paths.

Know Before You Go

• Always check the NPS website prior to visiting Yosemite for road closures, weather information, up to date park information, and visiting guidelines. Listen to weather reports on the road and snow conditions within the park. Cell phone service is spotty even in the valley, so check before you go.

• Please remember to respect the local plant & animal life here – take only pictures and leave only footprints. Pack out everything you pack in and stay on the designated paths. If you’re not familiar with the Leave No Trace Principles, consider familiarizing yourself with them before your trip. Please help leave this special place better than you found it, so its natural beauty can be enjoyed for years to come.

• Tire chains may be required for all vehicles everywhere in Yosemite and surrounding areas when roads are snowy or icy. Requirements are based on weather and conditions, so it's not possible to predict if you'll need tire chains at any given time. Chains are often required on roads both inside and outside of Yosemite from November through March.

• Check current road conditions and chain requirements here: 209-372-0200 (then 1, 1)

Top 12 Yosemite Winter Attractions

Firefall
Lower Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Valley Chapel
Sentinel Bridge
Stoneman Bridge
Mirror Lake
Swinging Bridge
Curry Village Ice Rink
Tunnel View
Bridalveil Fall
Valley View
Meadows

In Summary & Behind the Blog Video

Thanks so much for joining me in Yosemite this week. For a virtual visit, check out my Behind the Blog YouTube video below. You can also download my free Yosemite Valley Travel Guide with pinpoint map locations and driving directions to some of my favorite spots here…and don’t forget to check out my full Yosemite Valley section for detailed blog posts on some of my other favorite Death Valley spots. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps in offsetting the cost of running this site so we can continue to provide you with free content to help you plan your next adventure.