What part of Yosemite is open in winter?

What part of Yosemite is open in winter? What areas of Yosemite can I visit? You can drive to Yosemite Valley, Wawona, Crane Flat, and Hetch Hetchy all year (although, tire chains may be required). Additionally, the Badger Pass Ski Area is open from about mid-December through March. YARTS provides bus service to Yosemite Valley.

Are waterfalls frozen in Yosemite in winter?

Bridalveil Falls and Lower Yosemite Falls typically freeze in winter, creating gorgeous stalagmites even Queen Elsa would be proud of. Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America.

Do you need 4x4 for Yosemite in the winter?

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'.

Are there bears in Yosemite in winter?

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.

How busy is Yosemite in the winter?

Yosemite may be very busy during winter holidays, especially in late December and early January, with traffic congestion and limited parking possible.

Is Yellowstone or Yosemite better in winter?

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.

Is December too cold for Yosemite?

December in Yosemite is typically cold and snowy, although sunny and warmer days are not uncommon. The average temperature in Yosemite Valley and Wawona in December is a high of 47 and a low of 28 degrees Fahrenheit (8/-2 degrees Celsius). On average, it snows seven days in December.

Is it hard to drive to Yosemite in winter?

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.

Can I go to Yosemite without snow chains?

Chains Required—No Exceptions (R-3) There are no exceptions; all vehicles must use chains.

What are the least crowded months in Yosemite?

However, the vast majority of visitors show up during the 5-month period from May to October, which means that from November to April, the park is largely crowd-free and wonderfully quiet. If you visit Yosemite National Park during March and April or October and November, you'll avoid the crowds.

Can you hike Yosemite Falls in winter?

The Yosemite Falls Trail is open year-round, including December 31st! It's a great place to do some winter hiking in Yosemite National Park!

What hikes are open in winter in Yosemite?

Is it safe to drive to Yosemite when snowing?

All vehicles entering Yosemite National Park during winter conditions must carry snow chains. Call (209) 372-0200, 1, 1, for the most up-to-date road info. See Tire Chains below for more information.