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As a local, I am thrilled to share my travel expertise and provide you with tips to make your visit to our destination the best it can be.
In November 1989, I traveled to Bass Lake—and fell in love with Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada foothills. The minute my boots hit the ground at The Pines Resort, I knew I’d found my true home.
Yosemite is a lovely place to visit in December, January, and February. Here are a few of my favorite reasons:
Outdoor winter activities abound — read on for more ideas!
Enjoy exploring the valley floor on trails like the Valley Loop Trail or the Mirror Lake Loop. At 13.5 miles, the Valley Loop Trail can be easily divided into half or even thirds as it winds from the east end of Yosemite Valley to the Pohono Bridge at the west end, and then back again. It is virtually flat, so count it in the easy category. The Mirror Lake Loop measures about five miles and is also mostly flat, although there are some steps and rocky places to negotiate on the Half Dome side of the trail. I always take a trekking pole or two when I hike, which is an excellent plan for any Yosemite trail. Take plenty of water and snacks, and layer your clothing to shed or add as temperatures change throughout the day.
Imagine gliding along on the Curry Village ice rink with Half Dome and the valley cliffs above you. Is it my imagination, or is the sky bluer in winter than at any other time?
Try snowshoeing out to Dewey Point or cross-country skiing to Glacier Point. Imagine seeing Yosemite’s most iconic views glistening in a white coat. If you're into more extreme sports, try a bit of downhill skiing or snowboarding. If that’s not for you, keep it simple and try riding down snowy slopes on inner tubes.
Take that special someone for a meal at The Ahwahnee Hotel. Dinner in the grand dining room is second to none. The Ahwahnee Hotel has 34-foot-high floor-to-ceiling windows, with one side looking toward Glacier Point. Lunch prices at the adjacent Ahwahnee Bar offer good value, and you can wear hiking clothes. (You must be a bit more formal in the dining room.) But the top reason to opt for a visit for breakfast or lunch is . . . daylight.
If the Ahwahnee doesn’t fit your time or budget, there are more casual Yosemite restaurant options. Check out the basecamp cafeteria at the Yosemite Valley Lodge, the Pizza Deck at Curry Village, or Degnan’s Kitchen in Yosemite Village. You can also pick up pre-made sandwiches at local grocery stores and picnic beside the Merced River in Wawona or the Swinging Bridge in Yosemite Valley.
If you don’t want to drive but want to experience Yosemite’s winter splendor, consider taking a guided tour. Tours pick up in the Oakhurst area will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the park for an all-day adventure. You’ll learn all about Yosemite from an expert who is also experienced in driving winter mountain roads.
If you drive into Yosemite, take the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle to all the top sights. Don’t waste time looking for parking at each site you wish to visit. Or you can walk. Yosemite Valley is flat, and its paths invite you to enjoy the fresh air and splendid surroundings.
There’s more to see than Yosemite, too. Think Bass Lake, Oakhurst, Coarsegold, and Fish Camp for fantastic dining, events, and boutique shopping.
If you crave a 5-star dining or lodging experience, make a reservation at Oakhurst's Chateau du Sureau and its on-site restaurant, Elderberry House Restaurant. Its old-world charm and superb service make every day a holiday. Or enjoy a laid-back atmosphere at the local favorite hot spot, South Gate Brewing Company.
Get more winter travel tips and plan your trip to Yosemite and Madera County.
