Discover Yosemite National Park in Winter: Hidden Gems and Underrated Spots
Yosemite National Park during winter is a magical and often underrated experience. While many visitors flock to the park in warmer months, winter offers a quieter, more serene version of Yosemite. With fewer crowds and no need for permits, winter visitors are treated to a side of the park that many never see. However, you’ll need to brave colder temperatures and the possibility of bad weather.
These challenges are outweighed by the breathtaking beauty of Yosemite in winter, where fresh snow blankets the landscape, the skies turn dramatic, and popular viewpoints are free of the usual crowds.
Here’s a guide to some of Yosemite’s most underrated winter spots. While you should still visit iconic locations like Tunnel View, Yosemite Falls, and Bridalveil Falls, these lesser-known spots will provide an unforgettable experience.
Valley View
Difficulty: Easy — Accessible from your car
How to get here: Located along Northside Valley Loop Drive
Valley View is often overshadowed by its famous counterpart, Tunnel View. Situated along Northside Valley Loop drive, this viewpoint is basically a small pull off with about a dozen parking spots.
It still offers a spectacular vista that includes El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, Sentinel Rock, and Cathedral Rocks, with the Merced River creating depth and interest in the foreground.
Bonus: Look for the marker indicating the height of record floodwaters that once swept through this area.
Sentinel Bridge at Sunset
Difficulty: Easy — Steps from your car
For a perfect photo opportunity, head to Sentinel Bridge at sunset. During the golden hour, Half Dome reflects in the calm waters of the Merced River, with the added bonus of alpenglow—when the setting sun casts a warm, marmalade hue on Half Dome’s face. If you’re lucky, clouds in the sky will add even more drama to your shot.
There will likely be a handful of other photographers lined up here, but it’s a far cry from the shoulder-to-shoulder lineup at Tunnel View for sunrise.
Bonus: Just steps from the parking lot, you’ll also find a stunning view of Lower and Upper Yosemite Falls from Cook’s Meadow.
Shop Yosemite artwork and photography
Mirror Lake
Difficulty: Moderate — 2 miles with a slight incline (optional 3-mile hike around the lake)
How to get here: Park at Yosemite Valley Trailhead or Curry Village
Mirror Lake is a seasonal wonder. In winter, it transforms into a shallow, still lake reflecting both Half Dome and Mount Watkins. The easy hike offers one of the best views of Half Dome up close. For those with more time and energy, a 3-mile loop around the lake provides additional views and immerses you in Yosemite’s winter woodlands.
It’s an excellent way to get up close and personal to Half Dome and imagine the big wall climbers that brave scaling the face.
Artist Point
Difficulty: Challenging — 1 mile, steep incline with unmaintained trail sections
How to get here: Start from Tunnel View parking
Artists Point is no longer an official viewpoint. Don’t get it mixed up with the current Inspiration Point, unless you want to make your day twice as tough.
Finding Artists Point is just as doable as any trail. From Tunnel View, take the steps on the south side of the road. The trail climbs steeply for half a mile before flattening out on Old Wawona Road, a historic two-track path through the woods. In winter, snow may obscure the path, so take care. From there, follow the road for another half mile. You’ll know when you hit Artists Point - the trees part and give you a stunning view of the valley. You get all the highlights of Tunnel View - El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, Clouds Rest, and a peek of Half Dome.
The reward? Breathtaking views of El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, and Half Dome peeking through the trees.
Bonus: You can check Tunnel View off your list since both points share the same parking lot.
OMG Point
Difficulty: Challenging — 2 miles, steep incline with unmaintained trail sections
How to get here: Park at Yosemite Falls Parking near Camp 4
For the adventurous, OMG Point offers a thrilling reward: standing just above Lower Yosemite Fall while feeling the spray and hearing the roar of Upper Yosemite Fall.
Head up the Yosemite Falls trail for a strenuous, mile long hike that’s up for every step. Once you hit Columbia Rock, keep going for another quarter to half mile. There will be a inconspicuous trail that bends off the main trail to the right. If you turn a sharp corner to the left and find yourself staring at Upper Yosemite Falls, you’ve gone too far.
Follow this spur trail down and be careful, it hugs the edge of the cliff face before ending at a tiny standing area with a single metal rail. It’s one of the few spots in the park you can see Lower Yosemite Fall below you, Middle Cascades, and Upper Yosemite Fall at the same time.
Bonus: If you’re feeling even more intrepid, continue on the main trail to reach the top of Upper Yosemite Falls.
Bonus: Horsetail Fall / Firefall
Any winter trip to Yosemite wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Firefall. For two weeks in February, the setting sun aligns perfectly with Horsetail Fall, creating the illusion of molten lava cascading down the side of El Capitan. While the park service announces the dates when conditions are most likely to occur, it’s a tricky event to catch. Clouds, wind, or even the flow of the waterfall itself can affect visibility.
Tip: Plan ahead, scout your viewing spot early, and explore the other winter gems on this list during the day. Even if Horsetail Fall doesn’t light up, your winter trip to Yosemite will still be unforgettable.
Interested in a Guided Trip?
Each year, I lead a small group into Yosemite to experience the magic of Firefall and spend three days exploring this stunning National Park. I handle everything—accommodations, meals, and permits—so all you have to do is get to San Francisco, and I’ll take care of the rest.