Address: 7403 Yosemite Park Way Yosemite National Park Ca. 95389
Yosemite National Park is such a magical place with different places to highlight each season. But I will be writing about our first-time experience at Yosemite National Park during the winter season. Our goal to visit Yosemite this year in all four seasons is finally accomplished and checked off from our bucket list. But visiting Yosemite in the winter season is very unique and magical. We choose to visit Yosemite in winter by using a Tour Company called Incredible Adventures. We were picked up around 7 a.m. in one of the designated hotels in San Francisco by our Incredible Adventures driver/tour guide. The tour is for one day about 14-15 hours and the cost is $169 per adult and $139 for kids 12 years old and under. The tip and food are not included with the one-day Yosemite Tour package. There were a total of 9 passengers on the tour. Our travel time took us about 4 hours from San Francisco to Yosemite via Hwy 140 El Portal. And there was no ice or snow on the road in the El Portal area.
But everything changed after we passed the park entrance for a few miles and saw ice/snow on the road and on the side. The scenery suddenly changed into a beautiful mystical winter wonderland. My daughter’s eyes widened and were full of excitement as she saw all the snow on the side of the road. There were a few people on the side of the road cheerfully playing in the snow. Our first stop was the Tunnel View and there were a lot of visitors, crowded and the parking lot is full of melted slushy ice. We took a lot of great pictures with the view of the waterfalls and the valley being covered with snow as our background. We then drove through Yosemite Valley at around 1 p.m. and parked at the Yosemite Valley Market as our meeting place. Our knowledgeable tour guide/driver gave us an overview, tips, and places to explore for our 3 hours of free time. We separated with the group and explored the Lower Yosemite Falls, Cook’s Meadows, and Sentinel Bridge.
There were a lot of people at the Lower Yosemite Falls area but the amazing view of the gushing waterfalls and rocks covered with snow was well worth the effort getting there. It took us about 20 minutes to walk from the Marketplace. After the falls, we then proceeded towards the Cook’s Meadow and Sentinel Bridge. We were in awe as we saw the view of the Cook’s Meadows which was so magical and it’s like a winter wonderland. We played in the snow, threw snowballs at each other, made a snowman while my wife explored the area and took amazing pictures. What’s more interesting are the beautiful pictures that we took of both the Cook’s Meadows and Sentinel Bridge with the waterfalls and the half-dome in the background. The reflection of the half-dome in the water by the Sentinel Bridge was very serene and beautiful. The entire Cook’s Meadow and Sentinel Bridge were all covered with bright, white powdery snow. We then walked and arrived at the Yosemite Market at 4 p.m. to prepare for our departure.
We made a few stops such as the El Capitan Meadow which was another beautiful place overlooking the famous El Capitan. And lastly, our final stopped was at a popular spot called the Valley View where you would see a picturesque view of the El Capitan, Merced River, Bridalveil Falls, and the El Capitan Meadow. There were a lot of photographers gathered since it is one of the popular spots for picture taking with the entire view of the Valley. It’s also a recommended area to take pictures during sunrise and sunset with El Capitan’s beautiful reflection on the water. The Valley view is the last tourist area for taking pictures before you exit Yosemite Valley via highway 140 El Portal. We arrived at our San Francisco Hotel drop-off area at around 8:30 p.m.
Overall, it’s one of our memorable trips to Yosemite National Park as it transformed the entire park into one magical winter wonderland. Its winter scenery is like a scene from one of the famous 2005 Fantasy film movies called “Chronicles of Narnia”. We can’t wait to go back again to this beautiful, mystical winter wonderland place called Yosemite.
Tips: Always check the road conditions and weather in Yosemite via the park’s website. Bring tire chains in case it is needed and an ice trekker for your shoes to minimize or prevent you from slipping or falling due to wet ice or black ice on the road or throughout the park. For food and souvenir needs visit the Yosemite Village Store with lots of parking. Bundle up and bring gloves, scarf, hand warmers, beanie, snow pants, waterproof snow or hiking shoes, lip balm, snow jacket etc. There are ample public restrooms available in the Valley.
Things to do in Yosemite during winter: Cross-Country skiing, snowshoeing, the outdoor ice skating rink at Curry Village, snow tubing, sledding (Crane Flat area), snow playing area (near the south entrance, and strawberry near Sonora pass), stargazing, and visit the museums, etc.
Let me know if you have any questions, comments, or what you think about Yosemite National park in the winter season after your visit in the comments below. And kindly share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.
Click here to find a hotel close to Yosemite National Park in Mariposa County.