Tire chains are often required on park roads. December is a great time to explore Yosemite without the crowds. Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area opens for the season on December 20th, and closes March 31st. Before You Go to Yosemite. How about a travel guide, so as not to miss any highlights in Yosemite National Park, California? Also, there are great hiking options in the Valley, Hetch Hetchy, Wawona and Mariposa Grove. You'll love it! Special winter dinner events at the Ahwahnee and Wawona hotels include Renaissance-style Bracebridge dinners in mid-December, a special Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, and a New Year celebration. Yosemite may be very busy during winter holidays, especially in late December and early January, with traffic congestion and limited parking possible. In December it gets a little colder but it's still worth visiting. weather in december. As conditions allow, Badger Pass Road will be open from approximately mid-December through March. The road to Glacier Point is also closed (usually sometime in November). The trail is wheel-chair accessible, pet friendly, and great for visitors of all ages! Backpacking options are very limited. When they are, you must carry and know how to use them, regardless of the type of vehicle you are driving. A season of snow & solitude. Re: Yosemite in December. Be sure to pack light layers for daytime and others that will keep you warm in the evenings, including a winter hat, when the sun sets and cooler air moves in. The beauty and majesty of snow in the Valley makes the park very photography-friendly. (Permits obtained at Badger Pass are only valid for Glacier Point Road trailheads.) Ski huts at Glacier Point, Ostrander, Snow Creek, and Tuolumne Meadows will be closed. The beauty and majesty of snow in the Valley makes the park very photography-friendly. Most of the park is covered in snow during winter, but some trails in Yosemite Valley are often accessible. The climate of Yosemite National Park in december is very bad the weather in Yosemite National Park in december is relatively wet (with 6.5in of precipitation over 10 days). There probably won't be snow, and if there is it will be a light layer. Those planning overnight ski or snowshoe trips must get a self-registration wilderness permit on the porch of the Badger Pass Ranger Station. If you do the visit, yosemite valley is the section of the park you will focus your visit on, in all likelihood. PORTERED TRIPS: on these innovative trips, guests hike with light day packs and camp near in stunning backcountry locations. The other two are the Wawona Campground, near the Wawona Hotel in southern Yosemite, and Hodgdon Meadow Campground, near the Big Oak Flat entrance (Yosemite's northwest entrance) on Highway 120. Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, All Content & Photos Copyrighted by WTC © 2021, Current Operating Guidelines & New Booking Terms →. It should be noted a worsening from the previous month since in november there is an average of 4.6in of rainfall over 7 days. Early mornings will be chilly, so be prepared with hats, gloves and warm layers. Yosemite National Park in December is a paradise for anyone who likes winter scenery and/or winter sports! Don't forget read our quick tips for your winter visit below the November/December section. But, trails that take you higher in elevation, like Upper Yosemite Falls and 4-mile Trail are closed. On average, it snows 7 days in December. There are a plethora of winter activities at Yosemite National Park from cross-country skiing to ice skating to everything mentioned above, so you will definitely keep occupied and enjoy your visit to Yosemite in December (or any other winter month!). Glacier Point Road will be groomed from Badger Pass to Bridalveil Creek Campground, but not all the way to Glacier Point. Winter in Yosemite is snowy and cold, though sunny and chilly days are not uncommon. To get an idea of what the monthly average highs, lows, and rainfall are, use our guide to Yosemite weather. A moderate to difficult trail hike of just over seven miles provides you with great views of the Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and Upper Yosemite Fall. Portable toilets will be available. However, Hetch Hetchy and Wawona remain open all year, and their trails will be snow-covered, but they will be open. Highway 140 that runs through the Valley is open year-round, but may have snow chain restrictions. Days are shorter but the sun still shines for 6 hours each day on average. Are you planning a holiday with hopefully nice weather in Yosemite National Park in December 2020? (Last Updated On: November 25, 2020) If you are visiting for the first time, you are probably wondering what to do and where to stay in Yosemite National Park in Winter.Winter is definitely a different time in the park because a lot of things are closed, but I can tell you December, January, and February are actually a fantastic time to visit. INN-BASED PACKAGES: these tours are all-inclusive packages with lodging, amazing daily hikes, expert guides, meals, transportation and more! Summer is typically free from precipitation. Daytime temperatures usually reach 4°C in Yosemite in December, falling to -8°C at night. Yosemite Day Trip Itinerary - Lodging 07 December 2020 Beware "National Park Reservations" - this site is a SCAM 06 December 2020 Yosemite Determining How Stay-At-Home Order Impacts Park 06 December … There is nothing like watching snow blanket the granite domes and lodgepole pines. While most visitors come during the summer months, winter is a special time of year in Yosemite National Park. DAY HIKE TOURS: maximize your day in Yosemite on a fully guided, award-winning hiking tour on one of the Park’s best trails. 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). Visiting the park in December has wonderful benefits, as well as some drawbacks. Explore Yosemite with Award Winning Guides. where both downhill and cross-country skiing are popular. Get the monthly weather forecast for Yosemite National Park, CA, including daily high/low, historical averages, to help you plan ahead. Given the amount of time you'll have, as well as the time of year, the Valley is your best bet. Many of the lower trails in the Valley, such as Bridalveil Fall, Mirror Lake, Lower Yosemite Falls and the Vernal Falls footbridge on the Mist Trail stay open through the winter. Yosemite Valley weather is seldom unbearably warm or cold. Tire chains are often required on park roads. You can read NPS’ current conditions before heading out for the day. Plan on starting your hike around 7 or 8, and make sure you can finish it within 6-8 hours due to the shorter days of winter. Answer 1 of 14: Hi! We are planning to visit Yosemite during the Christmas period for 2 days. Yosemite’s Chefs' Holidays at the Ahwahnee, held each year in January and February, feature some of the country's most innovative and acclaimed chefs. It will get warmer throughout the day, so bring a daypack where you can put your layers as you take them off. Re: Yosemite in December. It’d be a pity to go all the way there and not stay for a bit. Whether you’re driving or taking a tour bus, it’s a smart idea to check the road conditions. Yosemite Conservancy offers some fun winter programs that may include a full moon snowshoe hike or winter photography. Hazy or smoky conditions may occur even during winter. Yosemite National Park is home to some of the most epic and amazing hiking vacations in the world. Winter is snow season especially in the high mountains, and it may rain in late fall or early spring. Guided Yosemite treks are all-inclusive which covers permits; local transportation (excluded on certain tours); meals; equipment; safety systems and professional hiking/wilderness guides; all of which allows visitors to maximize their time in Yosemite and focus entirely on enjoying the Park. . A unique experience in Yosemite at the end of December is cross-country skiing, downhill skiing and snowboarding or snowshoeing at Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area. Visitors with their own skis or snowshoes can drive to Badger Pass and go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Just have a few questions and was wondering if anyone could help? The Yosemite Falls Trail is open all year long — including December 31 — which makes it an ideal trail to include on your route through the park. All facilities and services at Badger Pass will be closed. When they are, you must carry and know how to use them, regardless of the type of vehicle you are driving. (December through March) Given the amount of time you'll have, as well as the time of year, the Valley is your best bet. 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). As the day winds down, head to the iconic Curry Village Ice Rink (shuttle … Winter in Yosemite is snowy and cold, though sunny and chilly days are not uncommon. There are 12.5 inches of snow on average and temperatures can be anywhere from lows of 27°F to highs of 47°F. While Yosemite Valley and Wawona remain accessible by car all year, the Tioga Road is closed (usually by sometime in November). Mariposa Grove Road usually opens by sometime in April, allowing for access to vehicles displaying a disability placard, with free shuttle service between the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza (near South Entrance) and the Mariposa Grove. (2:53). Water levels tend to be low, but once some snow and rain have fallen, Yosemite Falls begins flowing again (though not at springtime levels). It is truly a winter wonderland. Winter Events at Yosemite . And, the low lighting in winter makes for great photography. This is a great way to see areas of the park that are closed to cars and only accessible by cross country skis or snowshoes. In some areas, the park may have prescribed fires to mimic natural fires to promote forest health and reduce the risk of larger fires as conditions allow. From December through April, backpacking in Yosemite nearly always involves snow camping and travel by skis or snowshoes. While there are many trails that are closed for the winter, there are plenty that are still accessible. Wildland Trekking offers trips with the best of Yosemite: waterfalls, views, wildlife, solitude, adventure and fascinating natural and cultural interpretation. Answer 1 of 12: This would be my first time travelling to Yosemite, and would be in Mid-December. Visiting Yosemite National Park in winter means picturesque snow-topped peaks, glistening frozen lakes and plenty of activities to enjoy before heading inside to relax by a roaring fire (not to mention cheaper rates and fewer crowds). Ice Skating. Even in November and May, if you want to avoid snow, you're likely to be limited to trailheads in Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and Hetch Hetchy , and, even then, you'll have a difficult time finding multi-night, snow-free trips. Learn what to expect when visiting Yosemite National Park in December. 1. The silence and beauty of Yosemite in winter is an unforgettable experience. Another great winter hike is the short trail to Lower Yosemite Fall (easy: 1 mile, 30 minutes round trip). You can get up-to-the-minute updates on our Yosemite Road Conditions page here.. Also, visit our Winter FAQs page to learn about what’s open and the best ways to get around Yosemite in the winter. 43-year-old man killed after getting hit by vehicle on Thursday night. On average, it snows 7 days in December. Mariposa Grove Road is also closed in December, although you can park your car at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza and walk the two-mile Washburn Trail to the grove. Winter in Yosemite it typically cold and snowy, although sunny and warm days are not too uncommon. However from mid-December though early April, the Glacier Point/Badger Pass Road is plowed to the Badger Pass Ski Area, where both downhill and cross-country skiing are popular. MODESTO, CA, (December 17, 2020) - A 43-year-old male pedestrian was fatally struck by an SUV on Modesto’s Yosemite Boulevard Thursday night, Modesto Police Department says. How sunny is it in Yosemite in December? The cables for Half Dome are taken off at the end of October. Summer is the busiest time of the year, and spring and fall are also bustling—although not nearly as busy as summer. Chains will completely depend on the current road conditions, so take a look at CalTrans info before you go. Yosemite Area Regional Transportation (YARTS) provides access to Yosemite Valley on a fixed schedule along several convenient routes. All that and more is what makes Yosemite one of the most iconic destinations in the USA. The trail may be snowy or icy (skis or snowshoes may be appropriate). Winter in Yosemite it typically cold and snowy, although sunny and warm days are not too uncommon. The other main benefit to visiting in December is the beauty of the snow falling covering the domes of the Valley or the giant sequoias of Mariposa Grove. Badger Pass Ski Area concessions, including downhill and Nordic rentals, will not be available during the 2020–2021 winter season. We will be at Mariposa and will take the YARTs in. November is a great time to visit Yosemite National Park with the crowds gone and mostly pleasant temperatures. A unique experience in Yosemite at the end of December is cross-country skiing, downhill skiing and snowboarding or snowshoeing at Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area. Sign up to receive our exclusive Wildland Wire emails and stay up to date with Wildland Trekking's promotions, discounts, contests, outdoor tips and tricks, trip reports and more! If you can make it to Yosemite in December, you will have an amazing trip, and leave with an appreciation for the snow and solitude of winter in the park. There are normally 6 hours of bright sunshine each day in Yosemite in December - that's 62% of daylight hours . At 4,000 feet in the Yosemite Valley, park temperatures can fluctuate 30 degrees in one day, going from 51 F during the night to 87 F during the day. Winter is a season of peace and quiet. Yosemite Valley & Wawona (4,000 ft / 1,200 m): 53°F (12°C) / 28°F (-2°C) Fire & Smoke The biggest benefit to visiting Yosemite in December is the lack of crowds. Here is a selection of travel guides for Yosemite NP: Image copyright: Flickr CC 2.0 William Headings. If you do the visit, yosemite valley is the section of the park you will focus your visit on, in all likelihood. Make sure you catch sunrise or sunset from Tunnel View, just outside the Valley. The snow in Yosemite is a double-edged sword, making it beautiful, but also closing many of the roads. Ask anyone who's been to Yosemite National Park in the winter if they could imagine a place with more stunning beauty, greater solitude, more things to do—or a better way to spend their winter vacation—and we’re confident they'll tell you no. CAMPING-BASED HIKING PACKAGES: camping-based hiking packages provide all-around hiking experiences of Yosemite on wonderful outdoor vacations. Winter is a magical time in Yosemite National Park. Yosemite Valley & Wawona (4,000 ft / 1,200 m): 53°F (12°C) / 28°F (-2°C). December is a great time to explore Yosemite without the crowds. Yosemite is amazing in the winter and so beautiful and there’s much more to see than the trees, which are amazing, of course. Visiting the Ansel Adams Gallery or the Yosemite Museum, both by the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, are great options if the weather prevents you from spending time outside. During the winter months, this is limited to stops along Highway 140 including stops in Merced, Catheys Valley, Mariposa, Midpines, El Portal and Yosemite … Even though it is cold out, make sure you are still drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Weather. GUIDED BACKPACKING ADVENTURES: these are for people interested in an authentic Yosemite hiking adventure away from the roads and crowds. Simply put, most any traveler who spends time in Yosemite during the winter months spends the rest of the year dreaming about returning. There probably won't be snow, and if there is it will be a light layer. You can also camp in the wilderness in the winter; as in the summer, a wilderness permit is required - see the park service's winter wilderness page for more details. Once closed for the season, vehicles are not permitted between Crane Flat and Tioga Pass, including in the Tuolumne Meadows area. 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