Cold & Criminally Overlooked: The Case for Yosemite in Winter

Ok hear me out… Yes, it’s cold. Yes, part of the park is inaccessible. Yes, it gets dark early. Yes, you need to pack chains in your vehicle. Despite all of that, for photographers, Yosemite National Park in the winter is better than in the summer. Here are 5 reasons why.

1.      The Crowds. Let’s face it, Yosemite in the summer can be kind of a mess. Summer is peak season to visit Yosemite. You will face crowds at every trailhead. Parking lots will fill up early. And you’ll be competing for space at all the viewpoints with more than just the Tripod Uncs. The sheer volume of visitors at Yosemite in the summer can be overwhelming. Winter lets you avoid all that, not to mention, less of a risk of some kid bumping into your $5k camera lens combo while you’re getting that killer timelapse you’ve always wanted.

2.      The snow. Have you ever seen Yosemite Valley covered in snow? It’s absolute magic! It completely transforms Yosemite and adds a sense of drama unlike any other.  The Granite cliffs, meadows, and forest take on a stark, high contrast aesthetic, which, for photographers, offers compositions that are not just unique but also not available at any other time.

 3.      Winter Activities: From snowball fights in El Capitan Meadow to snow shoeing to learning to ski in Badgers Pass, the park offers activities during winter that you simply can’t do in summer. Yes this comes at a sacrifice with certain trails and roads being closed, but there are still plenty of trails to engage in winter hiking available. And you can do so without all the crowds making for a more peaceful experience.  And if you really want, you can also still get back country permits in the winter.

 4.      Lower costs & greater availability: One of the problems with summer visits to the park is that sheer demand from summer visitors overwhelms lodging options inside and near the park. Prices skyrocket and availability plummets. With winter visitors at the park being fewer, not only is there greater availability at historical properties like The Awahnee but you can access campsites that unless you booked forever in advance, would be impossible to secure in summer. This lower demand and greater availability also leads to lower cost and a more affordable experience overall.

5.      Firefall: Okay, I’m cheating here because I’ve actually never been lucky enough to experience this phenomenon. Further, this one turns my first and fourth points a bit on its head because the crowds are pretty crazy for Firefall. Yet, this is one thing that is on my bucket list that I think should be on yours too. For those that don’t know, once a year the sun lines up perfectly with Horsetail Falls, and if the winter has been good and the water is flowing down the waterfall, then magic happens! The Waterfall lights up and glows like fire, giving the illusion of fire going down the waterfall instead of water. After talking to several friends of mine who have gone for Firefall, if you do go, stake out your spot early. Pack a chair, very warm clothes, and snacks.

Yosemite in winter is not a compromise. It’s a destination worth seeking out on its own terms. The solitude, the snow-draped granite, the magic of Firefall: these are experiences that summer simply cannot offer. Fewer crowds, lower costs, and scenes that no summer visitor will ever witness. So pack your layers, throw some chains in your trunk, and go. Your favorite version of Yosemite might just be the one everyone else overlooked.