Visiting Yosemite in winter offers excellent opportunities to take in the park’s snow-covered scenery without the heavy peak-season crowds. From stargazing and hiking to snowshoeing or crafting, some of the best things to do in Yosemite in winter are easy to access when you stay at Rush Creek Lodge. The lodge’s winter schedule is packed full of daily activities, guided tours, mountain fun, and snowy vistas.
1. Stargazing
The dark nighttime skies surrounding Rush Creek Lodge are far from light pollution and perfect for taking in the breathtaking celestial views above. Stargazing in Yosemite is especially good in winter, when longer nights and colder, drier conditions bring frequent clear skies.
After watching a beautiful Yosemite sunset, bundle up and embark on a stargazing tour with the lodge’s expert Star Guides. Add this treat to your Yosemite winter itinerary, and you’ll get to see the cosmos through a digital telescope with clarity like never before. Star Guides will direct you around the night sky, pointing out constellations, star clusters, and other beautiful features of the Milky Way. All ages are welcome on the tours, and you’ll want to prepare for the elements with layered clothing, including a fleece or heavy jacket.
2. The Wonders of Yosemite Hike & Tour
The Wonders of Yosemite excursion is a great way to spend a cold day in the park. The trip begins with a driving tour through Yosemite Valley, showcasing beautiful views of the landscape as you approach the giant sequoia groves.
Yosemite waterfalls flow during the winter, and participants can see Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall as part of the tour. They’ll also get to experience one of the best winter hikes in Yosemite. Winding three miles through the giant sequoias that represent the region’s natural history, this trek is done on snowshoes during the winter.
Note: This trip is open to guests ages eight and up and suitable for adventurers of all skill levels.
Learn more about Rush Creek’s guided Yosemite tours.
3. S’mores at the Lodge
Join other Rush Creek Lodge guests nightly around the cozy fire pit for a must-do when visiting Yosemite in winter with kids — s’mores! Enjoy the warmth of a well-maintained campfire and indulge in the most classic outdoor snack. Meet your fellow guests, warm up by the fire, and head off to bed after your mountain dessert.
4. Decorating Wood Ornaments
Rush Creek Lodge offers an impressive variety of activities for guests, including the chance to decorate your own wooden ornament. Take it home to hang on your Christmas tree as a reminder of your awesome Yosemite adventure!
5. The Giant Sequoia Snowshoe Excursion
Seeing the largest living species of trees on earth flanked by bright white snow is an experience you just can’t miss. Our half-day Giant Sequoia Snowshoe excursion treats participants to a three-mile guided hike showcasing Yosemite’s colossal evergreens.
While many beginners can handle a snowshoe tour, our excursions are recommended for intermediate-level hikers and above. For all of our winter snowshoe tours, participants are advised to bring:
- A small backpack with water and snacks
- Proper winter-ready, waterproof footwear with warm wool or synthetic socks
- Layered clothing, including a waterproof jacket and pants
- Clothing suited for cold weather, such as a thermal top and bottom, gloves, and a ski hat
Note: This tour is for participants ages eight and up.
6. The Rim of the Valley Snowshoe Adventure
Venture out to one of the best overlooks in all of the park on Rush Creek Lodge’s Rim of the Valley Snowshoe Adventure. You’ll snowshoe up and down forested ridges to reach Dewey Point, an idyllic outlook providing breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley’s southern rim, El Capitan, Three Brothers, and other famous landmarks.
Note: This intermediate-level excursion is for guests ages 12 and up.
7. Swimming in Heated Saltwater Pools
The 2,400-square-foot saltwater pool at Rush Creek Lodge is heated and open year-round, weather permitting. The pool area is also home to two large hot tubs—one that’s family-friendly and another meant for quiet, relaxing escapes. Both are perfect for soothing tired muscles after a day of Yosemite adventuring, or for turning your attention upward for sublime stargazing.
8. The Range of Light Yosemite Valley Tour
See Yosemite from an insider’s perspective on a driving tour of Yosemite Valley’s most famous wonders and hidden secrets. Perfect for the winter with short walks on flat, easy-to-navigate terrain, the Range of Light Yosemite Valley Tour treats you to views of bright snow and ice formations and other classic winter sights. Your guide will share information about the park and its natural history, wildlife, and more.
Note: This half-day tour is suitable for beginners and open to guests ages four and up.
9. The Yosemite Valley Explorer Tour
Follow one of Rush Creek’s expert guides along hidden trails during the Yosemite Valley Explorer tour, one of the best things to do here in winter. Your guide will take care of the driving so you can enjoy the views during the on-the-road portion of the trip. Once on foot, you’ll enjoy four to five miles of hiking (or snowshoeing) around Yosemite’s most famous icons while learning interesting facts about the area’s hidden wonders.
Note: This tour is recommended for beginner to intermediate hikers ages eight and up.
10. Crafting Experiences at Rush Creek Lodge
Ready for some time away from the cold? Create a beautiful keepsake of your winter Yosemite trip in a painting, tie-dye, or crafting experience taught by our art educators. Experiences are open to adults and kids alike, and fees include all the materials you need to make your own masterpiece.
11. Christmas Activities at Rush Creek Lodge
If you’re visiting Yosemite for the holiday season, we’re excited to provide you with traditional celebrations in ways you’ve never experienced before. From live music and visits with Santa to our tree lighting and special menu, you’re in for an unforgettable Christmas experience at Rush Creek Lodge & Spa.
12. New Year’s Eve Activities at Rush Creek Lodge
Spend your New Year’s Eve at Rush Creek Lodge! Treat yourself to a delicious, three-course dinner planned out by Executive Chef Tony Lemens. Follow your meal with a sparkling champagne toast and late-night fun in the Tavern to ring in the new year right.
13. Firefall Viewing
In mid- to late February of each year, Yosemite’s famed Firefall phenomenon turns El Capitan’s Horsetail Fall into a glowing golden cascade that wows park visitors lucky enough to see it. Our Yosemite Firefall Express tour allows guests to witness the sunset-powered spectacle without having to secure a hard-to-get park reservation, which is required for most due to the event’s popularity. Tour participants can see Firefall without a strenuous hike. Our shuttle provides transportation to Yosemite Valley, where a short walk on flat ground leads to the perfect viewing spot.
Note: The Firefall Express tour is open to guests ages eight and up.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yosemite in Winter
Let the experts at Rush Creek Lodge answer your most frequently asked questions about when to visit and things to do in Yosemite in winter.
Is Yosemite worth visiting in winter?
Of course. Yosemite is worth visiting anytime, including the winter. Take a snowshoe hike to access less-traveled parts of the park or take in breathtaking views of the snow-covered landscape. Experience festive mountain holiday celebrations, or stargaze from a private balcony at Rush Creek Lodge. There’s plenty to do here when the weather is cold!
What not to miss in Yosemite in winter?
Christmas week at Rush Creek Lodge is a can’t-miss Yosemite winter event. In addition to unforgettable views of the park’s iconic landmarks blanketed in snow, winter here brings magical mountain experiences including campfire s’mores, stargazing, snowshoeing, and chef-curated dining.
What is there to do in Yosemite when it snows?
Snow is common in Yosemite during the cooler months between November and March, particularly at higher elevations. Here are a few fun things to do in the area when the snow falls:
- Join a snowshoe hike with one of our expert naturalist guides and see the park’s most famous landmarks in their wintry beauty.
- Gather around the fireplace with a classic board game in your Yosemite villa.
- Visit our Yosemite spa for a dip in the Warm Waterfall Coves—a satisfying, cozy contrast to the cold outdoors.
Are pets allowed on Yosemite trails in winter?
No. Pets are prohibited on Yosemite trails throughout the year, including in winter. According to the park’s pet policy, pets are generally restricted to developed areas, fully paved surfaces, and campgrounds (with the exception of walk-in campgrounds). To protect pets and wildlife, Rush Creek Lodge allows only registered service animals.
At Rush Creek Lodge, you’re just minutes from many of the best things to do in Yosemite in the winter. From expert-led snowshoe hikes to relaxing soaks in our heated mineral hot tubs, an amazing experience is at your fingertips when you choose Rush Creek Lodge. Book your Yosemite winter vacation today!