Can You Travel Through Yosemite In December?

What areas of Yosemite can I visit? You can drive to Yosemite Valley, Wawona, Crane Flat, and Hetch Hetchy all year (although, tire chains may be required). Additionally,

the Badger Pass Ski Area is open from about mid-December through March

.

Is it hard to drive to Yosemite in winter?

The easiest, and typically least icy, winter route into the park is also accessed through Highway 140 as well

. From cozy cabins, bed and breakfasts, Autocamp and more, Yosemite lodging this winter and holiday season is at your fingertips.

Can you drive through Yosemite 2021?

You can drive your own vehicle into and around Yosemite

. Shuttle buses are not mandatory, but are recommended (except in 2021, when they are not available).

Is Yosemite crowded in December?

Yosemite may be very busy during winter holidays, especially in late December and early January

, with traffic congestion and limited parking possible.

How is Yosemite in December?

December is

a great time to explore Yosemite without the crowds

. The beauty and majesty of snow in the Valley makes the park very photography-friendly. Make sure you catch sunrise or sunset from Tunnel View, just outside the Valley.

Is Yosemite open to the public now?

Yes. Yosemite National Park is open 24 hours per day

. A reservation is only required to drive into the park between 6 am and 4 pm.

Do I need a permit to drive through Yosemite?

Under this public use limit,

all vehicles entering Yosemite National Park must possess and display a vehicle permit issued by Yosemite National Park

. Presence or operation of a vehicle inside Yosemite National Park without a vehicle permit is prohibited.

Can you drive through Yosemite without a permit?

People can drive through Yosemite without a reservation

“The entrance station ranger will provide a time-stamped permit valid for the time needed to travel from entrance to entrance,” park officials said. “You must drive the most direct route to exit the park; stopping is prohibited.

What is the best month to visit Yosemite?

The best times to visit Yosemite are

May and September

, when the park is accessible, but not too crowded. It’s important to know that many roads and trails in Yosemite are closed for the majority of the year due to snow.

Is it snowing in Yosemite in December?

Visiting Yosemite in December to Ski

Many of the regions get plenty of snowfall

and this makes Yosemite National Park a popular winter destination for skiers.

What should I wear to Yosemite in December?

Dress for winter conditions! Our program will continue rain or shine, so prepare for any weather with layered clothing and waterproof outerwear. We recommend

long underwear, fleece outerwear, parka or shell and waterproof hiking boots

. Do not wear cotton.

Is Yosemite open during winter?

Yosemite National Park is open 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. However, the Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station is open only during daylight hours (approximately) and

some roads are closed due to snow from around November through May or June

. (Check road conditions and Hetch Hetchy hours.)

Is Glacier Point open in December?

Glacier Point, an overlook with a commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite’s high country, is accessible by car from approximately late May through October or November.

From mid-December through March

, cross-country skiers can experience this view after skiing 10.5 miles.

Can you visit Yellowstone in December?

December in Yellowstone National Park is a winter wonderland— it is absolutely magical

. Nothing beats the snowy meadows, hot steam rising from a geyser to meet with the bitterly cold air, or an icicle-covered bison trudging through a white plain.

Is Yosemite Closed on Christmas?

Is Yosemite closing again?

Yosemite is open with some services limited due to COVID-19

.