We are planning an anniversary trip mid January. Thinking about yosemite. Neither of us have been there before. Is it worth it to make our first trip to yosemite in winter? or better off choosing another place for now? any suggestions? I'm concerned about the cold weather, and if there will be enough to do for a four night stay? We are not strong hikers or skiers. What winter activities that are not too strenuous do you recommend?
also, I've read dining options are limited especially in winter. Don't want to eat at the Dining Room or the Yosemite Lodge Restaurant everyday, but I think these are the only two places open? If we do bring a cooler, what kind of food should we pack? do the awahnee rooms or the yosemite lodge rooms have microwaves/kitchenettes?
Finally if you think it would be nice to spend only one or two nights instead of four there, what other destinations closeby should we see? we're driving from LA and have 5 days total. Our aim is to go someplace where we can drive to. (we did the drive up the coast last summer, and have seen sequioa, and lake tahoe - all wonderful!!!)

Please any help is appreciated.. thanks in advance,
mary

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Hi Mary,

I'm going to Yosemite in December, and i'm told that winter is a fantastic time to visit. The locals say it's magical. I'm having my first white christmas and can't wait! So i hope you enjoy winter in Yosemite

I don't think I would make my first trip to Yosemite in January. The weather is unpredictable (could rain or snow, could be just cool and dry). Much of the park (higher elevation) is closed. Not much water in the waterfalls (no snowmelt). There is a store open, but keeping food in your room is discouraged. There is a cafeteria at Yosemite Lodge open, and probably the deli in the village.

We have enjoyed winter Yosemite, but we do ice skating, skiing, snowshoeing etc on some days, and just curl up with a book in the Ahwanee lounge on others.

I would think about Catalina, Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, Tucson, Las Vegas, San Diego... as alternatives for this time of year.

Dear Mary:

For your first time, you should probably go in the spring or summer(which is more crowded). You have to see the waterfalls in full swing. You could see the big trees, go up over Tioga pass to Mono Lake and over to the ghost town of Bodie. Then head back down 395 thru Mammoth and Bishop to LA. This is not possible in the winter.

I think four days would be too long in the winter. For winter, a long weekend would be plenty.

Yosemite is one of my favorite spots in the whole US, but I would recommend against making it a first trip in January for an anniversary. The weather will be cold, and could be absolutely brutal. Not a place to relax for four days, unless you're BOTH into winter sports!

As others have suggested, make a warm spot (Palm Springs?) for a place to relax for your anniversary, and save Yosemite for the spring.

Thanks for your replies. anyone else have an opinion on this?

I would love to hear from more people who have been to yosemite in the winter around mid January. How did you spend your days? Was it easy to drive around and see the sights? Have you tried the guided snowshoe walks or cross-country tours?

Thanks,
Mary

I am fortunate to live within 3 hrs from Yosemite - so we usually do our winter trip (January thru March) for only one day. I do agree that your options are limited to only the valley floor - unless you are a skier (then there is Bager Pass -- downhill & cross country skiing) I am not sure about the ice skating rink being there at this time, because of the restoration of much of the valley floor (due to over crowding & destruction of the natural beauty) I would probably choose either going to Catalina Island or San Diego (been there & love both!)

If you think you would like to try snowshoeing, cross country skiing or downhill, then I'd consider going. Cross country skiing is pretty easy to learn and a nice way to see the beauty of Yosemite and stay warm at the same time. Badger Pass has great beginner runs so even if you aren't a strong skiier you would probably enjoy it, plus it's in such an incredible locale. And snowshoeing is a good way to get outside and see the sights and not difficult. But, if you really don't see yourselves doing any of these things, I'd consider a different location for your trip. You can only stay inside by the fire for so long.

As for another location nearby to split the trip up, I can't think of anything that would offer you a different experience that is close or on the way from Los Angeles. Possibly you could drive over to Monterey ....

Mary, Yosemite will be wonderful! Others have mentioned horseback riding, walking, reading, ice skating and Badger Pass(all great advice.)The nearby town of Mariposa is charming and has shops, restaurants and beautiful architecture. Ducey's by the Lake on Bass Lake would be a nice place for dinner one night, too. You may find plenty to keep you busy in the park but there are options for day trips as well. Enjoy!

Lynette

I LOVE Yosemite in winter. Far better than any other season actually. It doesn't snow that much in the valley (lots of time, no snow at all in the valley) and when it does it's beautiful. You can take a shuttle everywhere, including up to Badger Pass where there are wonderful Crosscountry trails. It's easy to do and you will enjoy being out in the wilderness. There is also a naturalist led snowshoe hike which is really fun.

The falls are beautiful with snow crashing off in the early morning. There are lots of places to walk. And there's a great outdoor ice skating rink.

There are an assortment of places to eat; the cafeteria, a couple of restaurants, a pizza place, deli, and of course the Awahnee. Be careful about food in your car. Bears break windows and open cars like giant can openers.

Best of all, it's not crowded.

thanks everyone for your advice.. we have not decided yet if that is the destination for our anniversary trip, but a lot of you brought up good points to think about. thanks for your insight.
mary