Yosemite Winter Snow Photos

While bad weather might deter some people from visiting the park, seeing a fresh blanket Yosemite winter snow is something that makes it all worth while.

Half Dome Closeup - Yosemite Winter Snow, Black and White. — Half Dome Closeup, in Cloudy Winter Snowstorm

For the best snow photography, I always try to arrive during or just after a cold winter storm. I specify “cold” because the valley often has warm winter storms which provide plenty of rain, but no snow in the valley.

Highway 120 Road after snowstorm cleared - Yosemite Winter Snow — Snow covered forest near Crane Flat on highway 120

Of course, to get there, you must carry chains with you, and though it’s a small risk, you may experience road closures. The photo above was taken on highway 120 just as a snowstorm cleared. The one of tire tracks in snow below was taken on Evergreen Road during snowfall.

Tire tracks in forest snow on Evergreen Road

Snow Covered Valley – Tunnel View

Snowy Yosemite Valley in December, from Tunnel View

As mentioned before, generally you’ll have to get here quick if you want to see this much snow on landmarks such as Half Dome. Unfortunately it doesn’t last. I’m still waiting for the perfect shot of the valley floor dusted in snow. These photos were taken at Tunnel View in December. Of course, Glacier Point Rd. was already closed by then.

Wawona tunnel, covered in frozen icicles - Yosemite Winter Snow — The tunnel itself, covered in frozen icicles

Pohono Bridge – Winter Long Exposures

Pohono Bridge over Merced River in December - Yosemite Winter Snow, long exposure — Pohono Bridge over Snowy Merced River

Surely, one of the most scenic photography spots in winter is Pohono Bridge. As mentioned on my “Yosemite Seasons” page, winter is great because there aren’t too many tourists crowding up the park.

Yosemite Winter Snow – Tuolumne River

Tuolumne River in Snow, Near Evergreen Road - Black and white — Tuolumne River in Snow, Near Evergreen Road

Without a doubt, the South Fork of the Tuolumne River near the 120 park entrance is a great place to shoot in the snow. These scenes were captured as I hiked to beautiful Carlon Falls.

Snowy South Fork Tuolumne River - December — Snowy South Fork Tuolumne River – December

Although getting here in these conditions is a bit adventurous, the small waterfalls and pools along the way make the journey worthwhile. The elevation here is 5000+ feet, so there tends to be a blanket of snow hanging around longer.

Long exposure waterfalls Along Snow Covered Tuolumne River

By contrast, Yosemite Valley is at about 4,000 feet…and that’s enough to make a difference in winter.

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About My Photos

The images on this website are available for licensing and/or sale as framed prints. If you’d like to purchase them for a blog, news article, or gift, feel free to contact me with the specifics. This way you’re supporting photographers such as me directly (as opposed to buying from a faceless stock photo corporation).

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– Nathan Allen

About Me

I’m Nathan Allen, photographer / creator of YosemiteParkPhotos.com (Yosemite Photos) and international travel site I Dreamed Of This. In truth, I lived in San Francisco, New York, & Singapore…but nothing compares to life in the mountains. I share my experiences HERE.