Yosemite National Park is a much more popular destination during the summer months. Nearly 75% of visitors come between the months of May and October, with around 16% of visitors coming in both July and August. But several parts of the park, including Yosemite Valley and Wawona, remain accessible by car throughout the winter.
Tuolomne Meadows, one of the largest high-elevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada, is much less accessible during the snowy months. The Tioaga Road is closed throughout the winter, so accessing the area often requires a ~14 miles ski tour, cross country ski, split board, or snowshoe.
Two winter rangers have been stationed in Tuolomne since 1973. Today that’s Laura & Rob Pilewski, who’ve been stationed in the area for 13 years. They patrol the area, conducting massive snow surveys while meeting the adventurous travelers who make their way to the ski cabin.
Yosemite National Park has plenty of winter activities for those hoping to make the trek, including the Badger Pass Ski Area, winter hiking, snowshoeing, and so much more. You can learn more about visiting Yosemite in the winter here.
