The Quiet Window: Yosemite Between Thanksgiving and Christmas

As sure as the sun rises over the eastern Sierra, Yosemite shines as one of America’s most popular national parks. From the bounce of spring when Yosemite Valley waterfalls welcome plunging snowmelt, to the bustle of summer vacation when families break free from the office and classroom alike, there is guaranteed to be abundant vim and ample vigor.  But all action aside, the fact remains that sometimes we just need a little calm. For those who crave a tranquil retreat before the busy, end-of-year festivities that lay ahead, visiting Yosemite Mariposa County between Thanksgiving and Christmas promises to be the perfect escape.

Long viewed as the locals’ favorite time of year, this three-week window is a bit of a secret. The holiday bells are ringing, but pleasantly muted, and the long shadows framing the post-worthy panoramas evoke a surprising stillness. Add to the mix weather that’s generally mild plus impressive lodging deals, and the window is wide open for your peaceful Yosemite getaway.

To Do, Or Not To Do

Maybe the best thing about visiting Yosemite between the holidays is the luxury of doing everything, or doing nothing at all.  The options are many whether that’s taking advantage of an early ski season, strolling down a sun-dappled trail or cuddling in front of a crackling fire.

The Park’s main attraction, Yosemite Valley, epitomizes the stillness and beauty of this time of year.  The autumn leaves have fallen, becoming pastel stepping stones along the Valley Loop Trail.  The Merced River transforms into a series of serene reflecting pools for granite monoliths such as El Capitan and Half Dome, while the straw-colored meadows provide a moody contrast to the deep blue skies above. Due to its 4,000-foot elevation, Yosemite Valley might see a light dusting of snow but the trails (and roads!) are reliably open as are attractions such as the Yosemite Museum, the Ansel Adams Gallery, and the famed outdoor ice skating rink at Curry Village.

Fifteen miles away along Glacier Point Road, the family-friendly Badger Pass Ski Area opens mid-December (conditions permitting) and is one of only three lift-serviced ski areas located within a national park in the United States. Badger Pass features 10 runs, 5 chairlifts and a terrain park, not to mention a sundeck perfect for people/skier watching. Call the Snow Phone at 209.372.1000 for conditions, weather, and more ski area information.

Even when an early ski season is upon us, hiking and biking outside the Park becomes a cool-weather delight in the lower elevations of Yosemite Mariposa County. Zig zag the fire roads of the Sierra National Forest near Fish Camp, or explore trails along the Merced River Canyon (All-Season Highway 140) such as the Hite Cove Trail or the Merced River Trail. Fans of tasty drops can shred to their leg’s delight at Exchequer Mountain Bike Park next to Lake McClure. With runs such as Dirt Surfer and Gnarnia, a visit to Exchequer is a great way to get into the zone and take your mind off the hubbub back home.

Visiting between Thanksgiving and Christmas hits the bullseye for one seasonal target: getting a jump on holiday gift shopping. From quaint mom & pop stops along Mariposa’s friendly main street to local art and a variety of gift cards for a future Yosemite visit, there are plenty of unique presents waiting to be wrapped.

Holiday events in Yosemite Mariposa County are the perfect way to mingle with locals and indulge your inner-Fezziwig (A Christmas Carol bon vivant!).  Whether that’s the pomp and circumstance of the Bracebridge Dinner at the famed Ahwahnee Hotel, popular snow globe and gingerbread house workshops at Tenaya at Yosemite, or the Merry Mountain Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting in downtown Mariposa (see Events page for details), you’ll be moved to dance your favorite jig.

Need something purely therapeutic to recharge before the end-of-year madness?  A Yosemite Mariposa County spa treatment aligns the chakras and soothes the soul in a peaceful mountain setting. Try the Hiker’s Massage at the Yosemite Health Spa or a Wellness Ecotour from Yogasemite for full effect. Forest fitness, indeed.

The beauty of doing nothing in Yosemite is that you’re actually doing something magical.  Just relaxing with a glass of wine in front of a crackling fire at your cabin rental is proof enough, while relinquishing the car keys and kicking back on a Yosemite tour is yet another way to relax and enjoy the ride. With an endless palette of sparkling diamonds overhead, the Sierra night sky appears extra crisp between the holidays.  Lean back in your Adirondack, take a deep breath and gaze freely.

Where To Stay

Choosing where to stay between the holidays depends on a few factors:  being close to the action (or inaction!) you have planned; desired amenities; and, of course, price point.

Before you begin your lodging search, it is helpful to get an aerial view by visiting our Regions page.  Here you can get a lay of the land and explore the beautiful nooks and intriguing crannies of Yosemite, not to mention its historic gateway towns.

Pro Tip: No matter what type of lodging interests you, don’t forget to check our Special Offers for extra savings while visiting between the holidays. You’ll have the satisfaction of finding a good deal, not to mention a little extra cash for holiday gift-giving.

Consider Yosemite Mariposa County cabin rentals for home-away-from-home relaxation while staying between the holidays.  There’s nothing like a comfy couch next to a crackling fire as the breeze ruffles the pines, and with fully-appointed kitchens and any number of bedrooms you can be comfortable whether it’s a couples getaway or group travel.

Some travelers prefer a no-frills approach, while other want the whole shebang.  Yosemite Mariposa County hotels & motels provide everything from a clean, affordable room with shopping and dining nearby, to full-service resorts such as Tenaya at Yosemite, the Yosemite View Lodge, and the Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort. These resorts are holiday mood inducers as they offer seasonal decorations, special events, and overflowing cups of good cheer.

If you like hot coffee on a cold morning, then Yosemite Mariposa County camping is for you.  There’s character to be built by embracing that rugged desire, so zip up the puffy jacket and rest assured that campground availability surges during the cooler months.

For those who need a break from their own holiday soirees, booking a Yosemite Mariposa County Bed & Breakfast leaves the hosting to the pros. Get pampered with frittatas and French toast at the Blackberry Inn Yosemite Bed & Breakfast, or enjoy the “properly prepared” British tea along the Merced River at the Blue Butterfly Inn. The vibe is quiet inside, and when you’re ready to venture outside, your host’s recommendations speak volumes.

Getting Here

Yosemite Mariposa County is wide open between the holidays, with reliable road-clearing and a variety of lower-elevation attractions that are completely snow-free. All-Season Highway 140 runs from the town of Mariposa to the Arch Rock Entrance (the Park’s closest entrance to Yosemite Valley), while Highway 41 brings you to the historic enclave of Fish Camp and the nearby wonders of Southern Yosemite.

Want to ditch the car keys?  Book a customized Yosemite tour or take YARTS public transportation and leave the nav to the pros. You can pop in the ear buds and immerse yourself in symphonic nature just outside your window.

Pro Tip: There are no reservations required to enter the Park during this time of year.  Enjoy the iconic Yosemite attractions at your leisure, but be sure to check the current road conditions before you leave.

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Quiet Before the Holiday Storm

There are times when a slow song is somehow energizing. Like a ballad that inspires with its simple melody and quiet grace, a visit to Yosemite before the flurry of holiday commitments taps straight into this mysterious vibe. Come for the weekend, the week — whatever it takes to recharge those batteries and warm you up for the season ahead.