Most trails remain open.

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The majority of gentler Yosemite day hikes remain open and doable throughout the off-season.

With that in mind, its important toknow and respect your limits for your safety and that of others.

Yosemite winter at the gates

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Road tripping?

Even if your car has four-wheel drive, you need snow chains to drive in Yosemite in winter.

Pack layers.

Snow covered trees on road in Yosemite National Park

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The weather is anything but consistent during the winter in Yosemite.

Be prepared for everything, says Gediman.

Have outer layers that repel rain or snow, but know it could also be a balmy 50 degrees.

Father and daughter backcountry skiing in Yosemite

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Try snowshoeing or skiing.

From mid-December through March (weather permitting), join a free,ranger-ledsnowshoe excursion departing from Badget Pass.

Go ice skating at Curry Village.

Firefall in Yosemite National Park, in winter

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Ice skating at Yosemites Curry Village rink is an age-old park tradition.

Add Horsetail Falls firefall to your calendar.

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One of the most popular winter events in Yosemite?

Bobcat in Yosemite National Park

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Watch for wildlife.

Monitor winter closures.

Tioga Road typically closes from November through late May or early June.

The road up to Glacier Point is also closed to vehicles during this time.

Keep an eye on the parksalerts pageto stay in the loop.

Dodge the cold at a park museum.

Photographers and nature lovers will also enjoyThe Ansel Adams Gallery, which showcases the beloved landscape photographers best work.