Yosemite Firefall & Winter Conditions Update - February 2025
Winter in Yosemite is a bit of a rollercoaster—one week, you’re strolling through a crisp, dry valley with barely a dusting of snow, and the next, a storm barrels in and flips the script. That’s exactly what happened this weekend. During my visit last week, Yosemite Valley was in a bit of a winter limbo—some snow here and there, light waterfall flows, and dry granite peaks that didn’t quite scream ‘winter wonderland’...but as of this weekend, a big storm has rolled through, bringing a lot of rain to the park. So, what does that mean for Yosemite right now? And what does it mean for the upcoming Firefall season starting this weekend!? Let’s break it down.
NOTE: All photos in this post were taken last week in between 1/28 and 1/30.
Sentinel Meadow & Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Valley Southside Drive
Road Conditions – Always Pack Chains
Before the storm, Yosemite’s roads were in pretty good shape—officially rated as R-0 (no chains required)—but there were still some slick spots in the shaded areas. Now, with all the rain, it’s safe to assume that conditions have changed. If you’re heading to the park soon, check the latest road updates before you go, and always carry tire chains. Even if they aren’t required at the moment, weather in Yosemite can shift fast, and it’s better to be safe than stuck.
Always check the official Yosemite NPS website for the most up-to-date road conditions, and call (209) 372-0200 (press 1, then 1) for the latest tire chain requirements. Below is a quick guide to understanding the ratings:
“R-0” = No Chains Required
“R-1” = Chains Required: Autos & Pickups with Snow Tires OK
“R-2” = Chains Required: Four-Wheel Drive with Snow Tires OK
“R-3” = Chains Required: No Exceptions
Pohono Bridge over the Merced River Yosemite National Park
Merced River & El Capitan along the Valley Loop Trail in Yosemite
Snow – A Tale of Two Drives
As of last week, the west end of Yosemite Valley along Southside Drive held onto some snow, especially in the shaded areas, making it the best bet for a wintery hike. The Valley Loop Trail near Pohono Bridge was a lovely option for snow lovers, while Northside Drive was almost completely dry. But after this weekend’s storm? The valley floor likely saw mostly rain instead of snow, meaning whatever powdery goodness was left has probably melted away or turned it to ice. The high country, though, may have received a fresh dump of snow—so keep an eye on updates from the park if you’re dreaming of snowshoeing adventures.
Looking forward, as more precipitation arrives in the coming weeks with colder temps, look along Southside Drive for long-lasting snow. There are many areas that stay in the shade for most (if not all) of the day.
Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite Valley
Waterfalls – The Big Winner After a Storm
If there’s one thing a good storm does for Yosemite, it’s wake up the waterfalls. Last week, here’s how they were looking:
Bridalveil Fall: Flowing at a moderate level and beautifully framed by icy granite, but not roaring.
Upper Yosemite Falls: Pretty light, likely due to minimal high-country snow.
Lower Yosemite Falls: Flowing nicely due to the snowpack at the base of the upper falls, but not as powerful as it can get.
Horsetail Fall (Firefall): Almost completely dry, with just a trickle visible.
But now? Thanks to all this rain, these waterfalls have likely gotten a decent boost. Bridalveil and Yosemite Falls should be looking more impressive. And for those eagerly awaiting Firefall season, this storm is exactly what we needed. If the high country got a good dose of snow, and we get some colder nights ahead, we just might have enough runoff to fuel that golden glow over the next few weeks. For more Firefall predictions, continue reading below!
A great resource to gauge what waterfalls are looking like currently in Yosemite Valley is the real-time view via the Yosemite Conservancy Yosemite Falls Webcam.
Horsetail Fall barely flowing in Yosemite National Park
Firefall - What to Expect this Year
The weather forecast for this coming week is very promising. We just received quite a bit of precipitation over the last few days, and more snow & rain are due Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Although prime viewing season doesn’t start until February 18th, a trip to see Firefall this coming weekend (February 8th-9th) could be great if the weather forecast holds.
Remember, the Firefall phenomenon only happens when all the conditions line up. There needs to be enough water flowing down Horsetail Fall, and clouds can’t be blocking the setting sun’s last few rays of light at the end of the day...and not to mention, you need to be positioned in the right spot to enjoy the optical illusion of “fire”. For more information on viewing Firefall for yourself, check out my Complete 2025 Firefall Visitors Guide.
Half Dome view from Sentinel Bridge in Yosemite Valley
Know Before You Go
• Be prepared for sudden and sometimes hazardous changes in weather and trail conditions, especially during the Winter season. Roads, trails, and parking lots are often icy and slippery.
• If you’re planning an upcoming trip to Yosemite, it’s incredibly important to visit the official Yosemite NPS website prior to your trip for the most up-to-date park information, as conditions and closures may be changing daily due to weather.
• Call (209) 372-0200 (press 1, then 1) for the latest tire chain requirements in Yosemite National Park.
• If you’re planning to visit Yosemite in the coming weeks, be aware that you may need pre-purchased Yosemite National Park entrance reservations at Recreation.gov (or in-park lodging) due to the 2025 Firefall season. Reservations are required for all visitors (whether you’re planning on viewing the Firefall or not) for the following weekend dates: February 8–9, 15–17, and 22–23. Reservations are not required if you plan to arrive on a Monday through Friday during this time (with the exception of Presidents Day, Monday 2/17)...just make sure to keep your receipt of entrance, which is good for 7 consecutive days from first arrival. Visit the official Yosemite NPS website for more information and check out my Complete 2025 Firefall Visitors Guide.
• Please remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints. Pack out everything you pack in and stay on the designated paths. If you’re not familiar with the Leave No Trace Principles consider familiarizing yourself with them before your trip.
Top 10 Yosemite Valley Winter Attractions
Yosemite Valley Chapel
Sentinel Bridge
Curry Village Ice Rink
El Capitan, Half Dome & Bridalveil Fall seen from Yosemite’s Tunnel View
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining this me this week inside Yosemite National Park. For a virtual visit of my time in the park last week, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
The Cascades waterfall in Yosemite National Park
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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