California is renowned for its gorgeous beaches and sunny weather, but if you do not go to the mountains or the deserts during winter, then you’re missing out!
It is a great place to visit. Golden State is so much more than just a vacation destination. As a California enthusiast and native, there are many of the most interesting sights to see and places to go during the winter months in California
Here is the list of Things To Do In California During Winter :
Death Valley
The aridest desert in the world isn’t the best spot to be in mid-July. However, it’s perfect for the winter months, when much of the US is covered in a blanket of snow. It’s the ideal time to hike through the Golden Canyon, take in the stunning sunset from Zabriskie Point, marvel at the vivid colors that are part of the Artists Palette, and if you’re lucky, maybe even spot the bloom of a wildflower in the desert. This occurs from the end of to mid-February.
The view of the stars is amazing, but remember to wrap up as the temperature fluctuations in the desert between day and night can be extreme, especially in the winter months. It would be best to visit the Badwater Basin, an unusual geological formation located at the lowest point of the USA.
Ski-in the Sierras
If you’re a fan of skiing, you’ve probably heard of Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Mountain. Both are world-class ski resorts with amazing snow, depending on the season. This particular season is incredibly great for snow!
Even if you’re not an alpine skier, these mountains also have the possibility of snowshoeing and sometimes skating accessibility. Both are situated in gorgeous locations, with plenty of activities nearby. Mammoth is near the second item on this list, as are Alabama Hills. Alabama Hills and Tahoe is a vast area with plenty of snowshoeing and snowmobiling trails extending across the way to Nevada.
Hot Creek
As we’re talking about Mammoth, it’s time to take a look at Hot Creek! Hot Creek is a hot spring-fed stream that runs over a mountain valley, and it’s the perfect choice when the conditions outside are cold, and it’s covered in snow. It’s the best way to relax after a hard time skiing.
Yosemite
Yosemite transforms into a magical winter landscape after it snows! Many popular trails, such as the Bridalveil or Lower Yosemite Falls, are still easily accessible, mostly because they’re flat. Some trails, such as the road that leads up to Glacier Point, turn into a spectacular Nordic ski or snowshoeing adventure.
You can also go snowshoeing down to Dewey Point from the Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area. The free shuttle is available from the valley, and the snowshoe rental spot is located at the top.
Horsetail Fall
Then there are the phenomena of the horsetail fall, also known as the “Firefall,” that occurs in Yosemite in February. A largely unnoticed waterfall, Horsetail lights up from the angle of sunset for approximately two weeks towards the end of February.
It’s become extremely well-known, with hundreds of photographers arriving to take pictures of the fall on the most popular days. It’s also contingent on how much water the falls release and the degree of cloudiness. If you can get the right spot, the fall is a photographer’s dream.
Alabama Hills
The area is known as a location for old western films and other films that have been made in Hollywood over the decades. As I’m not a huge movie fan, I decided to go because I would like to view Mount Whitney covered in snow perfectly framed with The Mobius Arch.
Winter is the ideal time to visit Alabama Hills. Alabama Hills to see snow on the mountain tops and to relax in the hot Alabama Hills. The view of the stars from here is breathtaking, and there’s BLM (Bureau of Land Management, which translates to that the public owns the land) camping in every area! There are numerous arches to climb to, and one of them is shaped in the shape of an octopus.
Slab City
The place isn’t suitable for anyone. However, Slab City is a place that is home to real-life anarchists as well as outlaws that have built an upcycled community that has turned into art. Even if you’ve not had the pleasure of visiting Slab City, you’ve probably had a glimpse of Salvation Mountain, pictured above. I visited it in May ago, and it was scorching hot; however, in the winter, it would be much more enjoyable to explore the area all day long.
Be sure to remain vigilant because it’s an amazing area where I’ve never felt safe but wasn’t at risk either. I was fortunate enough to be invited to the house of a local during the time of my stay.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua trees are found only in the high deserts of California. These agaves trees are so named because they appear to Mormon people as Joshua’s hands Joshua reach towards the heavens. Like most of the California desert, Joshua Tree can get very hot in summer, but it’s great during winter for hiking and camping in the daytime. It’s a well-known climb and bouldering area too. However, beware of crowds by staying away from weekends during the holidays.
Sequoia National Park
If you think that the largest trees on Earth could be breathtaking at any time of the year, imagine them in the snow! While Sequoia National Park is not the only spot in California with these amazing trees, it’s in the area that is most likely to see them covered in snow.
Take a trip that includes Yosemite or Kings Canyon, and you’ll get the triple threat of the top National parks across the US!
Pacific Coast Highway
I wouldn’t suggest the Pacific Coast Highway in the winter months as you’re more likely to encounter fog from the ocean, and the beach is generally more pleasant in summer. However, having grown up on the central and southern coast, I believe there’s never a better time visiting the California coast.
The advantage of traveling during the winter is that you’ll have a place of your own and reservations are more easily obtainable for camping facilities and hotels. It’s likely to be more affordable also!
Be aware that rain is virtually unheard of during summer. If California is likely to experience an unseasonably wet year, it will be concentrated on during winter. The tent camping experience may be unsuitable; however, you’ll have plenty of solitude on a crowded route.
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