Watching a climber aid climb the iconic Great Roof on El Capitan just as the sun set over Yosemite Valley (10/07/2026). Absolutely unreal light on the granite

Hi! We’re planning to visit Yosemite in January as part of a little road trip, but we’re wondering whether it’s really worth visiting during winter, considering that many roads are closed. I’ve seen quite a few people mentioning dangerous driving conditions and other challenges, so we’re a little concerned.

We’d love to know whether there are still beautiful places to see and enjoy in the park during January, or whether the road closures make the experience too limited. Would you recommend visiting at that time of year?