December in Yosemite is breathtaking. Picture snow-frosted cliffs, Half Dome framed in winter mist, and quiet hikes through pine forests. The crowds are gone, but winter has arrived—meaning you need to pack for cold, snow, and occasional rain.
Whether you’re exploring the Yosemite Valley, snowshoeing at Badger Pass, or cozying up at a lodge, proper gear is essential. Bring your warmest clothes, waterproof layers, and adventure essentials to stay safe and enjoy the natural beauty.
📝Note: This article is all about Yosemite packing list December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments! *
Weather & Travel Context 🌦️
- Yosemite Valley: -3 to 10°C / 27–50°F ❄️
- Higher elevations (Badger Pass): -10 to 2°C / 14–36°F 🌨️
- Snow is common, roads may close, tire chains may be required
- Days are short, cold, and stunningly serene
What to Pack for Yosemite in December
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- Weatherproof duffel or suitcase – Durable for snow + gear 🧳
- Daypack – For hiking and snow adventures 🎒
- Packing cubes – Organize base layers, fleece, outerwear 🧩
- Shoe bag – Keep boots separate 👢
- Toiletry kit – Include cold-weather skincare 💧
- Document pouch – Park pass, ID, bookings 📁
- Compression sack – For coats and blankets 📦
- Dry bag – For electronics in wet snow 💦
- Neck pillow + sleep mask – Long drives, early sun 💤
👗 Clothes
- Thermal base layers (3–5 sets) – Absolute must ❄️
- Mid-layers: fleece/wool (2–3) – Core warmth 🧥
- Insulated winter coat – Down or synthetic 🧊
- Rain shell or waterproof outer – For snow or rain ☔
- Snow pants or insulated hiking pants – Warm and protective 👖
- Leggings/tights – For layering under pants 🧦
- Wool socks (5–7 pairs) – Toasty feet 🧦
- Gloves (liners + outer pair) – Avoid frozen fingers 🧤
- Warm hat – Covers ears, fits under hood 🧢
- Scarf or neck gaiter – Traps heat 🧣
- Sleepwear – Cozy flannel or thermal 🛌
- Undergarments – Enough for changes 👙
💆 Skincare
- Hydrating cleanser – No stripping formulas 🧼
- Moisturizing toner – Calm dry skin 💧
- Rich cream – Combat cold air dryness 🧴
- Sunscreen – UV still strong in snow ☀️
- Lip balm w/SPF – Constant use 💋
- Face mist – Freshen up mid-hike 💦
- Eye cream – Help with dry winds 👁️
💄 Makeup
- BB cream – Lightweight moisture coverage 💄
- Concealer – For tired eyes or blemishes ✨
- Blush – Add color to winter skin 🌸
- Waterproof mascara – For snowy weather 👁️
- Lip tint – Add warmth + hydration 💋
💇 Hair Care
- Brush or wide-tooth comb – Untangle layers 💨
- Dry shampoo – Skip wet hair in cold 💨
- Anti-static serum – Hat hair help ⚡
- Mini shampoo/conditioner – Moisture-focused 🧴
- Hair ties/headbands – Control + style 🧵
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Waterproof hiking boots – Snow and trail safe 🥾
- Snow boots – Great for casual, snowy walks ❄️
- Camp shoes – For lodge or cabin 👟
- Wool hat/beanie – Must-have 🧢
- Neck gaiter – Wind protection 🧣
- Warm gloves (liner + insulated) – Double up 🧤
- Sunglasses – Glare from snow 😎
- Microspikes or crampons – Traction on icy trails ❄️
📑 Documents & Essentials
- Park pass or entry receipt 🏞️
- ID & insurance info 🪪
- Lodge/hotel booking details 📄
- Trail maps – Printed & offline 🗺️
- Emergency contacts – Paper + digital 📋
🚑 First Aid
- Blister kits – Essential for hikes 🩹
- Painkillers – Cold + activity soreness 🤕
- Allergy meds – Evergreen pollen surprise 🤧
- Cold meds – Plan for sniffles 🧻
- Hand warmers – For gloves and pockets 🔥
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- Toothbrush/paste 🪥
- Deodorant – Winter sweat is real 🌸
- Razor – Optional 🪒
- Feminine products – Bring preferred supplies 🩸
- Hand sanitizer – Campsites and trail stops 🧴
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Phone + charger 📱
- Power bank – Batteries die faster in cold ⚡
- Camera – Stunning winter shots 📸
- Headlamp – Essential after dark 🔦
- Offline apps – Maps, safety tips, trail info 🗺️
🎧 Entertainment
- Books/e-reader – Cozy cabin reads 📚
- Music/podcasts – Trail or fireplace chill 🎧
- Travel journal – Capture winter memories 📓
🎁 Extras
- Thermos – Coffee or cocoa on the trail ☕
- Snacks – High-energy hiking fuel 🍫
- Reusable water bottle – Hydrate even in cold 💧
- Binoculars – For spotting wildlife 🦌
- Blanket – Cozy up at the lodge 🛏️
🌍 Travel Tips
- Check road & tire chain requirements 🚗
- Arrive early – Days are short 🕓
- Stay on plowed trails – Avoid deep snow 🌨️
- Layer properly – Cotton = cold risk 🧥
🛂 Visa Tips
- US citizens – No visa needed 🛂
- International visitors – Ensure valid entry/ESTA ✈️
⭐ Must-Haves
- Winter boots 🥾
- Thermals ❄️
- Parka 🧥
- Gloves, hat, scarf 🧤🧢🧣
- Sunscreen + lip balm ☀️💋
👍 Good-to-Have
- Hand warmers 🔥
- Microspikes ❄️
- Hot cocoa + thermos ☕
- Offline maps + printed trail guide 🗺️
- Camera 📸
