A short, steep climb from Tioga Pass brought us to the clear water and wide-open alpine scenery of Gaylor Lakes, including a quiet upper lake recommended by a Yosemite ranger.

One open campsite gave us an unexpected night in Tuolumne Meadows, where we wandered beside clear water, explored Soda Springs, and slept beneath the high Sierra sky.

Experience Yosemite National Park in winter with snow-covered trails, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, Mirror Lake, Firefall, and camping at Upper Pines.