Curry Village Ice Rink

Skating at Curry Village is one of the great small pleasures of a Yosemite winter. The open-air rink sits at the heart of Curry Village at the east end of Yosemite Valley, with Half Dome rising to the northeast and the granite of Glacier Point looming overhead, and it has been a valley tradition for generations. The concessioner lists it among its core winter activities, alongside Badger Pass skiing, snowshoeing and tubing, and its own winter itinerary recommends skating at twilight with Half Dome in view, finishing beside the fire pit with s'mores. Sessions are casual and family friendly: rent skates at the rink, glide under the cliffs as the alpenglow fades, and warm up with a hot drink by the fire. Prices are modest, in line with a typical community rink, and skate rentals are available. The rink operates in the cold months, typically from late fall into early spring, depending on weather — mild spells or heavy storms can affect the ice — so check the concessioner's winter pages or ask at the Curry Village front desk for current hours. Because it is outdoors at around 4,000 feet, temperatures drop sharply after sunset; bring gloves, hats and warm layers. For families staying in Curry Village's heated tent cabins or wood cabins, the rink is just steps away, and for visitors staying elsewhere it makes a perfect end to a winter day in the valley. Combine it with a morning at Badger Pass or a hike to the Vernal Fall footbridge, then dinner at one of the valley's restaurants. Photographers love the scene too: the rink lights, the glowing cliffs and skaters in motion make a memorable winter image.

Curry Village itself dates back to 1899, when David and Jennie Curry opened a camp of tents at the foot of Glacier Point that became a beloved, affordable way to stay in the valley. The rink continues that spirit — simple, sociable and set against one of the grandest backdrops on the planet. On cold, clear evenings, the stars appear above Half Dome while skaters circle below, and the sound of blades on ice echoes off the granite. It is one of those Yosemite experiences that does not appear in many guidebooks but stays with visitors for years.

Planning your skate. The best time is late afternoon into twilight, when the light on Half Dome turns pink and the temperatures are still bearable; evening sessions are colder but have the stars. Weekends and holiday periods, especially between Christmas and New Year, are busiest, so go early or on a weekday. If you are not staying at Curry Village, use the free valley shuttle to avoid parking challenges. Bring your own skates if you have them, or rent on site. Little ones can hold the rail, and the fire pit is a natural meeting point for parents.

Pairing it with a winter day. A classic winter itinerary from the concessioner includes the Valley Floor Tour, lunch at Base Camp Eatery, a short walk to Lower Yosemite Fall or the Vernal Fall footbridge, and twilight skating, with dinner afterward. Another option is to spend the day at Badger Pass, then return to the valley for an evening skate. Note that winter weather can change plans quickly; check road conditions and carry chains if you are driving into the valley, and follow the concessioner's updates for rink hours.