Yosemite Valley Winter Trip

You could rent snow shoes and do a 7 mile out and back to Dewey point from badger pass. It’s only like 45 minute drive from the valley village. Not much elevation gain and the trail is broken right now. Takes between 3.5 hours and up to do depending on your pace.

Want some fun places to poke around?

1. RIbbon Falls west of El Capitan.  A relatively short but steep hike up a rock climber’s use-trail to a really cool spot.
2. A wander out in the center of the Valley’s meadows—where you will see very few people in the heart of Yosemite.  wonderful.  easy.
3. Hike up to Columbia Point on the Yosemite Falls trail for a great view over the valley.

Don’t try to do too much–just leave time to enjoy the place.

John: There are multiple walks around the valley floor. Any of the walks up from the valley, like Columbia rock are likely to be very icy depending the weather conditions of the previous day and what time you start your hike. I often take microspikes if not lightweight crampons. Note too that sometimes the trails are closed due to rock fall. If you are looking for simple snow shoe hikes, go to Badger Pass. The hike to Dewey Point is spectacular. Try to get there early to avoid the crowds. There are some fun hikes around Crane Flat below big trees.  For maps of the various winter trails. Check out http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/brochures.htm  Note that the trails are signed and sometimes boot stomped but not groomed.

Yosemite Falls trail. In winter especially it’s spectacular. Bring microspikes for sure. Of course, if there’s a lot of unconsolidated snow on the trail and you’ll be postholing…well, this is a tough enough trail as it is.

And why not ski around the valley floor? It’s hard to tell tonight, because it’s dark, but it looks like there’s snow on the valley floor. Or better, ski from Badger to Dewey Point.

Or you can venture past Mirror Lake and head up as steep and high as you want. Snow Creek trail.