Snowshoeing in Yosemite National Park: Winter Adventure Afoot

Surrounded by this kaleidoscope of blue sky, white peaks and evergreen everywhere, visitors to Yosemite Mariposa are treated to an ample dusting of winter activities yet one is always a waffle-step ahead “” snowshoeing.  Snowshoeing Yosemite allows intrepid excursionists and frolicking families alike to venture off-the-beaten-path, enjoy some invigorating exercise and, most importantly, get inspired during the Park’s least visited season.

Winter in Yosemite Mariposa holds a special beauty. Glimmering yet moody, excitable yet serene, kinetic yet motionless like the crystal-clear water that trickles down the vertical granite face of El Capitan and freezes overnight. Winter here just feels different. On New Year’s Day, 1872, soon after Yosemite was designated as public land, John Muir sent a dispatch to the people back home thus beginning a new era of tourism for one of the world’s most beautiful mountain wildernesses:

Why Snowshoe?

For the uninitiated, snowshoeing seems like an exotic endeavor.  In fact, it’s an easy club to join. Humans have been paddling on the snow for millennia. The world’s oldest snowshoe was found in 2003 on a melting glacier in Italy’s Dolomite mountains. Made of birch wood and oval in shape, the snowshoe was determined by scientists to be nearly 6,000 years old, proof that good designs last and not much has changed when it comes to exploring our winter wonderlands!

In addition to its age-old practice, snowshoeing is a healthy activity.  The clean, crisp mountain air of Yosemite Mariposa fills your lungs with oxygen-rich goodness, and the concerns of home disappear as your chi gets flowing and your mind frees itself up to dream of good things on the (literal) horizon. For those fitness wonks out there, snowshoeing burns about 50% more calories than walking, and is comparable to using the elliptical machine at the gym with one HUGE difference “” you’re surrounded by the natural beauty of Yosemite!

For families who just want to get out of the house for some fresh air and a break from all those screens, snowshoeing Yosemite Mariposa is as easy as pulling off the road and exploring one of its many meadows. Hey, you might even bring a Yeti of hot chocolate to reward your mini-me’s as they screech with joy on the downy-white expanse.

Another great reason for snowshoeing Yosemite National Park? The freedom to explore.  Summer trails “” the ones we see on maps “” are closely followed because they’ve been cleared of rocks and other obstructions.  But once that blanket of snow falls, there’s a smooth, clear shot to wherever you want to go. Of course, you need to be prepared and to take more care in navigating, but the freedom can be exhilarating. Add to this the solitude of visiting Yosemite during its least busy season, and the sense of adventure rises to peak experience!

Yosemite Snowshoe Tours & Guided Snowshoe Hikes

Getting started with something new like Snowshoeing in Yosemite but it can be made easy by local guides that offer an easier first step into a new winter sport. YExplore Yosemite Adventures offers guided hikes for all skill levels 12-months a year, and yes does include guided snowshoe hikes. New to Incredible Adventures is its snowshoe tour in the Merced Grove of Giant Sequoias. The great package offers lunch, transportation to and from select hotels on Highway 140 in Yosemite Mariposa County and stops at tunnel view, Yosemite Falls and El Capitan in Yosemite Valley. Where is the best starting point to snowshoe Yosemite? Nowhere else than Badger Pass Ski and Snowboard Area in Yosemite National Park. Rentals are available at the Nordic Center. Getting there is no problem,

Proven Paths for Snowshoeing in Yosemite

Yosemite Mariposa is Cloud Nine for visitors who want snowshoe routes that are tried and true. Here are some of our favorites:

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

With a number of trail options and designated parking, this is snowshoe Yosemite at its best.  Start near the South Entrance of the Park and wind your way through the tranquil paradise to see such evergreen icons as the Grizzly Giant (3,000 years old) and the Fallen Monarch, or continue to the Upper Grove for such stately specimens as the Clothespin Tree and the fallen Wawona Tunnel Tree.

Dewey Point/Glacier Point Road

If you’re craving a snowshoe with a view, this trip’s for you!  Cheesy rhymes aside, Dewey Point requires a bit more wintry pluck but is worth the effort as it brings Yosemite Mariposa snowshoers to the rim of Yosemite Valley for an unmatched view of the granite monoliths below. Starting at the parking lot for Badger Pass Ski Area, follow Glacier Point Road (closed to cars and designated for snowshoeing/cross-country skiing in winter) for a little over a mile until you reach the signed trailhead for Dewey Point Meadow Trailhead (look for the bathroom).  Take this left and proceed 2.5 miles for the reward of a lifetime. Approximately 7 miles out and back, with an elevation gain of 600 feet. After fresh snow when tracks may not be present or obvious, look for the yellow triangles affixed to trailside trees to guide your way.

Check out these other winter trails off Glacier Point Road.

Yosemite Valley

With an elevation of only 4,000 feet, Yosemite Valley feels like it’s tucked somewhere much higher in the heavens. The depth of snow varies by month and year, but when it gets dusted there may be nowhere more beautiful on the planet. Want to see Half Dome reflected in the ice-framed mist of Mirror Lake? Check. Want to gaze up at the snow catching in the vertical cracks of El Capitan? Check. Yosemite Valley offers any number of flat trails perfect for snowshoeing, all you need is a recent snowfall to strap on and get moving.

Crane Flat Winter Trails

Located just a few miles from the Big Oak Flat Entrance to Yosemite National Park, the Crane Flat area features eight designated winter trails that meet the snowshoeing needs of beginners and experts alike. The Clark Range View Trail (four miles roundtrip) follows an old logging road and offers breathtaking views of the Wild & Scenic Merced River Canyon, or for a bigger challenge try the Tuolumne Grove Trail (2.5 miles r/t) which descends through the forest to a small grove of ancient sequoias with names such as Red Giant and Tunnel Tree. Good climb on the way back!

Goat Meadow Snowplay Area

A triple threat in the snow play arena, Goat Meadow features a boisterous sledding hill as well as numerous trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The gently sloped routes primarily follow old logging roads of the Sierra National Forest providing a wealth of options.  If you’re feeling aerobicized (or want to test your mettle by snow camping overnight), there’s a route from Goat Meadow to Mariposa Grove that clocks in at 15 miles r/t. For a shorter trip yet one that demands a map and navigation skills, you can leave a second shuttle car in downtown Fish Camp and connect via Star Lake Road for a loop to remember

The Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite “” also located in Fish Camp “” offers guided snowshoe trips and snowshoe rentals, not to mention fire pits and dining for your post-snowshoe celebration. Goat Meadow is situated at 5,300 feet, so be sure to check conditions for current snow depth.

The Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite “” also located in Fish Camp “” offers guided snowshoe trips and snowshoe rentals, not to mention fire pits and dining for your post-snowshoe celebration. Goat Meadow is situated at 5,300 feet, so be sure to check conditions for current snow depth.

Gearing Up for Snowshoeing Yosemite National Park

The first step for all successful snowshoe adventures is gearing up. Respect the season, stay warm, stay dry.  Here is a basic checklist to get you started:

• Snowshoes – try them on for proper fit before you get to your trailhead.
• Waterproof snow boots  – that fit your properly-fitted snowshoes.
• Wool Socks – keep those toes toasty!
• Gloves – keep those fingers fiery!
• Snow poles – to help with balance; sometimes kids are more agile without.
• Insulating layers and waterproof shell/pants – stay warm, stay dry.
• Sunglasses – snow blindness is a thing!
• Goggles – if actively snowing.
• Beanie – warm the noggin!
• Water bottle – remember to hydrate (even though you’re surrounded by snow)
• Snacks – snowshoeing burns lots of calories so fuel up!
• Trail Map/Compass – don’t rely on cell coverage in the backcountry!
• Waterproof matches – in case of emergency.
• Headlamp w/ fresh batteries – ditto.
• Camera – to capture the wintry majesty of Yosemite Mariposa!

Pro Tips Snowshoeing in Yosemite’s Winter

On how to snowshoe Yosemite Mariposa like an audacious adventurer of the snowy expanse!

• Always check the weather ahead of time “” cell coverage can be spotty.
• Share your route and entry/exit times with friends/family back home.
• Allow extra time to account for short winter days and early sunsets.
• Practice “Leave No Trace” snowshoeing and pack out all that you bring in.
• Avoid snowshoeing directly upon cross-country ski tracks to keep the groves groovy. To the side is ok.
• Learn to navigate with compass and map…you’ll be free to explore!
• Finally, check out yosemite.com for a complete listing of where to stay in Yosemite Mariposa.
• Bring snow chains/AWD and park clear of any road clearing activity. See the video below for more info on snow chains