Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing in Yosemite

You’ll meet your hiking guide and group at Autocamp Yosemite and start your winter adventure with a hike to two of Yosemite’s crown jewels, Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall, along either the John Muir Trail or the Mist Trail, depending on conditions. While many of Yosemite’s hikes are centred on a final destination, today’s route features stunning views the whole way, from Upper Yosemite Falls across the Valley, to the phenomenal granite heights of Liberty Cap, Grizzly Peak, the Panorama Cliffs, Sentinel Dome, Glacier Point and even Half Dome. Enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the falls, then rest your legs on the drive back to Autocamp Yosemite where you’ll get settled into your private Airstream trailer then join your group for a delicious dinner prepared by your guide.

Enjoy an early continental breakfast on the scenic drive into Yosemite’s high country where you’ll head up Glacier Point Road to the winter road closure at Badger Pass, the site of California’s oldest ski area. Here, you’ll strap on snowshoes and begin an epic trip out to Dewey Point with its spectacular views of Yosemite Valley. The route begins on the closed Glacier Point Road and winds through a red fir and lodgepole pine forest where the trees thrive in this cold and snowy environment. It won’t take long before you pass through a series of snow-covered meadows and drop down to Dewey Point and its extraordinary view of Yosemite and the High Sierra. Take time to savour the view then visit Badger Pass Ski Lodge for a steaming cup of hot chocolate before the trip back to your accommodation.

Today is a special day as you’ll be exploring the hidden highlights of Yosemite Valley, surrounded by a winter wonderland. Enjoy a continental breakfast then set off along parts of the Valley Loop trail to areas rarely seen by the average tourist. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to take in views of Half Dome, El Capitan, the Merced River and Yosemite’s famous waterfalls enhanced with a glittering facade of ice. Either on snowshoes or wearing hiking boots, depending on the conditions, your leader will take you along the trails and tailor your day to make the most of this incredible valley and its winter beauty.

On your final day, you’ll pack up and enjoy a hearty breakfast before leaving your cosy accommodation among the pines. However, not before you get to enjoy one last, special treat. Today’s hike will take you up close to Yosemite’s biggest trees – the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. You’ll hike the lower and upper loops, which provide a wonderful morning of hiking, and visit the 2700 year old Grizzly Giant, the 25th largest tree on earth, as well as many other mighty trees. You’ll also enjoy an unparalleled view of the Wawona Valley. After your hike and a final lunch together, your winter adventure in Yosemite will come to an end.