fbpx

Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing in Yosemite

Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing in Yosemite

SKXWY
Call for Price

Description

Immerse yourself in the silent beauty of Yosemite National Park on a four-day hiking trip during the cooler winter months. At this time of year, there are fewer tourists and local wildlife is more active, making this the perfect holiday for animal lovers. With accommodation provided in your own shiny Airstream trailer each night, there’s no need to rough it on this winter hiking adventure. See the best of Yosemite, including views of Liberty Cap, Grizzly Peak, the Panorama Cliffs, Sentinel Dome, Glacier Point and Half Dome, on a highlight packed hike. You’ll also have the chance to strap on snowshoes for an epic trip out to Dewey Point which has stellar views of Yosemite Valley. This winter Yosemite small group hiking tour is so cool it’s hot.

Trip Name
Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing in Yosemite
Last Updated
2024-03-12
Days
4
Capacity
10
Highlights
  • Experience the beauty of winter at Yosemite when the landscape is draped in a blanket of snow and the silence of this famous national park wraps you in its peaceful embrace.
  • Spend each night at Autocamp Yosemite in your own private Airstream, an American camper trailer that began production in the 1930s and has become a national icon.
  • During winter at Yosemite, there are less tourists and local wildlife is more active, making this the perfect holiday for animal lovers.
  • Keep your eyes open along the trail for the chance to spot bison, elk, deer, wolves, coyotes, black bears, grizzly bears, and more.
  • Tuck into freshly prepared, delicious meals prepared by your leader, including hearty dinners served at a special roof-top grilling area at Autocamp Yosemite.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. In order to travel on this trip, you: 1. Must be able to understand and recognize the risks and hazards inherent in the activities of the trip, must be able to decide to assume those risks and hazards and must actually and voluntarily assume those risks and hazards. 2. Must be able to withstand exposure to the outdoors including exposure to diverse climactic conditions during the trip, including temperatures ranging from below freezing to +100 degrees F, potentially rapidly changing precipitative conditions from dry conditions to precipitation including monsoons and flash floods, for the duration of the Program. 3. Must be able to monitor and evaluate changes in personal health condition including the onset of dehydration, hyponatremia, heat illness or stroke or hypothermia and must be able to communicate any changes in personal health condition or safety concerns to the guide(s). 4. Must be able to participate in all activities at the time scheduled for each activity; e.g. to beat the heat, guest pick-up and hike start times during summer months may range between 3-6 a.m. 5. Must be able to manage all personal care and mobility during extended periods of exertion of 10-plus hours per day, either independently or with the assistance of a companion or an approved assistive device. 6. Must be able to enter and exit a multi-passenger vehicle either independently or with the assistance of a companion or approved assistive device. 7. Must be able to withstand up to eight hours as a passenger in a multi-passenger vehicle, transporting up to 14 passengers at a time, either independently or with the assistance of a companion or an approved assistive device. 8. Must be able to immediately comprehend and follow verbal instructions either independently or with the assistance of a companion or approved assistive device. 9. Must be able to traverse wet and dry, sandy, rocky, uneven and/or unstable ground over a distance of 10-plus miles per day including elevation differential (gain and/or loss) of +3,000 feet per day, for a period of up to 10 hours per day, while carrying: a) BACKPACKING/BACKCOUNTRY TRIPS- a backpack weighing 25-50 pounds, b) FRONTCOUNTRY/LODGE, BASECAMP AND INN-BASED TRIPS - a fully loaded backpack weighing 10-15 pounds, either independently or with an assistance companion or an approved assistive device. 10. Must be able to self-manage and self-navigate unsupervised while in the designated camp area either independently or with the assistance of a companion or approved assistive device. 11. Must be able to perform basic camping activities including sleeping on the ground, consuming water from back country sources, consuming food prepared in a backcountry setting and maintaining personal health and hygiene in accordance with guide directives either independently or with the assistance of a companion or approved assistive device. The use of an assistive device to meet any element of the essential eligibility criteria must be approved in advance by Intrepid Travel.

Day 1 - Yosemite - Vernal and Nevada Falls hike
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.
Day 2 - Yosemite - Dewey Point Snowshoeing/Hiking
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.
Day 3 - Yosemite - Valley Loop Trail Hiking
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.
Day 4 - Yosemite - Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Hike
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.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Accommodation

Airstream trailer/caravan (3 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map