Posted by Derek Sedillo on January 7, 2009 at 3:24 PM
After spending some time hiking in the snow along the Merced this past weekend I was thinking about taking some other winter hikes with/without snowshoes (depending on conditions).
Anyway I was wondering if anyone could recommend some photogenic winter hikes.
So far I have read online about snow shoeing to Clark Point, Crane Flat Overlook, the redwood groves (Mariposa, Merced, and Tuolumne), and way out to Glacier Point - but that looks too far (~10 miles one way).
Any recommendations from previous winter hiking experiences appreciated.
I'm planning on doing Mariposa and Glacier Point this winter... still building up the courage to brave the cold after visiting Hawaii and Florida last month :-(
Sounds like fun! If it's deep snow keep the mileage in check, as snowshoeing solo in a deep powder can be awfully exhausting. It's not yosemite, but if you want Sequoia groves, the ones in Sequoia/King's Canyon NP are superb.
Posted by Derek Sedillo on January 7, 2009 at 6:45 PM
Enrique, Glacier Point sounds like it would be better to x-country ski in since it is 10 miles one-way. And while I have never x-country skied I have downhill skied for many years. So it sounds like a fun trek. Check out this trip report of the Winter journey to Glacier Point by Lars Jensen I found: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~jensenl/visuals/album/2006/yosemite/
Floris, your amazing shots of the redwoods this Winter inspired me to find some redwoods in the snow. Thanks for posting those incredible images! I only drive a standard front wheel drive sedan. So I probably will not venture into the off-road places you have in the Winter. I don't think my car would have made it out of that snow covered road you mentioned even if I had snow chains on. I have bottomed out before while living and shooting in Colorado in the Winter. Fortuantely another NPN'er drove by and helped to push me out!
Glacier Point is a possibility if you're camping - I wouldn't recommend it as a dayhike. The road is groomed all the way out making progress relatively easy (I believe the visitors center on Glacier Point is turned into a hut in winter - its never been opened when I've been out there though - I think its open on a reservation basis only). Its definitely on my agenda to do again this winter.
One popular snowshoe I'd recommend is Dewey Point - 3.5 miles from Badger Pass (one way) and you end up on the rim of the valley, directly across from El Capitan (its an incredible view).
There are a few other spots outside Yosemite I can recommend (but keep in mind I wouldn't necessarily call these novice trips relative to the areas already mentioned): Winnemucca Lake near Carson Pass (couple of miles), Panther Gap in Sequoia (about 6 miles roundtrip), and if you can handle the drive - there are tons of areas in the Eastern Sierra (Little Lakes Valley is incredible in winter).
There are some books out there on the subject - I can't necessarily recommend them because I never seem to fall short of places to go and so never bought them - but I thought I'd throw the idea out there (one is entitled Snowshoe Trails of Yosemite by Michael White).
There are a number of other groves that are along the plowed roads that are quite spectacular as well - this one for example is right along the road near the famous sherman grove:
Greg, my idea was to make it a 3 to 5 day trip. If conditions are OK I could make it out in a day then camp there for a day or two and one more day to make it back out to BP.
The plan involves waiting for fresh snow and hope it stays on the trees for a day or two.
Posted by Derek Sedillo on January 8, 2009 at 1:14 PM
Greg,
Thanks for the suggestion on the Dewey Point hike. I found some really nice trip descriptions of it online. The vantage point looks great - possibly best at sunrise or sunset.
It does seem like Glacier Point is one of the most dramatic expansive views of the valley from above. But 10 miles is a long way. If you go Enrique please post some images from the trip. It also seems like if you go that far you would want to make it a multiday trip to catch the best light.
Has anyone been to the Crane Flat Overlook? From what I read it sounds like it has potential. But I can't find any photos from it. So it is hard to tell if it would be worth it.
Thanks,
Derek
Posted by Steve Sieren on January 8, 2009 at 3:59 PM
Try the falls trail with a mid range and tele.
I wouldn't count out the spots you already visited, ever.
Enrique, 3-5 days sounds like a long time, but if you are waiting for snow it might take a bit longer to head out there. I was just thinking of a weekend trip - out and back - or perhaps a two night with a stop along the way. I've always had my eye on the Tuolumne Meadows area via Snow Creek, and if I had 3-5 days to spare I might give that a go. I made it up to Tenaya Lake a few years ago in early March, but never made it further and I'd really love to explore the high country up there in winter a bit more.
Derek, Dewey is definitely worth it, but as you mentioned probably better at Sunrise/Sunset. The prob being if you aren't camping it'd require a lot of trecking in the dark.
Posted by John Zinn on January 9, 2009 at 12:48 AM
Hey Derek,
I did the XC ski out to Glacier Pt last January. It kind of was on a whim being out there after a fresh snowfall. The second day after the snow cleared up and warmed up in the valley so I headed up top. It was my first time XC'ing but it didn't take too long to pick up. Given that the trail (on the road) is groomed skiing was much more efficient than snowshoeing. I headed out a bit late around 12:30, but intentionally wanted to be out there for sunset. Using the 4x5 and setting up a few shots ate into my time a bit, but I was able to make it out there by around 5:00.
My actual destination was Sentinel Dome, because at the end of the road there is a 700' elevation drop to Glacier Pt over ~3/4 mi and I didn't want to have to come back up. When you start down the hill at the end there is a old service road that splits off to the left at the first switchback to the right. This is where it got fun, the snow was pretty deep and going was slow even with a slightly broken trail. When I got out to the end the winds really began to pick up, partly due to a change in weather and also due to more exposure. I skirted around the base of Sentinel Dome to the east and around to the north. Around to the NW the forest opens up and affords better views. The sunset was amazing with great light and great clouds, but I wasn't able to get high enough up Sentinel Dome fast enough to get clear views. So I only brought back memories!!
I took a break to layer up and refuel while the winds howled and the light faded, then started to make my way back. I had planned on skiing back in the dark, so it was no big deal. Total trip back only took 3 hrs with breaks, because of the elevation drop and some nice long downhill stretches. If you want to stay at Glacier Point proper you have to sign up for the group trip and pay a pretty penny. Overall it was a great time and I'd love to do it again.
John
P.S. I considered heading out to Dewey on the skis but the trail isn't groomed out there. Also a ranger mentioned that at the point it gets steep and there are some big cracks in the rocks, so it sounded like snowshoes would work better due to better control. But those were only my impressions.
Posted by Paul Dileanis on January 9, 2009 at 2:47 AM
Derek,
Starting this year self guided tours are now permitted to the Glacier Point Hut. It is my understanding that you may stay at the hut any time as long as there is a hut keeper there (reservations required) and there are beds available for $110/night meals included. More information can be found here
If no groups from the badger pass cross country center are scheduled to be there you will need at least 6 people in your group for them to open the hut. I will get more information this weekend when I am in Yosemite.
Do you think we could get 6 intrepid souls from this group together for anight at Glacier Point? I have been planning on doing this trip for some time, but the previous $190 price tag was too much.
Paul
Posted by Derek Sedillo on January 9, 2009 at 12:18 PM
John, Excellent trip report!
Wow, you did it in a day on your first trip on XC skis. That gives me hope since I have never XC skied before. The turning looks quite different from downhill skiing - more of a drop knee kinda thing right? If you were to do it again it sounds like you would probably leave earlier in the day to be setup for sunset.
Another consideration is to do this within a week of full moon. Then night shots are also a possiblity. That way the moon will provide enough light to illuminate the mountains. Here is a recent example I have been experimenting with from a few night ago: http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/gallery/7049912_hqPLs#451639291_szngT-A-LB
Now picture the whole valley illuminated by the moon with some fresh snow.
Paul, that is some great research you have done on the Glacier Point Hut. I was actually interested in it as an option to skiing back in the dark. That way one could catch sunrise as well. So how tough of a ski is it in your opinion for beginner XC skiers with some downhill experience? I look forward to hear more from you on this upon your return.
Thanks for posting everyone! This is the kind of thing that makes this forum a great resource for all. Of course the excellent photographs and critiques help as well.
Derek
Posted by Mat Malone on January 9, 2009 at 12:48 PM
On a related point, how much of Yosemite Valley is accessible without snowshoes or XC skis? I haven't ever been there in the winter, so I have no idea if it would be miserable/impossible without snowshoes. Would I essentially be limited to the parking lot vistas, assuming there is a fair amount of fresh snow? Sorry for the thread-jack
Posted by Derek Sedillo on January 9, 2009 at 1:02 PM
Matt,
You have plenty available. Actually Yosemite is one of the 'easiest' places to shoot in the Winter for folks without a lot of Winter snow gear.
On my trip last weekend I brought my snow shoes along but didn't need them. It does help to be prepared with a few basic things for example water resistant pants, boots and gators. But even without those you could trudge through some snow a few hundred yards from your car and get some 'off the beaten path' shots. Basically anywhere along the Merced in the Valley is nice. And most tourist stick to road side shots only, which is nice for untracked snow in the outlying areas as in this case: http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/gallery/7006312_tzV5E#449037611_o7cty-A-LB
Derek
Posted by John Zinn on January 11, 2009 at 3:15 PM
Derek, I didn't have to try any telemark style turns, because you just snake along the road for the way out. Where turning skills become important are on the switchbacks as you drop down to Glacier Point. Yeah I would leave earlier next time for more time to shoot, and camping would be a great idea for chances at sunrise too.
Discussion
15 repliesAnyway I was wondering if anyone could recommend some photogenic winter hikes.
So far I have read online about snow shoeing to Clark Point, Crane Flat Overlook, the redwood groves (Mariposa, Merced, and Tuolumne), and way out to Glacier Point - but that looks too far (~10 miles one way).
Any recommendations from previous winter hiking experiences appreciated.
Thanks,
Derek
Floris, your amazing shots of the redwoods this Winter inspired me to find some redwoods in the snow. Thanks for posting those incredible images! I only drive a standard front wheel drive sedan. So I probably will not venture into the off-road places you have in the Winter. I don't think my car would have made it out of that snow covered road you mentioned even if I had snow chains on. I have bottomed out before while living and shooting in Colorado in the Winter. Fortuantely another NPN'er drove by and helped to push me out!
Derek
One popular snowshoe I'd recommend is Dewey Point - 3.5 miles from Badger Pass (one way) and you end up on the rim of the valley, directly across from El Capitan (its an incredible view).
There are a few other spots outside Yosemite I can recommend (but keep in mind I wouldn't necessarily call these novice trips relative to the areas already mentioned): Winnemucca Lake near Carson Pass (couple of miles), Panther Gap in Sequoia (about 6 miles roundtrip), and if you can handle the drive - there are tons of areas in the Eastern Sierra (Little Lakes Valley is incredible in winter).
There are some books out there on the subject - I can't necessarily recommend them because I never seem to fall short of places to go and so never bought them - but I thought I'd throw the idea out there (one is entitled Snowshoe Trails of Yosemite by Michael White).
There are a number of other groves that are along the plowed roads that are quite spectacular as well - this one for example is right along the road near the famous sherman grove:
http://florisvanbreugel.smugmug.com/photos/379974941_ujzq4-M-1.jpg
Generally you need to drive in from the south, as they close the connection to king's canyon NP in the winter a lot of the time.
It's been a while since I've been to the Yosemite groves, so I don't remember how they compare.
The plan involves waiting for fresh snow and hope it stays on the trees for a day or two.
Thanks for the suggestion on the Dewey Point hike. I found some really nice trip descriptions of it online. The vantage point looks great - possibly best at sunrise or sunset.
It does seem like Glacier Point is one of the most dramatic expansive views of the valley from above. But 10 miles is a long way. If you go Enrique please post some images from the trip. It also seems like if you go that far you would want to make it a multiday trip to catch the best light.
Has anyone been to the Crane Flat Overlook? From what I read it sounds like it has potential. But I can't find any photos from it. So it is hard to tell if it would be worth it.
Thanks,
Derek
I wouldn't count out the spots you already visited, ever.
Derek, Dewey is definitely worth it, but as you mentioned probably better at Sunrise/Sunset. The prob being if you aren't camping it'd require a lot of trecking in the dark.
I did the XC ski out to Glacier Pt last January. It kind of was on a whim being out there after a fresh snowfall. The second day after the snow cleared up and warmed up in the valley so I headed up top. It was my first time XC'ing but it didn't take too long to pick up. Given that the trail (on the road) is groomed skiing was much more efficient than snowshoeing. I headed out a bit late around 12:30, but intentionally wanted to be out there for sunset. Using the 4x5 and setting up a few shots ate into my time a bit, but I was able to make it out there by around 5:00.
My actual destination was Sentinel Dome, because at the end of the road there is a 700' elevation drop to Glacier Pt over ~3/4 mi and I didn't want to have to come back up. When you start down the hill at the end there is a old service road that splits off to the left at the first switchback to the right. This is where it got fun, the snow was pretty deep and going was slow even with a slightly broken trail. When I got out to the end the winds really began to pick up, partly due to a change in weather and also due to more exposure. I skirted around the base of Sentinel Dome to the east and around to the north. Around to the NW the forest opens up and affords better views. The sunset was amazing with great light and great clouds, but I wasn't able to get high enough up Sentinel Dome fast enough to get clear views. So I only brought back memories!!
I took a break to layer up and refuel while the winds howled and the light faded, then started to make my way back. I had planned on skiing back in the dark, so it was no big deal. Total trip back only took 3 hrs with breaks, because of the elevation drop and some nice long downhill stretches. If you want to stay at Glacier Point proper you have to sign up for the group trip and pay a pretty penny. Overall it was a great time and I'd love to do it again.
John
P.S. I considered heading out to Dewey on the skis but the trail isn't groomed out there. Also a ranger mentioned that at the point it gets steep and there are some big cracks in the rocks, so it sounded like snowshoes would work better due to better control. But those were only my impressions.
-------------------------------------------------------
John Zinn
Enduring Light Photography
"A moment in time... experienced, captured, preserved."
Site Updated 10/27
Starting this year self guided tours are now permitted to the Glacier Point Hut. It is my understanding that you may stay at the hut any time as long as there is a hut keeper there (reservations required) and there are beds available for $110/night meals included. More information can be found here
http://www.yosemitepark.com/BadgerPass_CrossCountrySkiing_GlacierPointHut.aspx
If no groups from the badger pass cross country center are scheduled to be there you will need at least 6 people in your group for them to open the hut. I will get more information this weekend when I am in Yosemite.
Do you think we could get 6 intrepid souls from this group together for anight at Glacier Point? I have been planning on doing this trip for some time, but the previous $190 price tag was too much.
Paul
Wow, you did it in a day on your first trip on XC skis. That gives me hope since I have never XC skied before.
Another consideration is to do this within a week of full moon. Then night shots are also a possiblity. That way the moon will provide enough light to illuminate the mountains. Here is a recent example I have been experimenting with from a few night ago:
http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/gallery/7049912_hqPLs#451639291_szngT-A-LB
Now picture the whole valley illuminated by the moon with some fresh snow.
Paul, that is some great research you have done on the Glacier Point Hut. I was actually interested in it as an option to skiing back in the dark. That way one could catch sunrise as well. So how tough of a ski is it in your opinion for beginner XC skiers with some downhill experience? I look forward to hear more from you on this upon your return.
Thanks for posting everyone! This is the kind of thing that makes this forum a great resource for all. Of course the excellent photographs and critiques help as well.
Derek
You have plenty available. Actually Yosemite is one of the 'easiest' places to shoot in the Winter for folks without a lot of Winter snow gear.
On my trip last weekend I brought my snow shoes along but didn't need them. It does help to be prepared with a few basic things for example water resistant pants, boots and gators. But even without those you could trudge through some snow a few hundred yards from your car and get some 'off the beaten path' shots. Basically anywhere along the Merced in the Valley is nice. And most tourist stick to road side shots only, which is nice for untracked snow in the outlying areas as in this case:
http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/gallery/7006312_tzV5E#449037611_o7cty-A-LB
Derek
John
-------------------------------------------------------
John Zinn
Enduring Light Photography
"A moment in time... experienced, captured, preserved."
Site Updated 10/27