Planning has begun on my wife an I travelling to the States for a holiday early next year.
I travelled with friends a few years ago, and will be taking the missus to some of the same places, and one of the spots I would like to revisit is Yosemite.
Problem is, my first trip there was in October, so great hiking weather. I managed to make the hike to the top of Nevada Falls that time around. Which I consider one of my best ever achievements, as I’m not the fitest bloke in the world. I was bloody exhausted but felt so good having made it up there.
Will doing anything similiar be possible in late February? From what I gather from web searches, that specific hike is not possible, with The Mist Trail closed at Vernal Falls in winter, and the John Muir trail closed near Nevada Falls in winter.
What are the activities de jour in Yosemite in winter? Is it worth going in winter?
It is definitely worth going in winter, but prepare to hike in snowshoes. I’ve never made it up for this, but I intend to at some point (hopefully next year). This assumes, of course, that you’re able to get into Yosemite Valley; this isn’t normally an issue, but it can becomes snowed in. Even if it doesn’t work out, the trip is still good sightseeing.
Have fun.
Stranger
My good friends have been asking my husband and me to go with them in winter, but we’ve yet to make it. We have gone a few times in late April and early May.
I really want to go in winter though, as according to them it is beautiful and fun. I’ve no doubt.
Their favorite activities include snow shoeing, ice skating, and cross country and downhill skiing.
I’d say it is definitely worth going then. And always, actually. It is one of my most favorite places ever.
Snow on the Valley floor is likely in February, but not guaranteed. Yosemite Valley is at an elevation where the average winter storm is about as likely to rain as to snow. The surrounding high country gets snow much more reliably. If you are lucky enough to be there during a snow storm, the entire place becomes magically, stunningly, beautiful.
The deepest snow I’ve ever seen in the Valley was about 3 feet; I’ve been there many times in the winter when the ground was bare. Just depends on the winter.
It’s very rare that a storm will close the valley entirely - Highways 41 and 120 occasionally will be closed for a day or so, but 140 almost always stays open.
If you want to be sure to be able to ski or snowshoe, plan a day trip up to Badger Pass, where there is a small downhill ski area and extensive cross-country trails. The outdoor rink at Curry Village offers some of the most scenic ice skating around. The Mariposa Grove down at the south end of the park is also usually good for a snowshoe or xc ski tour.
There is a winter route to the top of Nevada Fall - a bit more circuitous than the Mist Trail, but perfectly doable if the snow isn’t too deep. The flat trails around the valley floor also make for pleasant, uncrowded walking in the winter. (My favorite of those is the one between the Ahwanee and Yosemite Falls that goes a bit up into the rockfalls at the base of the cliff.) Another hike you might consider, weather permitting, is the Upper Yosemite Falls trail, as far as Columbia Point.
The sun never gets high enough to reach the floor on the south side of the valley - Curry Village gets essentially no sun from November to February. I prefer the Lodge for winter stays, in the interest of getting at least a bit of sun.
Tioga Road will be closed, as will the Glacier Point Road beyond the Badger Pass ski area.
Whatever you do, be sure to have a meal in the Ahwahnee dining room!
Glacier Pt. Rd. is the major thoroughfare for x-country skiing beyond Badger Pass. There are tons of folks out there of all skill levels. If you’re seeking peace and quiet, you’ll have to get off the road and do some “real” cross-country stuff. Either that, or rent some snowshoes and go off on you own.
If at all possible, try to visit one of the Sequoia groves. They’re amazing anytime, walking amongst the giants in winter is really a treat. Make sure and stop at the new visitor center, they have some really nice displays in there. If Lee Stetson is doing his “Evening with John Muir” while you’re there, don’t miss it.