Snowshoeing in Yosemite Country

Snowshoeing at Yosemite

If you’ve never strapped on a pair of snowshoes and gone tromping through a wintry landscape, Yosemite’s marked winter trails and gorgeous scenery make it an excellent place to try the activity. The most popular spots for snowshoeing are the same as cross-country skiing: Crane Flat and Badger Pass. The 2-mile Clark Range View Trail is popular with snowshoers at Crane Flat, while the snowy Glacier Point Road offers lovely views up near Badger Pass.

Check the park newspaper for guided snowshoeing options: Rangers lead snowshoe trips up at Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area, including full moon walks, throughout the winter and into spring. More guided snowshoe adventures are available from the Yosemite Mountaineering School and Guide Service. Make reservations at the Tour & Activity Desk (209) 372-1240 located in the lobby of Yosemite Valley Lodge, the Concierge Desk at the Majestic Yosemite Hotel or by calling the Nordic Center directly at (209) 372-8444. (www.travelyosemite.com/winter/yosemite-ski-snowboard-area/snowshoeing)

Local outfitters also offer guided snowshoe trips. Evergreen Lodge has a “Rim of the Valley Snowshoe Adventure,” and outings can also be scheduled with Yexplore or Yosemite Family Adventures.

Snowshoe rentals are available at the Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area. Snowshoes are also available to guests at Evergreen Lodge or The Redwoods in Yosemite lodging.

Snowshoeing in the Yosemite Region

The High Sierra is a playground for adventurous snowshoers.

West of Yosemite, there is great snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in Stanislaus National Forest. Our favorite starting points are the Crabtree Cross-country Ski Trailhead, Gooseberry Cross-country Ski Trailhead, and the Highway 108 Sno-Park.

On the east side of the range, head to Bishop Creek Recreational Area and Rock Creek Canyon, both scenic spots with miles of snowshoe routes near the town of Bishop.

In the Mammoth Lakes area, hit up the trail systems of the Inyo National Forest (try the Long Valley Caldera area).

Just south of the park, the Sierra National Forest also offers excellent ‘shoeing opportunities (Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp runs guided trips in this area).