YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK — The Yosemite Conservancy — a non-profit dedicate to preserving the grandeur of the national park — offers outdoor adventures with experienced naturalist guides.
They run the gamut from day hikes and backpacking trips to photography workshops and bird watching. They also offer several winter guided trips.
Winter options include:
Snowshoe hike, Jan. 6,
to enjoy valley vistas
Winter in Yosemite means quiet days, glittering peaks and snowshoe season. Join the Yosemite Conservancy for a guided snowshoe walk to Dewey Point, high above Yosemite Valley. As you make your way through a frosty forest wonderland, your experienced naturalist guide will point out winter wildlife, animal tracks, tree species and more. Enjoy lunch at the overlook, where you’ll find spectacular views of El Capitan, Ribbon Fall and other natural wonders, and then take the scenic route back to Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area.
No snowshoeing experience required, but participants must to be physically fit. The hike that goes up to 7,000 feet is moderately challenging, depending on the snow conditions; about seven miles round-trip. The registration price is $99.
Included with your registration:
*A full-day guided snowshoe adventure (Saturday, Jan. 6, starting at 8 am and lasting about eight hours)
*Park entry (as needed)
*Snowshoe rental (as needed)
*Two nights of camping (as needed, Jan. 5 and Jan. 6) at Upper Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley
There is no discount if you choose not to use their gate pass or campsites. Information about upgrading your accommodations to stay at Yosemite Valley Lodge will be emailed to you after you sign up. The option to upgrade expires 45 days before the program.
Other snow shoe walks to enjoy valley vistas from Dewey Point are Jan. 20, Feb. 3, March 3 and March 10.
Snowshoe Yosemite: Winter
ecology & survival at
Tuolumne Grove on Jan. 21
Spend the day immersed in Yosemite’s winter majesty as January is the perfect time to enjoy a snowshoe through serene meadows and the awe-inspiring giant sequoia trees in Tuolumne Grove.
For this adventure your naturalist guide, will share her knowledge and insider tips as you explore Yosemite’s winter landscape. Discover the secrets of winter ecology during a gentle guided snowshoe walk through the meadows of Crane Flat and into Tuolumne Grove, where you’ll learn to identify animal tracks and see how plants and wildlife adapt to the cold and snow. You’ll also have the opportunity to brush up on your winter survival skills in an interactive course on building fires, making shelters and more.
No snowshoeing experience required, but participants must to be physically fit for the moderate seven miles round-trip that goes up to 5,600 feet in elevation with a 1,200-foot elevation gain. The cost is $99.
Elevation: 5,600 feet elevation with 1,200-foot elevation gain
Registration Price: $99
Included with your registration:
*A full-day guided snowshoe adventure Sunday, Jan 21, starting at 9 am and lasting about seven hours)
*Park entry (as needed)
*Snowshoe rental (as needed)
*Two nights of shared camping (as needed, arriving Jan 20 and departing Jan 22) at Upper Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley
A second trip is planned for Feb. 10.
