If you’re looking for a fun winter snowshoe hike in Yosemite with epic views, allow me to ~point~ you to Dewey Point.
At 7.5 miles roundtrip and not too steep, it’s great for first-time snowshoers, but the panoramic views will impress even the most seasoned experts.
Seriously, photographs do NOT do Dewey Point justice.
All of Yosemite Valley is laid out beside and below you, dusted in snowy white, with roaring waterfalls just tiny streaks in the distance. There’s disorienting depth in every direction, making you feel like you’re in the valley and not just looking at it from above.
The hardest part comes first, with a quick climb uphill from the parking lot. You’ll share a groomed trail with other snowshoers and skiiers, including some overnight campers with sleds full of gear.
Snow-covered conifers sparkle in the sunlight, neon green moss blanketing much of their bark.
A little over a mile in, you’ll see this sign. Take the Meadow Trail, unless you’re looking for a more extreme adventure. (The alternative, the Ridge Trail, will also take you to Dewey Point, but is much steeper.)
Before you know it, after a little over 3.5 miles, the trail opens up to reveal a gobsmackingly beautiful view of Yosemite Valley. You made it to Dewey Point!
Take a nice, long break to enjoy a snack or three, a sip of wine/your celebratory beverage of choice, and a snowy photoshoot like we did. You earned it.
Getting There
The trail to Dewey Point begins at the Yosemite Ski Area, formerly known as Badger Pass, which is a 1-hour drive from Yosemite Valley. You can either drive yourself or take a free shuttle.
Shuttle pros: no need to worry about driving or parking, especially when roads may be icy. Shuttle cons: you’re at the mercy of the shuttle schedule.
There are typically two morning shuttles and two shuttles returning in the afternoon. Click here for the full Badger Pass Shuttle Schedule (2020). If you plan for a certain shuttle and miss it, you’ll have quite a long time to wait for the next one! (And if you miss the last shuttle back, you can only hope someone in the parking lot is willing to drive you an hour back to the Valley.)
Snowshoeing Tips for First-Timers
If you can walk, you can snowshoe! This route is friendly for beginners, even if you’ve never snowshoed before. (It was the very first time for several women in our group.) You can rent snowshoes in the trailhead parking lot for $26.50 per day.
The trail to Dewey Point is on the long side, 7.5 miles roundtrip, but it’s not difficult. Aside from one short uphill section in the beginning, the trail is mostly flat, with beautiful forested views.
Keep in mind, though, that snowshoeing is more tiring than basic hiking. You have weights strapped to your shoes, after all, and your steps naturally become higher. It will take you longer to snowshoe a trail than it would take you to hike the same distance.
What to Wear Snowshoeing
- Snow pants or snow gaiters. Snowshoeing kicks up snow and you’ll want something to keep your legs dry.
- Sunglasses! The sun reflecting on snow can be punishing.
- Warm hat and gloves
- Waterproof hiking boots or snow boots, to keep your feet dry.
- Warm socks, plus an extra pair for when your feet get sweaty.
- Lightweight baselayer. You can easily work up a sweat while snowshoeing, even in frigid weather, so bring a lightweight layer to wear underneath your…
- Puffy coat. You’ll get cold fast as soon as you stop moving.
What to Bring to Dewey Point
No snowshoes? No problem!
You can rent snowshoes from the Yosemite Ski Area, which shares a parking lot with the trailhead, for $26.50 per day at the time of this writing. (You can also rent by the half-day for $22.50, but it’s likely worth the extra $4 to avoid feeling rushed.)
You should also pack:
- Snacks! Some of my favorites are Sport Beans and Snickers bars, but whatever floats your snowshoes.
- Water bladder with minimum 2L capacity. (You can fill up at the Yosemite Ski Area.)
- (Optional) JetBoil and hot cocoa or cider packets for a celebratory hot beverage at the summit
- (Optional) Air-activated hand warmers for icy fingers and toes
- NOT optional: The 10 Essentials of Hiking
Adventures to Combine with Dewey Point Snowshoeing
But wait, there’s more!
If you decide to drive yourself to Dewey Point, make a side trip to Yosemite’s iconic Tunnel View on your way back. It’s a different angle and aspect of Yosemite Valley, made famous by Ansel Adams, and is sure to impress.
If you can schedule your trip for February (in 2020, specifically February 19-22,) plan to see Firefall at Horsetail Falls the evening before or after your hike.
Every year that the weather cooperates, the setting sun illuminates Horsetail Falls like a glowing ribbon of lava. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience! I wrote a whole post about how to see firefall here, including tips for 2020.
On our trip in February 2019 we saw some of the famous landmarks of Yosemite Valley, snowshoed to Dewey Point, had snacks at the Yosemite Ski Area, drove to Tunnel View, and saw Firefall all in one marvelous day. And all with no vacation days required, since we came from the Bay Area!
For even more ideas for cold-weather fun in Yosemite, (ice skating with views of Half Dome, anyone??) check out my list of 11 Magical Winter Activities in Yosemite National Park.
Questions about snowshoeing to Dewey Point? Want more ideas for winter in Yosemite? Leave a comment below!
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