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Glacier point is a great escape from the crowds, especially in the winter where you can get a new perspective of Half Dome and Vernal, Nevada, and Yosemite Falls
Known for its breathtaking vistas, towering granite faces, and thundering waterfalls, Yosemite National Park truly is one of the world’s most astounding landscapes. Though the park covers nearly 1200 square miles, the vast majority of the ~4 million annual visitors spend almost all their time around the 18 square miles of Yosemite Valley. Especially between mid-April and mid-September, the valley can be very crowded, and camping spots are all but impossible to find. You can get a bird’s-eye view of the valley and an escape from some of that crowd at Glacier Point, which sits 3200 feet higher, but even that gets crowded. In winter and early spring, though, it’s a completely different story. Near-solitude and sweeping vistas of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite Valley far below await the everyday adventurer who snowshoes or skis the Glacier Point Road, which closes to vehicles in November and is groomed for Nordic skiing throughout the winter.
The route winds through forest for most of the first 10 miles and has a gentle grade, making for easy skiing and snowshoeing. Once you reach Washburn Point, you get a truly outstanding view of Half Dome, and the road descends steeply to Glacier Point. Unless you have excellent skills and backcountry skis with metal edges, it’s a good idea to walk the steep parts, especially if you’re carrying a heavy overnight pack or towing a sled. Glacier Point is only 0.75 mi past Washburn, and there are great places to pitch a tent near the visitors center, which serves as a lodge in winter. Outstanding vistas of Half Dome, Tenaya Canyon, Cloud’s Rest, Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls, and Yosemite Falls can be had all around the rim, and you may very well have to share those views with nobody else. Nearby is a marked trail leading to the summit of Sentinel Dome, just over 1 mile away and up 400 feet. The combination of good but not crushing exercise, incredible views of many of the park’s most iconic features, and the quiet and solitude of having this spectacular part of Yosemite virtually all to yourself makes this an unforgettable trip.
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Nordic Ski and Snowshoe to Glacier Point
I just finished a winter backpacking trip here on XC skis, do yourself a favor and bring/rent the backcountry xc skis (metal edges). The trail was very icy in parts and classic track skis won't be able to slow you down on the long descents. Overall this was a fairly enjoyable and easy xc ski on a groomed road; if you're in shape and ski, you'll definitely have a great time. We went out on a Friday and only encountered a few people the second half of the trail. There aren't many views on the trail itself but the massive trees make up for it.
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Cross-Country Ski to the Ostrander Ski Hut
Start your trip from the Badger Pass ski area. The Glacier point road is closed past here, and you'll spend your first couple of miles skiing mostly downhill to the Bridalveil Falls trailhead.The Bridelveil Creek trail gains slightly less elevation but is less scenic and longer than the more popular Horizon Ridge trail. We went up to the hut this way and came down Horizon Ridge.If you are going...
Winter Backpack to Sentinel Dome in Yosemite
The goal for our weekend was to do some winter camping in the Yosemite backcountry; we decided on Sentinel Dome as our destination. The trail is a cakewalk during the summer, but winter turns it into a 10 mile uphill grind from the car. Most people opt to head for the ski hut at Glacier Point, but Sentinel Dome is less crowded, and in my opinion, more rewarding. The trailhead begins at the Bad...
Dewey Point via Badger Pass Ski Area
Take the one-hour shuttle ride from the Yosemite Lodge to the Yosemite Ski Area, so that you don't have to worry about driving in the snowy conditions, or finding parking. If you don’t own snowshoes, you can easily rent a pair from the rental shop for the day. Current rates are $24.00 for a full day, and $21.00 for a half-day. There are several trails in the area for both snowshoeing and cross...
This approximately 5-mile out-and-back trail is a great hike in Yosemite National Park. This trail starts off of Dewey Point's Meadow Trail, but you can also start from the Dewey Point Ridge trail, which you'll pass first when coming up Glacier Point Road. This trail is not dog friendly, but is accessible year-round, but will start from the Badger Pass ski area in the winter.
Dewey Point via McGurk Meadow Trailhead
Before you start, be sure to visit the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center and grab an overnight permit. More info on this at nps.gov. This trail meanders through beautiful, dense meadows full of wildlife - watch for bears! When you're not hiking among the wildflowers and babbling brooks, you're encompassed in red fir forests and small aspen groves. Note that there are only a couple intermittent c...
Hike to Inspiration Point in Yosemite NP
Inspiration Point is a granite slab located on the mountainside above Tunnel View. Hiking to this scenic point will provide you with the same views you would get from Tunnel View with less people around. Hiking this trail can also take you to different parts of Yosemite if you're so inclined (Bridalveil Falls, Dewey Point, Taft Point, etc - just remember your wilderness permit). To get to the t...