Think of Yosemite as a world-class venue for outdoor sports. If you are into rock climbing and moutaineering, Yosemite's cliffs provide challenges that attract some of the best climbers in the world. And, during the winter months, Yosemite National Park is a destination for many to ski, both downhill and cross-country, snowboard and ice skate. And of course there is hiking.
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Ski Vacationg at Yosemite National Park
When the winter comes Yosemite National Park is a great place for a ski vacation. The Badger Pass ski area is the oldest downhill skiing area in California. It offers downhill skiing and snowboarding from when the snowfalls until usually sometime in March. There are 10 downhill runs, 85 percent of them are beginner or intermediate. The vertical drop is 800 feet, from 8000 feet to 7200 feet. There are five lifts. And no problem is there are some non-skiers on the ski vacation. There is also a ski school so it's a good place to learn. Younger kids and young at heart adults can also enjoy snow tubing at Badger Pass. Ski rental equipment is available and shuttle busses run to and from Yosemite Valley. Your lodge may be able to arrange rentals for you.
Once the snow falls, the Yosemite National Park becomes a winter wonderland for cross-country skiers, but usually not in Yosemite Valley. The Yosemite Valley usually doesn't have enough snow for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of places to cross-country ski. Three of the most popular areas are Badger Pass and along the Glacier Point Road, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and the Crane Flat area. For those with experience the Yosemite Mountaineering School operates two backcountry ski tours. One is a 10 and a half-mile trip to a ski hut at Glacier Point. There you can stay for a night or two before skiing back out. They also operate a hut at Tuolumne Meadows. Be advised this is no luxury hotel stay, and tours to there are for more advanced skiers.
Rock Climbing and Mountaineering at Yosemite
You can take on those rock faces yourself or during the winter, the Yosemite National Park stays busy with skiing, both downhill and cross-country. The Badger Pass ski area is partway up the road to Glacier Point and many other areas of the park are available for cross-country skiing.
If you are an experienced rock climber or mountaineer, then Yosemite National Park is a place that will challenge all your skills, from the sustained crack climbs of the Merced River Canyon, to bouldering on Tuolumne Meadows, to multi-day climbs on the big monoliths of the Valley. But you don't have to be an expert to enjoy the thrills of rock climbing. There are plenty of places where you can just try a little bit of a wall or a sloping dome. If you've never done it before, you can also learn to rock climb. The Yosemite Mountaineering School runs classes on rock climbing. They also operate guided climbs and rent equipment for backpackers.
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Hiking Vacation
Hiking is probably the number one activity at Yosemite National Park during vacation. Oh, you can stay in your car or bus and just drive around the park but you really will want to get out and stretch your legs a little and get closer to nature. Some of the trails are even wheelchair accessible. When going on a hike remember to stay on the trails, taking shortcuts causes trail erosion. If you are going on a longer hike, one that is over a mile or so, make sure you bring water with you. And don't forget to stock up on food. Many of the restaurants at Yosemite National Park supply food for the trail. The trails are incredibly scenic, and some make great spots for wedding photos. Some of the more popular hiking trails in Yosemite Valley are:
Bridalveil Fall - this relatively easy hike is about a half-mile roundtrip. It starts at the Bridalveil Fall parking lot. It is along a paved trail that goes to the base of this waterfall. Prepare to get wet, but it is well worth it. You'll be standing at the base of the fall.
Lower Yosemite Fall - this is another relatively easy little hike. It is about a mile long as part of a loop. Most of the loop is wheelchair accessible. You begin at the Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead about half way up there is a left turn, take it you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls. Then back track and continue along the trail to the base of the falls.
Mirror Lake - this is a gentle walk that starts near the entrance to the Ahwahnee hotel. It's about 3 miles roundtrip but there is only a 94-foot elevation gain during the hike. It is not wheelchair accessible and is a little rough in places. Mirror lake is very shallow and sometimes can actually dry up in the summer. It is slowly silting up and turning into a meadow, much in the way the entire floor of Yosemite Valley was created
Vernal Fall - this hike is a little tougher. It is along what is called the mist trial. You'll understand the name as you climb along the river and the waterfall. To the bottom of Vernal Fall, it's about a mile and a half round trip and a 400-foot increase in elevation. That part isn't too bad. But if you want to get to the top of Vernal Fall, you've got almost another three-quarters of a mile to go, making for a 3 mile round trip. It is also another 600 feet in elevation. The last half-mile or so is a steep climb up a steep granite stairway of over 600 steps. The trail starts at Happy Isles.
Nevada Fall - is the next stop along the Mist Trail. It is another mile and a quarter beyond the top of Vernal Fall. You can also take the John Muir Trail to the top of Nevada Fall. The entire trip is about 7 miles, and is not for the faint of heart. It adds another 1000 feet to the elevation after Vernal Fall.
Half Dome - at Nevada Fall you are a little less then half way to Half Dome. Keep going along the trail and follow the signs. This is definitely not a hike for people who aren't in shape. You'll be climbing another 2800 feet. The last 900 feet of trail is a very steep climb up the east side of Half Dome. Cables assist hikers on the final 400 feet (122 m). They consist of two steel cables, about 3 feet apart and suspended at arm's height from pipes set in the rock.
You can also do day hikes in other areas of Yosemite National Park such as Wawona and the Mariposa Grove, Tuolumne Meadows, Hetch Hetchy and off Glacier Point Road. You can ride a free shuttle to Glacier Point and then take what is called four mile trail to the bottom of the valley.
There are also organized group hikes that provide guides who can fill you in on the flowers you'll see, the geology and the history of the area. The National Park Service also provides many interesting walks and talks each day. You can get trail maps and other information at the visitor center in Yosemite Village and at some of the hotels and other lodging in the park.
Biking
If you'd like to cover a little more distance, then biking would be the way to go. There are over 12 miles of paved bike paths are available in Yosemite Valley. In addition, bicyclists can ride on regular roads. Off-trail riding, mountain biking, and use of motorized bicycles or scooters on bike paths are not permitted in Yosemite National Park. The floor of Yosemite Valley is relatively flat so the bike riding is easy. You can bring your own bikes or you can rent bicycles. You can rent a bike at Yosemite Lodge most of the year and also at Curry Village during the spring and summer.
Mule & Horseback Rides
Maybe you'd like to try seeing the area on the back of a horse or mule. That can be arranged. Horses can be rented in the Wawona area. Mules predominate in the Yosemite Valley and in the Tuolumne Meadows area. There are also organized pack trips into the wilderness areas.
