4-Nights California Yosemite Winter Adventure Lodge Based from $3,379

MT Sobek: California Yosemite Winter Hiking

Day 1 Journey to Yosemite & Snowshoe Old Glacier Point Road
2.5-hour private van transfer
2.5 miles/2 hours snowshoeing with 400' elevation gain and loss
Meet your guides and fellow travelers this morning in Fresno, California. En route to Yosemite National Park, you'll stop for a picnic lunch and snowshoeing orientation. Begin your snowshoe adventure at Badger Pass, following the Old Glacier Point Road as it winds through a quiet, snow-blanketed forest. The steady climb rewards you with a truly spectacular panorama with Yosemite Valley spread below, Half Dome rising in grandeur, and the distant High Sierra peaks shimmering under their winter coat. After your adventure in the crisp mountain air, enjoy a home-cooked meal at your private lodgings in Yosemite West.
Accommodation: Yosemite West Private Lodging
(L, D)

Day 2 Hike to Mirror Lake & Enjoy Half Dome Views
1-private van transfer
6 miles/4 hours hiking with 300' elevation gain and loss
This morning, you'll circumnavigate the valley floor beneath the soaring granite walls of Tenaya Canyon. Beginning at the Ahwahnee Hotel, hike to Mirror Lake on a trail that takes you through snow-blanketed woods. Mirror Lake offers a jaw-dropping view of Half Dome soaring 5,000' directly above you. There's a stillness in Yosemite Valley in winter; the light is softer, and the scale of the cliffs and wilderness feels even more immense. It seems almost otherworldly compared to the bustling summer scene. Your hike takes you to the very end of Tenaya Canyon, below Clouds Rest, where you can gaze up at the steep granite walls. Returning to your lodgings to relax and have dinner.
Accommodation: Yosemite West Private Lodging
(B, L, D)

Day 3 Snowshoe to Dewey Point for Epic Yosemite Valley Views
40-minute private van transfer
7.5 miles/5-6 hours snowshoeing with 700' elevation gain and loss
Starting at Badger Pass, don snowshoes and trek to Dewey Point. As you tackle the gradual incline, learn about the many deciduous and coniferous trees that line the trail and keep an eye out for wildlife, including black-tailed deer, Douglas squirrels, and snowshoe hares, as well as their tracks in the snow. Reaching Dewey Point, one of the best views of the Yosemite Valley opens wide before you. On a clear day, this includes panoramic views of the icy peak of Clouds Rest, snow-capped El Captain, and majestic Half Dome. Following a picnic lunch, return to Badger Pass and transfer to your lodgings to rest and recharge.

(B, L, D)

Day 4 Hike Yosemite Valley & Marvel at Yosemite Falls
1-hour private van transfer
5 miles/3 hours hiking with 1,000' elevation gain and loss
After another healthy breakfast to start your day, transfer to the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, enjoying the valley floor and the incredible views it provides as you traverse the meadow to the trailhead. Today, you'll hike to an observation point below the famous Yosemite Falls. During the winter, the lower portion of this trail is in direct sunlight on clear days, creating a pleasant journey along the many switchbacks. Witness Yosemite Falls in winter, potentially with a frozen "snow cone" of ice at the base. After exploring the valley, head back to your accommodations for your final dinner together. Toasting to new friendships and an amazing adventure, close out the night looking forward to your final day in this special place.

(B, L, D)

Day 5 Snowshoe or Hike Through Giant Sequoias
2.5-hour private van transfer
2-6 miles/1-3 hours hiking with 500'-1,000' elevation gain and loss
Load your luggage into the support vehicle before heading to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias (6,128'), the largest and most impressive grove of giant sequoias in Yosemite. Snowshoe or hike through the grove, which is home to more than 500 mature giant sequoias. Pause to marvel at their immense trunks, listen to the quiet hush of snow, and enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by this breathtaking winter wonderland. Return to the support vehicle, bid farewell to Yosemite National Park, and drive to Fresno, arriving later this afternoon. Treasure your memories of Yosemite's world-renowned beauty cloaked in winter splendor.

(B, L)