Glacier Point Road Road Yosemite National Park Glacier Point Road BEFORE YOU START SOME TRAIL OPTIONS Ski or snowshoe touring in Yosemite can be a KNOW THE RULES magnifi cent experience, or it can be a disaster Winter Trails if certain simple preparations are ignored. Park Glacier Point Road: Because ski tracks are set by rangers have assembled a set of suggestions Certain regulations must machine, this is the best trail for beginners or those Yosemite National Park 50¢ which, when observed, can help ensure a safe be observed by winter backcountry users; these wanting an easier ski. A skating lane is also provided. protect the park as well as visitors. trip even if you encounter stormy weather or Go out as far as you like (Glacier Point itself is 10.5 • For all overnight trips obtain a wilderness permit miles, 16.9 km, one way), but remember, on the return unforeseen problems. at Badger Pass ranger station. Self-registration is trip the last few miles are uphill. Spectacular vistas of Plan your trip sensibly, keeping in mind your available when rangers are not available. the and large meadows for lunch stops experience and physical condition. Remember that make this trip even more enjoyable. • Camp at least 1½ miles from Badger Pass. winter days are short and you may not be able to • Camp no closer than 100 feet (30.5 m) to lakes, Old Glacier Point Road (3.3 mi., 5.3 km, one travel as far as you expect. streams, and trails. way to Bridalveil Creek Campground): This trail Before you leave on a trip, let someone know • T o dispose of human waste, dig through snow follows the old road, traveling uphill approximately 1/3 where you’re going and when you’ll return. and six inches into soil. mile (.5 km), then dropping down into the Bridalveil/ Keep track of others in your party. • Pack out all garbage, including toilet paper. Peregoy Meadow area. Although the grade is not Always carry a map and compass and know • Cutting tree limbs or pine boughs for shelter is extremely steep, it can be a challenging run in icy how to use them. Unless you’re an expert with map conditions. Connect with the “new” Glacier Point Road not permitted. for a nice 6-mile (9.7 km) round trip. and compass, stay on trails, which are indicated by • No pets permitted beyond plowed roads. markers on trees. Consider carrying a GPS unit, if • No motorized vehicles are permitted. Dewey Point via Meadows #18 (3.5 mi., you know how to use one. • Skiers and snowshoers should make and maintain 5.6 km, one way from Badger): Follow the Glacier Get a weather forecast (209/372-0200)—then be separate tracks. Point Road to the east end of Summit Meadow to start prepared for the unexpected. • If skiing off trails in the Glacier Point area, be this trail. The trail winds through a series of meadows, alert for power lines. continues on to some more diffi cult hills, and ends at a Even on short trips, carry proper gear and food • No camping is permitted at Summit Meadow or popular vista of . This trail is crowded on for an unplanned bivouac. Always carry and drink weekends and holidays, and can present quite diffi cult plenty of water. If you are thirsty, you are already the overlooks at Dewey and Glacier Points. skiing in old snow or icy conditions. Not recommended dehydrated. for beginners after the fi rst mile through the meadows. Clothing and equipment suggestions: Wear wool, GETTING INTO FOCUS Dewey Point via Ridge #14 (4 mi., 6.4 km, one fl eece, or polypropylene—a wool or synthetic hat is essential. These fabrics retain some warmth even way from Badger): This trail starts off the Glacier Change is the way of nature. If you visit this area Point Road to the west of Summit Meadow. This is a when wet. Pack a waterproof jacket. Carry quick- more than once or twice, you’ll encounter changes in more challenging and diffi cult trail out to the valley vista energy food, water, waterproof matches, a fl ashlight, the landscape and learn to recognize their subtleties. mentioned above. It takes skiers along a winding up-and- and protection from the sun. On one visit, you may fi nd the red fi rs clothed in pale down course among red fi r and lodgepole pine forests. If you become lost or must bivouac unexpectedly, blue frost, wind-driven snow plastered to the ruddy THINK! Stop early to prepare for the night. Don’t (9-10.3 mi., 14.5-16.6 km, trunks. Another time, they may glow a sun-lit green, thrash around or panic; save your energy. Build a fi re, one way): Nestled in a bowl below Horse Ridge at chartreuse lichens clinging to each limb. Should you if possible. Avoid wind and insulate your body from 8,600 feet (2,621 m) elevation, Ostrander Lake is a ski through the haunted ghost forest of dead lodge- popular overnight destination (see “Facilities” section). snow. Drink warm liquids, if possible; eat often and pole pines, they may seem even more ghostly when Of the three main trails to the lake, Bridalveil Creek is huddle together. Stay dry! silhouetted against the silent white of a building the easiest (intermediate). Merced Crest is the hardest Keep an eye on members of your party. Hypother- and very diffi cult to follow (expert skiers only!). storm. On another day your reward may be vistas of mia can be recognized by unusually slow movements, white Sierra peaks, brilliant under the bluest of skies. Reservations are recommended for Ostrander Ski Hut unintelligible speech, and peculiar behavior. If a and a wilderness permit is required. member of your party appears hypothermic, take Ghost Forest Loop (11.5 mi., 18.5 km, round quick action to keep him or her as warm as possible. FACILITIES trip from Badger): Follow the Glacier Point Road If you have informed someone of your expected to the Bridalveil Creek/Ostrander Lake trailhead (#21). return and are overdue, remember that help probably Toilet facilities are located at Summit Meadow, Follow trail #21 across rolling terrain to the junction with is on the way. Maintain the attitude that you can Bridalveil Creek Trailhead, parking area, the Ghost Forest Trail #19 (1.7 miles, 2.7 km). Two more and will survive. Glacier Point, and Ostrander Lake. Bunks are available miles of moderate skiing on trail #19 will bring you back If someone in your party needs ranger assistance to Bridalveil Campground, where you can take either Skiers and snowshoers, please make and for overnight use at the Ostrander Lake Ski Hut, and the old or new Glacier Point Road back to Badger Pass. maintain separate, parallel trails. If you are and you can safely ski out, go to the Badger Pass reservations are recommended. You can reserve a spot walking, please stay off the ski trails. Foot- Ranger Station. At night, call 911 for emergency by writing or calling Yosemite Conservancy, P.O. Box assistance from the telephone at the ski lodge. 230, El Portal, CA 95318, 209/372-0740. The $20.00 Trail Rating Legend: steps create holes in the snow, which can make skiing diffi cult and create hazards. charge per person, per night must be paid in advance. Easiest More diffi cult Most diffi cult Structure Telephone Restroom MILES KILOMETERS More diffi cult Most diffi More 1 12 0.5 This project made possible through a gift from the a gift from made possible through This project Plowed road track/ski trail Groomed Marked ski trail (ungroomed) numbers Trail (keyed to trailhead markers) Downhill direction Easiest 0.5 cult Jeangerard Foundation. Printed on recycled paper. © 2006. paper. Foundation. Printed on recycled Jeangerard 6

radically due to changes in weather or snow conditions.

Contour interval = 100 feet (30.5 m) Mileage scale GLACIER POINT ROAD WINTER TRAILS Rating:* Ski Trail based upon ideal snow conditions and may change ratings are Trail * Skiers and snowshoers, please make maintain separate, parallel trails. Register at Badger Pass Ranger Station for overnight trips; FROM BADGER (ONE WAY) DISTANCES Glacier Point Road: ...... 1.0...... miles Summit Meadow 1.6 km ...... 2.8...... miles 4.5 km Bridalveil Campground ...... 3.3...... miles Bridalveil Creek 5.3 km ...... 4.1-4.5...... 6.6-7.2 miles km Ostrander Trailheads ...... 5.7Clark Range View ...... miles 9.2 km ...... 9.2...... miles Sentinel Dome 14.8 km ...... 10.5...... miles Glacier Point 16.9 km Dewey Point: ...... 3.5...... miles via No.18 Meadow Trail 5.6 km ...... 4.0...... miles via No.14 Ridge Trail 6.4 km Ostrander Lake: ...... 9.0...... miles 14.5 km No.15 Horizon Ridge ...... 9.7...... miles 15.6 km Crest No.16 Merced ...... 10.3...... miles 16.6 km No.19/21 Bridalveil Creek ...... 3.0 trip) ...... (round miles Snowshoe Trail 4.8 km diffi 02 03

78 77 76 75 74 73 72 71 70 69 68 67

N 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 m 000

7000 76 76 2 2

7000 8000 Ostrander Lake Ski Hut

9000 8000 75 75 2 2 17 Ostrander Lake

5000 6000 74 74 True North True Magnetic North 2 2

8000 8000 Horizon Ridge

Washburn Point

8000 Glacier Point Ridge Illilouette 15 73 73 2 2 #15 Horizon Ridge

16 8000 Clark Range View 72 72 2 2 21 #21 Bridalveil Creek

Sentinel Dome 8000 20 71 71 2 2 Ostrander Rocks 21 #20 #20 Taft 70 70 2 2

16 5000 19 Bridalveil Creek Campground (closed) 69 69 Peregoy Meadow Peregoy 2 2 #19 Ghost Forest 23 #16 Merced Crest #16 Merced Bridalveil Creek 68 68 2 2 McGurk Meadows 7000 7000

13 4000 Cathedral Rocks 67 67 18 Westfall Meadows 2 2

Summit Meadow

D #18 Dewey Point Meadow A #13 Limit

O

R

T 16

N

I

O P

Dewey Point

66 R 66

E

2 I 2 C

A L

Tempo Dome G

YOSEMITE VALLEY

D

L O 14 65 65 BADGER PASS

2 2 5000 Snowshoe Trail 64 64 2 2 #14 Dewey Point Ridge BADGER PASS RANGER STATION

7000 Strawberry Creek

Rail Creek

Bishop Creek Bishop 7000 6000 7 63 63

WAWONA TUNNEL 2 2 #7 Chinquapin Grouse Creek 62 62

2 2 6000 SOUTH TO WAWONA ENTRANCE STATION 61 61 CHINQUAPIN INTERSECTION

2 2

5000 4000 E E

m 4000 m 000 000

ARCH ROCK ENTRANCE STATION 5000

Indian Creek 60 60

HIGHWAY 140 TO MERCED HIGHWAY TO YOSEMITE WEST HENNESS RIDGE LOOKOUT

2 2

78 77 76 75 74 73 72 71 70 69 68 67

N 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 m 000