I Must Start for the Great Temple to Listen to the Winter Songs

Yosemite National Park Winter Camping Areas Skiers & Snowshoers: Maintain Separate Trails Winter Hiking Wilderness Winter Use Camp out of sight of all trails and water sources. If you are walking or snowshoeing, do not walk Snowshoes or skis are generally necessary for foot Winter wilderness users must camp at least one on ski tracks. Footsteps create holes in snow, travel from December through April. Even in May, mile away from a plowed road. When using trails which make skiing difficult and create hazards. if you want to avoid snow, you’re likely to be from Yosemite Valley, camp above the valley rim. Snowshoers should walk on the outer edge of the limited to trailheads in Yosemite Valley, Wawona, Camping in the Mariposa Grove is permitted only groomed area, outside ski tracks to prevent skier/ and Hetch Hetchy. Day hike maps are available at above the Clothespin Tree in the upper grove from snowshoer collisions, and maintain separate tracks the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center and online at December 1 to April 15. At other times, camping in in ungroomed areas. Skiers have the right of way. www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/brochures.htm. this area is prohibited. Camping is prohibited in the following areas: Typically the Four Mile Trail, and sections of the John Muir and Mist Trails, are closed • Within 1½ miles of the Badger Pass ski area boundary GROOMED SKI TRACKS during the winter. Portions of the John Muir and • Within Summit Meadow Mist Trails remain open, so it’s still possible to • Within Tuolumne Grove SKATING LANE hike to the tops of Vernal and Nevada Falls and • Dewey or Glacier Points (camping is permitted to Little Yosemite Valley, though these trails are near both points, but not at the points themselves) GROOMED SKI TRACKS often snowy or icy. The Half Dome cables are not in use during the winter season. Check for Snowshoeing & Skiing Trails winter trail closures online at www.nps.gov/yose/ Most winter users enjoy the marked winter trails planyourvisit/conditions.htm, at a visitor center around Badger Pass (7,200 feet), Crane Flat (6,200 Overnight Parking or by calling 209/372-0200 before your trip. feet), or in the Mariposa Grove (5,600 to 6,600 Park in the overnight zones and park you vehicle feet). Roads are maintained in these areas, although with its front or rear close to the snow bank so it Equipment chains are often required. Each area has beginner, I must start for will not be an obstacle for the snow plows or other Rental skis, snowshoes, and cross-country ski intermediate, and advanced trails, which range traffic. If you are parking in Badger Pass area, the great temple in length from less than one mile to over 20 miles lessons are available through the Yosemite Nordic remember to leave the pink copy of your Ski School at Badger Pass (209/372-8444). to listen to round-trip. Another popular trip for more advanced wilderness permit on your dashboard with the skiers and snowshoers leaves from Yosemite Valley The Badger Pass season typically runs from mid- the winter songs. name and return date showing. December through late March depending on and heads toward Tuolumne Meadows via Snow John Muir Creek Trail. Visit www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/ snow conditions. Overnight (tent, stoves, sleeping wintersports.htm for trail maps. bags, etc.) and safety equipment (shovels, avalanche beacons) are NOT available for rental. Photo courtesy Peter Gavette Welcome! Overnight Winter Permits Winter Safety Continued Winter Safety Continued Wilderness permits for overnight use are required • Let someone know your plans and when you • Purify all drinking water from open sources by in winter (Nov.- April), but are available on a self- will return. Do not go alone unless you are very boiling, treating chemically, or water filtration. From December through April, backpacking registration basis. No reservations are necessary. experienced. • Report emergencies via cell phone or radio, and in Yosemite usually involves snow camping Follow directions for self-registration at permit • Do not venture into steep, snowy terrain carry a whistle. Additionally, pay phones are and travel by skis or snowshoes. Most of the stations located in Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, unless you have had avalanche training. available at the Badger Pass Ranger Station, Crane park is designated Wilderness—designated by Wawona Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio, Badger Wear an avalanche beacon and know how Flat gas station, Tuolumne Grove, and Mariposa Congress because the American people wanted Pass Ranger Station, or the Big Oak Flat to use it properly. Grove parking lots. areas where nature and its community of life • Do not separate from your group. Keep track Information Station. For trips originating from Minimum Impact remain unchanged by humans. You will Hetch Hetchy, permits are issued by rangers at the of one another and stay alert for signs of altitude experience nature on its own terms in Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station. Call 209/372-0200 sickness, fatigue and hypothermia. Leave no trace by following these guidelines: Yosemite’s wilderness including snow bridges, for current Hetch Hetchy staff hours of • Stay oriented. Carry and know how to use • Store your food properly. Bears and other avalanche, falling ice, collapsing snow, and operation and road closures. Only the Yosemite a map and compass. animals may be active even during the winter. sudden stormy weather. These are all part of Valley Visitor Center, Hetch Hetchy Entrance • Eat and drink plenty. Bring high energy foods • Bicycles and all motorized vehicles are prohibited the wilderness experience. Station, and Badger Pass Ranger Station are and carry extra water. in Wilderness. Pets are only allowed on paved staffed. For trips beginning at Badger Pass, you • Be prepared for an emergency. Carry a first and plowed roads, trails, and parking lots. This brochure will help you understand how must obtain your permit at the Badger Pass Ranger aid kit, pocket knife, signal mirror, whistle, • Responsible human waste disposal requires to plan for visiting the Yosemite wilderness in Station (“A-frame”). Please register at the station winter. Visit www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/ waterproof matches, shovel, avalanche beacon extra effort in the winter due to snow cover. There is nothing closest to your starting point. (as necessary), emergency blanket, flashlight Human waste must be buried at least 100 feet wildwinter.htm or call 209/372-0200 for more (with extra batteries) and an emergency shelter away from any drainage or body of water (even if in the world more beautiful Winter Safety information on trip planning, obtaining a such as a tent or garbage bag. Be prepared to water is covered by snow), and 4-6 inches below than the forest wilderness permit, and trails. • Check the weather forecast (209/372-0200) and spend a night out if necessary. the soil’s surface (even if this means digging clothed to its very hollows be prepared for the unexpected. through deep snow). The snow isn’t usually as • Wear proper clothing, sun protection, and be in snow. • Choose a reasonable route. Keep in mind the prepared for sudden changes in the weather. deep under trees—if necessary use a tree well physical condition and winter travel skills of the Wool and synthetic fiber clothing helps keep you to get below the snow. Additionally, scatter William Sharp group’s least experienced member. Remember warm even when wet and may save your life. wastewater at least 100 feet from water sources. that winter days are short and you may not be • Stream crossings may be dangerous. Melting • Pack out all trash, including used toilet paper. able to travel as far as you expect. Heavy snowfall snow can cause high water and swift currents in • Use a portable stove for any cooking. Open fires may also drastically reduce the number of miles streams and rivers. should be used for emergencies only. Cutting of Printed by the you can travel in a day. Yosemite Association tree limbs is prohibited. Photo by Brian Grog Courtesy of the Yosemite National Park Archives