Yosemite Winter Adventure — Lodge Based

Trip Length5 Days
Group Size4-12
Activity level
Starting from
$3,379 for REI Members
$3,709 for non-members
DeparturesDec 2024-Dec 2025

Spend five days snowshoeing and hiking by day and enjoying the comforts of a beautiful lodge by night.

Yosemite in the winter is a sight to behold. It is a wonderland of brilliant white, iced granite peaks and snow-topped trees. Snowshoeing in this spectacular landscape—and doing it all during the park's lightest visitation period—is an intimate and magical experience. Top it off with cozy accommodations and the company of fellow adventurers, and you have a winter adventure for the books.

Each day brings a new adventure and once-in-a-lifetime hiking opportunities led by our expert, local guides. Enjoy some of the valley's best hikes as we set out in search of the park's grandest waterfalls and granite icons. Winter is a magical time to explore the natural wonders of Yosemite.

Retreat each evening to enjoy home-cooked meals, great company and the peace of a starry night sky. This adventure is the perfect winter escape for a hiker interested in experiencing a unique view of a much beloved national treasure.

Seeing North America’s largest waterfall, Yosemite Falls, in a winter landscape is beyond compare and sure to be a highlight of the adventure.

Trip Highlights

  • Snowshoe to see iconic sites from new vantage points
  • Enjoy sweeping winter views of the Valley from Dewey Point
  • Snowshoe beneath towering giant sequoias
  • Spend four nights in a private Yosemite West Chalet
  • Professional local guides create an unforgettable experience

Activities

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Participants should be capable of snowshoeing* or hiking up to 8 miles (up to 6 hours) each day without major discomfort while carrying a daypack that weighs 10-15 pounds. Snowshoeing is suitable for beginners but previous experience is recommended. Terrain may include some steep grades, several hundred uneven stone steps and areas of exposure to heights. Most excursions take place between 4,000-8,000' in elevation.

*Snowshoeing activities are dependent upon seasonal snow accumulation. Hiking of similar difficulty will be substituted if necessary.

  • Snowshoeing
  • Hiking

What's Included

Lodging for four nights; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; Day 1 group transfer from Fresno and Day 5 group transfer back to Fresno; vehicle support; guide leadership; park entrance fees; snowshoes, trekking poles and microspikes (traction devices for boots).

Accommodations

Lodge: 4 nights.

Your Adventure Itinerary

Itinerary map for Yosemite Winter Adventure — Lodge Based
Day 1

Meet in Fresno, California and snowshoe Old Glacier Point Road

Meet your guides and fellow travelers at 9am in Fresno, California. En route to Yosemite National Park we stop for a picnic lunch and snowshoeing orientation. We trek on Old Glacier Point Road to take in the sweeping views of Yosemite, and the High Sierra. We enjoy a home-cooked meal at our private lodgings in Yosemite West. Lunch and dinner included.

Snowshoeing: 2.5 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 600' ; Driving: 2.5 hours.

Day 2

Hike to Mirror Lake and along Tenaya Canyon with views of Half Dome

This morning we circumnavigate the valley floor beneath the soaring granite walls of Tenaya Canyon. Beginning at the Ahwahnee Hotel, we hike to Mirror Lake on a trail sheltered by the cover of quiet woods. Mirror Lake offers a jaw-dropping view of Half Dome soaring 5,000' directly above us. Exploring in the spring months, we see that Mirror Lake has plenty of water and the reflections of the surrounding cliffs are excellent. Trips in the winter provide beautiful colors that create captivating reflections along Tenaya Creek. Our hike takes us to the very end of Tenaya Canyon, below Clouds Rest, where we gaze up at the steep granite walls around us. Returning to our lodgings, we relax and have dinner. All meals included.

Hiking: 6 miles at elevations of 4,000-4,300'. Elevation gain/loss: 300'.

Day 3

Snowshoe to Dewey Point for epic Yosemite Valley views

Starting at Badger Pass, we don snowshoes and trek to Dewey Point. As we tackle the gradual incline we learn about the many deciduous and coniferous trees that line the trail. We also keep an eye out for wildlife including black-tailed deer, Douglas squirrels, and snowshoe hares. Reaching Dewey Point we are rewarded with one of the best views of the Yosemite Valley. On a clear day, we have panoramic views of Clouds Rest, El Captain and Half Dome. Following a picnic lunch, we return to Badger Pass and transfer to our lodgings for the evening. All meals included.

Snowshoeing 7.5 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 700'.

Day 4

Visit Yosemite Valley and hike to Yosemite Falls viewpoint

After another healthy breakfast to start our day, we travel to the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. Enjoying the valley floor and the incredible views it provides, we make our way through the meadow to our trailhead. Today we 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 trail's many switchbacks. Winter provides an opportunity to see Yosemite Falls in a unique setting, potentially with a frozen "snow cone" of ice at the base. After exploring the valley we make our way back to our accommodations for our final dinner together. Toasting to new friendships and an amazing adventure, we close out the night looking forward to our final day in this special place. All meals included.

Hiking 5 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 1,000'.

Day 5

Snowshoe or hike in Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, return to Fresno

We load our 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 the park. We snowshoe or hike through the grove, which is home to more than 500 mature giant sequoias, and take time for a picnic lunch. Returning to the support vehicle, we bid farewell to Yosemite National Park and drive to Fresno, arriving later this afternoon. Breakfast and lunch included.

Hiking: Up to 5 miles; Elevation gain/loss up to 1,200'; Driving: 2.5 hours.

Itinerary map for Yosemite Winter Adventure — Lodge Based

Gear List

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Already booked this trip? Sign into your online traveler profile for a more detailed list of what you'll need.

REI members can shop for gently used gear online or at most REI stores. Members can also trade in pre-loved used gear online or at any REI store in exchange for REI gift card credit. Check out Re/Supply at REI to learn more.

What to pack

Contact Us

Feel free to give us a call at 1 (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales ( 1 (800) 426-4840 ) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out REI Expert Advice , which has great information to help you prepare for your trip.

Trip specifics may change over time. Reviews reflect the version of the trip that was active at the time the reviewer took it. Please review the itinerary as described above and call our team for any additional details.