Snowshoeing to Dewey Point in Badger Pass Ski Area
Introductory Overview
Snowshoeing to Dewey Point, located within the Badger Pass Ski Area in Yosemite National Park, offers an unparalleled winter adventure. This route is famed for its sweeping views of Yosemite Valley, including iconic landmarks like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Cathedral Rocks. Perfect for both first-time snowshoers and seasoned adventurers, this activity combines serene winter landscapes with rewarding vistas. What sets Dewey Point apart is the solitude and quietness of the snow-covered forest trails, far removed from the bustling summer crowds Yosemite is known for.
Adventure Guide to Snowshoeing to Dewey Point
Trail Overview
Begin your journey at Badger Pass Nordic Center, which provides rentals and detailed trail maps. The snowshoe route to Dewey Point is approximately 7.5 miles round-trip and takes about 4-6 hours, depending on your pace and snow conditions. The clearly marked trail winds through meadows and dense conifer forests, ultimately leading to Dewey Point’s breathtaking views. The elevation gain of about 800 feet makes it moderately challenging.
What Makes Dewey Point Special
Dewey Point showcases one of the best winter perspectives Yosemite has to offer. From this cliffside vantage point, you'll see dramatic drops into Yosemite Valley paired with snow-topped granite monoliths. This area’s remote nature ensures you experience near total tranquility. It’s also an ideal spot for photos, with crisp winter air and soft snow highlighting the grandeur of Yosemite’s geography.
Key Amenities
The Badger Pass Nordic Center offers equipment rentals, guided snowshoe tours, and rest areas with restrooms. Ensure you check the trail conditions and weather updates for safety and preparedness.
Local Insights
Dewey Point is part of the Glacier Point Road winter corridor, an area historically significant for Yosemite’s role in promoting winter recreation. Snowshoeing here offers more than just stunning views—it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in Yosemite’s rich legacy of outdoor exploration during the quieter winter months.
Visitor Tips
When to Go: Visit between December and March, when snow is typically abundant.
What to Bring: Warm, layered clothing; waterproof boots; snowshoes (rentable at Badger Pass); water; snacks; and a trail map.
Getting There: From Yosemite Valley, drive approximately 45 minutes via Wawona Road/Highway 41 to reach Badger Pass Ski Area. Parking is free but fills up quickly on weekends.
Adventure Map
Reviews
Chad Berryhill10 months ago
Staff is super friendly and helpful. Our friends took lessons from some great teachers. The ski area is small but wasn't crowded and we enjoyed skiing all day. They won't let you drive a snow cat, so don't bother asking. Lift and rental prices are super reasonable.
Dieon Roger2 years ago
An excellent ski area for beginners and for someone who is looking to ski on a budget. If you only need access to the lower cable chair, it's only $30 and this is excellent for beginners. If you want to sign up for all cable chair access then it is $50 for half day, and I think $64 for full day access. I highly recommend this ski area to anyone who is looking to learn skiing or snowboarding. There is some space inside where you can store your boots, which is an additional option on top of $15 a day lockers. The cable chairs close at 4:00 and so does the restaurant. Closing the restaurant at 4:00 is uncalled for, because they would have made a lot more in revenue if they had just kept it running for an extra hour.
Johanna Jimeneza year ago
Went to ski here yesterday. For being a Saturday it was not too crowded. Took about 2 hours to get the rental part situated though and we arrived right at 9. Other than that the skii area was great. They have different levels so people who are learning can start out in the kiddie area and then move to the bigger slopes. You will need chains if you do not have a 4x4/AWD. You will have no cell service. They have a place to get food but we brought our own so can't speak on that but overall for it being my first time skiing it was a good experience. Didn't feel rushed or worried about there being an excessive amount of people.
Kris S10 months ago
Love this place! Reporting back after reading other reviews: This Saturday morning at 9am there was no line for rentals. Access rentals from the street side (they are lacking signage!). By 8:50ish the lessons were sold out. They did not have snowboard lessons for kids available on the day we visited, so our kids learned to ski. After a single 2 hr lesson my 10 yr old was ready to hit the big lifts and the blue squares. He doesn’t really know how to stop or turn but had tons of fun. My 7 year old’s skis kept popping out during his lesson and the teacher told me to take them back to rental to fix them. So test the skis before lesson! Two of the lifts have the swing down safety bar on the lift, but the bunny hill does not. There’s a wall of open cubbies store extra jackets or shoes. People just left their bags/coolers on the deck under tables. All the staff are friendly and nice! Pro tip: they sell ice cream(Hagen Daz) and snacks in the gear shop- which closes promptly at 4pm! Kids played in the snow in front of the deck, fort snowballs, etc. We skied until closing at 4pm then went to the valley floor for dinner.
Sunday, we snow shoed. We rented shoes from the Nordic center, then drove to the path opening on the far side of the parking lot where the trail sign is. (Smallest kid was having trouble trekking there from Nordic center). Honestly, did not really need the snow shoes. Boots were fine on the groomed flat path. Other families had brought sleds and were sledding about a quarter mile in on the side. The views were amazing!
Laxmi Aga year ago
Affordable pricing, beginner-friendly. Despite the weekend crowds and a full shuttle, the rental process took longer than expected. Lessons are served on a first-come, first-served basis, so be prepared accordingly. Additionally, please carry tire chains, although they are not required for 4x4 vehicles with snow tires. Overall, I am satisfied with the experience.
