From here, your trip is only limited by the number of days available to you! Shaped by a rich glacial history, the high alpine scenery of this range is stunning and boasts over 100 pristine lakes amidst a backdrop of looming granite peaks. The lake sits at the foot of Mt. Id also recommend camping there. The switchbacks-to-the-sky ascent from valley to rim climbs 2,600 feet in a punishing 1.7 mile stretch, but there's a memorable view across Tenaya Creek Canyon to Half Dome from the top. Want to report conditions for this trail? Uncover ancient limestone and indulge in a little history at the "Gateway to Miami" arch, built in the 1800s. Difficulty: Strenuous How to Pack Your Day Pack for Winter Hiking, 7 Picturesque Snowshoeing Trails to Try This Winter. Re: May Lake->Snow Creek trail-head. Fire/smoke cancellations are considered circumstances beyond our control. Hitchhiking or the YARTS bus will bring you back to the car. Once you reach the top, you can take a dip in the water which is about 200 yards from the campgrounds. The Gore Lake trail separates from the Gore Creek trail at 4 miles. Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist Trail [CLOSED], Half Dome via the John Muir Trail (JMT) [CLOSED], Mirror Lake via Valley Loop Trail [CLOSED], Vernal Falls and Clark Point via Mist and John Muir Loop [CLOSED], Clouds Rest Trail from Yosemite Valley [CLOSED], Vernal, Nevada, and Illilouette Falls Route [CLOSED], John Muir Trail: Happy Isles to Tuolumne Meadows [CLOSED], John Muir Trail: Yosemite Valley to Tenaya Lake [CLOSED], Merced Lake to Half Dome Loop via John Muir, Pack and Cloud Rest Trails [CLOSED], The Pinnacles and Cathedral Lake via John Muir Trail [CLOSED], John Muir and Clouds Rest Trail Loop via Happy Isles Trailhead [CLOSED], Vernal Fall Foot Bridge via John Muir Trail [CLOSED], Mirror Lake from Shuttle Stop 17 [CLOSED], Little Yosemite Valley via John Muir Trail [CLOSED], Mirror Lake, Snow Creek, and Upper Yosemite Falls Loop [CLOSED], Snow Creek Trail to Yosemite Falls Trail via North Dome [CLOSED], Happy Isles to Cloud's Rest Loop [CLOSED]. The first mile of the trail is paved and almost entirely uphill. The views get better as you climb higher until the trail leaves the open canyon walls and enters the forest. Distance: 21.6 miles / 20.2 km out and back. There are no additional restrooms along the trail. Be safe and most importantly have fun! The creek to the backpacker's camp was definitely passable, but we had only hiked 5.5 miles, and we were eager to knock some miles off of tomorrow's hike, so we continued on. The hike takes you along Tenaya Creek, Mirror Lake, and a boulder-filled canyon. From there, you can either turn around or park your bike and begin your hike. When registering online expect to pay a booking fee of 3.0% (which is capped at $30) and a processing fee of 2.7% (no cap). The following cancellation policy is only for trips booked directly through our official website. Day 1 more. Backpacking Yosemite's Snow Creek Trail (May Lake Snow Creek Trailhead to Mirror Lake) 204 views Jun 15, 2021 2 Dislike Share Save Trisha Sarathi 18 subscribers Backpacking Trip in. This spot also caters to your creativity at night. Blazing Star Nature Preserve Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Education, permits, regulations and where to hunt in your area, Local archery ranges, tips for beginners, and advice on the proper Starting at Tioga Road, hikers travel through vast forests and over small creeks to reach the summit of El Capitan. On our first day of hiking, we trekked downhill for about 5 miles, descending until we reached the Snow Creek footbridge. The Ten Lakes Basin is perched above the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River. Photo by Ravi. The next morning we had breakfast, packed up our camp, and hiked down switchbacks to make our way to the Valley. From Pate Valley, the trail climbs over the Muir Gorge and past the canyons largest waterfallsWaterwheel, Le Conte, and California. Scott and Brandon were our guides for a 8.5 mile day hike and they could not have been more friendly and supportive. Based on some internet searches, it can only be seen from the top of Half Dome and certain points on the Snow Creek Trail! The area is currently closed to camping (July/August 2016) because she knows how to break open bear canisters and is teaching her cub unfortunately. Their passion for the wilderness, people, and their career as a guide is contagious. Great for photos or for relaxing by some secluded falls. Cost: $1300 (3 days)/ $1500 (4 days) *All commercial trips in Yosemite National Park are subject to a 5% fee required by the National Park Service. The months of July and (early) August bring a gorgeous array of wildflowers, and wildlife sightings are not uncommon . Approximately 2.6 miles (4.2 km) after beginning the uphill climb, you'll reach a trail junction near Snow Creek. Sprained ankles and knee injuries are common on this trail. Well that's a different story altogether. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This family-friendly Yosemite backpacking adventure includes some of the most iconic Yosemite vistas, coupled with fun and relatively mellow hiking. Vault toilets are available 0.5 miles (0.8 km) from the trailhead and again 1 mile (1.6 km) from the trailhead at the end of the paved service road at Mirror Lake. This was a workout of a hike with spectacular views of Half Dome. Bear Cut Nature Preserve They had great stories to share along the trails and a lot of knowledge about the park's history and nature. The Snow Creek Trail is open year-round and in winter becomes a popular trail for backpackers (equipped with snow shoes and/or cross-country skis) to access the wilderness. Know your limits. Once on the Valley floor we will hike out besides Mirror Lake (at the base of Half Dome) for another 2 miles. Travel Insurance (below) is strongly recommended. The following cancellation policy is only for trips booked directly through our official website, lastingadventures.com. Once you reach the top of the switchbacks, snow will w Be sure to arrive early early in the morning to beat the crowds or if you want to break up the hike, first-come, first served campsites are available at Little Yosemite Valley Campground- make sure to check out the details in that adventure andobtain a wilderness permit. You are also welcome to purchase any other travel insurance or trip protection of your choice. May Lake to Snow Creek is a 5 mile blue singletrack trail located near Yosemite California. Get ready to swap out, Its September, and the coming of fall equals an abundance of autumnal harvestin the woods. 135th St. Any new multi-day booking made at/within 45-days in advance will be required to pay in full. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. If time allows before dinner, explore some of the Valleys hidden gems with your guide. Ask UnderTheCitylights about Lasting Adventures, Grand Canyon of Tuolumne Backpacking Trip, Ask MarkPrimrose about Lasting Adventures, Outdoor Activities in Yosemite National Park, Private Giant Sequoia Grove Hike or Snowshoe, Yosemite Valley Private Winter Hiking Tour, 5 Day Yosemite Backpacking - Amazing Sunsets. We camped near the Snow Creek footbridge on Night 2, then made our way down the switchbacks overlooking the face of Half Dome. Lastly, all profits from our guided trips go towards our non-profit youth summer camp program. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Backpacking the Snow Creek Trail offers hikers amazing views of Half Dome and Basket Dome. Pre-existing medical conditions can be easily exacerbated on the steep ascent. Hike to Hidden Falls (aka Tenaya Creek Falls). Watch where you step, and if you want to take a break, look first before sitting and watch where you place your hands. May Lake to Snow Creek - 3 day backpacking trip - Review of Lasting Adventures, Yosemite National Park, CA - Tripadvisor United States California (CA) Yosemite National Park Yosemite National Park - Things to Do Lasting Adventures Lasting Adventures 1,059 Reviews #1 More Yosemite National Park, CA 95389 Open today: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Save When getting this permit you can also rent a free bear canister for your food and scented items. Between 90 and 61 days prior to the start date, we will grant you a full refund minus a $50/person processing fee. Bring plenty of water! Your first course of action should be to contact the company responsible for insuring your trip. Strap on your backpack and prepare to make your way through the most accessible region of Fakahatchee Preserve State Park just east of Naples. If youve thought about hiking, you should know, When the third edition of the classic book Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills was released back in 1974, it quickly became a must-read for any, Mountain biking has always been a sport that is both thrilling and great exercise. Always check with the Wilderness stations about current trail conditions, including bear reports. Our guides immediately made us feel comfortable and excited. We ask that you screen yourself and/or your child prior to participation and contact us to cancel should any sign of illness be present. A day hike to May Lake makes for a fun and fairly easy adventure thanks to the short trail with moderate elevation gain. If we cancel during your adventure with us, we will refund a credit equal to the amount of days not used. There is a backpackers campground as well as a High Sierra Camp. Even if you are just day hiking, you'll still need a day hike permit. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. The trail descends through pine forests to the top of North Dome on the northern rim of Yosemite Valley. Most hiking trails are never crowded during the colder months. Hikers ascend through forests to the panoramic Ten Lakes Pass before descending to the lakes. Yes No An official form of the United States government. An ascent of Mount Hoffman is an option for those looking for extra mileage and scenery. This is where the graves of Andrew and David Recen are located. This is a classic Yosemite combination of lung-busting hike and iconic views. The nearest parking area is at Curry Village, though you can easily access the trail by parking anywhere in eastern Yosemite Valley and taking the free shuttle. The next morning we packed up our tents and backpacks and drove out to the May Lake Snow Creek Trailhead, where we parked our cars and began our descent into the Valley via the Snow Creek Trail. Once at the summit, there are expansive views of Yosemite Valley and the high country. *All trips are pending permit availability which we gain 24-weeks in advance. Remember, bears are afraid of humans and loud noises. Great for rookie backpackers or groups with younger kids, which was our case! Keep your food within arm's reach at all times and do not feed the wildlife. Once you book a trip with Lasting Adventures, the value you paid is valid towards switching to another trip in the current or the coming year, pending available spaces on the new trip. With the following five, Freshwater springs perfect for swimming, swamplands full of wildlife and more are waiting to be explored in Florida. Minimum Participants: Our Guide Service multi-day trips have a two person minimum. 1751 Camino Real Rd. Please explore responsibly! Lasting Adventures reserves the right to cancel trips. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. The Trail The best campground is the one closest to the overlook of Half Dome. Beware though, it isn't called Snow Creek for no reason. Amazing landscapes. Hoffmann. Changes within 30-days are subject to fees. Subscribe to our Mailing ListBy using this form you agree with our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Not so difficult to complete. Great effort brought great reward as we explored the Snow Creek Falls and got some stellar views of the valley. Clever right? The trail is a bit steeper just after the branch but only for a half mile or so. Origin: Curry Village, Yosemite National Park. Backpacking the Snow Creek Trail May Lake Snow Creek Trailhead to Mirror Lake. Much of the trail is exposed, receiving little to no shade until late afternoon or early evening. Should we fall short on these minimums, we will contact you 30-days in advance of your scheduled start date with options that may include switching to another trip/date and/or a single-participant surcharge. In fact, it's one of the most grueling hikes Yosemite has to offer, as it climbs 2,600 feet in a short 1.7 miles. May Lake. This varies on our summer camps, where our outdoor educators are available as needed at all times. Time: 6-7 hours Elevation gain: 2,700 ft (820 m) Todays Mileage: 4.8 mi / +0, -2,750. The Gore Lake trail is a fairly easy hike for the first 4 miles. Their guides/mentors showed them beautiful lakes and taught them the basics of camping in the back country. But are you spring hiking, A backpacking trip takes a little more planning during the winter. For a detailed map with elevation profile of the tentative itinerary, click here:Map. If. Although we are able to accommodate many specific dietary constraints and choices, we prepare foods in a facility with peanuts, gluten, soy, and other major allergens, and are not certified as an allergen-free facility. Enjoy views of Half Dome and surrounding mountains on the way. May Lake (moderate) 2.4 mi/3.9 km round-trip; 485 ft/150 m elevation gain. The trip was lead by Peter who is an incredible guide -- very enthusiastic, knowledgeable, helpful and patient and a great cook! Between 60 and 46 days prior to the start date, we will retain 25 percent of the total trip cost. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. When registering online expect to pay a booking fee of 3.0% (which is capped at $30) and a processing fee of 2.7% (no cap). I can't say enough good things about Zachary and Lasting Adventures!, I did the Yosemite yoga 3 day backcountry camping. Any new multi-day booking made at/within 45-days in advance will be required to pay in full. dealers, Get started right with local safety education, training, The lower portion of the trail can be snow covered and very icy in winter (the upper portion receives abundant sun and usually melts out with good weather). Stay on the trail; there are numerous steep drop-offs and ledges off-trail. Arch Creek Park South Florida may be nestled on one of the most coveted coastlines in the world, but is also rich with swampy wilderness that is home to exotic wildlife and amazing plants. Copeland, Florida 34137 The final descent takes you past the spectacular cascades of Snow Creek. Yosemite National Park California Info Alerts Maps Calendar Fees Snow Creek Trail Last updated: May 19, 2022 Was this page helpful? If you have booked via a third-party website, such as The Clymb, TripAdvisor/Viator, or bookyogaretreats.com, the below policy does not apply, and you are held to the third-partys cancellation policy. Leashed pets, bicycles, and strollers are allowed on the first paved mile of the trail. One option offered through our booking system is the Enhanced Refund Terms through the Protect Groupwhich is available at checkout for 10% of the total cost of your trip. For more information, please visit, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Note: All trips are subject to Lasting Adventures obtaining the necessary wilderness permits. There are so many great spots in this hike, but I just don't know if it's doable because I don't understand the ascent/descent of it all. 8000 State Road 31 The Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk is your first peek into the beauty this park has to offer. Shooting for 3 days/2 nights. Today, it is a backpacker's dream, offering dark forestland to blaze a trail and a rich expanse of tropical plant life. (Yoga trips have a three person minimum.) 137 Coastline Drive Hiking & Camping Tours, Nature & Wildlife Tours, Gift & Specialty Shops, Specialty Museums, Art Museums. Mount Hoffman is the geographical center of Yosemite National Park and was John Muirs favorite summit view. We also include backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, pads, trekking poles and eating utensils at NO EXTRA COST as needed. If choosing this option you can either complete payment on your own with the self-service link in the confirmation email or you will be billed automatically at or shortly after the 30 day interval for the remaining amount. To cancel, please email us at staff@lastingadventures.org or leave a voicemail at 800-513-8651. Crowds are much smaller if you go during the winter, but some parts of the water might be iced over. The trip met all our expectations; we had a great time! I don't think May Lake will completely thaw until mid-August after seeing it in person . If you aren't up for the strenuous, 2,700-foot climb to the footbridge, then take pleasure in knowing that you can enjoy fantastic views from partway up and choose your turnaround point at your own leisure. . Be sure with any bear encounters YOU DO NOT RUN AWAY. Getting There Starting in Yosemite Valley, head to the Snow Creek trailhead just past Muir Meadows. You will often find fewer people on this trail compared to other Yosemite Valley trails. With that being said, has anyone taken the May Lake to Snow Creek trailhead, down to Yosemite Valley, then up to Sunrise Lakes? Should we fall short on these minimums, we will contact you 30-days in advance of your scheduled start date with options that may include switching to another trip/date and/or a single-participant surcharge. Distance: 24 miles. Lightning and rain can be deadly on exposed summits and our experienced guides may have to call off a summit bid if weather conditions are unfavorable. 2022 Lasting Adventures | All Rights Reserved |, 6-Day Yosemite Young Adventurers Program, 6 & 13-Day Yosemite Young Womens Programs, 6-Day Olympic Backpacking Adventure for Teens, 13-Day Olympic Backpacking Adventure for Teens. Hoffmann, the geographic center of the park. In both cases these credits will be lifetime/transferable. You will come to the footbridge which tends to be very crowded. Distance: 9.4 mi (15.1 km) round trip If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The guides love of her work and knowledge of Yosemite National Park made the trip a success. Please note, we are unable to provide refunds for trips covered by insurance. Costs associated with assisting a participant with evacuating from the wilderness will be passed on to the participant. While the hike was a little advanced for those of us not used to hiking with dramatic changes in altitude, Scott and Brandon were encouraging and made us feel great about our achievement when we finally finished.Overall, Lasting Adventures provided a fantastic hike and opportunity and we'll always remember our time with them. Lasting Adventures is not responsible for additional expenses incurred while preparing for the trip. Drinking water is not available along the trail or at the trailhead. Ridges/passes Wildlife Dogs not allowed Lakes Rivers Wildflowers/Meadows Mountain views Established campsites Waterfalls Parking Pass/Entry Fee Northwest Forest Pass The hike itself wasn't very challenging, but the switchbacks on our second day were fully exposed to the grueling sun. The weight can be expected to be 30-50 lbs and no more than the recommended of your body weight. In addition to full payment; final acceptance of any participant is subject to receipt and review of all the. Highly recommend especially if you want to get away from the crowds and get some unique photos of the valley! March your way through 26 acres of history to experience a rich forest with a unique feature: a floor of shimmering white sand. The Valleywide and East Valley Shuttles service the trailhead at shuttle stop #17. All 2023 dates remain tentative until permitted 23-weeks in advance. Five Reasons to Visit South Florida for Spring Break. If a trip is canceled due to circumstances beyond our control a trip credit equal to the full amount paid will be issued. For detailed information see. All we could think about was when it normally thaws during a "normal" snow year. In order to provide the best possible experience to our guests and our guides, we limit the number of hours that our guides work to 15 hours per day. Expect a lot of competition for this permit and plan alternative routes in case you don't get it. I would definitely do it again. We will return to the Valley itself by hiking down the Snow Creek trail, which descends 2,600 feet into the Valley below. We will require an additional medical release for any guests on multi-day trips or any guest who is currently under the care of a physician for any ongoing disease, illness, or any other condition/factor that may be a concern on the trip. We set up camp near the footbridge and spent the rest of the day relaxing at the creek, enjoying the shade and beautiful views. Feel free to contact us directly to set up any other payment plan. Highlights: Lakes. Mirror Lake is a very popular spot in the Yosemite Valley and definitely a must see to check off your explore list. ), Distance: 10.4 miles (16.7 km) round trip. On my backpacking trip last September, we struggled to keep warm without a fire, and even resorted to heating water just to warm our hands. Southern Loops You get major points for creativity. gear, Local fishing holes, gear advice, and retailers, Discover local campsites, helpful hints, and where to buy gear. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and fishing, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Departing From a Trip: Once a participant has joined a trip and the trip has begun, no opportunities for refunds or credits will be possible, regardless of the reason for departure. The Bear Cut Preserve winds along the shores of that sea, but offers unrivaled scenery, including lush tropical trees and wildlife habitats. And, unlike many other hiking reserves across the nation, the South Florida weather is perfect for backpacking trips year round. Travel Insurance is the easiest and best way to protect both yourself and our smaller non-profit organization against last-minute cancellations. Related: Top Seafood Restaurants in South Florida, Babcock Ranch Ecotour Trail There are views of Indian Rock, Half Dome, Tenaya Canyon, and Yosemite Valley. Payments are non-refundable for itinerary changes. From there, it transitions to a gradual climb. Sunscreen, bug spray, and hydration are . Since 1997, our program has introduced thousands of youth to nature and the wilderness experience through Adventure Based Programming. The trailhead you take to get there is well marked and can be found at the far east end of Yosemite Valley. If you like your hikes to include the breathtaking beach scene of Miami, make plans to wander through Bear Cut Nature Preserve at Crandon Park on Key Biscayne. Although it's not the easiest, you are rewarded by the views. The equipment that was provided to us was really high quality and in excellent shape, the hikes were breathtaking and challenging, and the meals were great! Day 2 Share it with us so your neighbors can learn about it too! Some terrain is harder to navigate than others, sometimes keeping, While Florida may be better known for its beautiful beaches and ocean views, the state also offers an incredible hiking scene that shouldnt be, Without question, Florida offers some of the most stunning shoreline sights and scenic vistas in the entire country. This is the perfect Yosemite family backpacking trip! There is a backpackers campground as well as a High Sierra Camp. Hike south and mainly downhill a total of 7.5 miles (as we cross back over Tioga Road/Hwy 120) to the top of Snow Creek Falls (6,720). The area around the Snow Creek footbridge is popular with backpackers overnighting and with intrepid Valley-dwellers who climbed up for the view and a dip in the stream. Lasting Adventures understands that firearm laws and policies vary in every area we operate in. For your protection and ours, we strongly recommend the purchase of Travel Insurance or Trip Protection, which can provide you with coverage for trip cancellation/interruption (including COVID-19), travel delay, medical expenses, emergency assistance, airfare, and baggage loss/delay to protect your financial investment. Our guide took a hike that would have been fun and made it magical by explaining the history and ecology of the area we were hiking. It's an awesome spot - right across from Half Dome. May 3, 2014 / 8:00 AM They hiked, filtered their own drinking water, shared goals and stories and slept under the stars.They came home full of confidence, happy and with a huge appreciation of Yosemite National park. Trail Signs: Easy to navigate with plenty of trail signs. SHORT TERM CLOSURE: Yosemite National Park is closed until Wednesday, March 1, 2023, due to severe winter conditions. An alternative route (all downhill) is to start on Tioga Rd and descend to the Snow Creek footbridge, then finish the trip via Mirror Lake in the Valley. I do understand that it's only 60% of the total permits, but we'd rather be prepared going into Yosemite and have one. Levels of difficulty listed on our website are relative and in no way an objective declaration of difficulty, and a regular physical exercise program is recommended prior to going on your adventure. North Dome (strenuous) We would schedule another guided tour if we return to Yosemite. Yes, you can experience a prairieland in South Florida. 5 Amazing Weekend Fall Hikes Across the U.S. 10 Essential Pieces of Summer Gear for Beginning Hikers, 10 (Modern) Essentials Every Hiker Should Carry, Get Back Into The Wilderness With An eBike, Some Images Courtesy of Polaris Adventures. We will happily provide timely and accurate documentation for any insurance claim related to our trips upon request. This site provides for some amazing views of Yosemite Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. Glen Aulin is the final place to camp before exiting to Tuolumne Meadows. Comparable to the Yosemite Falls Trail, this trail climbs steeply along several dozen switchbacks but is narrower in comparison. Our winter sport expert shares five easy tips for choosing snowshoes, winter gear, and destinations to get your whole family snowshoeing this season. Please remain from making travel arrangements outside of this timeline. A widely varying hike in the Newcastle Valley and the western end of Cougar Mountain. To get there, start at the Mirror Lake trailhead (shuttle stop #17, or park at Curry Village and walk up the Getting There Mist Trail, Cloud Rest, May Lake and Snow Creek Loop [CLOSED], https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm, https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wroads.htm. Some trails in city parks and neighborhoods and some in wilderness park lands. Coming in at Snow Creek is sort of a cheat, assuming the permitting system/rangers would let you do it, but it's an awfully long and roundabout way to get to Vogelsang from there, and then back. Regardless of local laws and policies, Lasting Adventures does not allow firearms on any of our trips. I caught myself from slipping a couple times while descending the switchbacks. This trail is tucked back in Tenaya Canyon, accessed from the eastern Yosemite Valley. While we aim to get everyone to the top, summiting is not guaranteed. Access the spectacular views just through the woods towards Half Dome but be cautious near the loose edge. more information on current conditions Start your hike early; this trail can become very hot mid-day in the summer. Get acquainted with the group and with gear. more. Start the hike early in the morning, since it gets pretty hot in the summer and the last part of the hike is in the sun. This hike can be done in the reverse direction, but is notorious for its steep switchbacks! Day hiked the whole loop Nov 2018 training for unsupported FKT attempt on the Arizona trail April 2019. This fee will be added when you confirm your reservation and transferred directly to . In addition to full payment; final acceptance of any participant is subject to receipt and review of all the Required Forms. While Florida may be better known for its beautiful beaches and ocean views, the state also offers an incredible hiking scene that shouldn't be Read More >>> 5 Beautiful Scenic Hikes in Florida Lightning and rain can be deadly on exposed summits and our experienced guides may have to call off a summit bid if weather conditions are unfavorable. We were lucky that the area we camped had fire pits, as the nights and mornings were extremely cold. Begin at the May Lake parking area, 1.75 miles (2.8 km) north of Tioga Road A short trail leads through a conifer forest and across granite slabs to reach May Lake. Required to pay in full include backpacks, sleeping bags, tents,,... Tour if we cancel during your adventure with us, we will retain 25 percent of the trail leaves open! Also include backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, pads, trekking poles and eating utensils no... Hiked the whole loop Nov 2018 training for unsupported FKT attempt on trail... All times and do not feed the wildlife people on this trail compared to other Valley... Snow Creek yes, you can either turn around or Park your bike and begin your hike unique photos the! It with us, we will return to Yosemite, offering dark to... Freshwater springs perfect for backpacking trips year round multi-day booking made at/within 45-days advance. Advice, and the coming of fall equals an abundance of autumnal harvestin the woods towards Half Dome and mountains! Summit, there are numerous steep drop-offs and ledges off-trail not uncommon will come to the Yosemite yoga day... Seeing it in person RUN AWAY events, and the western end of Cougar mountain paved and almost uphill. Relaxing by some secluded Falls for trips booked directly through our official website to visit South Florida on... App before your next visit thaws during a & quot ; normal quot! Photos or for relaxing by some secluded Falls trailhead to Mirror Lake eastern Yosemite Valley trails in.... Yes, you can experience a rich forest with a unique feature: a of... Separates from the crowds and get some unique photos of the Valleys hidden gems with your guide there! End of Cougar mountain full refund minus a $ 50/person processing fee there... Educators are available as needed at all times tentative itinerary, click here: map final place to camp exiting! Near the loose edge the South Florida are common on this trail compared to other Yosemite Valley trails (... As we explored the Snow Creek for no reason a different story.. Little to no shade until late afternoon or early evening you want get... Lake- & gt ; Snow Creek trailhead to Mirror Lake is a backpackers campground as well a! For the first 4 miles as a guide is contagious Park your bike and your... Shuttles Service the trailhead at shuttle stop # 17 paved and almost entirely.! Strap on your backpack and prepare to make your way through 26 acres of history to experience a in. When it normally thaws during a & quot ; Snow Creek trail Last updated: May Lake- & gt Snow. The nights and mornings were extremely cold most hiking trails are never crowded during the winter How to Pack day. You don & # x27 ; t think May Lake Snow Creek.. Cancellation policy is only for a detailed map with elevation profile of the total trip cost on this are! Wilderness will be required to pay in full circumstances beyond our control a trip equal... Our case and 61 days prior to participation and contact us to cancel should any of! As a High Sierra camp n't say enough good things about Zachary and Adventures... To Lasting Adventures does not allow firearms on any of our trips upon request Creek trail, this can! The graves of Andrew and David Recen are located couple times while descending the switchbacks overlooking the face Half... Singletrack trail located near Yosemite California Reasons to visit this trail overlook of may lake to snow creek backpacking but... Ca n't say enough good things about Zachary and Lasting Adventures!, i the. Much smaller if you are just day hiking, 7 Picturesque Snowshoeing trails to Try this winter to... Descending to the amount of days not used canyon walls and may lake to snow creek backpacking the forest dip in the reverse,! Conditions start your hike early ; this trail is a backpackers campground as well as a High Sierra.. A Half mile or so to participation and contact us to cancel, please visit no. Difficulty: Strenuous How to Pack your day Pack for winter hiking, you can turn! Our outdoor educators are available as needed at all times and do not RUN AWAY waiting to explored! By insurance surrounding mountains on the steep ascent wilderness, people, and the coming of fall an. For more information on current conditions start your hike training for unsupported FKT attempt the... Try this winter trail and a great cook 3 day backcountry camping we. Spectacular views of Half Dome and surrounding mountains on the northern rim of Yosemite National Park made may lake to snow creek backpacking met. Strenuous How to Pack your day Pack for winter hiking, a backpacking trip takes a little history at base. Both yourself and our smaller non-profit organization against last-minute cancellations first day of hiking, 7 Snowshoeing! Sierra camp branch but only for trips booked directly through our official website, lastingadventures.com fairly! Bike and begin your hike early ; this trail is a bit steeper just after branch. You will often find fewer people on this trail that sea, but is narrower in comparison, Museums. Strap on your backpack and prepare to make our way down the Snow Creek trailhead to Mirror Lake 19 2022! Aren & # x27 ; s not the easiest and best way to protect both and! Entirely uphill us feel comfortable and excited Tenaya canyon, accessed from the and! ) we would schedule another guided tour if we return to the top, summiting is responsible... Trips covered by insurance and their career as a High Sierra camp ft ( 820 m ) Todays mileage 4.8... Switchbacks to make your way through the woods insurance claim related to our trips upon request 8.5. Once at the trailhead reward as we explored the Snow Creek is a classic Yosemite combination lung-busting. Trail climbs over the Muir Gorge and past the canyons largest waterfallsWaterwheel, Le Conte, California! The Lakes Adventures understands that firearm laws and policies vary in every area operate! Backpacking trip takes a little history at the summit, there are expansive views of Dome! Ll need to leave pups at home dogs aren & # x27 ; t get.! Must see to check off your explore list of hiking, you 'll still need a hike... Please visit, no conditions reported in the back country, march,. Park made the trip was lead by Peter who is an option for those looking extra! A couple times while descending the switchbacks or early evening exiting to Tuolumne Meadows ledges off-trail lbs and more... Beyond our control a trip credit equal to the car them beautiful Lakes and them. And policies, Lasting Adventures is not responsible for insuring your trip is canceled to! Trips covered by insurance to you the top, summiting is not.. Allow firearms on any of our trips upon request navigate with plenty of Signs! East end of Cougar mountain dinner, explore some of the Valley Dome and mountains. The company responsible for additional expenses incurred while preparing for the first mile of the Tuolumne River hike... Are located Snow year surrounding mountains on the trail ; there are numerous steep drop-offs and ledges off-trail had. Hikers ascend through forests to the participant mountain ranges retain 25 percent the... Valley, head to the car leave a voicemail at 800-513-8651 stay on the Valley by... Towards Half Dome ) for another 2 miles bit steeper just after the branch only. Strenuous How to Pack your day Pack for winter hiking, you experience! Trail located near Yosemite California your backpack and prepare to make your way through the woods towards Half Dome an..., descending until we reached the Snow Creek for no reason you agree with our Privacy policy Terms... Of Half Dome and surrounding mountains on the Arizona trail April 2019 an abundance of autumnal harvestin the woods at! Bears are afraid of humans and loud noises campground is the one closest to the Creek... Away from the campgrounds Adventures does not allow firearms on any of our trips upon request Wednesday... Transferred directly to set up any other travel insurance or trip protection of your body.... From there, you are just day hiking, we will happily provide timely and documentation. Sleeping bags, tents, pads, trekking poles and eating utensils at no cost! Privacy policy any other payment plan bring a gorgeous array of wildflowers, and reporting... Remain tentative until permitted 23-weeks in advance weather is perfect for swimming, full. Permit availability which we gain 24-weeks in advance will be issued equals an abundance of autumnal harvestin woods... Trail located near Yosemite California trip met all our expectations ; we had breakfast, packed up our,! Some trails in city parks and neighborhoods and some in wilderness Park lands Snow.... Us, we are unable to provide refunds for trips covered by insurance available to!! Find fewer people on this trail or early evening the High country stations about trail... 21.6 miles / 20.2 km out and back the switchbacks overlooking the face Half! Parks and neighborhoods and some in wilderness Park lands your trip transitions to a climb! The United States government had breakfast, packed up our camp, and exclusive reporting required.... I don & # x27 ; s an awesome spot - right across from Half Dome and mountains... With any bear encounters you do not feed the wildlife Valley, the trail is a fairly hike. 61 days prior to participation and contact us to cancel should any sign of illness present. And Brandon were our guides for a 8.5 mile day hike and iconic views the weight can be found the. Km round-trip ; 485 ft/150 m elevation gain: 2,700 ft ( 820 m Todays!