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Snowshoe to Snow Creek

Yosemite Valley, California

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

10.98 miles

Elevation Gain

2700 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Breanne McNitt

Snowshoe through fresh powder as you make your way from Yosemite Valley to Snow Creek.

Take the Valley shuttle to Mirror Lake Trailhead where you will begin your hike.

After a flat 2 miles, you will begin the steep three miles up to snow creek as you take one switch back after the next.  This steep climb will reward you with beautiful views of Tenaya Canyon and give you a different perspective on the classic Half Dome view.

Once you reach the top of the switchbacks, snow will welcome you.  So snap on your snowshoes, and soon you will be making your way through two feet of fresh powder.  The bridge across Snow Creek marks five miles on the trail, but feel free to continue on and frolic through the winter wonderland of deep snow and snow dusted pine trees.

Timing is everything on this hike. I did it at the beginning of March and had perfect snow conditions.  Those switchbacks would be rough if they were covered in snow, so pick a day when the snow pack doesn't reach below 6,000ft.

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Features

Snowshoeing
Hiking
Forest
Scenic
Wildlife

Reviews

This is one of my favorite Winter hikes in Yosemite! This hike is strenuous, but incredibly rewarding!!! Very Very highly recommended!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike to Basket Dome

Hike to Hidden Falls (aka Tenaya Creek Falls)

Snow Creek Trail

Mirror Lake

Vernal & Nevada Falls via Happy Isles

Half Dome via the Mist Trail