From time to time you have those whimsical moments of, “WE SHOULD TOTALLY DO THIS!” and I will admit, this is one of those times. I was in Yosemite Valley on a solo trip to backpacking to a frozen Merced Lake but I had some extra time because of permit issues. So, what did I do? I walked around and said hi to other travelers visiting Yosemite Valley during the winter.
A quick side note: those who visit Yosemite National Park in the winter are a different kind of traveler, so talking with them is often very fun.
Along my journey of talking with strangers, I met a Columbian geologist who, within the first 20 minutes of chatting, she bluntly asked me, “Tomorrow morning, do you want to hike the Yosemite Falls Trail with me?” Seeing as my plans had no deadline and I was still waiting on the permit office, I quickly agreed as the sun was going to set in a few hours. That night, we grabbed some pizza and played a couple rounds on the pool table, she beat me badly every game!
A frozen Yosemite Falls during the dead of winter. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Pros
Stunning Winter Scenery: Hiking Yosemite Falls in the winter offers a unique opportunity to witness the park's breathtaking natural beauty blanketed in snow. The frozen waterfalls and snow-covered landscapes create a picturesque and serene atmosphere.
Fewer Crowds: Winter is the off-peak season in Yosemite National Park, meaning you'll encounter far fewer crowds compared to the busy summer months. This allows for a more peaceful and immersive experience in the wilderness.
Challenging Adventure: The winter hike to Yosemite Falls can be more challenging due to snow and ice, making it an exciting adventure for experienced hikers. The added difficulty can be rewarding for those seeking a more strenuous trek.
Cons
Hazardous Conditions: Winter hiking in Yosemite can be dangerous due to icy and slippery trails. You'll need to be well-prepared with proper gear, including traction devices and cold-weather clothing, to mitigate the risk of accidents.
Limited Access: Some areas and trails may be closed or inaccessible during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. This can restrict your hiking options and potentially limit your exploration of the park.
Shorter Days: Winter days are shorter, which means you'll have less daylight for your hike. It's crucial to plan your trek carefully and be prepared for the early onset of darkness to avoid getting caught out after sunset.
The next morning, we met before the sun had risen at Camp 4 to begin the hike in the dark. I am not sure whose idea it was to start this hike so early, but I was cold! Ice was on the ground, the sky was dark, clouds were overhead, and we walked by headlamp. Neither of us really cared. Both of us were happy to have some company.
Chatting and hiking for about an hour, the sun began to shine and Yosemite Valley filled with low hanging clouds for as it warmed up. This fog was gorgeous to be above. The sun was reflecting off of it, creating a yellow-orange glow across the whole valley. A stark contrast to the frozen granite walls lining the valley.
While hiking, I began to notice the trail had tons of rocks that looked like they were blown up from the middle. Curious as to what that as, I asked the Columbian geologist. She laughed at me as I pointed and gestured at the rock (our language barrier was present, but we could communicate) asking if this was blown up from trail building. “No… it is natural,” she told me. I was puzzled and began asking all sorts of questions.
After ten minutes of barraging questions, she looked at me with a massive smile and said, “I kid with you!”
Idiot! I thought to myself. But then again, I enjoyed the banter.
For the next while we continued our journey up the trail, stopping to take in the views, drink some water, and warm our hands. It was freak’n cold!
“Hey! Look at that!” She said, pointing over to Half Dome with a fresh coating of snow on top of it.
“Wow! That is crazy… also, can you believe how high we are getting on this hike!”
“We are SO high. But, it is getting icy,” my Columbian friend said.
It is true, the higher we hiked the icier the trail got. Why is this? I asked myself. Then I began to noticed, when the wind would blow snow would begin to fall. This snow came from Yosemite Falls. Day and night, the wind would spray the Yosemite Falls trail with snow, creating a nice covering of ice along the trail. Not ideal for hiking.
We continued on for another little while, but the trail just got too icy.
“The trail is very icy and I am afraid I’ll fall off”
“I agree, what do you want to do?”
“I think we should head down.”
“Sounds good to me.”
While we didn’t make it to the summit of Yosemite Falls on this trip, it was a blast walking and chatting with a new friend.
The next day, I would leave on my solo backpacking trip. Maybe one day my Columbian friend and I will meet up for another hike!
**My Columbian friend asked not to have her name used.
Soaking in the views along the Yosemite Falls Trail during winter. Photo by Dalton Johnson
