Snowshoe Hike Yosemite Valley: Winter Trails with Guide

★★★★★★★★★★ 5.00 (5 reviews)

Free cancellation

1/7

Duration3h–6h

GroupPrivate

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Walk snow-covered trails at your own pace with a guide who knows where to find wildlife.

A guided snowshoe hike in Yosemite Valley where you strap on provided snowshoes and follow a local guide along winter trails, choosing between a gentle three-mile beginner route (four hours) or a longer six-mile hike with elevation gain (six hours). The guide provides instruction, stops for photos and rest, and watches for deer, coyote, bobcats and bears. You bring water, lunch and snacks; the meeting location is arranged after booking.

3h–6h

Step-by-step itinerary

Snowshoe hike in Yosemite winter trails

Meet guide at trail head
Receive snowshoe gear and instructions
Follow guide on snowshoe hike
Explore Sequoia Grove and winter landscape
Stop for photos and rest breaks
Spot wildlife with guide's help

The Experience

What makes snowshoeing different from summer hiking is that you can walk on snow instead of around it, and the winter landscape shows animal tracks and movement you'd miss in warmer months. The guide meets you at the trailhead with snowshoes, trekking poles and simple techniques—if you can walk, the operator says, you can snowshoe. Once you're fitted and ready, you follow the guide along quiet trails through the Sequoia Grove, stopping often for photos of snow-covered mountains and meadows. The pace is yours to set within the group's rhythm; the guide keeps watch for wildlife signs and knows where the best views open up.

The beginner option covers about three miles over four hours on relatively gentle terrain in Yosemite Valley or nearby trails. The extended hike pushes to six miles with steeper elevation gains, suited for hikers who've done this before or have solid fitness. Both routes depend on snow conditions—if the park doesn't have enough snow, you can reschedule or get a full refund. You'll need to bring 32 ounces of water and food for the beginner hike, or 48 to 60 ounces for the extended one. The guide speaks English and is experienced in the park's natural history; you'll hear about what you're walking through, not just see it.

After you book, contact the operator with your hotel and phone number so they can email you driving directions to the meeting spot. Pickup and drop-off from your hotel aren't included, so you'll arrange your own transport to the trailhead. The park entrance fee is included for U.S. residents; international visitors pay an additional fee collected at the gate. Children must be at least 4 years old for the beginner hike or 12 for the extended one, and you'll need moderate fitness and no spinal injuries or serious heart conditions to participate safely.

What’s included

Local guide in English.
snowshoes and trekking poles.
Yosemite National Park entrance fee for U.S. residents (international visitors pay an additional fee at the gate).
instruction and route tailored to your experience level.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by YExplore Yosemite Adventures

Is this one for you?Choose the beginner hike if you want an introduction to snowshoeing and a half-day commitment, or the extended hike if you're comfortable with longer distances and steeper terrain—both routes let you set the pace with a guide who knows the park and watches for wildlife.