Snowshoe Hike Yosemite Valley: Winter Trails with Guide

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.

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.

Options for this experience

2 options

Beginner Snowshoe HikeGuide in English · Available from 15 Dec · 09:00Plan on snowshoeing roughly three miles over a tour of about 3-4 hours. Ideal for beginners and families.

Extended Snowshoe HikeGuide in English · Available from 15 Dec · 09:00Plan on hiking around six miles over a tour of approximately 6-7 hours. Ideal for experienced snowshoe hikers.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (3 and older) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with 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.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can I do a snowshoe hike in Yosemite if I've never snowshoed before?

Yes, the beginner snowshoe hike is designed for first-timers and families. The guide teaches simple techniques at the trailhead, and the three-mile route on gentle terrain gives you time to find your rhythm before you're far from the start.

How much walking is involved in each snowshoe hike option?

The beginner hike covers approximately three miles over four hours on relatively gentle trails. The extended hike is about six miles over six hours with more elevation gain and steeper sections, suited for experienced hikers.

What do I need to bring on the snowshoe hike?

Bring water (32 ounces for the beginner hike, 48 to 60 ounces for the extended one), lunch and snacks, and wear athletic clothing. The guide, snowshoes and trekking poles are provided.

Will I see wildlife on the snowshoe hike?

Wildlife is often easier to spot in winter because tracks and movement show up clearly in snow. Your guide watches for signs of deer, coyote, bobcats, bears and other creatures that live in the area and will point them out when you see them.

What happens if there isn't enough snow for the snowshoe hike?

The hike is subject to favorable snow conditions. If the park doesn't have enough snow, you can choose an alternative date or receive a full refund.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the trailhead?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. After you book, contact the operator with your hotel information and they'll email you driving directions to the meeting location.