Snowshoe to Dewey Point . . . Again

Posted by: Candace Gregory January 3, 2016 0 4,730 Views

A whole bunch of new snow had landed and we needed to get out and see those views of snow covered peaks. I know . . . I did a similar snowshoe 2 weeks ago, but Dewey Point is always a beautiful spot to visit where I can look up to the high country.

Where: Yosemite National Park

Distance: 7.24 Miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevational Range: 7,323′ to 7,381′

Date: December 30, 2015

Map: El Capitan Topographic Map

My hiking buddy Gail was unable to accompany me on my last snowshoe adventure to Dewey Point and she requested a redo. The views from Dewey Point are always so incredible so I couldn’t refuse her, especially since she offered to drive! We parked at the Badger Pass Ski Resort’s upper parking area next to the trailhead.

Did you know that Badger Pass Ski Resort is only one of three lift serviced ski areas that operate within a National Park? I learned that Yosemite’s first ski school was in operation in 1928 with Jules Fritsch as ski instructor. He led six-day excursions in Yosemite up to Tenaya Lake and some say that this was the first ski school in California.

Did you know that Yosemite was pitched as a possible site for the Winter Olympics in 1932? Yosemite didn’t get it and Lake Placid was chosen as the site of those Olympics. A ski lift was built at Badger Pass in 1933 where the first slalom was held. The depression and poor roads led to no new additions at Badger until after the Wawona Tunnel was built, improving the road. Glacier Point Road opened in 1935 and the first ski lodge there was built at Monroe Meadow. At the end of that season, more than 25,000 visitors had skied the area. The West’s first ski lift was built in 1936 and called the “Upski.” It was a large sled moving via a cable up and down the hill, that could carry 8 skiers.

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Badger Pass “Upski” (Photo Courtesy Yosemite National Park)

Badger Pass Ski Resort has come a long way since those early days, recently celebrating its 80th year. The lodge is a wonderful place to pick up a cup of hot chocolate or snack. You can sit in comfort, watching the 5 ski lifts with the skiers and snowboarders coming down the 10 runs. They no longer have overnight accommodations but there are many places nearby where you can stay. In addition to the ski runs, there are miles of cross country skiing and snowshoeing available. If you ever wonder what the snow conditions are, or how many skiers are on the hill at Badger Pass, you can always check out the Webcam here.

We headed out from Badger Pass Ski Resort on the freshly groomed trail on Glacier Point Rd. and I am sure that you are wondering why I took a picture of the top part of the bathroom at Summit Meadow. I had a good reason and I thought it would be a good way to show you the amount of snow up in these parts. Nice snow, especially after the last couple of years.

We had hit the trail at about 9 a.m. and there were not too many people out, even on this holiday week. As we entered the meadow, snow was still hanging on the trees.

At the end of the meadow, we took a closer look at the frosty trees.

Gail made it to Dewey Point first.

I took my time looking around at the view up Tenaya Canyon, picking out the various landmarks.

While I was taking pictures, Gail captured this great picture on me with that incredible view.

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Dewey Point Panorama (Photo by Gail Gilbert)

Although it was only about 11 o’clock, we decided that it would be best if we took an early lunch. Isn’t this a great lunch spot?

We headed back the same way that we came in via the Meadow Route. We met a few skiers and snowshoers heading for Dewey Point but I was amazed that more people weren’t out enjoying the great snow on this holiday week. It was another great day in the park!