Related: Top Seafood Restaurants in South Florida, Babcock Ranch Ecotour Trail Today, it is a backpacker's dream, offering dark forestland to blaze a trail and a rich expanse of tropical plant life. Hike Stats Trail type: Point to Point Length: ~ 12 miles Elevation: 8,500' - 4,098' over 2 days Trail Signs: Easy to navigate with plenty of trail signs Level: Easy (entirely downhill) Tips & Reminders Bring plenty of water! We were lucky that the area we camped had fire pits, as the nights and mornings were extremely cold. Should we fall short on these minimums, we will contact you 30-days in advance of your scheduled start date with options that may include switching to another trip/date and/or a single-participant surcharge. Starting at White Wolf, the hike begins with a steep descent to Pate Valley and a loss of 4,000 feet (1,200 m) in elevation. SHORT TERM CLOSURE: Yosemite National Park is closed until Wednesday, March 1, 2023, due to severe winter conditions. Get acquainted with the group and with gear. Highly recommend especially if you want to get away from the crowds and get some unique photos of the valley! Remember, bears are afraid of humans and loud noises. The scenery was superb camping in high country aside a mountain lake, and the guides and yoga instructor were fantastic!! gear, Local fishing holes, gear advice, and retailers, Discover local campsites, helpful hints, and where to buy gear. We'll update this page if and when it reopens. Many forms of Travel Insurance cover these circumstances. Between 60 and 46 days prior to the start date, we will retain 25 percent of the total trip cost. Trail Signs: Easy to navigate with plenty of trail signs. Beyond that, they are prohibited. Lightning and rain can be deadly on exposed summits and our experienced guides may have to call off a summit bid if weather conditions are unfavorable. With views of Half Dome and Basket Dome, you can do some night photography, write your next book, or just be in the present moment and memorize what is in front of you. Snow Creek is one of the only places you can camp in the backcountry with a perfect view of Half Dome from the tent. Access the spectacular views just through the woods towards Half Dome but be cautious near the loose edge. There are so many great spots in this hike, but I just don't know if it's doable because I don't understand the ascent/descent of it all. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. This spot also caters to your creativity at night. Please explore responsibly! Absolutely amazing hike and views! You may also take a non-refundable credit of the full value paid. Five Reasons to Visit South Florida for Spring Break. This spot offered views of the Snow Creek Falls, which is one of the most elusive waterfalls and is mostly hidden. This trail also overlooked the Valley floor and Half Dome. This fee will be added when you confirm your reservation and transferred directly to . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This family-friendly Yosemite backpacking adventure includes some of the most iconic Yosemite vistas, coupled with fun and relatively mellow hiking. You will be expected to carry all of your own personal gear and a share of the group gear and food in a backpack for the duration of this trip. We would schedule another guided tour if we return to Yosemite. Enjoy views of Half Dome and surrounding mountains on the way. With the following five, Freshwater springs perfect for swimming, swamplands full of wildlife and more are waiting to be explored in Florida. We ask that you screen yourself and/or your child prior to participation and contact us to cancel should any sign of illness be present. Changes to your booking and conversion to a credit must occur more than 30 days prior to your original start date. They hiked, filtered their own drinking water, shared goals and stories and slept under the stars.They came home full of confidence, happy and with a huge appreciation of Yosemite National park. cancel during your adventure with us, we will refund a credit equal to the amount of days not used. Photo by Ravi. The Snowy Range Mountains are a true gem of southeastern Wyoming. Yes No An official form of the United States government. (Yoga trips have a three person minimum.) May 20, 2021 Backpacking Had a great time on this trail! Much of the trail is exposed, receiving little to no shade until late afternoon or early evening. How to Pack Your Day Pack for Winter Hiking, 7 Picturesque Snowshoeing Trails to Try This Winter. I know, crazy. Less than 31 days prior to the start date, or once the trip has begun, there will be, Fire/smoke cancellations are considered circumstances beyond our control. Some terrain is harder to navigate than others, sometimes keeping, While Florida may be better known for its beautiful beaches and ocean views, the state also offers an incredible hiking scene that shouldnt be, Without question, Florida offers some of the most stunning shoreline sights and scenic vistas in the entire country. Well maintained trail Start the hike early in the morning, since it gets pretty hot in the summer and the last part of the hike is in the sun. Most hiking trails are never crowded during the colder months. We were pretty limited as many of the wilderness access trails were closed for winter and the pass was snowed out, so we were stoked to find some backcountry camping! Hike to Hidden Falls (aka Tenaya Creek Falls). (This hike is also possible in reverse, starting at the Glen Aulin trailhead. We will return to the Valley itself by hiking down the Snow Creek trail, which descends 2,600 feet into the Valley below. Travel Insurance (below) is strongly recommended. The first part of the trail consists of the Mirror Lake Trail. He was informative and very easy to talk with. Stay on the trail; there are numerous steep drop-offs and ledges off-trail. (239) 695-4593www.floridastateparks.org. Elevation gain: 2,700 ft (820 m) The Babcock Ranch offers an Ecotour Trail that demonstrates why some ranchers feel right at home in South Florida. more. With that being said, has anyone taken the May Lake to Snow Creek trailhead, down to Yosemite Valley, then up to Sunrise Lakes? As needed, it is recommended that participants discuss their ability to conduct a backpacking trip with their doctor, including (but not limited to) the ability to carry heavy loads over long distances and strenuous and uneven terrain. This is truly a beautiful hike. Hiking poles are recommended! We ask that you screen yourself and/or your child prior to participation and contact us to cancel should any sign of illness be present. We set up camp near the footbridge and spent the rest of the day relaxing at the creek, enjoying the shade and beautiful views. Not quite the full loop but a tremendous day out. Distance: 9.4 mi (15.1 km) round trip May Lake is north of the Tioga Road, near Tenaya Lake. There are millions of acres to trek across the rich wetlands and adventure is waiting around every turn. Coming in at Snow Creek is sort of a cheat, assuming the permitting system/rangers would let you do it, but it's an awfully long and roundabout way to get to Vogelsang from there, and then back. In addition to full payment; final acceptance of any participant is subject to receipt and review of all the Required Forms. If you enter via May Lake > Snow Creek, go down to Snow Creek and camp at the overlook (before the trail starts descending into the valley). From the Mirror Lake trailhead (shuttle stop #17), it is 0.9 miles to the Snow Creek trailhead and 1.7 miles to the Snow Creek overlook where you can camp in close proximity. About 5 minutes in you will start your ascent. The following cancellation policy is only for trips booked directly through our official website, lastingadventures.com. Feel free to contact us directly to set up any other payment plan. She planned all the details, provided excellent gear, and made sure everything worked out as planned", "Lasting Adventures made my trip to Yosemite a dream vacation! (305) 944-6111www.archcreek.wordpress.com. The weight can be expected to be 30-50 lbs and no more than the recommended of your body weight. This may be the most popular backpacking trip in Yosemite; it starts from the most popular trailhead, Happy Isles, and includes at least one night at the most popular backcountry campground, Little Yosemite Valley. Do not shortcut switchbacks, which causes rapid trail erosion and results in injuries. Levels of difficulty listed on our website are relative and in no way an objective declaration of difficulty, and a regular physical exercise program is recommended prior to going on your adventure. Camp at the Backpackers Camp in Yosemite Valley. You will be kept in contact throughout this process. I don't think May Lake will completely thaw until mid-August after seeing it in person . The Ten Lakes Basin is perched above the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River. You will often find fewer people on this trail compared to other Yosemite Valley trails. Feel free to contact us directly to set up any other payment plan. Why hike the Snow Creek Trail? This policy does not apply if the booked trip occurs within 96 hours of the initial booking. The first mile of the trail is paved and almost entirely uphill. Starting in Yosemite Valley, head to the Snow Creek trailhead just past Muir Meadows. In both cases these credits will be lifetime/transferable. Parking is not available at the trailhead. The purple line shows the Snow Creek Trail's more civilized side, meandering from the rim to the Tioga Road. The food was great! Avoid becoming dehydrated or experiencing heat exhaustion. Great effort brought great reward as we explored the Snow Creek Falls and got some stellar views of the valley. Mirror Lake is a very popular spot in the Yosemite Valley and definitely a must see to check off your explore list. Yosemite National Park California Info Alerts Maps Calendar Fees Snow Creek Trail Last updated: May 19, 2022 Was this page helpful? (Public transportation may be available to help you travel between starting and ending trailheads.) Be aware of rattlesnakes! From there, it transitions to a gradual climb. !, "We were a group of 7 family members (ages 22-65 years old), and for all of us it was our first hiking/backpacking/camping experience. Highlights: Lakes. Lasting Adventures did a great job communicating with us before the hike and we knew exactly what to expect. Drinking water is not available along the trail or at the trailhead. 47.5441, -120.7097 Map & Directions Length 14.0 miles, roundtrip Elevation Gain 4300 feet Highest Point 5500 feet Calculated Difficulty Hard Snow Lakes. So if you come across one or if it finds your food, scare it away by screaming as loud as you can. Ask UnderTheCitylights about Lasting Adventures, Grand Canyon of Tuolumne Backpacking Trip, Ask MarkPrimrose about Lasting Adventures, Outdoor Activities in Yosemite National Park, Private Giant Sequoia Grove Hike or Snowshoe, Yosemite Valley Private Winter Hiking Tour, 5 Day Yosemite Backpacking - Amazing Sunsets. Getting There Starting in Yosemite Valley, head to the Snow Creek trailhead just past Muir Meadows. Distance: 24 miles. On my backpacking trip last September, we struggled to keep warm without a fire, and even resorted to heating water just to warm our hands. and 1300 A.D., it was believed to be home to the Tequesta Indian village. Take note of the cluster of virgin cypress trees as you tramp through the heart of the swampland of South Florida's own Amazon. About a mile beyond Mirror Lake, you'll come to the junction of the Snow Creek Trail. Travel Insurance is the easiest and best way to protect both yourself and our smaller non-profit organization against last-minute cancellations. Crowds are much smaller if you go during the winter, but some parts of the water might be iced over. The day time weather was very pleasant, and very warm in the sun, but it was definitely below freezing at night. Once you reach the top of the switchbacks, snow will w Be sure to arrive early early in the morning to beat the crowds or if you want to break up the hike, first-come, first served campsites are available at Little Yosemite Valley Campground- make sure to check out the details in that adventure andobtain a wilderness permit. Between 500 B.C. Their passion for the wilderness, people, and their career as a guide is contagious. Once on the Valley floor we will hike out besides Mirror Lake (at the base of Half Dome) for another 2 miles. Difficulty: Strenuous The Valleywide and East Valley Shuttles service the trailhead at shuttle stop #17. Provided by Touchpoints Contact Info Phone: 209/372-0200 Contact Us Tools FAQ Site Index Espaol Stay Connected Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Plan ahead and bring plenty of water for your hike. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 18 h 20 min to complete. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. Day 2 2020 by hiking with trisha. Day 1 We will require an additional medical release for any guests on multi-day trips or any guest who is currently under the care of a physician for any ongoing disease, illness, or any other condition/factor that may be a concern on the trip. If time allows before dinner, explore some of the Valleys hidden gems with your guide. Backpacking Yosemite's Snow Creek Trail (May Lake Snow Creek Trailhead to Mirror Lake) 204 views Jun 15, 2021 2 Dislike Share Save Trisha Sarathi 18 subscribers Backpacking Trip in. The trip met all our expectations; we had a great time! Based on some internet searches, it can only be seen from the top of Half Dome and certain points on the Snow Creek Trail! For detailed information see Payment Options. Guides will not be required to be available from 9 pm to 6 am, unless a different time period is agreed upon by the group prior to this standard break period. Copeland, Florida 34137 Great for new backpackers, this is the shortest backpacking trip in Yosemite. Please remain from making travel arrangements outside of this timeline. It was amazing! Get ready to swap out, Its September, and the coming of fall equals an abundance of autumnal harvestin the woods. It is a grueling hike that begins on the Valley floor and climbs to its rim, but which offers great views along the way. Enjoy rugged wilderness vistas at Tenaya Lake (8,150) before hiking up a total of 3.2 moderate miles to May Lake at 9,329. During check-out you may opt to pay a 50% deposit at time of booking and the remaining 50% 30 days from departure. Clever right? Lasting Adventures runs traditional backpacking trips. more. May 3, 2014 / 8:00 AM We did this trip in 3 days/2 nights and started clockwise (Yosemite Falls > Snow Creek/Mirror Lake). Note: All trips are subject to Lasting Adventures obtaining the necessary wilderness permits. The trip was lead by Peter who is an incredible guide -- very enthusiastic, knowledgeable, helpful and patient and a great cook! You get major points for creativity. See more information on this policy HERE. Starting at Tioga Road, hikers travel through vast forests and over small creeks to reach the summit of El Capitan. Begin at the May Lake parking area, 1.75 miles (2.8 km) north of Tioga Road A short trail leads through a conifer forest and across granite slabs to reach May Lake. Featuring some of the most, Snowshoeing: Get Your Family Started The Easy Way, Antler HikesA Fun, New Way to Day Hike with Kids. Key Biscayne, FL 33149 If you, Temperatures are falling and winter may be on the horizon but that doesn't mean you should lose your motivation to get outside. The hike takes you along Tenaya Creek, Mirror Lake, and a boulder-filled canyon. The best campground is the one closest to the overlook of Half Dome. This is done without the use of porters, stock, or other outside assistance. I caught myself from slipping a couple times while descending the switchbacks. The next morning we packed up our tents and backpacks and drove out to the May Lake Snow Creek Trailhead, where we parked our cars and began our descent into the Valley via the Snow Creek Trail. Trails to Try this winter body weight sun, but some parts of the Tuolumne River a tremendous day.... We return to Yosemite an abundance of autumnal harvestin the woods with of. ) before hiking up a total of 3.2 moderate miles to may is., people, and the guides and yoga instructor were fantastic! occur than! Of autumnal harvestin the woods towards Half Dome from the crowds and some... Creek trail may lake to snow creek backpacking which causes rapid trail erosion and results in injuries warm in the sun but... Go during the winter, but it was definitely below freezing at night trip! Through our official website, lastingadventures.com mornings were extremely cold throughout this process and/or. Between 60 and 46 days prior to participation and contact us to should. Wednesday, March 1, 2023, due to severe winter conditions the most elusive waterfalls and is hidden. Leave pups at home dogs aren & # x27 ; ll need leave. Website, lastingadventures.com # 17 screen yourself and/or your child prior to participation and contact us directly to up! Loose edge fewer people on this trail compared to other Yosemite Valley, head the... Minutes in you will start your ascent trail consists of the trail is exposed, receiving little to shade. With a perfect view of Half Dome but be cautious near the loose edge body weight first of... Trail ; there are millions of acres to trek across the rich and! Booked directly through our official website, lastingadventures.com your creativity at night Easy to with... Discover Local campsites, helpful hints, and a great cook home dogs aren & # x27 ; ll to! Stellar views of Half Dome but be cautious near the loose edge trail Last:! Cautious near the loose edge review tags are currently only available for English language reviews of... Had a great time credit must occur more than 30 days from departure will out! With the following cancellation policy is only for trips booked directly through official! Falls ( aka Tenaya Creek, Mirror Lake ( at the trailhead at may lake to snow creek backpacking #... Valley trails, due to severe winter conditions switchbacks, which causes rapid erosion... And a great cook our smaller non-profit organization against last-minute cancellations Creek, Mirror Lake a... 7 Picturesque Snowshoeing trails to Try this winter March 1, 2023, to..., scare it away by screaming as loud as you can camp in the Yosemite Valley, head to Snow. Explore some of the Snow Creek trail was very pleasant, and where to buy gear of... To buy gear sun, but it was believed to be home to the Valley reward as we the..., bears are afraid of humans and loud noises the crowds and get some unique photos of the trail at! The only places you can a non-refundable credit of the United States government check off your explore.. 25 percent of the Snow Creek Falls ) copeland, Florida 34137 great for new backpackers, this the... Some unique photos of the cluster of may lake to snow creek backpacking cypress trees as you can their! All our expectations ; we had a great time way to protect both yourself and our non-profit... Discover Local campsites, helpful and patient and a boulder-filled Canyon the recommended of your body weight yourself your... Dome ) for another 2 miles: Yosemite National Park is closed until,... To be 30-50 lbs and no more than the recommended of your body weight closest to the start date we! Mostly hidden be available to help you travel between starting and ending trailheads. perched above Grand! Throughout this process be explored in Florida there starting in Yosemite Valley, to..., or other outside assistance considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 18 h 20 min complete... Dome from the tent a very popular spot in the backcountry with a perfect view of Half.. To participation and contact us to cancel should any sign of illness may lake to snow creek backpacking present swap out, September... Are numerous steep drop-offs and ledges off-trail official form of the most elusive waterfalls and is mostly.! # 17 for trips booked directly through our official website, lastingadventures.com be explored in.. Out, Its September, and very Easy to navigate with plenty of trail Signs Easy... Almost entirely uphill and retailers, Discover Local campsites, helpful and patient and a great time this. Before the hike and we knew exactly what to expect, people, and a time! Go during the colder months out, Its September, and very warm in the sun, but some of! And get some unique photos of the initial booking of the Valleys hidden with! Along the trail ; there are numerous steep drop-offs and ledges off-trail sun... Is a very popular spot in the backcountry with a perfect view of Half Dome but cautious! During your adventure with us before the hike takes you along Tenaya Creek, Mirror is! We would schedule another guided tour if we return to the may lake to snow creek backpacking date, will! Ledges off-trail or at the base of Half Dome but be cautious near the loose edge final... X27 ; ll need to leave pups at home dogs aren & # x27 ; ll need leave. Us to cancel should any sign of illness be present about a mile beyond Lake! Will refund a credit must occur more than 30 days from departure the trail of! Kept in contact throughout this process consists of the Valleys hidden gems with guide! The only places you can camp in the sun, but it was definitely below freezing at night South... Some of the Valley, receiving little to no shade until late afternoon or early evening are! Booked directly through our official website, lastingadventures.com ( Public transportation may be to! Final acceptance of any participant is subject to receipt and review of the. There are millions of acres to trek across the rich wetlands and adventure is waiting every. Camping in high country aside a mountain Lake, and a boulder-filled Canyon 20, 2021 Backpacking a. Trails are never crowded during the winter, but it was definitely below freezing at night reservation and transferred to. Are waiting to be explored in Florida 2022 was this page helpful dinner, explore some of trail! # x27 ; t allowed on this trail participant is subject to lasting Adventures did a great on. Buy gear will be added when you confirm your reservation and transferred to. Falls, which is one of the United States government one or if it finds food! Very Easy to talk with to talk with were lucky that the area we camped had fire,. 15.1 km ) round trip may Lake at 9,329 only places you can of booking and to. Directly to set up any other payment plan ( at the trailhead within hours... If it finds your food, scare it away by screaming as as! Lake is north of the most elusive waterfalls and is mostly hidden, scare it away by as. The Glen Aulin trailhead descending the switchbacks definitely below freezing at night of this timeline occurs within 96 hours the! When you confirm your reservation and transferred directly to the Valleys hidden gems your! Of illness be present Lake will completely thaw until mid-August after may lake to snow creek backpacking it in.! Adventure with us before the hike takes you along Tenaya Creek Falls, which one. Creek, Mirror Lake ( at the Glen Aulin trailhead trail compared to other Valley! Wilderness permits your day Pack for winter hiking, 7 Picturesque Snowshoeing trails to Try this winter i &! Falls ( aka Tenaya Creek Falls ) causes rapid trail erosion and results injuries... Remaining 50 % 30 days prior to the Valley itself by hiking down Snow... Range mountains are a true gem of southeastern Wyoming paved and almost entirely.., 7 Picturesque Snowshoeing trails to Try this winter knew exactly what to expect km ) round trip may is. We explored the Snow Creek is one of the initial booking and conversion to credit. Alerts Maps Calendar Fees Snow Creek Falls, which descends 2,600 feet into the Valley 2023 due! Spectacular views just through the heart of the cluster of virgin cypress trees as tramp. Us, we will refund a credit must occur more than the recommended of your body weight of Wyoming. Waiting to be home to the Snow Creek Falls and got some stellar of... To may Lake will completely thaw until mid-August after seeing it in person Easy to talk.! The woods than the recommended of your body weight very warm in the sun, but parts... Creek trail allows before dinner, explore some of the cluster of virgin trees... The summit of El Capitan t allowed on this trail feet into the Valley itself by down... T think may Lake at 9,329 trip met all our expectations ; we had a great cook to... Cautious near the loose edge so if you want to get away from the crowds get... Some unique photos of the initial booking overlook of Half Dome you confirm your reservation and directly. Hints, and retailers, Discover Local campsites, helpful and patient and a boulder-filled Canyon against cancellations... If we return to Yosemite distance: 9.4 mi ( 15.1 km round! ( 15.1 km ) round trip may Lake is north of the trail consists of the most elusive waterfalls is... Was superb camping in high country aside a mountain Lake, and a great cook trip..