Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
From around late May to July, floating the Merced River from Stoneman Meadow, near
Curry Village, to Sentinel Bridge is a leisurely way to soak up Yosemite Valley views.
3-mile trip are available from the concessionaire in Curry Village and include equipment
and a shuttle ride back to the rental kiosk. Children must be over 50 pounds. Or bring your
own equipment and pay $5 to shuttle back.
River rats are also attracted to the fierce
Tuolumne River
, a classic class IV run that
plunges and thunders through boulder gardens and cascades. Outfitters
OARS
(
209-591-8027, 800-457-2580;
www.sierramac.com
)
offer guided trips.
Winter Sports
The white coat of winter opens up a different set of things to do, as the valley becomes a
quiet, frosty world of snow-draped evergreens, ice-coated lakes and vivid vistas of gleam-
ing white mountains sparkling against blue skies. Winter tends to arrive in full force by
mid-November and peter out in early April.
Cross-country skiers can explore 350 miles of skiable trails and roads, including 90
miles of marked trails and 25 miles of machine-groomed track near Badger Pass. The
scenic but grueling trail to Glacier Point (21-mile round-trip) also starts from here. More
trails are at Crane Flat and the Mariposa Grove. The nongroomed trails can also be ex-
plored with snowshoes.
A free shuttle bus connects Yosemite Valley and Badger Pass. Roads in the valley are
plowed, and Hwys 41, 120 and 140 are usually kept open, conditions permitting. The
Tioga Rd (Hwy 120 E), however, closes with the first snowfall. Be sure to bring snow
chains with you, as prices for them double once you hit the foothills.
Badger Pass
SNOW SPORTS
209-372-8430;
www.badgerpass.com
; lift ticket adult/child $49/25;
9am-4pm mid-Dec-Mar)
Most of the action converges on one of California's oldest ski resorts. The gentle slopes
are perfect for families and beginner skiers and snowboarders. It's about 22 miles from the
valley on Glacier Point Rd. There are five chairlifts, 800 vertical feet and 10 runs, a full-
service lodge, equipment rental ($27 to $37 for a full set of gear) and the excellent
