Re: MLK weekend in Yosemite

Sharing some pictures I finally uploaded from MLK weekend at Yosemite. The conditions that weekend were great: sunny with warm temperatures but still plenty of snow around. And due to the warm weather, the falls were flowing nicely with all the melting snow. We did some site seeing in the valley, relaxing at the Yosemite Lodge bar, and snowshoeing to Dewey Point for great views.

Dewey point was my first "real" snowshoe hike (other than short 1 to 2 mile walks in the Tahoe area). At 7.5 miles, I was concerned about how strenuous hiking with snowshoes would be at high altitude. However, I did not find it difficult at all and was clearly aided by packed snow in both the Meadow and Ridge trails. Next year, I am looking forward to more snowshoe hikes and maybe trying winter camping for the first time.

Bridalveil Falls


Meadows


Half Dome Sunset




Tunnel View


Dewey Point




El Capitan

Lovely photos - thanks for posting!

Thanks for sharing the photos!

Nice to remember back when this winter looked more like winter!
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Nice pics. Did you see people camping by Dewey Pt.?

Yes, I saw a large-ish group of tents to the side, right before getting to Dewey Point. Nice spot to spend a night. And it looked like an easy overnight option for winter backpacking at under 4 miles each way. I bet the sunset from Dewey point would be spectacular!

Tanks for Sharon.

Nice packed trail or nice consolidated snow is easy snowshoeing as you found out.
I hope that you went off trail a little bit and found some untrampled snow to see the
difference. Add a pack ... and you'll know why making miles in winter can be very difficult.

Hope you can do some winter camping. It's great fun.

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