Home • Field Guide • Forums • Unread Posts • Maps • Find a Hike! • Search •

Portland Hikers Archive

An overnighter in Yosemite

Posted by yosemite hiker (2007-02-23)

With the last minute addition of another person to our group we got a late and leisurely start. We stopped for a hearty breakfast on our way and were looking forward to hitting the trail.

We were going to snowshoe into Dewey Point which overlooks Yosemite Valley, but because of the number of people wanting to go to the ski area they closed the road. To get up to our trailhead we would have to take a bus. Because we were pulling sleds we decided not to try a bus and headed down toward the valley to another trailhead. We would just use our packs and hike up as far as the snow would allow us without taking our snowshoes.

Because of the lower elevation we started out with a steady rain, but it couldn�t dampen our spirits. The trail climbs steadily through a forest mixed with oak, pine, fir and cedar trees. The thick carpet of leaves and needles was pleasant to walk on.

We began to hit patches of snow at about 6000 ft and before long we were steadily walking on it. We decided to pitch camp at Stanford Point with a majestic view of the valley.

Soon tents were set and a tarp pitched. We gathered some firewood from areas free of snow and with the help of a little white gas soon had a fire going. The campfire, dinner and conversation were all warm as sleet fell upon our tarp.

The warmth of my sleeping bag was calling and the sleet on my tent lulled me to sleep. I was awakened at about 1:00 a.m. to the sound of precipitation on my tent. A rumble of thunder echoed off of the surrounding granite walls. Flashes of lightning illuminated my tent as the sound of precipitation falling on my tent intensified. I was sure it was too cold for rain so I unzipped the tent for a look at what was falling. Snow pellets were pouring down. It would continue for quite some time as I dozed back off to sleep.

The morning dawned to clear blue skies and a fresh coating of snow`. It was very beautiful and the view into the valley was spectacular. I headed out to catch some pictures and enjoyed the quiet cold of the morning. The sun was surprisingly warm on my face, but I was thankful for my goose down coat.

Soon we were all up enjoying the morning and packing up our gear. It would be a quick hike back down to our car. On the way down I was already planning my next trip and feeling grateful for the friends I have and places I have been and will be again.

Happy hiking to all of you!

Re: An overnighter in Yosemite

Posted by jeffstatt (2007-02-23)

I was curious what some of the places looked like that you referred to and quickly found these panoramas of Dewey Point - pretty nice spot!

Doesn't look like the view from Stanford Point was any slouch either!

Ice pellets and lightning are unsettling enough in a house, much less in the backcountry - were you able to get back to sleep?

Re: An overnighter in Yosemite

Posted by Jane (2007-02-23)

YH, a wonderful trip report indeed! It's great that you and your group were flexible and resourceful with all the last minute changes and punches that rolled your way on your outing - that is SO important when planning and venturing into the wilds, and sounds like you appreciated every minute of it :)

Return to Portland Hikers Archive

Disclaimer: Information found on PortlandHikers.org and PortlandHikersFieldGuide.org is provided by website visitors and volunteers and should be considered anecdotal. All trails and directions and subject to current conditions. Trails and roads can be rerouted due to natural events and the website is not able to provide current information for every hike. Please verify against two other sources before planning a trip. Outdoor activities present inherent risks. Portlandhikers.org, nor any of its members, accept liability for injuries relating to information found on this website.