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This is a great time to visit Yosemite Valley. The large crowds are gone and peace and quiet have returned. Officially, it's not quite winter but conditions may say otherwise.

We will tent-camp in 3 adjacent campsites in Upper Pines campground. Reservations are confirmed.

Although this is a 4 day event, you can stay as long or as short as you want. When signing up, please designate which nights you plan on attending and any guests.

The cost is $6 per person, per night, payable at the campsite.
Donations for firewood are appreciated or bring a bundle or 2 of firewood.

After unloading at the campsite, parking will be in the overflow lot nearby.
If you plan on sleeping in your car, you may be able to park at the campsite. Just let us know when you sign up.

Activities will be completely dependent on snow cover. In the past, there has been anywhere from no snow to 18 inches on the Valley floor. Temperatures average around 28°F - 50°F (-2°C - 10°C).
If needed, we will clear snow for tent sites.

A partial list of possible endeavors:

  • Mirror Lake Loop - 5mi, 200ft el. gain, easy to moderate.
  • Valley Loop Trail - Flat, easy, 11.5mi, full loop - 7.5 miles, half loop.
  • Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Trail, out & back, (winter route) 7 mi, 2200ft el. gain, moderate to strenuous.
  • Yosemite Falls Trail, out & back, 7.2mi, 2700ft el. gain, moderate to strenuous.
  • Columbia Rock via Upper Yosemite Falls trail, out & back, 3 miles 1000ft el. gain, moderate.
  • The fun, Tenaya Canyon mystery hike! (5 miles, depending on conditions)
  • Depending on snow cover, there may also be hiking options available on the South Rim. (Taft Point, Dewey Point, Sentinel Dome)

For participants who want easier hikes:

  • Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, loop, 1mi, 50ft el. gain, easy
  • Cook's Meadow Loop, 1mi, flat, easy
  • Sightseeing loop - 1 - 5 mi, mostly flat. We'll see Indian Caves, Indian Village, cemetery, museum, Superintendent's house, Yosemite Chapel, explore the Ahwahnee Hotel.
  • Happy Isles, 1 mile, flat, easy.
  • PLEASE REMEMBER - All activities are dependent on conditions.

Everyone is free to join an organized hike or activity or do their own thing.

Our usual non-hiking activities include ice skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and possibly downhill skiing. These activities are dependent on snow cover.

Check the weather forecast here:
https://tinyurl.com/cn6vce87 / weather. gov
https://bit.ly/3x4cHiO / weather. com

We will all meet at the Ahwahnee Hotel for cocktails/refreshments on Saturday evening.

The Glacier Point Ski Hut and Snow Creek Cabin may not be open; the information on this will become available as the winter season approaches.

Badger Pass Ski Area is scheduled to open Saturday, December 13th, conditions permitting.

The Ice Skating Rink is scheduled to open December 1st.

Dining options include Degnan's Kitchen, Basecamp Eatery, The Mountain House Lounge and The Ahwahnee Dining Room and Bar. Also, Seven Tents Pavillon (breakfast and dinner) and Bar 1899 are a short walk from the campsite.
Also, we plan on providing breakfast for all participants on Saturday morning. (eggs, sausage, potatoes, coffee, tea)

The Yosemite Village Store is well-stocked and open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
They have a great selection of meats, fresh veggies, frozen food, grocery items, liquor and a wide selection of beer. You can also buy a hammer and nails!

The Ahwahnee Gift Shop and Lodge Gift Shop will be open.

Cell service is spotty at the campsite but generally reliable at the Village. Wi-Fi is available at the Village and the library only.

This is an all-inclusive, non-discriminatory event. Please be kind!

ATTN: RSVPs are now open. Please indicate which nights you plan on attending and any guests.

ATTN: This is a camping event at a national park with the meeting point INSIDE THE PARK, at the Park's campground. Attendees should provide their own transportation to the Park's campground. If you need to carpool or seek to share a rental car, feel free to post in the comment section.

Past similar events (with photo albums)
2017 https://www.meetup.com/superfabs/events/245354276/
2018 https://www.meetup.com/superfabs/events/249411209/
2021 https://www.meetup.com/u-s-national-parks-quest-group/events/281697055/
https://www.meetup.com/u-s-national-parks-quest-group/events/275043623/
Fall 2021 https://www.meetup.com/superfabs/photos/33455360/
2023 https://www.meetup.com/superfabs/events/292982759/

Events in Yosemite National Park, CA

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