Yosemite Conservancy is the park's official philanthropic partner, and its Custom Winter Adventures are the best way to explore Yosemite's snow country with someone who knows it intimately. Each outing is private — just your group and a naturalist guide — and is built around what you want to see and how hard you want to work. Beginners can learn basic snowshoe technique on an easy walk; others can visit a giant sequoia grove when the big trees carry snow on their limbs, or take on the longer trek to Dewey Point, a viewpoint on the south rim that looks down into Yosemite Valley. Those who prefer to stay on foot can choose a winter hike without snowshoes. Along the way the guides teach winter ecology: the Conservancy describes looking for frazil ice along creeks, snow-loaded trees and the small tracks that lead into the subnivean zone, the hidden world under the snowpack where small mammals spend the winter. Snowshoes are provided. Trips run as half days of up to four hours or full days of up to eight, and published pricing is set per group rather than per person, which makes them good value for four friends or a family and expensive for a solo traveler. Fees also support the Conservancy's projects in the park, from trail restoration to wildlife research. The page does not list fixed season dates — routes depend on snow, road access and conditions — so contact the Conservancy to plan an itinerary, and be flexible: in a thin snow year the guide may swap a snowshoe route for a winter hike. Remember that roads to the higher trailheads, including Badger Pass, can require chains, and that some areas south of Glacier Point Road were affected by the autumn 2026 Dome Fire.
Why go with a naturalist. Winter is when Yosemite empties out and becomes most beautiful, but it is also when travelers are least sure where to go. Trail markers can be buried, routes change with the snowpack, and the most rewarding destinations — sequoias in snow, a rim viewpoint over a white valley — are not obvious from a parking area. A Conservancy guide handles the route finding, the pace and the safety calls, and turns a walk into a lesson in how the park's plants and animals survive the season. It is a far richer experience than renting snowshoes and guessing.
Planning the trip. Decide first between a half day and a full day: the Dewey Point trek is a full-day effort for fit hikers, while a sequoia grove or a skills session suits a half day. Contact the Conservancy early in your planning, especially for holiday weeks, and share your group's fitness and experience. Dress in waterproof boots and layers, bring sunglasses and sunscreen — snow glare is intense at altitude — and carry chains for the drive to the trailhead. Badger Pass traditionally opens in mid-December, and ranger-led snowshoe walks there are a free alternative when staffing allows.
Who it suits. Families and small groups who want a private, educational outing; couples who want a quiet winter day away from the valley floor; and photographers who want help finding snowy compositions. Solo travelers may find the group-based pricing steep. Pair it with a night at Tenaya at Yosemite or in Fish Camp for southern routes, or with a valley stay and an evening at the Curry Village ice rink.
What to expect
The experience
A private naturalist-guided snowshoe trek or winter hike for your group only, with snowshoes provided and a route built around your interests and fitness.
Best time
Typically mid-to-late December through March, when the snowpack is reliable at trailheads such as Badger Pass and Crane Flat; confirm conditions with the Conservancy.
How long
Half days run up to four hours and full days up to eight.
Tips
Book early for holiday weeks, wear waterproof boots and layers, bring sunglasses, and carry tire chains for the drive.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Small groups who want a private, expert-led winter day in the park.
- Families
- Excellent — the guide sets the pace and turns animal tracks and snow science into a game.
- Couples
- A quiet snowshoe to a rim viewpoint or sequoia grove is a memorable winter date.
- Pair with
- Badger Pass Ski Area or the Mariposa Grove.
- Time needed
- Half a day or a full day.
Good questions
What do Custom Winter Adventures include?+
A private naturalist guide, a route tailored to your group, and snowshoes. Options range from a beginner snowshoe lesson to a sequoia grove visit or the full-day trek to Dewey Point, or a winter hike without snowshoes.
How much does it cost?+
Pricing is set per group, not per person, with separate rates for half days and full days and higher rates for larger groups. Check the Conservancy page for current figures before booking.
When do they run?+
No fixed season dates are published. Snowshoe routes depend on snow and road access, usually from mid-to-late December into March. Contact the Conservancy to plan.
Do I need experience?+
No. Beginners can start with a short skills walk, while fit hikers can take on longer routes. Tell the Conservancy about your group's fitness when you inquire.
Where does the money go?+
Participation helps fund Yosemite Conservancy projects in the park, such as trail work, habitat restoration and visitor programs.
