Visiting Yosemite National Park in winter, as I have done a couple times previously, is always a bit of a special experience. Winter in Yosemite means fewer crowds (a big plus for me) and crisp temperatures, likely below freezing at night. How much snow there will be is mostly the main question – this time around, beginning of March, it was not much. Mild and sunny conditions meant only a few leftover remnants of snow in the valley and the occasional icy and section on north-facing hiking trails that don’t get much sun during the daytime.
I parked at site #61 at Upper Pines Campground, one of the few camping options available in winter in Yosemite Valley (apart from Camp 4), which was fully booked during the weekend with camping setups ranging from tents to camper vans and RVs.
With Tioga Road closed during the winter, one has to contend with exploring what the valley has to offer (unless you are motivated to venture into the backcountry in winter conditions). I opted for a loop around Mirror Lake and venturing up Snow Creek Trail (which my friend Ethan and I headed up about ten years prior in search of Snow Creek Cabin) for a bit to enjoy the elevated views.
Spring was somewhat on the horizon and with the warmer temperatures, taking a look at some of the waterfalls seemed like a worthwhile way to spend my time the next day. I had already stopped by Bridalveil Falls on the way in, and saw the freeflowing Lower and Upper Yosemite Falls from the loop road as well. Starting from Happy Isles, I headed east up Mist Trail, bringing me to Vernal Falls and the top of Nevada Falls. The roaring of falls with millions of gallons of water dropping down hundreds of feet is a constant background soundtrack from the very beginning of this day hike and a reminder of the awesome forces of nature on display in this very special place.
Somewhat optimistically I had brought my snowshoes with me, but with very little snow coverage to be had, that turned out to be almost futile. I did find some sparing snow coverage at Crane Flat (with the associated campground closed in winter), but after the first half mile, the snow layer got so thin that regular hiking boots would have been safe and sufficient on this terrain.
