Yosemite Winter Camping Trip
Enjoy Yosemite in the Winter with Bayside Adventure Sports!
February 15-18, 2019
Come experience the beauty of Yosemite Valley this Winter! Several reasons why we are host a Winter Camping Trip in Yosemite:
LODGING OPTION #1 – SNOW CAMPING! The bulk of the group will be camping in the same campground that we normally camp in during the Summer, the Upper Pines Campground (see map). This is basic car camping where all that is supplied is a table, a bear bin, and a fire pit for each campsite. There are bathrooms available in the campground and showers are a 5 minute walk down in Half Dome Village.
OUR LOCATION IN UPPER PINES: We usually have campsites fairly close together so we will be able to easily gather. Greg Weisman, trip leader, will be setting up the Base Camp at Site #TBA and will have a sign that says Bayside Adventure Sports out front with an Easy-Up and lantern so campers will easily find where we will be gathering.
Snow Camping means being out in the weather so it requires a good tent (a “four season” tent is best – meaning it is strong enough and designed for winter camping). Extra good insulation is important for padding under the sleeping bag – or better yet, put a cot in the tent with a pat on top of that. Then of course a nice toasty-warm sleeping bag!
Clothing… You also need great shoes that are designed for this – the best are something like the Sorel Caribou Boot (look it up). They keep your feet warm while standing in snow for long periods of time. Put a great pair of socks in these kinds of boots and you have happy feet all day long! Last, plan for layers of warm, synthetic or wool clothing topped off by a great hat and scarf. Still wondering what is needed? Stop by your neighborhood Any Mountain or REI and they would love to help you know how to be prepared.
COOKING OUTSIDE? Yep! Bring your Coleman Stove and create some great tasting breakfasts, lunches and dinners… or simply walk over to Half Dome Village or take the shuttle or bike to one of the other nearby dining options (see below).
LODGING OPTION #2 – STAY IN A HEATED TENT CABIN IN HALF DOME VILLAGE Some of our group will choose to stay in a Standard Heated Tent Cabin in Half Dome Village. These are heated semi-permanent canvas tents built onto a wooden platform with options for sleeping 2 to 5 people. A single light bulb and some very basic cabinets are found in these Tent Cabins. According to the website, rates start at $120-$160/night for a heated tent cabin and go up if you want nicer accommodations. You can find information and reservations at www.nationalparkreservations.com/lodge/yosemite-curry-village/rooms/ (you are responsible for your own accommodations and additional costs incurred for this option)
For Meals while staying in a Tent Cabin, your options are to either take advantage of the Coffee Shop and Restaurant in Half Dome Village or use your own stove outside of the Tent Cabin on a picnic table nearby.
LODGING OPTION #3 – STAY IN ONE OF THE LOCAL HOTELS OR EVEN THE MAJESTIC YOSEMITE HOTEL (formally known as the Ahwahnee Hotel) Don’t want to rough it all all? Find a local hotel and then join the group during the days and evenings for all the recreation possibilities. Plan you food according to whatever hotel you find. Information at www.nationalparkreservations.com/park/yosemite-national-park/lodges/
WHAT’S OPEN IN YOSEMITE VALLEY FOR THE WINTER: For the 2017 trip, we did some research and found that the website for Yosemite, www.TravelYosemite.com, was not completely accurate. The new Concessioner, Aramark, is still catching up with all that is involved in hosting everything in Yosemite Valley. We are currently researching to find out current information - but this is what we have found on the website so far:
BUSSES ARE RUNNING
REGISTRATION COST FOR THOSE SNOW CAMPING:
BAS Members: $80/adult, $35/youth (ages 5-17), 4 and under free
Non-Members: $95/adult, $42/youth (ages 5-17), 4 and under free
REGISTRATION COST FOR THOSE STAYING ANYWHERE OTHER THAN SNOW CAMPING (Heated Tent Cabins or Hotels):
50% off Snow Camping Pricing
(You will need to make your own reservations for your accommodations - see above.)
INCLUDED:
NOT INCLUDED:
WHAT TO BRING:
OTHER DETAILS:
Possible Schedule The Schedule for this trip is totally up to each person coming, but we will have a few gatherings planned. Mornings are all about hot coffee and a great breakfast around a campfire. We will have a fire started and coffee ready early at the Base Camp for those who want to join us there to make and eat breakfast. At about 8:30am we’ll have a short devotional, pray for the day, and discuss optional plans. Some may choose to eat breakfast over at one of the Yosemite restaurants. In the evenings, you can make dinner at your own campsite, come make dinner at the base camp and eat together, or go out for dinner. After dinner we will meet together in the evening in the Fireside Room or Lounge to play some Card or Board Games, talk, and enjoy some hot chocolate or other warm drinks.
Optional Activities or excursions we will consider for during the daytime include:
1. Hiking up the Yosemite Falls Trail to the base of Upper Yosemite Falls. This is a steep uphill climb that will get our hearts pumping. If the weather is freezing or below, there will be a large “snow cone” at the base of the upper falls that is formed from the mist freezing and piling up as it falls from above. With relaxing, snacks, photos, etc. this excursion easily lasts about 4 hours. We’ll bring our lunch on the hike as well.
2. Mirror Lake Walk. We can take the bus over towards Mirror Lake (or ride bicycles if weather is conducive) and walk around the 5 mile loop. See https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/mirrorlaketrail.htm for details. This is very flat trail that, depending again on snow cover, could take us about 3 hours to enjoy.
3. Snowshoeing around the Valley. If we are lucky enough to have lots of snow in the Valley, we will recommend bringing snowshoes. The Leader, Greg Weisman, will have several extra pair with him available on a first come, first serve basis. Taking the normal hiking paths around Happy Isles, Bridal Veil Falls, Mirror Lake, the Meadows, etc. becomes a beautiful option that can last from 30 minutes to all day.
4. Biking around the Valley. Cycling around the Valley is always the best way to see it but this is entirely based on weather and road conditions. Proper cold weather riding clothing will be a must!
5. Ski or Snowboard at the Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area (formerly known as Badger Pass). This would, of course, have costs for lift tickets, and rentals if people don’t bring their own equipment.
Sign the Liability Waiver at www.smartwaiver.com/v/baswaiver
Note: Pets and alcohol are not permitted on BAS events.
Questions? Email camping@baysideadventuresports.com
Cancellation Policy
A current BAS Membership is required for discounted pricing. This annual fee helps offset our high insurance cost and helps keep most of our events free. For individuals it's only $25/year! Families are $50/year.) For more Information about membership and to join www.baysideadventuresports.com/membership. You also have to option to join on the camping registration form.
February 15-18, 2019
Come experience the beauty of Yosemite Valley this Winter! Several reasons why we are host a Winter Camping Trip in Yosemite:
- The beauty of Yosemite Valley is just as extraordinary but completely different than during Spring, Summer or Fall. If we are blessed with snow while there, then it becomes a winter wonderland that is pristinely pure and picturesque.
- The crowds normally are super large in the Valley. Not during the Winter months, though! So it makes the winter visitor feel like they have the whole place to themselves!
- Though many of the shops are closed during the winter, the bulk of the facilities are still open. In Half Dome Village, the large Fireside Room will be our location relax and enjoy playing board games, reading, or just having some great conversations around the large fireplace that Yosemite stokes for its visitors.
- If there is enough snow for snowshoeing or cross country skiing, then by all means we will enjoy going on some easy day hikes around the Valley.
- And to convince your friends to come...www.backpacker.com/skills/beginner/winter-camping/convince-your-friends-to-go-winter-camping/ (ok....maybe use other first four reasons above!)
LODGING OPTION #1 – SNOW CAMPING! The bulk of the group will be camping in the same campground that we normally camp in during the Summer, the Upper Pines Campground (see map). This is basic car camping where all that is supplied is a table, a bear bin, and a fire pit for each campsite. There are bathrooms available in the campground and showers are a 5 minute walk down in Half Dome Village.
OUR LOCATION IN UPPER PINES: We usually have campsites fairly close together so we will be able to easily gather. Greg Weisman, trip leader, will be setting up the Base Camp at Site #TBA and will have a sign that says Bayside Adventure Sports out front with an Easy-Up and lantern so campers will easily find where we will be gathering.
Snow Camping means being out in the weather so it requires a good tent (a “four season” tent is best – meaning it is strong enough and designed for winter camping). Extra good insulation is important for padding under the sleeping bag – or better yet, put a cot in the tent with a pat on top of that. Then of course a nice toasty-warm sleeping bag!
Clothing… You also need great shoes that are designed for this – the best are something like the Sorel Caribou Boot (look it up). They keep your feet warm while standing in snow for long periods of time. Put a great pair of socks in these kinds of boots and you have happy feet all day long! Last, plan for layers of warm, synthetic or wool clothing topped off by a great hat and scarf. Still wondering what is needed? Stop by your neighborhood Any Mountain or REI and they would love to help you know how to be prepared.
COOKING OUTSIDE? Yep! Bring your Coleman Stove and create some great tasting breakfasts, lunches and dinners… or simply walk over to Half Dome Village or take the shuttle or bike to one of the other nearby dining options (see below).
LODGING OPTION #2 – STAY IN A HEATED TENT CABIN IN HALF DOME VILLAGE Some of our group will choose to stay in a Standard Heated Tent Cabin in Half Dome Village. These are heated semi-permanent canvas tents built onto a wooden platform with options for sleeping 2 to 5 people. A single light bulb and some very basic cabinets are found in these Tent Cabins. According to the website, rates start at $120-$160/night for a heated tent cabin and go up if you want nicer accommodations. You can find information and reservations at www.nationalparkreservations.com/lodge/yosemite-curry-village/rooms/ (you are responsible for your own accommodations and additional costs incurred for this option)
For Meals while staying in a Tent Cabin, your options are to either take advantage of the Coffee Shop and Restaurant in Half Dome Village or use your own stove outside of the Tent Cabin on a picnic table nearby.
LODGING OPTION #3 – STAY IN ONE OF THE LOCAL HOTELS OR EVEN THE MAJESTIC YOSEMITE HOTEL (formally known as the Ahwahnee Hotel) Don’t want to rough it all all? Find a local hotel and then join the group during the days and evenings for all the recreation possibilities. Plan you food according to whatever hotel you find. Information at www.nationalparkreservations.com/park/yosemite-national-park/lodges/
WHAT’S OPEN IN YOSEMITE VALLEY FOR THE WINTER: For the 2017 trip, we did some research and found that the website for Yosemite, www.TravelYosemite.com, was not completely accurate. The new Concessioner, Aramark, is still catching up with all that is involved in hosting everything in Yosemite Valley. We are currently researching to find out current information - but this is what we have found on the website so far:
BUSSES ARE RUNNING
- The free shuttle busses are running all day long, about every 30 minutes, so this is the easiest way to travel around the Valley.
- The “Guest Lounge” or large room with the fire place, is open 8am to 10pm. We will plan to relax in there after dinner in the evenings. Bring your favorite board game or card game or just plan to sit and talk. Adventure Sports Pastor, Greg Weisman, will offer a daily devotional there each evening at 8pm.
- The Pizza Deck is open from 5pm to 9pm on Weekends. Not able to find out if they will be open on Monday, President’s Day. This will be the only location at Half Dome Village for purchasing a hot dinner.
- The Grocery Store & Souvenir Shop is open every day, 8am to 8pm. Gift Shop, Grocery, Camp Supplies, ATM
- The The Grocery Store & Souvenir Shop is open every day, 8am to 10pm. Groceries, Meat and Produce, Camping Supplies, Postcards, Souvenirs, Apparel Ice, Firewood, ATM
- Degnan’s Kitchen - Authentic delicatessen sandwiches, signature salads, artisan pizzas, breakfast favorites, coffee / espresso drinks, fresh donuts, baked goods and a wide selection of soft drinks and other beverages are available at Degnan's Kitchen. Numerous seating areas are available to relax and enjoy a quick meal. Open 7am-6pm
- The Loft at Degnan's - Mexican fare, Asian rice bowls and artisan pizzas served in a loft style restaurant above Degnan's Kitchen. Open 1pm-8pm
- The Yosemite Visitor Center & Museum is open 9am to 5pm
- The Majestic Yosemite Hotel, formerly called The Awahnee Hotel, has a restaurant open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. The Bar Lounge has a light menu. There is a Sweet Shop open 7am-10pm with snacks and sweets.
- The Mountain Room Restaurant (sit-down, nice restaurant) is open 5pm to 10pm for dinners.
- The Garden Terrace - Casual Dining - Open 7am to 8pm
- The Mountain Room Lounge is open for appetizers M-F 4:30pm to 11pm and Sat/Sun from 12pm to 11pm.
- Yosemite Valley Lodge Gift Shop is open 8am to 8pm. Souvenirs, Apparel, Books, Snacks, Convenience Items
REGISTRATION COST FOR THOSE SNOW CAMPING:
BAS Members: $80/adult, $35/youth (ages 5-17), 4 and under free
Non-Members: $95/adult, $42/youth (ages 5-17), 4 and under free
REGISTRATION COST FOR THOSE STAYING ANYWHERE OTHER THAN SNOW CAMPING (Heated Tent Cabins or Hotels):
50% off Snow Camping Pricing
(You will need to make your own reservations for your accommodations - see above.)
INCLUDED:
- Campsite (for those who select Snow Camping)
- Greg's Leadership
- Guided Hikes and/or Snowshoe Excursions (some snowshoes available to borrow), including special hot drinks and snacks along the trail
- Evening Devotionals & Game Time designed to help connect the group
NOT INCLUDED:
- Meals
- Camping Equipment (some loaner equipment available - must request through Greg)
WHAT TO BRING:
- Camping gear (tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads,cooking gear, quarters for showers, etc)
- Check the weather - prepare for cold weather camping!
- To keep this trip simple and inexpensive, all meals will be on your own. But it’s always fun to coordinate with others! Easy ideas: Taco Salad, Hamburgers, Sandwiches, etc.
- See REI's Winter Camping Checklist for other suggestions
OTHER DETAILS:
- We have campsites in Upper Pines for this trip.
- People will be in their own tents.
- There is only room for two vehicles to be parked at each campsite - all others will be parked close by in overflow parking.
- NOTE: There is a $35 per car National Park Entrance Fee to get into Yosemite National Park that is good for one week. BAS cannot organize carpools but you can! Just put a note on Meetup that you would like to carpool and connect with others.
Possible Schedule The Schedule for this trip is totally up to each person coming, but we will have a few gatherings planned. Mornings are all about hot coffee and a great breakfast around a campfire. We will have a fire started and coffee ready early at the Base Camp for those who want to join us there to make and eat breakfast. At about 8:30am we’ll have a short devotional, pray for the day, and discuss optional plans. Some may choose to eat breakfast over at one of the Yosemite restaurants. In the evenings, you can make dinner at your own campsite, come make dinner at the base camp and eat together, or go out for dinner. After dinner we will meet together in the evening in the Fireside Room or Lounge to play some Card or Board Games, talk, and enjoy some hot chocolate or other warm drinks.
Optional Activities or excursions we will consider for during the daytime include:
1. Hiking up the Yosemite Falls Trail to the base of Upper Yosemite Falls. This is a steep uphill climb that will get our hearts pumping. If the weather is freezing or below, there will be a large “snow cone” at the base of the upper falls that is formed from the mist freezing and piling up as it falls from above. With relaxing, snacks, photos, etc. this excursion easily lasts about 4 hours. We’ll bring our lunch on the hike as well.
2. Mirror Lake Walk. We can take the bus over towards Mirror Lake (or ride bicycles if weather is conducive) and walk around the 5 mile loop. See https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/mirrorlaketrail.htm for details. This is very flat trail that, depending again on snow cover, could take us about 3 hours to enjoy.
3. Snowshoeing around the Valley. If we are lucky enough to have lots of snow in the Valley, we will recommend bringing snowshoes. The Leader, Greg Weisman, will have several extra pair with him available on a first come, first serve basis. Taking the normal hiking paths around Happy Isles, Bridal Veil Falls, Mirror Lake, the Meadows, etc. becomes a beautiful option that can last from 30 minutes to all day.
4. Biking around the Valley. Cycling around the Valley is always the best way to see it but this is entirely based on weather and road conditions. Proper cold weather riding clothing will be a must!
5. Ski or Snowboard at the Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area (formerly known as Badger Pass). This would, of course, have costs for lift tickets, and rentals if people don’t bring their own equipment.
Sign the Liability Waiver at www.smartwaiver.com/v/baswaiver
Note: Pets and alcohol are not permitted on BAS events.
Questions? Email camping@baysideadventuresports.com
Cancellation Policy
A current BAS Membership is required for discounted pricing. This annual fee helps offset our high insurance cost and helps keep most of our events free. For individuals it's only $25/year! Families are $50/year.) For more Information about membership and to join www.baysideadventuresports.com/membership. You also have to option to join on the camping registration form.