In preparation for our travels, Jordan and I moved into a 400×400 sq. foot studio apartment and moved all of our earthly belongings into storage.
How did we forget that this winter we’d be traveling to Yosemite for a winter hiking/ cabin retreat??!! We had to dig through storage to find the apparel we needed.
This two-day trip, starting on February 4th, is the reconnaissance trip for our late March trip to hike with a group of 10.
We’d also like to think of it as an early Valentine’s Day getaway.
In any case, preparing for winter activities in Yosemite isn’t easy, so we’re going to tell you all about how we’re preparing. Disclaimer: We are staying in a lodge this trip, so your list may vary depending on your sleeping arrangements.
Step 1: Check the weather! This year, “winter” in Yosemite wasn’t nearly as cold as it has been in the past.
Step 2: Make a list. You really can’t afford to forget some of these items.
Things to pack:
- Waterproof hiking-appropriate boots
- Wool socks
- Winter jacket
- Chapstick- wind and cold weather can cause uncomfortable, cracked lips.
- Hand warmers
- Scarf/ beanie
- Gloves
- Sunglasses and sunscreen – the snow and sunshine paired can make for a sunburned nose and eyeballs!
- Tire chains
- First-aid kit
- Snow pants
- Lotion – there’s nothing worse than having layers on and having an itch under them. Dry air and elevation change can cause skin to expand- and cause subsequent itchiness.
Groceries to bring:
- Gatorade/Pedialyte- It’s easy to get dehydrated in the cold! Electrolytes are crucial
- Snickers bars – great for a boost of energy and to kill hunger until you’re back down from a hike!
Step 3: Plan your route and time of departure
Getting There:
Leave Los Angeles before traffic begins. ETD: 10 AM
Once you get there, it’ll cost 20 USD per car, but be prepared for an experience that is priceless!
“Yosemite Valley, to me, is always a sunrise, a glitter of green and golden wonder in a vast edifice of stone and space.” – Ansel Adams
I looked at some of your pictures on flickr Jordan and their phenomenal. It looks like it ended up being a sweet trip. You should write a follow up post on what you ended you ended up doing. It looked like you hiked quite a bit.
Thanks Rafael! Unfortunately, we couldn’t take our MAJOR winter trip due to a huge storm in Yosemite knocking out the power and closing several main highways leading to Yosemite. So, we did a couple hikes- I’ll look into the names and post more photos soon- but couldn’t do very many on our short first trip 3 months ago.
Again, thanks!!