Cross-country Ski 10.5 miles from Badger Pass to Glacier Point

One of Yosemite’s greatest wintertime adventures is the cross-country ski trip from Badger Pass to Glacier Point and back. A full-day out-and-back, it’s a wonderful experience for fit and experienced recreationists—and Scenic Wonders is an ideal launchpad.

Badger Pass to Glacier Point: The Basics

It’s 10.5 miles between the Badger Pass Ski Area and Glacier Point, making for a rigorous ski trek. The route follows the unplowed, groomed portion of Glacier Point Road, which commences not far from your Scenic Wonders cabin in Yosemite West. As you slice along, Yosemite’s snowy montane forest of red fir, lodgepole pine, and other noble conifers envelops you, and mighty views of the Clark Range and other reaches of Sierra high country occasionally bedazzle. The vista at Glacier Point itself is one of America’s greatest. The amount of time you take to reach Glacier Point depends on many factors, not least your physical condition, experience, and ambient conditions. Some require only four or five hours one-way, others more than 10. Safety Safety should be your prime concern for a Glacier Point ski outing: Following a road, you’re nonetheless penetrating Yosemite’s winter wilderness—a realm demanding respect and self-sufficiency of any traveler. Travel together and share your party’s itinerary with others, and check the weather forecast before heading out. Be ready for inclement conditions; snow- or rainstorms may muscle aside the sunlight that welcomed you on the early miles. Dress in layers. Pack energy-rich snacks and at least two quarts of water, as well as emergency provisions. Bring a headlamp and extra batteries, because there’s always the chance you’ll end up skiing in the dark—winter days, after all, always surprise with their brevity. Skiing to Glacier Point is the sort of journey that will forever wed you to the Yosemite landscape. Those scenes of snow-swaddled forests, wild distant crags and the arena of Yosemite Valley thousands of feet below will seep into your bones!

Make Your Yosemite Reservations Today

If you’re looking to explore Yosemite, start planning your trip with Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders. We offer Yosemite reservations within the gates of the park. With one of our cozy cabins, condominiums, or homes, your Yosemite accommodations will be just minutes from all the wonderful spots in Yosemite. Give us a call at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to learn about our rentals and to make your Yosemite reservations today.

Yosemite National Park Blog

Scenic Wonders’ Yosemite blog provides the latest news related to Yosemite National Park. By reading our blog, you’ll stay up to date on activities, accommodations, and more. Image: thomas pix