Yosemite in the Winter

During the winter months, the massive number of visitors to Yosemite National Park disappear, and the mountains and valley are blanketed in feet upon feet of snow.  It's utterly and fantastically quiet.  No traffic jams in the valley.  No battles for parking spots.  Solitude on the trails.  If you like to cross country ski or snowshoe, it's a veritable winter wonderland, with fantastic views into the valley from the rim.  The road up to Glacier Point is plowed up to the Badger Pass Ski Area, and is groomed for cross country skiing beyond.  If you're a little more daring and a good trail finder, there's a network of winter trails starting from the road branching out to places like the Ostrander Ski Hut and various viewpoints along the rim.  Our destination: Dewey Point, on backcountry nordic skis.

Happy Monday, folks!