Dewey Point

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During the winter months, this route takes you through deep, snow-covered meadows, and through enchanting forests to a spectacular lookout at Dewey Point. The return route takes a singletrack along the Dewey Point Ridge Trail with twists, turns and uphill sections but rewards with views towards the east hills.

This route was taken in the winter, and is thus described as a show shoe. Be prepared for the weather if you decide to visit!

From the Badger Pass Cross-Country center, take the trail around the edge of the car park to Glacier Point Road. After 1.3 miles you'll reach the turn-off to the left to take the route via Dewey Point Meadows for 2.7 miles to Dewey Point. The views across Yosemite Valley are incredible, including Half Dome, Clouds Rest, Cathedral Rocks, Cathedral Spires, Leaning Tower, the Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite Falls, Three Brothers, and Mount Hoffman.

Return along the same trail for 1 mile, retracing your steps back to where the trail forks. From here, take the right-hand fork for the Dewey Point Ridge Trail. This takes you along the ridge back to Glacier Point Road with some great views across the Central Valley with Mount Diablo being visible on clear days.

After 2.2 miles, take Glacier Point Road back to Badger Pass.

The total distance is 8.3 miles with 1077ft elevation gain - most of it on the Dewey Point Ridge Trail section. In snowshoes, the total time for a typical outing is around 6.5 hours with an hour for lunch and plentiful stops to admire the scenery.