Dewey, Dewey, Dewey

For three months, we've been chomping at the bit to do the snowshoe hike out to Dewey Point in Yosemite.  The hike is a 3.5 mile one-way trip from the Badger Pass ski area to the tip of Dewey Point.  The recent snow storm in the park made it a difficult 7 mile, round trip journey, but the views were well worth it.  If you ever need to feel humbled - head to Dewey Point to understand there is something out there bigger than all of us.

Dewey Point Snowshoe Trek

• Last hiked: April 2011
• Mileage: 7 miles round trip
• Sun exposure: It was a pretty cloudy day for us, but the trail is mostly exposed.  Sun screen is a must!
• Trail map

Road up to the Dewey Point trail

Park in the Badger Pass Ski Area parking lot and head for the Cross Country trail on the far end of the lot.  The first mile of the hike is on this groomed road.  If you're on snowshoes, make sure to stay off the groomed cross country tracks.  The first mile is relatively easy with some gradual inclines, but overall, very doable.

Once you've gone a mile, you'll see a small hut on your right and a trail sign on the left.  Head down to the left following the Meadow trail to Dewey Point.  I think half of our group missed the marking on the sign that said the next 1 mile was easy, but the 1.5 miles after that was difficult.  We soon found out though!

On the first mile, you'll head through the open meadow which is beautiful in its own way after some new snow.  After a good trek through the meadow you'll see the yellow trail markers on the trees veer to the left and you'll start to head up hill.

The trail is well marked and also well traveled.  If you are going right after a big storm, navigating the trail could be more difficult.

At the 2.5 mile marker, you'll come to a clearing and trail markings pointing you toward Dewey Point.  Take a minute to see the water fall (maybe Yosemite Falls?) through the tree line.


The last mile is a tough one, but keep on truckin'!  As you wind your way around the trail and out to Dewey Point, the adrenaline will kick in and you'll make it.  The views get progressively better until you end up at what feels like the edge of the world.

Looking down into the valley from Dewey Point

The day we were there, we shared the view with a few other groups and you could tell each person felt lucky to have experienced the journey.  Watch your step though - with the snow, I couldn't quite tell where the rocks started and where they may have stopped!

Dewey Point sits at over 7,300 feet.  It provides a spectacular view of El Capitan smack in front of you and right below you is the valley leading to Half Dome.  It's breathtaking (and a little stomach dropping if you're scared of heights).

Half Dome!

The hike is an out and back so after you've enjoyed the views and feel well rested, head back the way you came all the way out to Badger Pass via the Meadow Trail.

Dewey Point tips - bring a picnic for the point and bring something you'll want to sit on.  There's still a ton of snow up there and you'll want something to relax on while you soak up the view.

What you need to know:

• How to get there: Wawona Road to Badger Pass Road, park in the ski area
• Seasons: We did this in the spring, but had plans all winter of doing it.  If you want to wait until the snow is melted, it seems to be a great hike anytime of year.
• Entrance Fee: It's $20 to enter Yosemite National Park
• Dogs: Dogs aren't allowed on the trails in the park
• Camping: Plenty of camping in the park, need reservations for most sites and permits for any back country camping