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Fresh snow has arrived this early season, as 50 inches or more have fallen over many parts of the High Sierra. If you aren’t a big-time skier or snowboarder, does that mean this area is off-limits to you? No way! If you can hike, then you can definitely snowshoe. Here’s just a small selection of places you can snowshoe in the High Sierra, allowing you to experience the beauty and serenity of winter.

Stargaze The Night Away

Truckee

When the nights are longest and the air becomes the coldest, it’s also when the night sky is at its brightest, clearest and most beautiful. What starts out as a sunset snowshoe hike just outside of Truckee, transforms into a tour of the sky by award-winning astronomer Tony Berendsen. With his large aperture telescopes, you’ll be exposed to the mysterious wonders just above you in the Sierra skies. The Snowshoe Star Tour is offered on December 23rd, January 20th and February 24th which includes snowshoes, trekking poles, knowledgeable guides, permit fees, hot drinks and snacks.

Snowshoe Amongst Giants

Yosemite National Park

Grizzly Giant Snowshoeing in the high sierra yosemite national park
Photo by: Nancy Robbins – Image appears courtesy: Visit Yosemite | Madera County

They say the best things in life are earned not given. This is especially true when visiting the Mariposa Grove in Yosemite National Park. As the road shuts around the end of November through at least March 15th, the only way in is by human-power. And once one of the legendary Sierra storms deposits a blanket of snow, it leaves in its wake a convenient two-mile jaunt up to it. Once you enter the grove, you’ll find a profound quiet amongst the giant Sequoias. Within the grove lies an assortment of trails to snowshoe or cross-country ski. You can also combine this adventure with checking out some of the other winter-time sights like the Tunnel View.

Full Moon Stroll To A Dinner

Bishop

Snowshoe in the High Sierra
Image appears courtesy: Bishop Visitor Center

The mountains surrounding Bishop offer an assortment of trails for those that want to try snowshoeing for the first time. Snow-covered roads like South Lake & Lake Sabrina offer you a safe, comfortable learning environment to get your techniques locked down. For those looking for something a bit more special, consider booking a dinner at Rock Creek Lodge. Under a moon-lit sky, you’ll snowshoe the last two-miles through vast wilderness to the pure solitude of the lodge. Once there, you’ll enjoy a family style four-course prix fixe menu. Vegetarian and other dietary restrictions accommodated with advance notice.

For those of you who only visit the High Sierra in the summer or ski at one of the star-studded resorts, you’re missing out on a whole spectrum of snowy fun the Sierra Nevada can provide. Winter-time activities offer you clean-crisp air, snowbound vistas, lesser crowds and so much more. So, for this season, consider snowshoeing in the High Sierra. You won’t regret it.

Author: Alex Silgalis

Alex Silgalis is an outdoors travel writer who enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking, or having a cold one from a local mountain brewery. See more of Alex’s work at https://localfreshies.com

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Giant sequoias, raging waterfalls and Yosemite Valley vistas are just a few of the adventures to enjoy in the Southern Sierra. Families, couples and explorers of all ages will find plenty to discover during this weeklong adventure.

A High Sierra Playground

An adventure for families and the young at heart, this trip explores California’s rich history while taking explorers from the Tahoe Basin to the Central Valley. Discover local cuisine and outdoor recreation in all seasons with the whole family. The Reno-Tahoe airport is the gateway to the region and offers daily shuttle services to Truckee, North and South Lake Tahoe.

A Cultural Tour of the High Sierra

Explore the culinary adventures, art and history in California’s High Sierra with this 6-day trip.

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Action Sports

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Natural Attractions & Parks

Water Activities

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Travel Guide

Need more reasons to visit the Sierra Nevada High Country?

Get a glimpse of the stunning scenery to see and activities to do in the Sierra Nevada.

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