America’s cathedrals aren’t of the man-made kind. They’re created from the natural beauty found in places like the Sierra Nevada. From the roaring waterfalls to the largest trees in the world, the High Sierra is filled with wonder and found nowhere else in the world. While summer is a great time to visit, these winter guided tours in the High Sierra are ONLY available now. Spring is just around the corner so be sure to enjoy these winter-time adventures before it’s too late.
See The Endangered Sierra Nevada Bighorn
Seeing an endangered species is like catching a shooting star across the night sky. With only 500 left in the world, the Sierra Nevada Bighorn are difficult to find. Luckily, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife together with the Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep Foundation offer free public field trips to see them in their natural habitat. Don’t miss out on experiencing what John Muir once called the “bravest of all the Sierra Mountaineers.”
Tentative dates for 2020 are (subject to Mother Nature):
- February 8th
- March 2nd
- April 18th
Get To Know The Sequoia & Kings Canyon Parks Like An Insider
The fresh crunch of snow. The deafening silence of the majestic giants. There’s nothing quite like seeing the Sequoia & Kings Canyon Parks via snowshoe. Really get to know the park like an insider by joining a naturalist from the Sequoia Parks Conservancy walk offered in both the Giant Forest & Grant Grove. It’s a great chance for both kids & adults to learn something new and try the sport of snowshoeing. Beat the crowds and try a once in a lifetime experience by seeing these storied trees via flashlight.
Spend A Night (Or Two) In A Ski Hut
*Glacier Point Ski Hut closed for the 2020 season.
Not “extreme” enough for you? Well, you may want to check out the Glacier Point Ski Hut. Perhaps the GREATEST secret in Yosemite National Park. The one-way 10.5 mile journey starts at Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area and can only be taken via snowshoe or a pair of cross country skis. The culmination of hard work is the unrivaled views of the Yosemite Valley with only a handful of hearty individuals that made the trip as well. This adventure can be a self-guided OR guided tour depending on how comfortable you are traveling in the wilderness.
Visit the High Sierra in the winter and you’ll find fewer crowds, more affordable lodging, and an array of activities not available any other time of year. From seeing endangered species to gliding your way to unparalleled views at Glacier Point Ski Hut, you don’t want to miss out on these amazing guided winter hikes in the High Sierra.
Author: Alex Silgalis
Alex founded Local Freshies® in 2014 to be the #1 website providing the “local scoop” on where to eat, drink & play in mountain towns throughout North America. When he’s not writing and executing marketing strategies for small businesses & agencies, he’s in search of the deepest snow in the winter and tackiest dirt in the summer.
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