by Phil » Thu Nov 19, 2015 10:25 pm
Hi,
You have to understand that, while you may be in good shape, hiking in the snow is a completely different thing than running marathons, etc. Whether it's snowing during your hike or not, there's likely going to be enough snow already on the ground to where you essentially have no trail visible to follow, and more is forecast for this weekend I believe. Without winter navigational skills, you're asking for trouble. It doesn't take much to become disoriented and completely lose your bearings. You're not going too far out, but you're going into the wilderness as an inexperienced hiker, in the snow up to 7200 feet, and in an unfamiliar place, on top of the fact that some of the areas on your route are very dangerous when icy, such as most of the Four Mile Trail past Glacier Point. It's also a really bad, bad idea to go out alone in winter conditions just about anywhere. Glacier Point Road is also now closed for the season, so there will be very few, if any, other people around. You may have great conditions, but maybe you won't. You may end up strolling through just a few inconveniently spotty sections of snow or you may be miserably cutting trail in snow up to your thighs every step of the way, or you may need snowshoes and/or traction devices of some kind, both of which will slow you down considerably. There are too many variables involved to advise you with any certainty as to what they'll be exactly. If it can be bad, know that ahead of time, and be completely ready to deal with it.
Caveats completely aside, and to answer your questions, yes, you can do it in a day, leave as early as possible, but just don't be foolish. I'm sorry, I really do hate to be the harbinger of doom and despair, but people die doing exactly what you're asking about a whole lot closer to help than you're going to be, and that concerns me enough to tell that to you honestly. If in doubt in the least, ask the rangers their opinion when you get there, pay close attention to your survival instincts, what you see, the weather, and don't go out alone, no matter what you decide to do.
Last edited by
Phil on Fri Nov 20, 2015 5:48 am, edited 1 time in total.