Little Yosemite in Winter

[Wolf]

I'm wondering what is the accessibility of Little Yosemite in winter. I want to do a 3 days trip to Little Yosemite in Dec via either Mist trail. Can anyone tell me if it's possible? (of course assuming stable when during those days). I don't have much snow trekking experience but I know the those trails very well and I don't mind the coldness either.

If not, any suggestion on winter backpacking trip in Yosemite?

[dan]

Little Yosemite Valley is not normally accessible in winter. Huge ice shields cover both trails. Early in the season the trail may be free and clear of ice in drier years. Still there's a problem of falling ice from above.

Search and rescue people have problems with people who ignore signs and get in trouble here.
Alternatives. Consider the Glacier Point Road. Yosemite Falls Trail or Snow Creek Trail. Crane Flats.

[bill-e-g]

Where did you get that info? LYV is accessible year round.
The winter route is up JMT to Clark Pt. and then down and across Silver Apron Bridge to Mist Trail up to top of Nevada Falls.

Done it many times.

Snow shoes and microspikes may or may not be required ... crampons rarely.
Two hiking poles highly recommened.

[dan]

Where did you get that info? LYV is accessible year round.
The winter route is up JMT to Clark Pt. and then down and across Silver Apron Bridge to Mist Trail up to top of Nevada Falls.

I could ask the same question: where did you get that info? . I've been there, and I suppose you have too.

The JMT is often blocked at the switchbacks beyond where the trail splits off the Mist Trail. On some low snow years it may be passable. Crampons and a ice ax will help getting over the ice mound, but it's not worth it.

Beyond that, the cliff walls southwest of Nevada Fall are also filled with ice shields and inaccessible. Heading down from Clark Point to the foot of Nevada Fall is a good alternative. That's assuming you can get to Clark Point.

[bill-e-g]

It's not worth it is your opinion.

From NPS site:
"Typically the Four Mail Trail, and sections of the John Muir and Mist Trails, are closed during the winter (portions of the John Muir and Mist Trails remain open, so it's still possible to hike to the tops of Vernal and Nevada Falls and to Little Yosemite Valley, though these trails are often snowy or icy). Check for winter trail closures before your trip."
or here:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildwinter.htm

The sections that are closed and the winter route is shown on this map:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/u ... hikes1.pdf

Conditions vary greatly depending on when last storm went thru. How many, blah blah.

Yes, sections can be interesting... and ice axe and crampons may be highly recommended.

I give info from stuff I have done. Not stuff I speculate about.

Have fun and be safe whatever you do

[QITNL]

It's hard giving advice to a hiker you don't know. In my experience (i like breaking tracks through nice fresh snow):

The JMT is often blocked at the switchbacks beyond where the trail splits off the Mist Trail. On some low snow years it may be passable. Crampons and a ice ax will help getting over the ice mound, but it's not worth it.

Getting up to Clark Point is fairly easy. Maybe a couple tricky short sections, no big deal. If you have a hard time getting to Clark Point, turn around, collect pizza and beer. Bivy and shoot up Snow Creek tomorrow, a better goal.

Beyond that, the cliff walls southwest of Nevada Fall are also filled with ice shields and inaccessible.

That section of the JMT is typically "closed." Often rightfully so.

Heading down from Clark Point to the foot of Nevada Fall is a good alternative.

That's the "open" trail, the mandated route of travel. No big deal. You lose some elevation and add some distance, factor that into your window. Light and shade.

Now may come the hairy. The switchbacks on the Mist as you gain Nevada Fall are steep; they can be icy. You are entering a known avalanche zone, which extends well past the bridge until you enter LYV. There are usually a couple big slides up there in a typical snow year. Just be mindful, nothing insane.

Chances are you will find tracks to follow. Of course, keep an eye on conditions & weather & have fun.

-Joe