6 day winter loop

[random]

I am looking to do a 6 day loop between December 23 and December 30. Reserving the 23/30 as travel days.

I will be coming from SFO airport on public transportation, so the shuttles have to be able to make it to the trail head. This is what I was thinking so far but I will have a couple of extra days.

Dec 23: Arrive SFO and travel (public transport) to Curry Village (stay).
Dec 24: Take Badger Pass Free shuttle to Badger Pass. Hike to Ostrander Hut. (10 mi.)
Dec 25. Hike and stay (near) Glacier Point (~9mi.)
Dec 26. Hike and stay (near) Dewey Point (~9mi.)
Dec 27. Hike and stay (near) Badger Pass (~3.5mi.)
Dec 28.
Dec 29.
Dec 30. Take public transport to SFO return to CLT

[balzaccom]

That first day, taking the shuttle to Badger Pass and then hiking ten miles, seems like a lot to bite off. The shuttle won't leave at the crack of dawn, and days are very short this time of year. And ten miles in new fresh snow (are you skiing or snowshoeing?) maybe be more than you can cover. We usually keep our winter hikes under about 8 miles a day, and often under six, just because it's a lot more work...

[AlmostThere]

badger Pass isn't open yet. Hopefully there will be enough snow that it will open, then the shuttles will run.

You will either be post holing in snow or snowshoeing, which can slow you down - I expect with shorter days you'll find the mileage too much. Skis are your safest and fastest way to do those miles.

by the way, they do not allow campfires in winter in Yosemite. you'll need to be prepared for that as well. I suspect that there is a no camp zone around Badger Pass, which is a ski resort, so the Rangers will inform you as to where you can or cannot camp. don't forget your wilderness permit at the hut at badger.

[Grzldvt]

I am with the others on the Ostrander Hut, unless you are in incredible shape it is not going to happen. You have not only snow to battle with but some serious elevation gain. I am in incredible shape and have a tough time on this hike in the summer, add snow, some serious uphill and a very short days, you would be hard pressed to get there.