Blauert on Outdoors: Snowshoeing offers access to great Sierra views

I’m writing this with high hopes for some wet weather this weekend to end our extended dry spell.

I’ve been a proponent of snowshoeing for many years. I got my first set of snowshoes back in 2009, and they made it possible to enjoy the wilderness in the snowy months with minimal effort and money spent.

Whether or not this winter cooperates for snow sports, here are three reasons to try snowshoeing sometime:

▪ Snowshoes ease the arduous task of traversing on winter hikes. It takes some time to get your footing, but there aren’t any difficult skills to learn. It’s one of the best ways to get outdoors in the winter and make memories with family and friends.

▪ It’s relatively inexpensive. Any pair of waterproof boots can be attached to a set of snowshoes. They’re basically “one size fits all.” In addition, unlike downhill skiing, there’s no lift ticket. You can get a satisfactory pair for about $100, or you can splurge for a top-quality pair to suit specialized conditions. If you’re unsure about the investment, renting is an option.

▪ Winter transforms well-known landscapes into Narnia-esque wonderlands. Everything is different in the snow, and it’s always beautiful. You’ll generally see very few people, and sometimes none at all.

Trails close to home: There are a lot of well-marked, easy trails in Yosemite and other nearby regions of the Sierra.

How to learn: Yosemite and Sequoia national parks offer regularly scheduled snowshoe walks. These ranger-led walks are easy, free and the snowshoes are provided. REI offers beginning snowshoe classes at its Fresno location every winter. Rental snowshoes are available at REI, Valley Sporting Goods, Herb Bauer, Dodge Ridge, Badger Pass, Curry Village, Bear Valley and many Lake Tahoe locations.

Recommended trails: My favorite local snowshoe trails are in Yosemite. With a poor snowpack, the trails starting at Badger Pass are best because they are the highest easily accessible trails in the park. They also offer spectacular views.

For free, downloadable maps, go to www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/brochures.htm. The easiest route is to follow the machine-groomed snow on Glacier Point Road. The 7-mile loop to Dewey Point can be accomplished in a day by anyone in good shape, and the views of Yosemite Valley are spectacular. In years with good snow conditions, the Mariposa Grove, the Crane Flat Fire Lookout, and the Tuolumne Grove are great destinations.

All of these trails are frequently used, easy to follow, and away from avalanche danger – perfect for learning the sport. For safety, carry extra layers of warm clothing and extra food. Don’t set out if bad weather threatens or is forecast. Never go alone in the snow.

Overnight options: With some experience and planning, snowshoeing can make comfortable winter backpacking possible. Some of my closest friends and I have made a tradition out of snowshoeing to a remote cabin each year.

You can reserve a bunk in one of Yosemite’s backcountry winter cabins at Ostrander Lake and Glacier Point or at Pear Lake in Sequoia National Park. Similar accommodations are offered at Sierra Club cabins in the Tahoe area. Staying in one can be a great way to meet other people who enjoy snow travel. El Dorado and Tahoe national forests both offer reservations for remote cabins.

This year, our group returned to the Van Vleck Bunkhouse, located in a large meadow with beautiful views towards the Crystal Range of the Desolation Wilderness. The 6-mile hike is challenging with snowshoes and a pack, but more than rewarding.

Other than having propane lights, propane heat and two small rooms, the cabin feels like a backpacking experience. Three miles from a road, we had solitude, wilderness beauty, good food, warm beds and a memorable time relaxing in the cabin and exploring the surrounding area. Van Vleck and two other backcountry winter cabins – Robb’s Hut and the Calpine Lookout – can be reserved at www.recreation.gov.

We look forward to our snowshoe tradition each year because the outdoors can provide some of the best opportunities for families and friends to enjoy time together. The unexpected surprises, wonders and challenges you find in wild places often bring out the best in people and form lasting bonds. It doesn’t matter so much what you do or where you do it. What matters is who you do it with and that you actually get out and do it.

This story was originally published February 3, 2015 at 11:05 PM with the headline "Blauert on Outdoors: Snowshoeing offers access to great Sierra views."