Matt Johanson - Yosemite Adventures: 50 Spectacular Hikes, Climbs, and Winter Treks

The outings and activities described in this book involve risk. Though the author has attempted to make this guide as accurate as possible, we make no warranty of its content and disclaim all liability arising from its use. Users of this book are solely responsible for their own safety.

Copyright 2014 by Matt Johanson

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher, Triumph Books LLC, 814 North Franklin Street, Chicago, Illinois 60610.

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Triumph Books LLC

814 North Franklin Street

Chicago, Illinois 60610

(312) 337-0747

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Printed in U.S.A.

ISBN: 978-1-60078-914-4

Design by Patricia Frey

Cover photo courtesy of Dan Johanson

Photos courtesy of the author except where otherwise noted

To the skilled and brave members of Yosemite Search and
Rescue, with thanks for their tireless efforts to keep visitors safe,
and to all who protect the park and share it with others

You might take this as a locals bias, but many will agree with me that the following is true: the average outing in Yosemite is better than the best at any other area. Although Matt Johanson has some of the best in this book, he also has listed some of the less-frequented places. As a 30-year user of the park, I am eager to go explore these hikes and climbs. Surprisingly, many of them I havent yet done.

There is a wealth of knowledge in this book for the adventurer wanting to hit some classic hikes, climbing routes, and winter treks. Whats incredible is that there is no pretense that these outings listed are a best of the best, or by any means a complete listing. They are not the hardest or the easiest. I do suspect that because many locals and guidebook authors are spoiled by Yosemite, these adventures listed herein may well be some of the forgotten gems. As a climber I get sucked into sticking to the technical routes Yosemite has to offer. Reading through some of the less technical peaks Matt has listed, I realize I am missing out on some fun mountaintop adventures. I will certainly have bagged some of them by the time you read this.

Just seeing the horizon full of peaks and cliffs can be overwhelming in a place like Yosemite. Matt gives you a nice manageable list of adventures to choose from.

I have to confess that my favorite climb in this book is Pine Line at the base of El Capitan. Ive told many people that if you take the time to go do this rather simple 1-pitch route, you can say Ive climbed [on] El Capitan! You can choose to leave out the on. Just walking to the base of this route should be on everyones short hike tick list. Its amazing to me how many people go to El Capitan Meadow and look up at El Cap, but how few take the 15-minute hike to go and place ones hand on the base of this 3,000-foot wall. Nowhere else in the world is this possible. But then that is true of the views from many of these adventures Matt has described.

Know that you are in good hands letting Matt choose some great paths for you to take on your next visit. Consider you may even run into a 30-year veteran of the park when you are out on any one of these gems. Hope I see you out there.

Hans Florine

Hans Florine has won nine national climbing championships, authored Speed Climbing: How to Climb Faster and Better, and set multiple speed climbing records, including the fastest-ever ascent of The Nose of El Capitan in 2 hours, 23 minutes, and 46 seconds.

A snowy Lembert Dome welcomes winter visitors. Photo by Richard DeYoung

Introduction to Winter Treks

Yosemite in winter sees just a fraction of the parks summer crowds while its snow-covered scenery becomes perhaps even grander. In addition to its rewards, the season provides unique challenges, especially during and after snowstorms. The following general tips will help adventurers enjoy the winter season safely.

Though it may sound oxymoronic, try to avoid snowy weather. Trekking around the mountains in a heavy winter storm is a trying experience which appeals to only a hardy few. Even driving to and from Yosemite in bad weather is difficult and dangerous, especially for those not accustomed to icy roads. Rescheduling a trip is often a better choice than pushing on through difficult conditions. Check the forecast and time your trip wisely.

When driving to and from Yosemite in winter, always carry chains and know how to put them on and remove them.

Most of the treks described in this book use trails that are marked (with markers on trees) but ungroomed. This means skiers and snowshoers will break trail through snow after every storm, and the first ones to arrive will do the hardest work. If this sounds daunting, simply plan your visit for a week or more after heavy snow. By this time, others will probably have broken trail ahead of you, making traveling and staying on route much easier.

Most Yosemite winter trekkers use snowshoes, which offer easy use. Cross-country skis require more skill but permit travel thats faster, easier, and more fun. Skis with metal edges and heavy bindings are the best choice for backcountry trips involving trail breaking and steep climbs and descents. Beginners may want to experiment with several options by renting before buying gear.

A word about avalanches is in order. The trips described in this book generally avoid avalanche hazards, but those who brave the backcountry in winter should develop awareness of them. For starters, avoid steep terrain (from 30 to 50 degrees) during heavy snow and for a few days afterward. Avoid crossing steep slopes, especially those that face south and in the afternoon. Travel with at least one partner and a snow shovel.

Dress for success. This means using layers and wearing materials like wool, which insulate temperature even when wet, and avoiding cotton, which does not.

Even in winter, prepare for the sun. In fact, the sunshine reflected off snow at high elevation may be the most intense you will ever experience. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Photo by Dan Johanson

Finally, hope for the best and plan for the worst. This advice applies particularly well to winter outings in Yosemite. In particular, those attempting to reach ski cabins or even taking long day trips should prepare to camp overnight in case it becomes needed. Pack accordingly.