5 Things To Do During Your Visit To Yosemite This February
Sightseeing In Yosemite Valley
We love taking our own families into Yosemite Valley when they visit during the winter months. For adventurous families we always recommend snowshoes around Mirror Lake or up eastern ridge for views of Vernal Falls. But if you are looking for a more relaxing day, then stop at tunnel view or walk the 1 mile loop to Yosemite Falls or Bridalveil Fall before heading over and enjoying a Hot Toddy next to one of the HUGE fireplaces in the famous Ahwahnee Hotel or check out Yosemite Village's Visitor Center and the Yosemite Museum! For a seriously full day, finish your incredible day with ice skating in the shadow of Half Dome at Curry Village! Pro-Tip: You should start the session enjoying the s'mores at the fire pit and then hit up the ice as the novelty wears off for other visitors!
Snowshoeing to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias
This 2.5 mile round trip trek into the Giant Sequoias is a classic winter adventure for guests and guides! You'll begin this adventure at the trailhead on Tioga Road, located within view of the winter road blockade. After you park you'll venture down into the Tuolumne Grove along an abandoned stagecoach road losing about 400 feet per mile. The trail is a little tough coming back up, but it will be well worth the time you have spent among the dark red behemoths laced in snow and surrounded by smaller pines and cedars. Rent snowshoes to try it yourself or book a guided half day adventure through the Giant Sequoias on its own or combine it with a Yosemite Valley Discovery Tour for the perfect winter day!
If you are staying in the southern portion of the park, then talk to your hotel about conditions and access to the Mariposa Grove. Pro-tip: Depending on conditions you will likely need snowshoes or hiking with crampons or coils for traction. Check with an Adventure Coordinator at Echo's Yosemite Basecamp for the latest conditions in this grove!
The Firefall in Yosemite Valley
The OG Firefall was a spectacular event that occurred at Yosemite National Park's Glacier Point. It involved pushing burning embers off the edge of the cliff, creating the illusion of a cascading waterfall of fire. However, this practice was discontinued in 1968 due to environmental concerns and fire safety regulations.
The "firefall” that is popular in Yosemite today refers to the natural phenomenon that occurs during the winter months when the setting sun illuminates Horsetail Fall, creating a stunning waterfall effect in photographs that appear to be flowing with molten lava or fire. This event typically happens in mid-to-late February when specific conditions align, but it's highly dependent on weather and water flow.
Today’s firefall draws photographers from across the globe. The large number of visitors photographing horsetail falls causes traffic congestion, parking issues, safety concerns, and impacts to natural and cultural resources. In order to manage this event, reservations will be required to visit Yosemite on:
February 10–11, 2024
February 17–19, 2024
February 24–25, 2024
Hiking Wapama Falls Trail in Hetch Hetchy
Another incredible adventure is located inside the Hetch Hetchy Entrance on the western side of Yosemite National Park. Follow the beautiful Hetch Hetchy road several miles down to the parking area. You'll begin this moderate 5-mile round trip hiking adventure at O'Shaughnessy Dam, through the mountain tunnel and along the reservoir to the 1200 foot Wapama Falls. Hetch Hetchy is a lower elevation adventure, so keep an eye out as you make your way to Wapama Falls as the road and trail are great places to see Yosemite black bears later in the season! The rich native culture, incredible flora and fauna, as well as the storied battle between John Muir and San Francisco and other tales of the infamous dam make this a great reason to book your private guided adventure with Echo Adventure Cooperative’s naturalists and historians!
Fly Fishing on the Tuolumne River
Incredible winter fishing for lake run rainbow trout, brown trout and kokanee is available on the western side of Yosemite National Park along the main Tuolumne River. Beginning at the base of the O'Shaughnessy Dam in Hetch Hetchy and continuing downstream to Clavey Falls, catch and release fishing with barbless hooks and artificial lures is available and amazing! Member guide Bryant Burnette suggests trying your luck with these massive trout midday using small midges. If you're struggling to bring these hogs to the net, then give us a call for our private full-day trips for solo anglers and small groups!
Pro-tip: Make sure to check the new fishing regulations for what is off-limits for off-season fishing. Also, make sure you get your valid California fishing license at our Yosemite Basecamp in downtown Groveland or Miner’s Mart in Big Oak Flat.
About Echo Adventure Cooperative
Echo Adventure Cooperative is a socially and environmentally sustainable worker cooperative (with B-Corp Certification!) offering adventure goods and services to Yosemite visitors! Visit us at our Yosemite Basecamp in downtown Groveland, CA and experience:
The Adventure Loft, a full-service, high tech, sustainable, accommodation for up to 4 adult adventurers!
The Basecamp Bunkhouse, is our full service, family friendly, ADA compliant accommodation for up to 6 visitors of any age!
The Basecamp Outfitter is our one stop shop for your adventure needs with park information, informational videos, guided adventures, a full-service fly shop, outdoor essentials and used gear store. Our store focuses on worker owned, us made and certified B-Corporations like Fish Pond, Patagonia and more!