By:
Submission
A wilderness permit is required year-round for backpacking, overnight climbing, or any other overnight stay in the Yosemite Wilderness. A wilderness permit is not required for day hikes (unless hiking to Half Dome) or for staying in lodging facilities and frontcountry campgrounds.
Wilderness permits are only issued to a limited number people for each trailhead in order to provide outstanding opportunities for solitude, as required by the Wilderness Act. Since many trails are very popular, reservations are recommended. Of each daily quota for a trailhead, 60 percent can be reserved ahead of time. Normally, 40 percent of wilderness permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis at park wilderness centers.
Beautiful overlook into Yosemite Valley with a perfect view of El Capitan. There is also a great snowshoeing trail that leads to Dewey Point in the winter!
The view at Dewey Point is mesmerizing. Bring a snack or a sandwich as you will want to sit for a few and simply take in the view. On March 25,2021, the snow on the trail was hard packed and I went all the way to Dewey and back in hiking boots without ever putting on my snow shoes. I did put on my crampons taking pictures around Dewey Point as it was a bit icy and I did not want to slip and fall. I took the 14 trail out and back, which is the ridge trail and supposed to be “difficult,” but the trail is straightforward and it really did not feel like much incline. 14 trail is mostly through the woods and opens up to stunning views as you approach Dewey Point. From Badger Pass ski lot it was 7.5 miles round trip and took me 5 hours, though I spent a lot of time at the Point taking pictures and simply taking in the view. Started at 7:30 am and was all alone at the Point for about half an hour before other hikers arrived. Note there were no restrooms available at Badger Pass facilities/lot since the ski slopes were closed for the 20/21 season due to covid.
One of the better hikes in Yosemite. We took 4 children (youngest 7, oldest 15), and they did just fine. Entered via Glacier Rd, almost 10mi round trip. After lengthy conversations with the Ranger, decided to add this awesome hike because it was less traveled (we saw maybe 10 people over a holiday weekend). Views were 100% worth it as well. Elevation was negligible also.
