Gallery photos coming soon
Badger Pass
Yosemite's trailhead hub for Dewey Point, Ostrander Lake & winter skiing
About
Badger Pass marks the trailhead hub along Glacier Point Road, launching several of Yosemite's most rewarding day hikes in summer and turning into the park's cross-country ski and snowshoe center once the snow flies. The pass sits at roughly 7,477 feet, and the old downhill ski area here, long known as Badger Pass Ski Area, now operates as the Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area.
Hiking From the Pass
- Dewey Point — a moderate out-and-back to a dramatic overlook above Yosemite Valley, with views across to El Capitan.
- Ostrander Lake — a demanding 12.2-mile round trip climbing to an 8,500-foot backcountry lake, popular with summer hikers and winter ski campers alike.
- Glacier Point via Old Glacier Point Road — a long 22-mile round trip along the old road grade to one of the park's best viewpoints, enough to fill most of a day.
Winter Use
Once snow closes Glacier Point Road beyond the pass, typically from around mid-to-late December through March, Badger Pass becomes the starting point for roughly 90 miles of marked cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, including groomed routes toward Glacier Point and Dewey Point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Badger Pass?
Badger Pass is a location on Glacier Point Road that serves as both a summer trailhead hub for hikes like Dewey Point and Ostrander Lake, and the site of Yosemite's cross-country ski and snowshoe area in winter.
What's the best hike starting from Badger Pass?
Dewey Point is the most accessible option, a moderate out-and-back to a cliff-edge overlook of Yosemite Valley and El Capitan. Ostrander Lake and the route to Glacier Point are longer, harder full-day hikes.
When is the Badger Pass ski area open?
The ski and snowshoe season typically runs from around mid-to-late December through March, depending on snowfall, with roughly 90 miles of marked cross-country trails starting from the pass.
Is Badger Pass still called Badger Pass Ski Area?
The ski area is now branded as the Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area, though the location and pass are still commonly referred to as Badger Pass.
Reviews
See all on GoogleNo reviews yet for this listing.