Cross-Country Skiing Locations
By Marek Warszawski, The Fresno Bee, Calif.
Dec. 26–1. Glacier Point Road
Location: Yosemite National Park near Badger Pass
Overview: Something for everyone with 10.5 miles of groomed track to Glacier Point and backcountry trails marked with numbered yellow signs. Ranger-led snowshoe hikes depart daily at 10:30 a.m. from Badger Pass A-frame.
Maps: Fifty cents at trailhead or download from www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/upload/badger-winter.pdf
Contact info: (209) 372-8444 or www.yosemitepark.com/BadgerPass_CrossCountrySkiing.aspx
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2. Huntington Lake
Location: Sierra National Forest at end of Highway 168
Overview: Summer ranger station and boat launch parking lots are great jumping off points for trails along Huntington Lake or Kaiser Pass roads. Expect to see snowmobiles in some areas. Sno-Park permits required.
Maps: USGS Huntington Lake and Kaiser Peak
Contact info: (559) 855-5355 or www.fs.fed.us/r5/sierra/recreation/wintersports
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3. Coyote Nordic Trailhead
Location: Sierra National Forest on Highway 168 near Tamarack Ridge
Overview: No snowmobiles are allowed on some 20 miles of backcountry trails marked with blue diamond signs. Because this is also a popular sledding and snowplay area, the parking lot can fill on weekends. Sno-Park permit required.
Maps: USGS Huntington Lake
Contact info: (559) 855-5355 or www.fs.fed.us/r5/sierra/recreation/wintersports
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4. Grant Grove
Location: Kings Canyon National Park
Overview: More than 10 miles of ungroomed, marked trails starting from Grant Grove Visitor Center. Some trails cross paved roads that are cleared in the winter. Ski and snowshoe rentals available at market. Ranger-led snowshoe walks offered Saturdays and holidays.
Maps: $1.95 at visitor center Contact info: (559) 565-4307 or www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/skiing.htm
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5. Lodgepole/Giant Forest
Location: Sequoia National Park
Overview: More than 36 miles of backcountry trails and ungroomed roads meander through giant sequoia groves and other landmarks. Trails marked with yellow signs on trees. Rentals available at Wuksachi Lodge. Ranger-led snowshoe walks offered Saturdays and holidays.
Maps: $3.50 at the Foothills Visitor Center or Giant Forest Museum
Contact info: (559) 565-4480 or www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/skiing.htm
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Also …
Yosemite road conditions: (209) 372-0200 1, 1, 1
Sequoia & Kings Canyon road conditions: (559) 565-3341, ext. 941
Cal-Trans road conditions: (800) 427-ROAD or www.dot.ca.gov
Pineridge Nordic Ski Patrol: (559) 893-2360
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