Outdoor Valentine’s Date Ideas in Northern California
Love day is just around the corner and it’s the perfect time of year for a little outdoor adventure with a loved one. Snow-capped peaks and crisp fresh air followed by cozying up at a crackling fire with a spiced apple hot toddy sets a pretty romantic scene. We rounded up a few outdoorsy adventures to surprise your valentine in Northern California.
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Winter snowshoe to Dewey Point, Yosemite National Park
February is one of the quietest months of the year in an otherwise over-crowded park. Vistas are jaw-dropping year round but a blanket of snow on the towering granite peaks and domes is uniquely breathtaking this time of year. Rent snowshoes from the Badger Pass Ski Area ($26.50) and make the 7-mile roundtrip trek to Dewey Point for sweeping views of Yosemite Valley.
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Skate on Convict Lake, Mono County
Convict Lake is a beautiful lake surrounded by soaring peaks located in Mono County just south of Mammoth, California. This lake would normally be covered in snow this time of year but Mammoth hasn’t received a fresh snowfall since the beginning of January which makes for perfect ice skating weather. Ice skating on natural ice surrounded by mountain peaks is a magical experience. Keep in mind ice needs to be multiple inches thick to skate on and should be measured with an ice auger before skating.
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Witness the firefall, Yosemite National Park
During the second or third week of February each year, Yosemite visitors can witness the Horsetail Fall’s firefall. This natural phenomenon occurs when the setting sun illuminates the waterfall and causes it to glow bright orange like a waterfall of fire. The National Park Service estimates the firefall will occur between February 10th and 28th this year. Park at the Yosemite Falls parking lot and walk 1.5 miles to the El Capitan picnic area on Northside Drive for viewing. Pack warm layers and bring a flashlight or head lamp for the walk back.
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Camp in the Alabama Hills, Inyo County
The Alabama Hills are an area of jumbled geology, hills and rocks nestled under the jagged peaks of the Sierra just outside of Lone Pine, California. This area is a great place to camp for a night or two as camping is free and permits are not required (this is changing soon!). Winter can be chilly, especially overnight but the snow-capped peaks add a layer of beauty that make the colder temperatures worthwhile. Head down Movie Road to find a dispersed camping spot and be sure camp on the east side of the road (the west side of the road and Movie Flat have become day-use only).
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Travertine Hot Springs, Mono County
The Travertine Hot Springs are free, accessible and have incredible views of the Sawtooth Range. They are located outside of Bridgeport, California a few miles off highway 395 along a dirt road. From the parking area, take a short hike up to the 4 hot spring pools and choose a pool of your choice for thermal bliss. The pools can be busy so a sunrise soak is recommended if you want a little privacy! The land surrounding the hot springs is Forest Service so you can dispersed camp off a nearby road for easy and early access to the pools.