Alta Vista Loop — Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025

Went for a lovely snowshoe/ski up at Paradise with the kids. Roads were fine chains are still required to be carried. The gate opened at about 1000 AM and rangers gave announcements to return to cars and leave at 330 pm. The trail was well beaten in and temperatures were quite warm. I would have been comfortable in a tee shirt most the day. Snowshoes weren’t really needed and  the 5 and 8 year gave up on them and preferred hiking in their snow boots. Bringing a big backpack was helpful for extra water, snacks, and carrying superfluous layers. After getting up towards the flats before pan point and the hike up to Muir we let the kids ski down in the wet snow. There are a few obvious creek holes which are easily avoided with decent light. Saw a drone flying overhead not sure if the park service is utilizing them for S&R but otherwise illegal and annoying to see. Most folks were respectful and pleasant. Fun in the sun!