Outdoorithm Yosemite Group Trip
2024

Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite

December 21-24, 2024

Join us for our annual winter getaway at Evergreen Lodge! Made up of cozy cabins and located just minutes from Yosemite’s Hetch Hetchy entrance and an hour from Yosemite Valley, Evergreen is an amazing place to gather a great jumping off point for Yosemite adventures.

What to Pack

Keeping yourself and your kids warm and comfortable is key to having a great time outdoors in the winter. We generally use a three layer system:

  1. Base layer - mid to light weight wool works best at regulating temperature and wicking sweat. We’ve used fleece baselayers with our kids and those work as well. Avoid cotton as it holds moisture and makes you colder. Here are some recommendations:

    2. Mid layer - fleece or heavier wool layer.

    3. Outer layer - see below for all our recommendations!

Outer Layer Recommendations

Jackets are a common question, and for good reason—they're an investment in comfort and warmth. If you bring only one jacket for Yosemite, choose a heavyweight down jacket for lounging or easy walks. For more active snow play or hikes, a lighter, breathable jacket may be better, though our trip doesn’t involve a lot of strenuous activity. Here are our top picks across categories:

1. Heavyweight Down (Best All-Around Option) These are ideal for lounging, low-output activities, and staying warm in cold weather.

2. Lightweight Insulated Synthetic (For Active Movement)

These are better for hiking or snow play since they handle moisture (rain or sweat) and are more breathable than down. But you'd be cold in Yosemite if you only had these and you weren't actively moving.

  • Men’s Rab Xenair Alpine Insulated Jacket ($260):

  • Men’s Arcteryx Atom Heavyweight Hoody ($350):

  • Women’s Rab Xenair Alpine Insulated Jacket ($260):

  • Women’s Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody ($329):

    • Why: Cozy and breathable, designed for active use with excellent mobility.

    • Product Page | Review

  • Kids’ Columbia Pike Lake II Hooded Insulated Jacket ($45-$90):

    • Why: Thermal reflective lining will keep your kids warm. Columbia has a unique Outgrown system that allows you to extend the length of the coat’s arms by 1.5” as your kids grow, making the coat last longer.

    • REI Affiliate Link

    • Product Page

  • Kids' Patagonia Down Sweater ($139)

3. Lightweight Options for Vigorous Activity

If you’re planning to do more intense hiking or snow play, something like the lightweight Arcteryx Atom Hoody (not the heavyweight) is a great option.

4. Rain Protection

If it’s raining, layer a waterproof shell over your jacket if it isn’t already waterproof (e.g. the McMurdo already has a built-in shell).

About Evergreen Lodge

Evergreen Lodge, a historic mountain resort nestled in the woods bordering Yosemite National Park, offers a unique blend of timeless charm and modern comforts. Beyond its stunning natural setting, Evergreen’s long-standing commitment to its youth employment program and to environmentally sustainable practices makes it a great partner to Outdoorithm Collective.

The John Muir House, where our group gatherings take place.

Accommodations

Base Camp: We've reserved the John Muir House at Evergreen Lodge as our central gathering place. Imagine cozy evenings by the fire, shared meals, movie nights, and card games.

Your Accommodations: Rent a cabin nearby using Outdoorithm’s exclusive group discount code. When making your reservation, select ‘Group Code’ and enter LETSGO; check out this quick video on how to use the group code. Discount available for Dec 21-24 trip dates only. Using the code also let’s the lodge know to place your reservation near the John Muir House so it’ll be easier for you to come through - rates listed below!

Deluxe King Cabins (Sleeps 2-4 people):
King bedroom and a queen sofa bed in the living area. Includes private bathroom and mini refrigerator; no cooking allowed in or near cabin.

  • Regular Rate: $338 per night

  • Our Group Rate: $265 per night (Save $73!)

2 Bedroom Family Cabins (Sleeps 4-6 people):
1 King bedroom, second bedroom with twin beds, and a queen sofa bed in the living area. Includes private bathroom and mini refrigerator; no cooking allowed in or near cabin.

  • Regular Rate: $463 per night

  • Our Group Rate: $360 per night (Save $103!)

How do I sign up?

Step #1: Register on Eventbrite. Space is limited!

Step #2: Reserve your cabin.

Both steps must be completed in order to attend and participate!

Yosemite Through the Years

The Details

Where: Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite

When: Saturday, December 21st - Tuesday, December 24th

What: Community, optional hikes, snow play (weather permitting!), and movies & games at John Muir House.

❄️ Check the weather in advance & day-of departure. Some years it snows, some years it’s cold but sunny. ❄️

What’s Included?

We’ll be sharing breakfast and dinner at the John Muir House. Everyone pitches in to prep and clean!

  • Lunch is on your own. If we’re on a group hike, we might stop at a restaurant or grocery store but that’s flexible and self-pay.

  • On check-out day, we usually share breakfast at the lodge restaurant. This is self-pay and not included in the trip.

What Do I Bring?

Warm layers, including a coat, hat and gloves. Check the weather leading up to and day-of departure.

  • Walking shoes for hikes/walks

  • If snow is in the forecast: boots or waterproof shoes, snow pants, snow gloves, and thick/warm socks

  • Personal casual clothing + toiletries

  • If it snows, tire chains may be required (see FAQ below).

How do I sign up?

In order to participate you must both register on Eventbrite and reserve your own cabin.

Registering lets us know you’re coming and allows us to plan for group gatherings, food and excursions. Renting a cabin is needed as there will be no other sleep accommodations available.

Our Trip Philosophy

➡️ Community DIY: We thrive together. From pitching tents to prepping meals, every task is a shared adventure. Our goal? Empowering you to become a confident camper, solo or in groups.

➡️ Inclusive Outdoors: We're rewriting the story of who belongs in nature. Together, we're building an outdoor community where everyone feels welcome and valued.

➡️ Stewardship: We tread lightly and leave no trace, preserving nature's beauty for all. Each camper is a caretaker, ensuring our outdoor spaces thrive for generations to come.

FAQs

How do I use the Group Code for a discount?

  • You are responsible for booking and paying for your own cabin, as well as any additional meals/snacks beyond communal breakfasts and dinners.

  • Our group code "LETSGO" is applicable to the Deluxe King Cabin and the Two Bedroom Family Cabin. Discount is only available for December 21st-24th.

  • No - only registered service animals are allowed at Evergreen Lodge.

  • Check the weather but if there's any chance of snow or ice, yes. Snowy or icy road conditions are common in Yosemite. When these conditions exist, federal regulations (in Yosemite) and state law (outside Yosemite) require that you use chains or cables. Chain requirements are strictly enforced. Check weather before you go and be prepared.

    More info here: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tirechains.htm

  • Please reach out to Sally directly at sally@outdoorithmcollective.org

Exploring Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is a place of remarkable beauty, where towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and ancient forests create a landscape that will leave you in awe.

Here are a few places to visit - we usually do one or two of these hikes as a group, plus a trip to Yosemite Valley.

  1. Wapama Falls Hike in Hetch Hetchy (20 min): The entrance to the Hetch Hetchy area of Yosemite is just minutes from Evergreen Lodge, and this scenic area is perfect for families looking to explore a quieter side of Yosemite. The 5-mile roundtrip trail takes you along the stunning shoreline of the Hetch Hetchy reservoir, leading to the impressive Wapama Falls. With a moderate elevation gain of 507 feet, it’s a rewarding adventure that still feels accessible, and the waterfall views are worth every step.

  2. Crane Flat Snow Play Area (30 min): Looking for some snowy fun? Crane Flat Snow Play Area is a wonderful spot for families to enjoy sledding and playing in the snow. Perfect for younger kids or those new to winter activities, this area is great for an easygoing day of laughter, snowball fights, and building snowmen. Bring your sleds and get ready for an unforgettable winter adventure!

  3. Lower Yosemite Fall Trail (1 hr): This family-friendly, paved trail is an easy must-do! The 1-mile loop brings you up close to Yosemite’s iconic Lower Yosemite Fall, and it’s perfect for all ages and abilities. Whether you have toddlers in strollers or older family members in wheelchairs, everyone can join in on this breathtaking walk through the heart of Yosemite Valley. It’s our annual tradition to do this hike as a group.

  4. Yosemite Valley (1 hr): While you're in Yosemite Valley, take advantage of the visitor centers, eateries, and stores. The new Welcome Center offers loads of information and fun exhibits, while the nearby Yosemite Museum is a fascinating spot to learn about the park’s history. Degnan’s Kitchen and the Village Store are great for picking up a delicious lunch or any last-minute snacks or groceries for your adventure.

  5. Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias (35 min): Ready to be wowed by nature? Head to the Tuolumne Grove, where a 2.5-mile roundtrip hike will take you deep into a forest of towering sequoia trees—the largest trees on Earth! The trail down is easy, but the climb back up is a bit more moderate, so prepare for a fun challenge on the way out. Your family will leave feeling small next to these awe-inspiring giants!

  6. Badger Pass Ski Area (1 hr 30 min): For families looking to add some winter excitement to their trip, Badger Pass Ski Area is a fantastic option. It’s Yosemite’s ski destination, offering everything from skiing and snowboarding to snow tubing and cross-country skiing. Whether you’re seasoned skiers or complete beginners, there are lessons, rentals, and trails for all skill levels. Plus, the scenic winter views are unbeatable!

  7. The Ahwahnee Hotel & The Bracebridge Dinner (1hr 10 min): Treat your family to a touch of luxury at Yosemite's iconic Ahwahnee Hotel. Known for its breathtaking architecture and timeless elegance, it's the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring. Whether you pop in for a gourmet meal in the grand dining room or simply enjoy the cozy ambiance with afternoon tea, The Ahwahnee offers a serene escape in the wilderness. For an extra-special holiday experience, don’t miss The Bracebridge Dinner, a cherished Christmas tradition that transforms the hotel into a festive English manor. With lavish costumes, a multi-course feast, and enchanting music and performances, this one-of-a-kind event will leave your family in awe of both Yosemite’s natural beauty and its holiday spirit.