A Weekend Guide to Hiking Oakhurst in Winter

Let’s Get Away In The Mesmerizing Winter Views Through Oakhurst Hiking Trails!

Positioned among the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Oakhurst is a mesmerizing city in a region of Sierra Nevada of Madera County of California, popular for being a Gateway to Yosemite National Park. Unrivaled winter views, cascading waterfalls, and impressive history combine to define Oakhurst as its best. This vast town, bordering Yosemite, boasts 13,000 people approximately. Boasting an elevation of 2,274 feet, with the renowned Yosemite National Park in its vicinity and a casino situated along the major thoroughfare, Oakhurst brims with hidden treasures. These include its adrenaline-inducing hiking paths, which are copiously scattered throughout the area, awaiting discovery by intrepid explorers. In this blog, we have compiled a weekend guide to hike Oakhurst in winter so that you don’t have to spend your time searching! If you happen to be in this town in winter, hit one of the below-compiled Oakhurst hikes to experience the edge of the thrill seat. So, let’s capture the views as you trek!

Best Hotel to Stay:  Oakhurst Lodge

Before you get on the trails, let’s get you settled. Make your way to the Oakhurst Lodge, which is located 25 minutes away from the Entrance of Yosemite National Park, offering complimentary Wi-Fi service in all rooms and plentiful outdoor activities. Start your morning with a delicious continental breakfast in the fully air-conditioned rooms complete with a dining area, coffee machine, and a refrigerator. The private bathrooms boast a shower or bath, complimentary toiletries, and a hairdryer. Additional amenities include 24-hour front desk service, an on-site parking area, and a vending machine for cold drinks.    

Best Winter Hikes in Oakhurst:

Whether you are a seasoned hiker or just want to have a refreshing weekend in winter, Oakhurst Hikes has it all! Following are the best hikes that you can enjoy in Winters:

Oakhurst River Parkway:

Located in Oakhurst, Oakhurst River Parkway trails surround the Oakhurst Community Park, offering three great options to trek;

• The short walk to the west through the residential area of Royal Oaks.
• To the east is the China Creek Trail, a medium lengthy walk that offers the jaw-dropping mountain bluebird vistas.
• The longest trail winded to Yosemite High School on the northeast side trail.

It's a simple 3-mile trail, which emerges from Oakhurst Community Park, winding by the side of Fresno River that passes the Fresno Flat Historical Site before it paves the way for Yosemite High School.

Ahwahnee Hills Regional Park:

Located 11 minutes away from Oakhurst in AHWAHNEE, the trails are closed off within a gated Ahwahnee Hills Regional Park that spans over 400 acres. The hiking trails are the best fit for novice hikers as they are flat. Stretch your legs towards the phenomenal re-established red barn, vividly contrasting against the cerulean skies, or let your adrenaline rush swiftly with a hike to the lake for charming vistas of meadows with the mountain settings as the backdrop. After hiking, you can also sign up for other best things to do in Oakhurst Ca such as horseback riding or keeping a weather eye on the birds.

Sierra Meadows Hiking Paths:

As soon as you finish off your Ahwahnee Hills Regional Park hike, your heart will want to check out this neighboring trail, Sierra Meadows Hiking Path, which is set 12 minutes away from Oakhurst. Formerly, this area used to be a 140-acre golf course but it is now transformed into a hiking path. Take in the mesmerizing views of several ponds, creeks, and giant sculptures across the entire area as you hike along this path. Trek up to the highest viewpoint, one of the must-experience things to do in Oakhurst CA is to fancy Deadwood Mountains, kick back under the trees in a hammock, or search an area to spot blue herons, hummingbirds, snowy egrets, and more.

Best Restaurants in Oakhurst:

You may want to indulge in the diverse flavors as you kick-start or round off your hiking journey. Head to the Glow Café for breakfast to grab a smoothie or get a flavor-packed protein recovery drink. You can also drop at South Gate Brewing Company where tourists and hikers flock to get tasty appetizers or to feast on traditional American fare at dinner. Gluten-free and vegan options are also available. To satisfy your sweet tooth, make your way to Judy’s Donut to grab a donut.

Summing it up, Oakhurst is no wonder brimming with the best trekking spots. We have rounded up the best hiking trails in Oakhurst CA for you to enjoy a weekend in winter. So, fill your weekend with a punch of thrill in this small town!