Yosemite National Park - Spring 2001
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Spring has arrived several weeks early this year in Yosemite. The waterfalls are already at their peak, so don't wait until May or June - get to the park ASAP. The regular vacation crowds won't arrive until mid-May, so during the next six weeks you have a great opportunity to enjoy the magnificent waterfalls, sheer valley walls, and amazing granite domes, without having to elbow your way to the front of the pack.
The first thing you'll notice when you arrive in the park is that the roads have been repaved and they're all in excellent condition. The hiking trails are already in summer shape, so take lots of water on your day hikes since the dust is kicking up pretty good. The shuttle bus system is still operating on a winter schedule, so plan to drive your car to the trailhead of your choice, but there's still plenty of easy to find parking this time of year.
The main trails out of Happy Isles to Nevada Falls and Little Yosemite Valley just opened on March 31. The Mist Trail to the top of Vernal Falls technically is still closed, but I met several people who went up the trail without any problem the last few days in March. The ice is gone from the Mist Trail, but it could reappear later this week when a late winter storm drops into Northern California. To avoid any potential danger, I recommend hiking up the John Muir Trail to Clark Point, and then go straight ahead about one mile, to the top of Vernal Falls. Then, you can cross the bridge over the Merced River and make your way in about 45 minutes up the Granite Steps to the top of Nevada Falls. The whole trip to the top of Nevada Falls will take about three hours this way, and you'll get to see some views that most people normally miss.
For a very spectacular view of Nevada Falls that almost no one ever sees, follow these directions: Cross the Merced River Bridge (about 10 minutes above Vernal Falls). Hike along the trail for another 10 minutes and look for a small clearing on your right. You'll hear the sound of Nevada Falls at this point, but you won't be able to see it just yet. Detour off the trail to your right for about two minutes, and you'll reach a small peninsula that juts out directly and faces Nevada Falls. Be careful: from the edge of the peninsula it appears that the waterfall is coming straight down on you. It's a great effect and is one of those spots that almost everyone on the trail bypasses in their haste to get to the top of Nevada Falls.
Another great day hike right now is the one to the top of Yosemite Falls. Try to start this hike before 8 a.m., otherwise you'll bake in the hot sun. Pack some food and a few beers, and plan to take the whole day and enjoy a leisurely journey. The trail is clear and dry all the way to the top, but it's quite steep and strenuous. There are still several small streams running along the path, so you can bring just one water bottle and refill along the way. Make sure you have a water filter or Potable Aqua pills to purify the water. It takes about 2 to 3 hours for most people to get to the top of Yosemite Falls, and the views are spectacular! To get to the overlook at the top, follow these directions:
The trail to the top of Yosemite Falls starts behind Camp 4 aka Sunnyside Campground (it's across the street from Yosemite Lodge, and about 1/2 mile to the west of the trail to Lower Yosemite Falls). Hike along the Upper Yosemite Falls trail for 30 to 45 minutes, and you'll reach an outcropping of rock with a railing named Columbia Point. This spot provides a great view of Half Dome, Sentinel Falls, Mt. Starr King, and other mountains in the High Sierras. Take a short breather, then go about 200 yards steeply uphill through a sandy section of the trail. The next 20 to 40 minutes you'll wind flat and downhill until you come to the base of Upper Yosemite Falls. You can take a little side adventure if you want to scramble on the rocks to a point almost directly under the waterfall, but be careful, it's very slippery this time of year.
Continue up the main trail to your left, and in about one hour you'll reach a junction near the top of the ridge. Going left will take you to Tioga Rd, Eagle Peak, the top of El Capitan and other destinations. Going straight for about five minutes will bring you to a bridge that crosses Yosemite Creek and drops you on to some granite slabs that are excellent for sunbathing. (Stick your beers in the creek to keep 'em cold, and wedge them in tight so they don't go sailing over the waterfall). Going right will take you along the top of the ridge to the Yosemite Falls overlook.
To reach the overlook you almost need to walk off the cliff. Follow the trail south, until you are almost at the edge of the cliff. Look to your left and you'll see footprints in the sand, which will lead you to some stone steps and a metal railing. Carefully make your way down the stone steps, turn right, hang on to the next railing and make your way down to the overlook. It's quite a rush, being able to poke your head over the edge and stare 2,000 feet down one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the whole world. From the overlook, a vast amount of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range is within sight, and it makes for some great photo ops.
To see pictures of the scenery on both these day hikes and other great photos of Yosemite, visit: www.yosemitepictures.com.
Park Links, Tips & Info
If you're planning a backpacking trip to Yosemite later this year, expect the high country to be accessible in late June or early July. There is a very small snow pack this year, and it's melting quickly. If you wait until August, many streams will be dried up, and the park will be very hot and dusty.
All overnight backpacking trips require a wilderness permit. To get a wilderness permit you can call +1 (209) 372 0740,
or visit Yosemite's official web site: www.nps.gov/yose/wilderness/,
or write to:
Yosemite National Park
Wilderness Center
P.O. Box 545
Yosemite, CA 95389
USA
Make sure you include the following info:
Your name, address and telephone number
Start Date
Entry Trailhead
Ending Date
Exit Trailhead
Number of People in Party
and include a check in the amount of US$5 per person for the reservation fee. This fee is non-refundable. If paying by check, make your payment to "Yosemite Association".
An extensive bus service is available during the summer months, so it's easy to plan a one-way trip instead of being forced to hike a loop or go in and out on the same trail.
If you'd like more info, or suggestions on great places to hike in Yosemite, please send me an e-mail at: tkoinc@home.com, and I'll give you all the info I can.
So, get on the Stairmaster and start getting in top shape for your summer adventure in the Sierras.
To see more pictures of Yosemite and to find more information on the park, visit Don's web site at YosemitePictures.com.
