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| Hiking | 9.00 Miles |
2,900 AEG |
| | Hiking | 9.00 Miles | 5 Hrs | | 1.80 mph |
| 2,900 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | This was my second trip to Yosemite. I made a day trip back in October and knew I'd be back! I originally planned on hiking Half Dome but the trail was still listed as closed so I decided to do two medium length hikes. I chose Upper Yosemite Falls and the Mist Trail.
I stayed at Curry Village and rode the bus over to Camp 4. I chatted it up with several folks on the beginning switchbacks and really enjoyed the shade. Eventually the trail leveled off and you work your way towards the falls. The views are amazing along the way! Half Dome looms in the distance! And Sentinel Dome and Sentinel Falls lie directly across the valley.
The strange thing is you know Yosemite Falls is right around the corner but you can't hear it. You work your way and then finally you catch the hum of the water...and then it gets louder...and then louder! The next thing you know the falls appear and its roaring! You feel the cool air and the mist picks up as you proceed. Your rewarded with a stunningly close view! I took a bunch of pics and then continued up the trail.
After a bit you work your way up and away from the falls. You come to a challenging section with loads of switchbacks. I took my time heading up this. Again the views are amazing the entire way! You can judge the end as you slowly ascend. It feels like it will never come and then you finally see a sign for trail splits...Eagle Point, North Dome, Yosemite Point and Yosemite Falls overlook.
At the top, I started by following the markers to the Yosemite Falls overlook. You arrive to breathtaking views! You can work your way down some rails that take you right to the falls edge. You can really feel the power of the water as it burst over! I took a load of pics and then turned and headed back to the trail markers.
From the markers, I then headed towards Yosemite Point. It was roughly a mile away and featured a modest elevation gain. You cross the creek and then work your way up and then over to Yosemite Point. I asked a few people to make sure I was going the right way. Route finding was straightforward but I wanted to be sure.
Finally arrived at Yosemite Point and felt weak in the knees! The view again is just thrilling! Looking at Half Dome gave me goose bumps! I worked my way over to a nice shade spot and sat down for some lunch. I had to pinch myself to remind me I'm not in a dream...this IS really happening! Places like this do exist!
Unfortunately I couldn't stay up there forever. I slowly made my way back and then down the trail. Heading down was a breeze. I stopped for a handful of pics and found myself back at Camp 4 in no time. I ended up completely draining 3 litres of water on the hike.
To sum up Yosemite Falls is a challenge! To say this is the greatest trail I have ever hiked is a huge understatement! The views! The terrain! The waterfall! It is a work of art! Upper Yosemite Falls is an absolute must for any avid hiker! You will not be disappointed! Keep in mind the water is seasonal. I was out here last October and Yosemite Falls appeared dry from a distance. Go in the spring and early summer. |
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