Are you up for a hike to Yosemite Fall?

Mountain Secrets

By Tony Krizan

(Updated: Wednesday, April 30, 2008, 5:02 PM)

Today let's take a drive to Yosemite National Park. It is early spring,with our daytime temperatures in the 70-degree range. Could the trail to the top of Yosemite Fall be open this early in the season?

My hiking buddy Clem and I depart Oakhurst around 8 a.m. on a Sunday. The light traffic is surprising, maybe because the tourist season hasn't arrived quite yet.

I've made this drive many times through the years. The tree-covered winding roads seems endless as they circle around and through the thick wilderness mountainside. Off in the distance, the mountains are separated by the deep canyons. Today some of these peaks are still displaying their white winter coat. I've always looked forward every year to this historic drive into Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite Fall is located on the north face from the valley floor. Driving through the valley on the right is Bridelveil Fall. This spectacular fall can be first seen from the lookout area after driving through the tunnel on Highway 41. Once arriving at the valley floor, a large meadow appears. Look to the left, and on the north face is our destination. Yosemite Fall has a drop of 2,425 feet.

There is a large parking area located across the road from the entrance. Walk back across the road and follow the sign to where the trail splits. Now turn left, walking away from the fall entrance. The trail follows the road for almost a half mile before reaching the trailhead, which is clearly marked by signs.

Now to start the switch-back trails through the oak and pine trees. Once out of the tree cover, the views start opening up to the valley. After 30 minutes of elevation gain, we arrive at a lookout point. At this location, we have our first introduction to the fantastic views of this historic valley. Yosemite Village and the roads leading in and out of the valley look quite small from this height.

Now to continue following the trail until it skirts around the mountain overlooking the huge canyon directing the runoff from the fall.

After passing the winter closure gate, you will witness close hand the breathtaking view of the falls plummeting to the rocks below.

During the spring run-off, be prepared for a shower when advancing beyond this point.

If the wind is blowing from east to west, the spray from the fall can be refreshing on a hot day.

From this location, the switchback trail increases in elevation. Estimate an arrival time of 1 hour and 15 minutes before reaching the saddle.

Today we encounter three snowdrifts on the trail. But on our arrival at the saddle, the snowpack is still deep in areas shielded from the sun.

The bare granite with southern exposure allow us to enter the vista areas fenced in for our safety. What an experience to be standing at the crest and watch the water cascade over the rim into the valley below.

The Merced River looks like a ribbon as it follows the contours of the valley floor flowing toward the west.

Next, we cross the bridge and hike the final mile to the lookout point above the fall. At first, small patches of granite are visible as we maneuver upward toward the destination. But as we climb, the snow is deeper and all signs of a trail disappear.

For safety reasons, we decide to turn back toward the bridge.

It has been 10 years since I made this hike, so to return without completing this hike is a disappointment, but later this season when the snow has melted, I'll attempt to experience those memories of my past again. If you have driven to Glacier Point and focused on Half Dome, Nevada Fall and Vernal Fall you will understand that first moment of excitement.

The return hike was much easier, but total concentration is required as you step on the loose and slippery rocks created from the spray of the falls.

This seven-hour hike is classified as strenuous, and one should be in good condition before attempting to reach the summit. If adventure is your quest, this hike should be a part of your hiking portfolio.

Hope to see you on the trail this season.