Staff Picks in Yosemite

Biking Tioga Road - Before It’s Open to Cars!

"Imagine biking down Tioga Road without any car traffic while taking in fantastic views of the high country."

Submitted by: Roger Miller, General Manager

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to experience the breathtaking vistas of Yosemite’s high country without the summer crowds? For approximately 1 week every year, after the National Park Service has plowed the road, but before Tioga Road is open to car traffic, it is a bicyclist’s paradise. During that critical week, park service maintenance crews are hard at work getting water, wastewater, electricity and other services in Tuolumne back up and running after a winter in the high country. Intrepid and adventurous souls can still enjoy the high country while the NPS team is busy doing their important work.

Imagine biking down the center of the road without any car traffic while taking in fantastic views of the high country still tucked away in a blanket of snow. Along the side of the road are 12 ft. snow embankments and glorious vistas stretching out in every direction. The landmarks are the same as in the summer, but the experience is totally fresh and vibrant – the mountains are waking up from their cold winter sleep. You’re the first to come and experience it.

Get Started

Tioga Road is often closed on the west side of the park at Crane Flat, but sometimes the closure is moved further eastward to the gate at Yosemite Creek. During the winter season the road is closed on the east side about 3 miles up from the Mobile station. Depending upon weather conditions, the eastside closure may be moved up as far as the entrance gate at Tioga Pass. It’s a 60-mile round trip ride from Crane Flat to Olmstead Point.

When Can I Plan My Trip?

It’s very hard to predict when the road will open, much less when it will be plowed. Generally the road is open by Memorial Day and open to bicyclists just before that time. In low snow years the road might be open as early as late April. In high snow years it could be closed until late June. There’s no crystal ball to tell you when the road will be open, but if you keep track of what kind of a snow year it has been and stay in touch with the park service, you can get a rough estimate about when to plan your trip. To some degree you just have to be able to be flexible. The Public Information Office at 209-372-0356 is the best phone number to contact to find out more about when Tioga Road will be open. The ride is amazing and well worth the uncertainty.

Note that there are no services on Tioga Road at this time. Bathroom facilities are not open.

Vernal Fall-Catching a Winter Water Fall

"Enjoy the majesty of Vernal Fall in all four seasons."

Submitted by: Deb Holcomb, Data Services Manager

Though the word vernal is usually associated with spring, you will find the beauty of Vernal Fall no less diminished by the starkly beautiful ice formations which form along the sides of the fall.

Winter offers spectacular views that are normally hidden by foliage. The Mist Trail is among the most popular trails in the Valley, and in the spring and summer can be a drenching experience. In the winter you can almost have the trail to yourself. Mist freezes in the air and frosts the sides of the Vernal Fall creating a winter wonderland even when there is no snow on the ground. The sounds of the waterfall change as you may hear sheets of ice cracking and breaking as they fall. Try visiting Vernal Fall in all four seasons to experience how the landscape changes.

Because there are fewer crowds, you may come across wildlife which is sometimes shy during the busier months. For example, on a recent trip we discovered a bear and her cub eating acorns on the lower side of the trail. While bears are less active during the winter months it is still possible to sometimes catch them foraging.

Get Started

Starting from Shuttle Stop 16 -- the Happy Isle Nature Center, cross the bridge and follow the Mist Trail 1.2 miles. The Merced River will be to your right. After 1.2 miles you’ll come to a bridge which crosses the river once again. Once it snows, the trail may be closed here because the trail gets steeper and the rocks get slick. If the trail is open and it’s safe to continue, follow the trail up to the steps. You’ll have a great view of the base of the falls, which is far different from what you’ll see other times of the year. No need to hike all the way to the top.

Tips for the trail

Use care if you decide to continue on the trail steps as the trail becomes steep and could be very slippery. To help with hiking down the steps you may want to use a hiking pole to help with your balance. It the trail seems icy, snowy or slippery, save the rest of the trail for another time of year – you’ll enjoy the views as much then, too.

Wapama Fall at Hetch Hetchy-The Hike That Has it All!

“The reward for a day of hiking is a snowmelt shower with your clothes on!"

Submitted by Noel Morrison, Communications Manager

*Trail conditions can change suddenly. Please be aware when you are on trails that weather and snowmelt can effect conditions and be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly. Please practice caution on any Yosemite trail.

If you are looking for a lesser known hike that will take you through a tunnel, under two waterfalls and alongside a placid reservoir with lovely granite walls, look no further than the Wapama Fall's hike! This easy hike is 5.5 miles roundtrip over mostly flat terrain, making it a suitable day hike for almost all fitness and age levels. The meandering trail will take you past the elegant 840 foot tall Tueeulala Falls, through wildflower patches, and culminates at multiple bridges that span the cascades at the base of Wapama Fall. This is where the fun starts as aquaphobic hikers make a mad dash across the bridges while others adopt a more leisurely pace sure to leave to them soaking wet. Sunny granite slabs just past the bridge are a perfect spot to dry out and scan the reservoir for the mysterious Hetch Hetchy Loch Ness Monster.

Get Started

From Yosemite Valley, take highway 120 north and exit the park via the Big Oak Flat gate. Just past the gate you see a turn off for Evergreen Road and Hetch Hetchy. Follow Evergreen Road for 16 miles all the way to the end. There is a parking lot just before the reservoir with restrooms; these are the only ones in the area so use them before getting on the trail. Drive just past the reservoir to a parking lot that will bring you the closest to the trail head. The trail begins by crossing the O'Shaughnessy Dam. Before you start, snap some photos of lovely Kolana Rock, the large granite dome on the southern edge of Hetch Hetchy.

Tips for the Trail

The trail is mostly exposed so be prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat. The most exciting part of the trail is at the end when Wapama Fall rewards weary hikers with a refreshing shower, so quick drying clothes are advised. Also advised are water proof hiking boots or water shoes, as hikers will find themselves ankle deep in shallow streams during some parts of the trail. Keep an eye out for poison oak along the trail as well as the occasional rattlesnake.

Hites Cove- Buds, Blooms, Bliss

“Orange poppies, baby blue eyes, and lupine-the mountains are bursting with the first signs of spring!”

Submitted by: Angie Sberna, Accounting Director

The first signs of spring usually arrive in the form of delicate wildflowers which paint impressionistic swathes of color across the foothills. Some of the most popular flowers include poppies, owl's clover, blue dicks, lupine, and baby blue eyes.

While the valley flora is still asleep in snow banks, the Merced River Canyon begins to pop with color starting in mid-March and continuing through May. One of the most popular hikes for wildflowers is the Hites Cove trail. To hike all the way to Hite’s Cove it is 4.5 miles both ways – the trail is mostly flat and is suitable for most people, however steep drop-offs may make it unsafe for young children. For a shorter hike, just go to 1 mile in and turn around; you will still see plenty of beautiful wildflowers. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy along the trail and a camera is a must!

Get Started

Look for signs for the sign for Savage's Trading Post on Hwy 140, 20 miles east of Mariposa or 7 miles west of the Arch Rock entrance to Yosemite. Parking is available on the side of road nearest the river. Follow the trail that goes uphill from the highway. The trail can be very sunny so be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water. Ticks are also prevalent in the area in the spring so be sure to check yourself carefully after any hike.

If you’re looking to capture the best of Yosemite wildflowers and waterfalls, sign-up for the Yosemite Conservancy guided photography course. Click here for details.

February "FireFall"

"February is a month well known for romance, and there is no place more perfect to spend time with your loved one then in Yosemite. "

Submitted by: Tom Arfsten, Valley Complex Supervisor

Not to be outdone by mere chocolate boxes and red roses, Yosemite has its own romantic gesture which occurs only for a two-week period in mid-February and lasts only a few minutes each day. Only visible at this time of year when the sun sets through the lowest canyon notch on the western horizon, the normally unappreciated Horsetail Fall, seems to catch fire and courses downwards in a liquid blaze of red-orange color.

It can best be observed from a narrow lane of viewpoints on the Valley floor, and so most people never see the stunning cascade of light and water. This dramatic display has come to be known as “Firefall” after the historic man made firefall off of Glacier Point which was wisely discontinued decades ago.

What causes this extraordinary phenomenon?

Horsetail Fall has a short season due to a tiny watershed that only flows when there’s a snowpack in place above the rim. In all other months when the Fall is flowing, the sun sets behind higher canyon walls and departs in mere white light. These factors combine in February to give witnesses a transient visual delight.

Get Started

To get to the best vantage point take a late afternoon stroll along the river trail from Yosemite Lodge. Be sure to bring a flashlight as the return trip will be in the dark. If you choose to drive, take Northside Drive about a mile west from Yosemite Lodge. Keep an eye out for that near shoulder of El Capitan coming into view beyond Three Brothers. Starting around 4 p.m. you may start to see a few tripods going up as people get ready to catch the moment on film. If it is a clear day and the conditions are right, the Firefall is visible after 5:15. You may also choose to take Yosemite Conservancy guided photography course that will seek to capture this stunning display. Click here for details.

Mirror Lake- Feeling Reflective?

“In the winter it’s as if we are blessed with another entirely different Yosemite – how remarkable to have more than one!”

Submitted By: Pete Devine, Resident Naturalist

Get Started Begin at Mirror Lake Trailhead (shuttle stop #17). From the shuttle stop, a paved trail leads directly to Mirror Lake. From the campgrounds and lodging areas follow the signs and head to the left of Half Dome and the right of Washington’s Column, up into the gap that is Tenaya Canyon. You can walk on the road all the way or take a trail on either the north or south sides of the road and creek. Be Prepared Daily weather can vary a lot during the winter, but you should be prepared for cold, shady conditions, with snowy or icy footing. Take your time and make an expedition of it, with some lunch and a thermos of soup or a hot drink.

Sights & Sounds

Beyond the lake, you can walk another mile of mostly flat trail on the north side of Tenaya Creek for even deeper solitude. Look for a sunny spot to sit for a while and you may get to watch snow slide off the face of Half Dome right overhead. Though mostly quiet, you will hear the occasional sounds of the Steller’s jay, a bird native to Yosemite with a distinctive call. If you’re in the Valley right after a snowfall, the walk to Mirror Lake is a real journey into another world, a different Yosemite done in white and gray and silence.

Yosemite Falls- Hike the Legend

“Hike this Yosemite icon when the water is flowing!”

Submitted by: Jennifer Miller, Marketing & Communications Director

If you have ever stood near the base of Yosemite Falls at the peak of the waterfall season, there will be no doubt in your mind about why these falls get marquee billing in Yosemite. Falling at a breath taking height of 2,425 ft, Yosemite Falls has the distinction of being the tallest waterfall in North America. It is an exhilarating, vigorous hike to get to the top-- but well worth it for the stunning views, like those found at Columbia Point.

Get Started

Plan an early start as the trail gets baked by midday sun and be sure to pack a hat, sunscreen, snacks and lots of water. The earlier you start the less crowded the trail will be on your way up to the top. The trail is about 7 miles round-trip and will take 6-8 hours to complete. Begin at the Yosemite Falls Trailhead, Camp 4 (shuttle stop #7).

The trail begins under the trees as the switchbacks bring you up to Columbia Point (official name on maps is Columbia Rock, but most refer to this spot as Columbia Point). Take a break here and enjoy the view, with nearly a 180 vista of the Valley with Half Dome dominating. Don’t worry that you can’t yet see the Falls, they’ll be visible soon. Keep winding your way up the trail and be sure to look back into Yosemite Valley when the view allows – it’s a great way to take your mind off the uphill climb.

Photo Breaks

Take another break near the base of Upper Yosemite Falls. There are many good spots for a quick respite from the sun as well as great photo opportunities to share with your friends back home. The view of the Falls will inspire you to head all the way to the top. Take it slow, be safe and have fun along the way. When you top out, you’ll feel tired but elated and have stunning views all around – the granite walls, the Valley stretched out below and the Falls thundering thousands of feet to the ground.

Enjoy your hike back down and soak in all the views that you didn’t catch on the way up. And then reward yourself with some ice cream from the Village store. You’ve earned it! If a seven mile hike is not in your plans, then be sure to take the leisurely one-mile loop trail to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall. You’ll feel the mist from the world’s fifth largest waterfall without even breaking a sweat.

Begin at the Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead (shuttle stop #6) See stunning footage and hear ranger reflections about Yosemite Falls. Watch Episode # 2 of Yosemite Nature Notes, entitled Yosemite Falls to learn more.

Yosemite Nature Notes: Yosemite Falls

Panorama Trail-Steep Gains and Big Payoffs!

“Heart pumping, muscle burning, hump up above Yosemite Valley with the reward of beautiful views all the way”

Submitted by Denise Ludington, Accounting Supervisor

The Panorama Trail is approximately 12 miles long with plenty of steep gains and big payoffs. Because of those gains, hikers who do the Panorama Trail should be in moderate/good fitness. This trail offers some of the most stunning views of Yosemite Valley from angles and perspectives you don’t often find on postcards. The Panorama Trail also weaves together portions of smaller trails so the options are endless, but my favorite starts at the Four Mile Trail and finishes with a decent off the Mist Trail to Happy Isles.

Many parts of the trail have recently been under construction and are in very good condition. You’ll notice the masonry on this trail is comfortable to hike on and built to last. Bring your camera to make your friends and neighbors jealous-the views are spectacular!

Get Started

Depending on your location, enter Yosemite National Park via highway 120, 140 or 41. Once in the park head towards Yosemite Valley. Trailhead and parking is on the right about 0.1 miles past Sentinel Beach on Southside Drive. Take the trailhead for the Four Mile Trail. This is where the heavy lifting starts as you hike up to the top of the trail at Glacier Point, which is accessible by automobile. From the Point, hike the Panorama Trail down to Illilouette Creek, at the top of the falls, which is about a 2 mile hike from Glacier Point, you can turn back here for a shorter hike or continue towards Illilouette Falls. The top of Illiloutte Falls is beautiful-take a short rest here and enjoy the sound of the falls. Follow the footbridge across the creek back to the Panorama Trail. This will take you to more breath taking views of the Yosemite Valley West and East and coming to the Top of Nevada Falls on the Merced River. From there you can begin to wind your way back down to the Valley floor via the Mist Trail.

Tips for the Trail

As with any summertime hike, be prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat. If you want a less strenuous hike skip the difficult Four Mile Trail at the beginning of the hike and instead start at Glacier Point. Remember you will be coming out at Happy Isles though, so consider that in your transportation arrangements ahead of time.

Cook’s Meadow to the East Valley Loop Trail - Valley Wonders!

“At dawn or dusk, you feel like the valley is your own private wonderland.“

Submitted by: Michelle Slocombe, Marketing and Communications Associate

Yosemite’s natural icons are ever-changing according to various weather and seasonal conditions, which is why I never tire of seeing Half Dome or Yosemite Falls each and every time I go to the park. If you want a relaxing stroll under the shadow of Yosemite’s famous wonders, this hike will take you through lush meadows, thundering waterfalls, and peaceful trails within a few easy miles.

Get Started

To avoid the crowds, plan either an early morning jaunt or an evening stroll. Start at the Visitor Center (shuttle stop #5 or #9) and walk west along the bike path. At shuttle stop #6, cross the street (watch for traffic!) and follow the boardwalk into Cook’s Meadow where the vista opens up into stunning views of Half Dome, Sentinel Rock and Yosemite Falls. Continue following the Cook’s Meadow boardwalk, which was funded by the Conservancy to protect sensitive meadow habitat, until you reach the road again. Cross the road and walk along the path to Lower Yosemite Falls. Cross the bridge and follow signs for the East Valley Loop Trail which will take you into Church Bowl at the northern end of Ahwahnee Meadow. If you’re looking for a longer hike, you can continue following the trail east, or you can turn west and head back to the Visitors Center, perhaps in time to attend an art workshop or catch a theater show!

Tips for the Trail

The beauty of this hike is that you can tailor it to your interests, whether it is a short family walk or even a jog through the valley. This hike is especially nice at dawn or dusk when there are fewer people on the trails and you feel as though the valley is your own private wonderland. Some parts of the Valley Loop trail can be slippery, especially after rain, so always exercise caution.

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