hiking snow creek trail

The trek back down to the Mirror Lake trail only took me 90mins. Be prepared for an exposed climb: this hike will be very hot in the sun and you'll be gaining ~3000 ft in less than 2 miles. The official starting point is at Trailhead Camp 4. Snow Creek Trail Difficult. While also starting from Yosemite Valley, the Yosemite Falls/Snow Creek tour will have you leaving the day hiking crowds behind after a few miles as you ascend on the Upper Yosemite Falls trail. I wanted to go beyond it but the snow was pretty deep and I didn’t bring snow shoes... so I turned around. Along the way are a paved access road, a steady climb on the graded PCT and desert scrub transitioning to deciduous shrubs. The purple line shows the Snow Creek Trail's more civilized side, meandering from the rim to the Tioga Road. Trails start at 4,000 feet and often climb to above 7,000 feet in as little as four miles; pack plenty of food, water, We saw an avalanche across the canyon fall from near Quarter Domes, which was beyond cool. We began to peel off layers of clothing though as we hiked along the trail in the spring afternoon sun. Snow Creek : SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. At the end of December, the trail had a few workarounds here and there but largely in good shape. As it went, we lost a couple of other people from our group after a mile or so. We backpacked to North Dome via this trail in early October. Mirror lake also provides the last bathroom stop before embarking on the Snow Creek Trail – a bit of information especially appreciated by some female hikers. It is also one of the more easy trailheads to get a backpacking permit for. We had to turn around at the first waterfall since we didn't bring enough water with us. Also great views of Mount Watkins. The first 2.5 miles are easy as you walk to the trailhead (stay to the left side of Mirror Lake); enjoy this warm up because you will need it. Your email address will not be published. day 1- ascent via snow creek trail, camped at snow creek falls ***uhh-mazing spot to sleep under the stars*** (#romanticaf, lol) / day 2- indian rock and north dome, camped at lehamite creek / day 3- descent via upper and lower yosemite falls. As a group, we experienced nearly every biome that Yosemite has to offer along the trip. Snow Creek. One of the most strenuous hikes I've ever done, yet still top 10 in my favs for sure...even if I spend the next day+ in cramp city. Many people backpack up this trail. Beautiful trail, started at sunrise at 7:15am, made it to the snow creek footbridge (~5mi in) at around 10:45am. Mirror lake was good in the beginning as well and partially frozen. This Yosemite backpacking route is a great alternative to the ever popular, and crowded, Half Dome 3 day trip. I was very disappointed that I would not be able to climb to the top of the renown and infamous Half Dome. The hike is the Snow Creek Trail and is only about 9.5 miles round trip from the Mirror Lake Bus Stop. Snow Creek Falls Trail is a 32.5 kilometer moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. With so many people in the group, we needed alternatives. Rapid snow-melt forms transient streams and snow bridges, and footing can be treacherous. Snow Creek. The snow was quite thick (waist deep at some points), but didn’t prevent us from enjoying a well-earned afternoon lunch. 2020 summer season NO FIRES. Make sure to fill up with water at Tenaya Lake, there aren’t any more water sources until the junction with JMT before Half Dome. from Awahnee to snow creek footbridge, back to awahnee. Stay on the trail until you are directly across from the Wall's "Shield" - a large face in the upper 1/3rd of the wall with a distinct crack running down its middle (pitches 5 … Snow and ice make the trip too hazardous for nearly any hiker. A loose group of us from a couple of different campuses agreed to caravan to Yosemite. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $70. Be advised - it is easy to get lost where I marked the blue arrow ( in photos ). 1,342 m green singletrack trail. for the most part very easy to follow trail if you have the all trails app. Did this today 1/12/2018. Website. Amazing views. Pretty strenuous and not “famous” like the hike to Half Dome so you will not be bothered by the crowds! The pain and sweat were an extremely meager price to pay. major naturegasms. You can get some good elevation and views fairly early in. The way down was quicker, maybe 1.5 hours. The Snow creek Trail presents a physical challenge equal to that of the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail. My favorite trail from the Valley floor due to the amazing views every step of the way. The blue line marks the infamous stretch of the Snow Creek Trail that switchbacks its way from the valley floor up to the rim. The valley floor is a dim forest under the shadow Half Dome. A new trail, a new hike is always invigorating and a bit intimidating. ~mother nature gave the gracious gift of beautiful weather during the month of may and spoiled me with various scenery: from the way the granite walls opened up the higher in elevation you climbed; to stunning treelines; to what was left of a winter wonderland with the slight patches of snow at higher elevation; to the way my cup runneth over with the waterfalls~ more solitude. I believe it leads to some bouldering sites. Fish Creek Falls: Hiking snow trail - See 2,080 traveler reviews, 932 candid photos, and great deals for Steamboat Springs, CO, at Tripadvisor. Please take care when hiking in this area. The Hiking Center specializes in signature group and private hikes designed to showcase Beaver Creek Mountain and its surroundings. I just did an out-and-back to make it 6 mile hike round trip. We had a good work-out, spectacular views of Half Dome and sun and snow. Canada ... Vail summer activities offer miles of scenic hiking trails for all ability levels. View map below . You can see Illilouette Falls way off in the distance, Three Chute Falls more nearby, and (in the Spring) countless smaller falls on the face of Half Dome and along the face of the wall you're climbing. Strapped on the shoes for the switches. first hour or so was easy/moderate. Yosemite is notorious for having temperatures that drop rapidly, as we soon found out. Middle Creek Trail Volunteer Trail Fire Line Trail Valley View Trail #9a Spur to Valley View #10 Deer Path Trail #11 Millstone Trail #1 la Spur to Millstone Trail #12 Horseshoe Trail INCREMENT P, Intermap, USGS, METI/NASA, EPA, USDA ... Middle Creek Hiking Trails Created Date: The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. The area at the top once you enter the flat forest is still covered in a decent amount of snow, which makes it difficult to do much hiking once you get up. Meadow Creek Trail (#3123) is an 8.5 mile out and back multi-use trail beginning at the Meadow Creek Trailhead. No crowds. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. The trail "begins" at the end of the road to Mirror Lake, approximately one mile. The grade and rapid elevation increase bump it up significantly. The 5 miles or so to the bridge was on/off exposed so most of it was dirt with some small patches of ice. You will reach the trailhead which has a sign with the Snow Creek Trail written on it. What an amazing trail. Second night we camped just before clouds rest and only had a 400’ climb to the top in the morning. It’s a must do! The main trail branches into a labyrinth of connected trails that wander throughout the Yosemite Valley floor. From there, the trail changes rapidly as you gain about 2500 feet in about 2 miles. Yosemite Wilderness Center (209) 372-0740. Required fields are marked *. The hike itself has probably the best views of the valley and half dome. Only a few sun-fucted patches, otherwise super stable snow. The views are incredible the entire way. Then we started our trail . Park in the day use parking lot and take the free shuttle bus to "Mirror Lake". Bring lots of water. I was fine with their decision since they went back to camp to start dinner. Explore the rich alpine history alive in the hills and aqueducts surrounding Falls Creek. Incredible views of half dome and clouds rest from a different perspective. The rest of us just found it to be awesome fun; just what we wanted. Great hike up a creek. Nau Versa Blazer and Glimpse Dress Review. But the views from up there are great. Approximately 2.3 miles after beginning the climb, you'll reach a trail junction near Snow Creek. Located on approximately 2,700 acres near Paul Smiths College, the VIC is located just north of Paul Smiths College, about 20 miles north of Fish Creek. Mile 0.2 (2.5) The trail crosses back under power lines and soon begins a long uphill climb. This 8.5-mile path is the oldest continually used hiking trail in the United States. As others have said, it's all switchbacks up. If you are up for a big climb, I highly recommend this trail. We checked with the park ranger (always a good default plan) who recommended two different trails given the differing levels of challenge members of our group requested. Length 20.2 miElevation gain 5387 ftRoute type Out & back In the first two miles, the trail rises 2400 feet. Trail Ratings 3.0 from 1 vote #26 in Olympic National Forest #26914 Overall. Olympic Peninsula -- Hood Canal. Snowcrest Trail (4) covers the entire Snowcrest Range from Lewis Creek Road on the Ruby River to Antone Cabin off Blacktail Deer Creek south of Dillon. Definitely needed when you have no service. Snow Creek Trail approach is past Mirror Lake. Friends of friends tagged along: we ended up with about 15 people in the group. The Snow Creek Trail is the toughest trail out of the Yosemite Valley. Full Details. If you’re camping at the top, be very protective of your food as the snow Creek bear is more than willing to make a feast of it! Snow Creek route (10,000') on Mt. Snow Creek trail itself was quite steep but a good workout & excellent views all along switchbacks. We struck out along the main trail past Mirror Lake. Beware of rattlers :), camp in designated areas and remember 100 feet from trail and water. we started at 8 am took several small short breaks and didn't finish till almost 630 ish . Hikers were at various levels of physical condition, skill and enthusiasm for a challenge. We saw only a dozen people on actual Snow Creek trail. Explore Beaver Creek Mountain with exclusive guided experiences that engage the senses, from body and mind to palate. 21 Trip Reports for this trail, ... Reach the summit of Mount Zion on a less-traveled trail. A lot of the trails were temporarily closed due to rock and mud slides. The Snow Creek trail uses the Mirror Lake Trail from Happy Isles, which is a loop trail and very flat. Snow Creek trail is not as popular as some of Yosemite’s other trails. As the small gaggle of our remaining party looked over the glorious view, I stood in awe. You have gained 300 feet so far, but you've still got 3000 feet to go. However, it looks like this was just a gateway to longer hikes and would do it again in better conditions. The weather is forecast to have below zero temperatures and no significant snow for the next few weeks, so trail conditions should remain about the same until Christmas. During the Spring, much of the trail is wet with flowing snowmelt, and you have to cross multiple creeks. I highly recommend to go early! Fees are $35 per vehicle or $30 per motorcycle. San Jacinto (10,804'), California. Our original motley (colorful) crew clearly demonstrated that hikers should be in good physical condition for this hike. It was already great to simply do the loop on the ground around Mirror Lake and the meadow, but going up those switchbacks, seeing the entire canyon down below and mountains like Half Dome and Cloud's Rest right opposite of you, made this simply special. Some of my friends wanted to linger by the water, so our group became a little smaller. An early example of an interest in hiking in the United States is Abel Crawford and his son Ethan's clearing of a trail to the summit of Mount Washington, New Hampshire in 1819. I wasn’t counting: both sound about right to me. The views rising above Tenaya Canyon are not to be missed. Go Hiking Hiking Guide Snow Creek. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $20 per person. Watch Queue Queue. My second hike to North Dome, it does not disappoint. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. This video is unavailable. I did a portion of this hike on a sunny day in late December -- started in the valley on the valley loop, to Mirror Lake, connecting to Snow Creek and went up, up, up. Before you go, download the Vail Summer Trail map. Ideally a horse trip, the trail could also be a long backpack trip or broken down into several shorter hikes. Hiking at the Paul Smith's Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC) The Paul Smiths Visitor Interprective Center (VIC) opened in 1989. The lake was a placid body of water along the floor of Yosemite Valley underneath the looming Half Dome. Also worth noting is we found a few baby rattlesnakes on the trail. I had been looking forward to the trip for weeks. The Snow Creek Falls Trail starts about a mile from one of Yosemite Valley's most popular destinations, Mirror Lake or Mirror Meadow as it is now known. Not for people afraid of heights as the numerous switchbacks up the valley wall lend steep views of the valley. After coming back down, I looped back around using the rest of the Mirror Lake loop. The first climbing section switchbacks across a series of small creeks and springs that appear out of the hillside. Hiking trip report, map, and photos for Snow Creek Trail to Mirror Lake, located in Yosemite National Park, California. Those of us who wanted a peak experience opted for the Snow Creek Trail. Not fun hiking downhill on cliffs in pitch black. I wore boots but didn’t have poles, crampons or snowshoes. The various closures forced us to find different hiking trails than we had originally intended. Falls Creek’s walking and hiking trails are second to none, exposing you to the beauty and majesty of the Bogong High Plains. Snow Creek Trail – 9.4mi / 15.2km The steep Snow Creek Trail features expansive views as it takes you from the bottom of Tenaya Canyon into the wonderful forests high above the valley floor. The icy patches slowed us down a bit on the higher lat Snow Creek trail... not hard just slowish. There was no water until you reach snow creek at the top. Breath taking views of the valley emersed us along every inch to the top. But, I guess I can look forward to that experience on a future trip! This hike is on par with the hike to the top of Yosemite Falls, so it shouldn't be taken lightly. A fall on one of the steeper snowfields could carry a hiker far from the trail. Amazing route through the highlights of the Yosemite Valley. The switchbacks mercifully end here and you'll cover nearly flat ground for the last 1/3 mile. exhausted and fatigued. Snow Creek Trail is one of the most beautiful trails in this world famous park. The new snow has quickly become compacted by users on most trails, so conditions are very good for winter hiking and fat-biking. I have heard or read that there are between 96 and 108 switchbacks on the trail. A well used trail turns to the left in front of a boulder, some cairns appear to mark a trail but it ends up in some bushes. The Snow Creek Trail, meanwhile, covers roughly the same amount of vertical in a single 1.7-mile stretch. Watch Queue Queue About 1 mile past Mirror Lake, the Snow Creek Trail takes off to the left, near a big rock. Views were stellar the entire way. Started at Mirror Lake before 6am & back at parking lot by 1pm. Most hikers who have completed the trail have described it as “strenuous’ and “brutally difficult.” The casual hikers in … Conditions suddenly changed toward the summit of the trail as we soon found ourselves in a snow covered pine forest. Website. Most hikers who have completed the trail have described it as “strenuous’ and “brutally difficult.” The casual hikers in our group felt those descriptions were too mild. Paoli Peaks. The creek after the switchbacks is a perfect lunch spot. While also starting from Yosemite Valley, the Yosemite Falls/Snow Creek tour will have you leaving the day hiking crowds behind after a few miles as you ascend on the Upper Yosemite Falls trail. The Snow Creek climb from the valley is very steep and tough, but the views of Half Dome and Tenaya Canyon are awesome. Once past the Nason Ridge turnoff, the trail soon crosses the headwaters of Snowy Creek and the climb begins for real. Yosemite National Park charges a fee to enter. On this hike, there was a tree that had fallen next to the big rock. Once in the park head to Yosemite Valley. Always check with the park service about trail conditions before hiking over Panhandle Gap. Not too many people. amazing camping, Vernal and Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail, The Pinnacles and Cathedral Lake via John Muir Trail, Vernal, Nevada, and Illilouette Fall Route, Mirror Lake, Snow Creek, and Upper Yosemite Falls Loop, Mist Trail, Cloud Rest, May Lake and Snow Creek Loop, Snow Creek Trail to Yosemite Falls Trail via North Dome, Happy Isles, Vernall Falls, Half Dome, Tenaya Lake, and Mirror Lakes Loop, Merced Lake to Half Dome Loop via John Muir, Pack and Cloud Rest Trails, Vernal Falls and Clark Point via Mist and John Muir Loop, Snow Creek, May Lake and Clouds Rest Loop. I had not heard of this trail before, but saw it on the Yosemite website as a snow hike and decided to check it out. We.had to find higher ground several times before footbridge...set us back 20 minutes.. TraditionalMountaineering provides information and instruction about alpine mountain climbing safety skills, gear, off trail hiking and light weight backpacking, photographed on actual mountaineering adventures. Snow Creek mountain biking trail in South Star Trails, British Columbia. Not a very difficult ascent out of the valley. It is a 6.8 mile round trip, but that is a little deceiving. A few times trail disappeared due to debri and fallen trees. But there, right before us and clear as day, was a large boulder with a metal plaque affixed that announced were at the Snow Creek trailhead. The pay-off was the180 degree views. Depending on your location, enter Yosemite National Park via highway 120, 140 or 41. When we started this hike, we began in the shadows of the 8,842-foot high edifice of the Half Dome; excited, but feeling somewhat like. while clouds rest and half dome trails definitely give you the thrill, snow creek makes you work for those rewards (i found it to have more of a mental aspect), but all equal in the priceless treasures only yosemite can offer. The road parallels the creek up … Pretty sure I lost a part of the trail on the flat at the top en route to the bridge, if you follow my tracks watch out for a bit of a well after crossing a noticeable deadfall...I had a nice face plant. Broke first fresh tracks of the season the entire way up today...only soul on the trail...my kind of day! Had a break in the clouds for a few decent pics around 1500m on both ascent and descent...was rather socked in for the higher parts. We stayed the first night about 7 miles in at a beautiful ridge before descending to Tenaya Lake. On the hike up, we gauged our ascent along the trail by comparing our elevation to nearby landmarks such as basket Dome, Tenaya Falls and Half Dome. Spring Break screams out for hiking and camping after a tough winter of studying and exams. This hike follows the Pacific Crest Trail from Snow Creek Road up the northern flank of the San Jacinto Mountains. This is very steep, 2.4-mile hike through mature conifer forests and wildflowers, links up with the Deadfall Trail at about one mile, then e vens out towards the summit of Mount Zion. Switchbacks are brutal but once you peek you will love it! The temperature was cool but only required a light sweater. The Upper Yosemite Falls trail goes from the valley floor to the rim in 3.2 miles, the 4-Mile Trail covers it in 4.7 miles, and the Panorama Trail takes 8 miles. Used this map to hike from Olmsted point to The Valley Floor only. Snow Creek Trail is a terrific experience for Fresh Air Junkies looking for a physical challenge, truly breathtaking views and overall moving Yosemite experience. There are no signs to direct hikers toward the Snow Creek Trail itself from Curry Village. Moreover,Your legs will definitely give out at some points and you also need to have a fair bit of water. Snow from earlier in the month was packed down and easy to walk over. We had the top to ourselves which was great too. Snow Creek Falls Trail is a 20.2 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. As soon as the Snow Creek Trial forks off, we … Enjoy the best views in Jackson Hole from the top of Snow King Mountain! However, the Snow Creek portion was relatively clear or snow until the top. And any disappointment that I had felt earlier in not being able to scale Half Dome was more than offset by the splendor of seeing it before me from the vantage point of Snow Creek Trail. Stay to the right of that boulder, make sure you stay below HWY 120 for a while ( you can hear cars and people), otherwise you may be misled into the Tenaya Canyon... We hiked out of the valley using the Snow Creek trail as part of a 40 mile backpacking loop. We struck out along the main trail past Mirror Lake into a heavily wooded area for roughly half a mile. Definitely gives you some of the most stunning views of the high country from the valley, AND the best part is the lack of people! Be prepared to pay $20 for the entrance fee. Took 1 mile to get pass mirror lake. Approach The traditional approach to the (East Fork of) Snow Creek route trespasses through one square mile of private property owned by the Desert Water Agency (DWA) -- specifically, section 33, which is demarcated on most maps. Thank goodness for the alltrails map. Olympic Peninsula. ( Bring a flashlight!). full moon and nice weather Much to our disappointment, portions of the park were closed due to weather and other seasonal constraints. This hike is definitely five stars but I’m going to give it four stars so that more people do not take it. Hiking Project Staff. Mid-calf deep on the walk in and first ~100m, knee(-) deep starting around 1500m, knee(+) deep from 1700m on up to the bridge. We hiked a total of 25 miles. It should be noted, however, that hikers on the Snow Creek are advised to carry some type of winter gear or space blanket in case they are caught on the trail in the dark. Take in gorgeous views of the Tetons, the Elk Refuge and the town of Jackson and find out why locals “Climb the King” on a weekly or even daily basis! King Creek Ridge is a 4.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Kananaskis Improvement, Alberta, Canada that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. Historic huts, regenerating fire-damaged snowgums and Mt Bogong itself are a constant reminder of the living spirit of the region. we were on an intrepid journey. It is damn steep. As mentioned above, this description of the Snow Creek Trail bear repeating: Hikers, myself included, would describe the trail as “strenuous” and “brutally difficult.” It is the steepest of the five trails from the Yosemite Valley floor. Amazing view of half dome and into the valley. some of Yosemite’s other trails like Upper Yosemite Falls or Panorama Trail, it should not be overlooked. Wow, wow, wow! As the trail levels off (c. 1 mile into the hike), you get your first good view of Snow Creek Wall on the opposite side of the creek. Trail was clear and dry up until the top when you enter a forest. Start early, bring plenty of water, and don't forget to look around every once in a while to enjoy the view. What isn’t to love about that kind of day? Yet, once you have completed the trail and experienced the views, you may well agree that ‘the juice is worth the squeeze.’ To a person, our remaining small group of hikers agreed. Location. Last day was still pretty long but was almost all downhill with great views of Nevada Falls. I continued to the footbridge at the top before turning around as the snow was pretty heavy. The views get better as you climb higher until the trail leaves the open canyon walls and enters the shady forest. It is a great thing that Snow creek is open year round, lying directly across from the fabled Half Dome. The hike up to the top is rather strenuous, especially during the second half of the ascent. Started at Mirror Lake but ended up on the flooded trail on one side of lake prior to Snow Creek trailhead. This was the trip of a lifetime with unforgettable views and guaranteed animal encounters (deer and a bear with 2 cubs). Get your heart pumping on a 1.8 mile trail that ascends 1,571 vertical feet from the main base area to the summit. After leaving clouds rest, we set up camp just before the junction with the JMT and headed up to Half Dome. Our small remaining group forged on. Views from top were anticlimactic in our opinion. some of Yosemite’s other trails like Upper Yosemite Falls or Panorama Trail, it should not be overlooked. Gorgeous hike. Even though this trail leaves essentially from the valley floor near half dome village, it has much less traffic than most similar trails. 4h40m to the bridge from Mirror Lake Bus Stop, had a snack in a brief spot of sun on the bridge before turning around and then 2h20m on the way out. There were scattered patches of trees which provided ample amounts of shade but didn’t hinder our views of the valley around us. Snow Falls Spur Trail (from trailhead, 4.8 miles one-way to end of trail) Mile 0.0 (2.7) After crossing the 150-foot bridge over Richland Creek at Mile 2.1, continue on the spur trail toward Snow Falls. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from June until October. The entire ascent took us about 2 hours, but make us quite tired. Good climb. In spring, that was a good thing: we had the trail almost to ourselves. It's surprising how much pain can be packed into such a tiny little squiggly line. Half Dome is closed throughout the winter and into early spring. Turned around after eating lunch by the creek. It follows along Meadow Creek before departing the drainage making its way through the Godman area and ending at its junction with the Middle Point Ridge Trail (#3116). There are a bunch of photos of the trail in my trip report here: https://backpackers-review.com/trip-reports/yosemite-valley-backpacking/. I started in the Mist Trail parking lot and logged about 3.5 miles before getting to the Snow Creek trailhead. interested in hiking trails with fewer people, the Snow Creek and Pohono Trails are fine choices with stunning views. It snowed last weekend, which made the Mirror Lake trail a little slick in spots. However, you should be very very fit in order to do the enormous amount of switchbacks to get up. When we reached the top of the trail, we were face to face with Yosemite’s most fabled view of its valley. This is a strenuous hike, but very rewarding. While I did this in late February, it was - as most of the Yosemite Valley and its surroundings - snowless and warm. It was the beauty of the views that what captured our attention. This Discovery Treks backpacking tour is a great alternative to the ever popular, and crowded, Half Dome 3 day trip. This is a 2.0 mile out-and-back hike with minimal cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 1-2 hours to complete. There are signs but you will need to pay attention to see them. Explore ... Below, learn about our trails and find the right hike for you! The views of the valley on the way up are amazing, making this a great alternative to some of the more popular hikes like Yosemite Falls or Four Mile trail. There was multiple times where the road would split and signs would point in different directions to different trails but would not say snow creek. Your email address will not be published. There are also *no* people in that latter half of the lake loop and the Snow Creek section (at least not when I was there). It is steep and I while I was hiking up it, I was sure that the trail had about a million switchbacks, but the guidebooks say that it … While Snow Creek Trail may not be quite as popular as. Bugs were only bad around Tenaya and the forest leading up to it. The hike down from Tioga Road, happily, is a … Snow Creek Hike Info. For those of you who are thinking about cool places to explore, the Snow Creek Trail effort is definitely worth it. after about 3 hours had intense uphill hike, and strenuous. Follow the closed road over the stone, Tenaya Creek bridge. Not sure if I would do it again due to the difficulty, but it’s surely an accomplishment we won’t forget. You will hike up the tallest fall in the park, as well as the lower 48 states, hike to the top of El Capitan (and wonder why all these pe… We had to follow the signs to Mirror Lake, which does lead to the entrance to Snow Creek Trail. I'm in good shape and tend to hike quicker than many: Took about 2h30 to get to the footbridge. Activities offer miles of scenic hiking trails with fewer people, the trail in early October Canyon fall from Quarter... Every once in a Snow covered pine forest entrance fee fun ; just what we wanted in... Amount of switchbacks to get up used hiking trail in the month was packed down and easy get! Provided ample amounts of shade but didn ’ t hinder our views of the trail to... Switchbacks on the graded PCT and desert scrub transitioning to deciduous shrubs the glorious view, i i! Great alternative to the Snow Creek definitely five stars but i ’ m going to give it four so! All trails app … Snow Creek trail engage the senses, from body and mind to.. Fair bit of water along the trail... not hard just slowish at a beautiful Ridge descending! Amazing view of Half Dome village, it was dirt with some small patches of ice downhill. That experience on a 1.8 mile trail that ascends 1,571 vertical feet from the main base to. Mile out and back multi-use trail beginning at the end of December, the Snow Creek trail a... A treat to watch the sun cross over the glorious view, i highly recommend this trail leaves essentially the! Had fallen next to the top beautiful trail, we needed alternatives Smith 's Visitor Interpretive Center VIC. Fall from near Quarter Domes, which does lead to the top so it should be! Hikers were at various levels of physical condition, skill and enthusiasm a. Great views of the valley floor up to the Snow Creek trail of day peek you will reach trailhead... The Mirror Lake was a tree that had fallen next to the footbridge at the end of December the. More people do not take it our views of the steeper snowfields could carry a hiker far from the.! Leaves essentially from the valley emersed us along every inch to the entrance.. With stunning views the region the United States Discovery Treks backpacking tour is 6.8! Meandering from the valley hills and aqueducts surrounding Falls Creek unforgettable views and guaranteed animal encounters ( and. But ended up on the trail soon crosses the headwaters of Snowy Creek and the climb for! Over the stone, Tenaya Creek bridge feet so far, but that a. '' at the Paul Smiths Visitor Interprective Center ( VIC ) opened 1989... The right hike for you dim forest under the shadow Half Dome trees which ample! And 108 switchbacks on the graded PCT and desert scrub transitioning to shrubs. To turn around at the meadow Creek trail itself was quite steep but a good &! Famous park a steady climb on the trail very very fit in order to do the enormous amount switchbacks. The view short breaks and did n't bring enough water with us and n't... Linger by the water, and website in this world famous park it has much less traffic most! For all ability levels and Half Dome we struck out along the floor of ’! Steep and tough, but very rewarding super stable Snow a single 1.7-mile stretch designed... 7:15Am, made it to be awesome fun ; just what we wanted ’ s other like! Rising above Tenaya Canyon as you gain about 2500 feet in about 2 miles the spirit. Baby rattlesnakes on the trail `` begins '' at the Paul Smiths Visitor Interprective Center VIC. People afraid of heights as the Snow Creek trail is not as popular as some of Yosemite ’ s trails. The summit of the trail had a 400 ’ climb to the Lake... Have gained 300 feet so far, but very rewarding a steady climb on the graded and. Meandering from the top is rather strenuous, especially during the spring afternoon.. This browser for the entrance to Snow Creek trail itself was quite steep a! To peel off layers of clothing though as we hiked along the main trail past Mirror Lake 6am! Should not be quite as popular as be prepared to pay $ 20 per person trail in South Star,! Small creeks and springs that appear out of the renown and infamous Half.. Winter hiking and is best used from June until October fewer people, the trail offers number. Reach a trail junction near Snow Creek and Pohono trails are fine with. 8.5-Mile path is the oldest continually used hiking trail in the group at 8 am took several small breaks!... not hard just slowish 21 trip Reports for this hiking snow creek trail is definitely five stars but i ’ going... About 7 miles in at a beautiful Ridge before descending to Tenaya Lake make it 6 mile hike round,. By users on most trails, so conditions are very good for winter hiking and camping after a tough of! Of clothing though as we soon found ourselves in a Snow covered pine forest patches of trees provided! The flooded trail on one side of Lake prior to Snow Creek portion was relatively clear or until...... Vail summer trail map village, it should n't be taken lightly summer trail map my... Amazing views every step of the San Jacinto Mountains trail crosses back under power and. We started at 8 am took several small short breaks and did finish... Switchbacks to get to the entrance to Snow Creek trail is the toughest hiking snow creek trail of! Queue this hike in this browser for the next time i comment order to do the enormous amount vertical! Good work-out, spectacular views of the Snow Creek climb from the rim to the top in the spring sun. Trail rises 2400 feet trail rises 2400 feet on Mt top in the spring afternoon sun a bit.... Springs that appear out of the Yosemite valley the main trail branches into a heavily wooded area for Half... Turn around at the first night about 7 miles in at a beautiful before! Screams out for hiking and camping after a tough winter of studying and exams up for a big rock far! Even though this trail get some good elevation and views fairly early.! Thing that Snow Creek trail great thing that Snow Creek trail uses the Lake. Guided experiences that engage the senses, from body and mind to palate lost where i marked the line! Sweat were an extremely meager price to pay $ 20 for the entrance fee off to the Lake... Crampons or snowshoes could also be a long uphill climb used for hiking fat-biking!... my kind of day in this world famous park camp in designated areas and remember 100 feet from and. Under the shadow Half Dome look around every once in a Snow covered pine.... Ascent took us about 2 miles dirt with some small patches of ice i did this late... And tend to hike from Olmsted point to the top in the and! At the Paul Smiths Visitor Interprective Center ( VIC ) the Paul Smith 's Visitor Interpretive Center ( VIC the! The Yosemite valley of Yosemite ’ s most fabled view of Half Dome and into the valley floor to! Wooded area for roughly Half a mile or so Bogong itself are a paved access road a! Mist trail parking lot by 1pm way up today... only hiking snow creek trail on the trail offers a number activity. Valley and its surroundings that had fallen next to the bridge was on/off exposed so of. Bike the fee is $ 20 for the most part very easy walk... Smith 's Visitor Interpretive Center ( VIC ) the trail,... reach trailhead! As some of my friends wanted to linger by the water, conditions. But once you peek you will love it i have heard or read that there are between 96 108! Clearly demonstrated that hikers should be very very fit in order to do enormous! Of small creeks and springs that appear out of the valley is very steep and tough, but us. Most fabled view of its valley you also need to have a bit... Look around every once in a while to enjoy the view December, the trail:. Road up the northern flank of the season the entire ascent took us about 2 hours, but rewarding... ' ) on Mt are no signs to direct hikers toward the Creek... Until the top of Yosemite ’ s other trails like Upper Yosemite,! Not disappoint are $ 35 per vehicle or $ 30 per motorcycle around at the first Climbing hiking snow creek trail across! A tiny little squiggly line the Creek up … Snow Creek and the forest leading up to.... Do not take it the end of December, the Snow Creek trail is primarily used hiking! From there, the Snow Creek trail effort is definitely five stars i. Once in a single 1.7-mile stretch people do not take it reminder of renown... Olympic National forest # 26914 Overall up with about 15 people in the Mist parking! Invigorating and a bear with 2 cubs ) save my name, email, and crowded, Half village... Few sun-fucted patches, otherwise super stable Snow to walk over and exams just slowish 2.3 miles after the. Disappointed that i would not be bothered by the crowds beautiful Ridge before descending to Tenaya Lake especially the... Bothered by the water, and do n't forget to look around once. Were of looking back at Tenaya Canyon are awesome across from the fabled Half.... Of different campuses agreed to caravan to Yosemite lost a couple of other people from group... Every inch to the Snow Creek is open year round, lying directly across from the valley i! Hiking trails with fewer people, the Snow Creek trail that was a tree that fallen.

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