I just got my first backcountry permit in Yosemite and I am both excited and slightly confused. Note: The hike up to the top of Mount Hoffmann isn't an official park trail, but most of the route has a very well-defined trail-of-use that has been around for decades. Great views into Desolation Wilderness and of Gilmore Lake. There is no way to ford the creek due to high water. Elevation Change: 470-ft ascent to May Lake, another 1530-ft . (If you lose the trail here, do not worry, it is easy to find again once you are on the open slope.). We stayed at the backpackers camp on Night 1 then drove out to the Tioga Road trailhead to start our descent to the Valley Floor via the Snow Creek Trail. It being Yosemite, youll have no problem finding campsites in the backcountry. It lies 52 miles (83 km) northeast of Portland, Oregon, and 98 miles (158 km) south of Seattle. The hike itself wasn't very challenging, but the switchbacks on our second day were fully exposed to the grueling sun. 32,854' Down There are a number of trailheads south of Donohue Pass that connect to the JMT and are easily accessible through public transportation. Lorem. 2,547' Up Follow it as it crosses the stream again, turns uphill briefly and then back to the left, crossing the same stream a third time. The main concerns for this itinerary are typically the snow level once you hike out of the valley and the creek crossing at Tenaya Lake. The creator of the BSL suggests starting (and finishing) your hike at Roads End. We still visit Yosemite each year to re-connect to the special place Yosemite holds in our hearts. Maroon Creek Trail. There were some well beaten trails on the valley floor but we mostly made our own because the snow was an easy consistency. Backpacking Trip in Yosemite Tioga Road Trailhead to Mirror Lake via the Snow Creek Trail. In the early 1960s, Penny taught me how to rock climb in Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows. ( For those looking for a longer and more strenuous adventure, hiking up the southeast slope to the summit is a lung-busting undertaking that rewards hikers with top-of-the-world views of the surrounding area. https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/upload/wildernesstrailheads.pdf, It shows the different trailheads, which helps you make sure you got the correct permit for the hike you're doing (VERY important. Snow Creek Trail in winter 2013. Thanks Mike, when I fill out my reservation it seems to ask very specifically where I will be, based on what you are saying, it seems like that is just a suggestion, is that right? The trail continues from here around the lake and up into the Enchantments, but for day-hikers, this is the perfect spot to take in the views and turn around. See Photo and Info about safe route up Aasgard Pass. 2504.21 m Down, 182.7 mi Expect downed trees and debristo prevail throughout the forest and plan accordingly when traveling in the backcountry. A few days later a very big snowstorm arrived and it snowed so much they were stranded in the cabin for several days. A short climb through the last of treeline leads to the SE shore of . There are more campsites (and toilets) in the next half mile along the shore of Nada Lake. Though seemingly not that steep, the uncommonly long downhill produces a . The Snow Lakes Trail is 12 miles long, gains 6500 feet of elevation, and is designated hiker-only. Gate will reopen Spring of each year once the road melts out from winter snowpack. Beginner 19 Intermediate 44 Advanced 34 Expert 0 Ski Area Status (Today) Trails Open 45 / 97 Lifts Open 10 / 29 Acres Open 4800 / 4800 Avg Base Depth 93 - 109" 24hr Snow Fall Operations Mon-Fri: 9a-4p Sat/Sun: 8:30a-4p Amenities *EPIC Blackout Dates: Nov 26, 2020 to Nov 27, 2020, Dec 25, 2020 to Dec 30, 2020, Jan 15, 2021 and Feb 12, 2021 to . As that starting point is the most popular in the park, the quota is divided into three categories according to where you want to camp. The Maroon Bells are two of the most photographed mountains in all of North America and for good reason. Naches Trail (35.97 miles away) Greenwater, Washington. The Snow Lakes Trail leaves from the Snow Lakes parking lot on the edge of Icicle Creek Road and only 5 miles outside of town, winding its way up 3,800 feet in elevation over 6.5 miles. There are campsites on either side of the outlet of Lake Viviane, but they are limited and offer little shelter from the wind. 10. I just got my first backcountry permit in Yosemite and I am both excited and slightly confused. 138 0 obj <>stream Winthrop, WA 98862 With this specific permit, you have to hike south from the trailhead on your first day. There was a ski hut at Ostrander Lake also used by snow surveyors. The last one is situated just before a sign prohibiting campfires beyond that point. That shelter became the Snow Creek Cabin. They have rangers in the backcountry and theyll ask to check your permit if they see you, its happened to me a few times, especially at popular trailheads. From its beginning just off of Icicle Creek Road, the trail immediately drops a short ways to a wide bridge over the creek and then begins climbing, gaining 800 feet in a set of lengthy switchbacks over its first mile. Great views with parking! (including Harden Lake). Focus then shifted to Badger Pass area, which later became Yosemites ski area. Trailhead restrooms with flush toilets have drinking water available; those with vault toilets do not. Aasgard Pass WARNING! But by 2000, the cabin was closed again because of poor condition and safety concerns. Another set of switchbacks takes you through an area of trees snapped off impressively by slides and wind youll pass several trees that bear sobering gashes from crashing boulders. . This family-friendly Yosemite backpacking adventure includes some of the most iconic Yosemite vistas, coupled with fun and relatively mellow hiking. The trail moves upwards, slowly at first . I think you need to camp 4 miles from any major TH, if I remember correctly. This could take you a few places. <<3B4777C066169C42B46BF2584D9C8C96>]>> This early stretch of trail sees quite a bit of traffic from rock climbers making their way to Snow Creek Wall, the vertical face of granite visible on the far side of Snow Creek. We covered our packs with canvas to disguise our loads. We recorded our accomplishments in the logbook. The grade levels off somewhat for the next mile and a half as you head straight back into the Snow Creek drainage, passing through terrain still bearing the sooty scars of a forest fire long ago. 15. A trail along Sand Creek leads to the Sand Creek Lakes and Music Passelevation 11,380 ft (3,470 m) with a view of the Upper Sand Creek basin. I also observed that bears had been trying to get into the food pantry from outside. Youre now at the 2.9 mile mark and just shy of 3000. The following trailheads allow (and require) you to stay at the Little Yosemite Valley Campground on the first night of your trip: If you have a permit for one of these two trailheads, you must spend your first night at Little Yosemite Valley Campground (no additional reservation or permit required). a challenging hike and a great, stress-free organized trip. Check the YNP website for confirmation on that though. This loop passes through some of the best scenery ofSequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and was created as an alternative to the JMT. 2,003' Down The wilderness permit is basically a guide in case something goes wrong and they need to send SAR, theyll have a basic idea of where you said youd be. In the early season, this gulley may still be filled with snow. 499' Up To camp your first night in the Glen Aulin backpackers' camp: Glen Aulin Trail, To pass through Glen Aulin and camp (on your first night) somewhere in the direction of Waterwheel Falls or Cold Canyon: Glen Aulin to Cold Canyon/Waterwheel (pass through). At several points the trail climbs up and over large shoulders of bare rock. For those who have alimited amount of time to hike on the trail (or those who couldnt get a permit to hike SOBO from Yosemite), section hiking the trail is a great option. (509) 682-4900, Cle Elum Ranger District Gate will reopen Spring of each yearonce the road melts out from winter snowpack. Start at the outlet of Maroon Lake and travel north along Maroon Creek to encounter alpine meadows, aspen forests and rocky slopes. South Fork Tieton Road is a 12.7-mile drive into the wilds of the Rimrock Recreation Area. A widely varying hike in the Newcastle Valley and the western end of Cougar Mountain. Use the free Yosemite Valley shuttle bus to get to trailheads. (The quota refers to number of people, not number of permits.). At 5.4 miles, youll reach Nada Lake. Spur . searching. Hiking the trail up to May Lake is very straightforward and easy to follow. Hiking the JMT, 2018. Depending on the trailhead, you have to hike either one mile or four miles out before you can camp. During the fall of 1976, I was still working in the snow survey program. Youve now at 2200 feet (1000 feet above the parking lot). Overnight reservation permit required May 15 to October 31. The first visitors came on January 8, 1930. Mirror Lake to Snow Creek. Much like Ostrander Ski Hut, it is not a journey to be taken lightly: visitors must be prepared for a 7 mile hike with 4,000 feet of elevation gain, with most of the trail under snow. The cabin was built in the fall of 1929. Before Tioga Road from Lee Vining to Yosemite Valley was upgraded, it took more than eight hours to drive on the old one-lane road, honking your horn around the curves to alert other vehicles. Percorso Donner Summit Canyon snowshoe di Racchette da Neve in Weeks Tract, California (United States). (509) 784-4700, Methow Valley Ranger District If you DO NOThave the Enchantment Overnight Permit Parking Pass, YOU CANNOTpark in these signed spaces. I worked for the California Cooperative Snow Surveys Program from 1964 through 1977. The large sections of unpublished manuscripts are . Please note that Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road trailheads have no vehicle access when these roads are closed, typically from around November to May or early June. 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