2 days in the Valley next week - ideas? hiking not climbing

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Messages 1 - 17 of total 17 in this topic
Wretchedalan

Social climber
Wisconsin
Topic Author's Original Post - Mar 26, 2015 - 04:01am PT
Long ago I called myself some sort of climber. some sort... early 80's ancient history
I always avoided the Valley crowds so have spent little time there in favor of Tuolomne.

But next week it appears that I may find myself within reach of spending a couple days with my youngest so to show him this magical place. (my youngest is 18 y/o)

Based on the whole drought thing, I suspect that snow issues will be minimal.

We will not have camping gear available and he has never wanted to climb so just looking for a couple must do hikes and some lodging ideas.

So if you had only 2 days in the Valley next week, where would you want to walk, and where might you stay?

The Ahwahnee is NOT in my budget though maybe breakfast or lunch might be a treat. And I realize my question could get me the Ferdinand story that I should just go sit by the River and cry. But it's the time I have this time. Though if the boy likes the place maybe another trip in the future to participate in the annual cleanup? Who knows.

Thanks for any tips or ideas.

rick
looks easy from here

climber
Ben Lomond, CA
Mar 26, 2015 - 06:37am PT
Next week is spring break for a lot of California schools, so campsites may already all be booked, and first-come-first-served will be extra competitive.

But as to your question...

Mist Trail's paved and crowded, but Vernal Falls and beyond is cool.

4 Mile has some sections of switchback hell, but it's dirt and shaded and has great views and the length scares away a lot of people (especially when Glacier Road's closed so you can't swing a ride back down and have to rehike it or combine it with Panorama for a megaloop).

Upper Yosemite Falls was the worst hike I've ever done, at least the part from the base of the Upper Falls and up. May be worth going that far then breaking off trail to the talus field to the base of the fall, if yu're comfortable with that.
sempervirens

climber
Mar 26, 2015 - 07:17am PT
How about Sunnyside Bench and then continue on up to Fern Ledge. Or Hidden Falls. Do you know where those are?

I think the story you're talking about is about Carl Sharsmith not Ferdinand.
JerryA

Mountain climber
Sacramento,CA
Mar 26, 2015 - 07:43am PT
Get a room in El Portal . Take a look at the approaches & descents for classic climbs such as the Nose of El Capitan & the Apron of Glacier Point. They are usually short & are a lot less crowded than regular trails and many have great views of the Valley that tourists do not see. Good luck !
Ed Hartouni

Trad climber
Livermore, CA
Mar 26, 2015 - 08:42am PT
this topic comes up from time to time...
here's the reply of mine I liked the best...

http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.php?topic_id=2180713&msg=2180921#msg2180921

John Muir suggestions, from his book The Yosemite can be found here:
http://www.yosemite.ca.us/john_muir_writings/the_yosemite/chapter_12.html

ambitious, historic, and probably very compelling.
Wretchedalan

Social climber
Wisconsin
Topic Author's Reply - Mar 26, 2015 - 06:44pm PT
Thanks all.
That's as much of a plan as I really need.
Bummer about spring break except it's spring break here in WI too which is why the boy can come with me to wander.
Great reminder DMT. Don't over do. I have been a vacation Nazi from time to time. Must do this, must do that.
My plan is one good hike and maybe one small one to someplace out of the way and just sit and take it in for a bit.
Must not over schedule, must not over schedule.

Thanks again for the tips.

rick
Risk

Mountain climber
Olympia, WA
Mar 26, 2015 - 09:25pm PT
If looking for something obscure, hike to the amphitheater at the base of Ribbon Falls. There's no trail. I've always headed up the west side of the creek. Can't very easily get lost. Surprisingly spectacular, remote, and strenuous.
johntp

Trad climber
socal
Mar 27, 2015 - 09:40am PT
Rent some bikes and cruise the valley.

bicycles that is.
HighTraverse

Trad climber
Bay Area
Mar 27, 2015 - 10:07am PT
Snow Creek trail above Mirror Lake is good. Seldom used (not crowded like the main trails). Spectacular views of Half Dome. Go as far as you like. On returning, you can turn left and walk all the way around Mirror Lake.
You did say hiking, not scrambling. However if you want a good off trail scramble, I can recommend Illillouette Gorge out of Happy Isles. Steep climbing over boulders (no rope required). No one goes there.

On another thread, Someone Who Knows recommended Sierra Point above Happy Isles. I've always wanted to do that one. Look up the thread and his photos.

The weather is likely to be WARM and sunny. Take plenty of water and snacks.
Full moon on April 4. For a Big Adventure take good headlamps and wind shirts and come back after dark.
Or it's a Lunar Eclipse on April 4. It will be partial starting about 3:15 AM, total about 5:00 AM. Washburn Point would be great viewing.
Steve Grossman

Trad climber
Seattle, WA
Mar 27, 2015 - 10:25am PT
If you have a full day and someone to drop you off then consider walking the old Big Oak Flat Road starting at the Tamarack Flat campground. Once you are below the Ribbon Falls amphitheater diagonal over and check that amazing place out.
looks easy from here

climber
Ben Lomond, CA
Mar 27, 2015 - 11:05am PT
Hike to Sierra Point last spring break:
The view:
It was a bit chilly, but hauntingly beautiful.
JOEY.F

Gym climber
It's not rocket surgery
Mar 27, 2015 - 07:55pm PT
When clear skies prevail, at Sierra Point, you will be offered a view of these falls: Nevada, Vernal, Illouette, and Yosemite. Magic!

edit below,
Thanks Ed, your photos capture it!
Biotch, true indeed.
Now I need to check out Ribbon Falls amphitheater, never have.
ß Î Ø T Ç H

Boulder climber
extraordinaire
Mar 27, 2015 - 11:58pm PT
4 Mile Trail.
Ed Hartouni

Trad climber
Livermore, CA
Mar 28, 2015 - 07:56am PT
Joey
When clear skies prevail, at Sierra Point, you will be offered a view of these falls: Nevada, Vernal, Illouette, and Yosemite. Magic!


looks easy from here

climber
Ben Lomond, CA
Mar 29, 2015 - 07:28pm PT
Gonna have to get back up there someday when it's clearer. Though it was wonderful even in the mist, watching things fade in and out of view.
Jon Beck

Trad climber
Oceanside
Mar 29, 2015 - 08:50pm PT
Snow creek is good, hike to Tioga Road and hitch a ride back to the valley.
Kalimon

Social climber
Ridgway, CO
Mar 29, 2015 - 09:38pm PT
Snow Creek has some awesome views . . . do the North Dome and then descend back to the Valley for a complete day.
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