Amazing. Climb…read more Probably one of the best multi-pitch rock climbs I have ever done. We started very late and ended up going down in the dark. I don't recommend this for one main reason: The descent is not straight-forward by headlamp. I found the description from SuperTopo to be a bit confusing, so here's my description (in case you don't heed my advice and try to roll this sucker late in the day): You are going to want to down-climb the last 10-15 ft of the summit pinnacle. The section you JUST climbed up to reach the tiny summit. Down-lead this (or better yet, just leave your pro in from the ascent) and build an anchor at the base. (I know this seems like a stupidly short "pitch" to build an anchor for, but, TRUST ME. The rope drag is heinous if you try to go around the corner and then anchor-in.) Then do a running belay/simul-climb around the corner (you are now going AWAY from the face you just climbed up). Once around the corner, go slightly right (skier's right). Once you've done this, just keep going left and down, gradually, on easy 3rd class terrain (we took the rope off at this point). When it starts to look easy to go right, traverse right until you pop out on the other side of the mountain. You'll probably do some minor bush-whacking, just try to keep hopping on those big granite boulders! The SuperTopo seems to say that you hook back right a lot sooner (after going down-left), the terrain there looked like very run-out/, 5th class slab (read: skeery), so we did not do this. OK, now that we've talked about the boring part (getting down), let's talk about the FUN part: climbing up. It's 5 pitches of 5.6-5.7 on glorious granite with ample spots for pro. You can run it out with ease, knowing there is always going to be a place to get your nuts in. This is the complete opposite of "Snake Dike" on Half Dome in that regard. We did the far-left (climber's left) variation. I think it's variation "A" in the guide book. We decided to simul-climb the first two pitches, this was a good call. The beginning of pitch 1 is very easy (low-5th and even 4th class) by the time it gets more difficult, the leader will already be at the 2nd anchor and the second can be belayed up. If you're a strong climber you could even keep going and link all three of the first pitches! Every pitch is fun, with great moves and great positioning. I'd make sure you are not wearing a pack or gear sling for the start of pitch 4, as the chimney is kinda tight in the beginning. Or maybe I'm just getting fat? I lead the last two pitches by headlamp, a new experience, and shockingly more fun that scary. If you do this, I'd start either insanely early or insanely late, in order to avoid the crowds. Have fun!

Cathedral Peak is arguably the most beautiful peak in Yosemite National Park. Despite its beauty,…read moreand despite the fact that the trailhead is at the edge of Tioga Road and easy to find, there are no crowds. During my hike on this 7 mile round-trip trail, I encountered, at most, only twenty other hikers. The trail is an easy hike for adults and for little kids. There are no cliffs near this trail. This means that, unlike some of the trails leading to or from Hawkins Peak at Pinnacles National Park and unlike the fabled Kalalau Trail in Kauai, there is no danger rocks falling from above, and no need to worry about tumbling over the edge of any cliff. Once you have reached the 3 1/2 mile mark, you will be rewarded with a splendid view of Cathedral Peak, which is photogenic from any angle, and which provides a variety of photogenic rewards at different times of day. Near Cathedral Peak is a meadow with little streams, and orange-colored bedrock near one of the streams. Also in this area, is an exposed granite dome, similar to nearby Lambert Dome. My photographs show: (1) Me posing on a granite dome located next to a meadow. This meadow is just to the south of Cathedral Peak, (2) The trail marker sign next to Tioga Road, (3) The orange-colored exposed bedrock, and (4) Two photographs of a little stream that winds its way through a meadow, with Cathedral Peak in the distance.

This is a series of loop trails to Stockton Reservoir. Stick to the main path as you enter or you…read morewill have a steep decline to the creek on an alternative trail. Mild flow for is in April 2025. Easy to cross the stream. This is a relatively moderate trail depending on which path you choose. Some are flat and wide roads. Other paths can be steep and are much more strenuous. You will be around 3000 feet in elevation so not too bad. The reservoir itself is uneventful but a good turn around destination.

Fresno Dome: 2025 Sep 23 (5 of 5)…read more We're hosting a friend who's never been to Fresno Dome so we decided to take him there. Fresno Dome looks like a smooth dome from afar but it's actually granite rocks of different shapes and sizes coming together to create this geological marvel. I'm always amazed when we reach the top of the dome. Once you get to the top of this granite dome, you can be assured of breathtaking panoramic views of Sierra Nevada and Southern Yosemite National Park. Its rocky facade made this easier to climb, but the last time I hiked Fresno Dome was in July - so, I felt a need to get lessons from a goat. Goats are incredibly agile climbers - ascending steep slopes and leaping over mountains in their sure-footed hooves. I wonder if they'll give me lessons on how to climb mountains. Hmm... What to wear: Layer your clothing. You get sweaty on the way up, but at the top, you may feel a chill. Hiking shoes or hiking boots are a must. We actually saw a woman in sandals. That's a firm No-No. One slip and you'll be flying down the slopes. What to bring: Water and snacks. You'll need more than one bottle of water per person (I usually bring 3). Dehydration sets in fast, especially when you sweat. We bring snacks because when you reach the top, you would want to stay to enjoy the breeze and the views. Just remember to bag your trash and take them with you. What to expect: Mosquitoes, bugs, ants, etc. It's their land you're wondering into. On the flip side, you'll be amazed by beautiful butterflies, plants and wildflowers (depending on the season).

Situated between Oakhurst and Yosemite National Park at an elevation of 7,450 feet, Fresno Dome is…read moreone of those elegant granite formations for which the Sierra Nevada is famous for. Fresno Dome is a popular destination for rock climbers, but hikers can also reach the summit via a short trail that climbs the dome's gently sloping backside. Reference: MAREK WARSZAWSKI / THE FRESNO BEE | FEBRUARY 03, 2009 11:17 AM I didn't realize it's only a 1.6 mile round trip , it felt much longer but it's an easy peasy hike which rewards you with beautiful views of the Sierra from the top. Easy at first but gets pretty steep at the top . Since my baby bear has intellectual disabilities and autism, he's not too aware of danger, we stopped midways of the dome . We were still rewarded with gorgeous views from midways. It was pretty muddy at the begging of the hike , we had to hop from one rock to another to avoid getting our hiking boots wet. After that it's a easy hike ( except pretty steep at the top). Hella winding road to get to the trailhead, it's unpaved dirt road towards the end. I don't recommend you going if you don't wanna get your vehicles dirty lol. We saw a beautiful owl with his wings wide opened atop a tree stump near the trailhead. I wasn't able to capture it with my phone but the image is still very clear in my head after four years. Cheers to the great outdoors (^｡^)

i'm a huuuuuge Yosemite National Park fan along with my friends Erin S. and Sandyann G. we did a…read more3-day, 30-mile backpacking trip along the reservoir 2 years ago and another 4-day hike around the Smith Peak area over Memorial Day 2009. we couldn't stop being impressed by the beauty of the park but we really did have some requests/complaints. 2 years ago the thick, thorny brush had grown up so high over the (10-mile) switchback portion of reservoir trail that we had to close our eyes and push through head-high thorny brush that brutally scratched and scarred any exposed skin. we pushed on bleeding and bruised on our legs, arms, and faces and tried to stay on the trail that was in danger of being grown over. hopefully that trail has been maintained because i'd hate for someone to give up on backpacking or hetch hetchy based on an overgrown trail. over memorial day weekend, we encountered the SAME overgrown thorn brush by the smith peak area. this brush was just as unforgiving and thorny as 2 years ago, but thankfully only waist-high so we got scratched on mostly legs. the thorns also ripped up my sleeping mat too! grr! we were doubly disappointed to be stopped in the afternoon of our third day by a bridge that was out b/c we had not been forewarned by a ranger or by any posted sign over 20+ miles. just after being briefly followed by a frighteningly big bear we saw firefighters working to contain a forest fire. props to those firefighters! it looked like an awfully hard job. and they're all oh so cute!! to sum it up: trail maintenance is needed and some updated maps and sign posting would help. someone could easily get hurt or lost on those trails.

I enjoyed Hetch Hetchy but it wasn't my favorite part of our Yosemite trip. I did like it because…read morewe didn't see any other people aside from park rangers. We ended up hiking the lookout point trail. Unlike all the other trails in Yosemite this one is not well marked. We were walking for awhile without seeing any signs and I was convinced we were lost. Also unlike many of the other trails in Yosemite this one does not have any shade so make sure you pack the sunscreen. Lastly we saw a sign alerting on mountain lions in the area. I read somewhere that mountain lions won't attack you if you act confident. I walked the entire trail pretending I was Beyoncé and I was not attacked. You might want to consider it.

Altitude: 4,657 ft. Lake Type: Reservoir…read morePrimary: Eleanor Creek Surface Area: 953 Acres Water: 26,100 acres ft Surface Elevation: 4,657 ft. The lake was formed in 1918 by damming Eleanor Creek as part of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir system, constructed to supply water and power to the city of San Francisco. Lake Eleanor is situated on the site of a smaller, natural lake of the same name. The lake was named after the daughter of Josiah Whitney, leader of the California Geological Survey in the 1860s. The lake now provides opportunities for angling, hiking and camping. It's an easy 2 mile hike from Miguel Meadow. You will see two gushing falls from across the lake in May and early June. So beautiful. Words can not express the serenity and admiration it brings to one when exposed to such sight. The water is amazingly clear and the tiny islands in the middle of the lake evoked such curiosity in me.

Jackson Road/Nelder Grove/Big Sandy: 2026 July 21 (4 of 5)…read more No Access to Nelder Grove! Temperature: 78 F (We thought we'd hike before the temperature gets to 3 digits) Humidity: 51 (The air felt thick, sticky, and heavy and it felt hotter than what the temperature reads. We were not comfortable at all.) Air quality: The air smelled musty and damp, suggesting high pollutant in the air. Turning right from Jackson Road Trail, we followed the path into the forest. We wanted to see if the trail to Nelder Grove was open because it had been closed since the fire that killed 104 giant sequoias. The sign that was prominent for years was gone so we assumed the trail is open. It didn't take us long before the trail narrowed to half a foot wide and thickets of thorny brush lined both sides along the path. It was difficult to navigate so we turned around. We traced our way back and turned right towards Big Sandy, however, the humidity and air quality decided today is not the day for a long hike. All-in-all, we did only 5.64 miles. Overall, this wasn't a good hike day for us.

How we even stumbled upon this trail is beyond me. Probably the highlight of my trip there. Was…read morepretty easy flat trail getting there. Took some time though just on account of going off the trail and seeing as much as possible. Nice trail and the views are spectacular!!!

This is one of the best hikes I've ever been on…read more To get here, you go to glacier point and go off towards the sides and there is a sign that tells you how long each trail is. I think you can also get to Nevada falls but it was about 5 miles away (one-way). It says on the sign that this hike is 1.5 miles (one way)....THAT IS A LIE. I swear it's about 2-3 miles!! It's completely downhill but don't let that fool you! The trail can get very rocky and unstable so watch your step!! Some parts are also very steep so don't slip! And don't forget that you have to climb all the way back up to get back to glacier point!! When we reached the bottom, you get to a bridge and then you see Illilouette Fall. It's not your typical waterfall, where you see the water coming off the cliff. It's more off a cascade of water going downwards, beautifully glistening off the rocks. It just looks like a piece of art, the water gently gliding down the very smooth rocks. Be careful about stepping into those part because its very slippery! At the bottom of the fall, there is a pool of water, perfect for swimming!! I just love how you can literally sit next to the waterfall, dipping your feet in. Just laying there made me feel so rejuvenated. I went in mid-late July so there wasn't as much water. This is probably why I could sit next to the waterfall on some of the smooth rocks. The hike back up was such a mind game. It was so steep on some parts that I had to just remind myself to take it one step at a time. Remember, it's all uphill when you go back!! It's weird though, it took us 1.5-2 hours to get down to the falls, but 1 hour to get back! I guess when you really put your mind to it, going uphill isn't so bad!!

Ahhhh such a beautiful lake ... but , did I struggle ugh …read more.... I'm an avid hiker but have been on a hiatus for quite some time and I have been out of the gym for a while and I suffered baaaaddd from it. Sigh. Anyways , you can park your car in a lot by the Tioga gate off 120. The trail head is right there by the Tioga gate . If you are coming from the park ( Yosemite) the trail head is on your left side of the road. It's only a mile to get to the lake but it's a pretty steep inclination and being soooo freaking out of shape right now , I had to take a break every 10-20 steps. I was out of breath , huffing and puffing , light headed and dizzy. Maybe from the high altitudes too . I was gasping for air. I had no problem doing Clouds Rest last year ... ugh. Anyways , the lake itself is stunningly gorgeous. Water is so clear , we saw some trouts gracefully swimming. Snow covered mountains in the background. Nice cool breeze felt good since I was sweating like crazy. There may be about 20 other hikers we saw. Some were struggling like I was climbing up on the way. It's up and then down to the lake. It should be easy peasy for experienced hikers but might be tough if you are a beginner because of the elevation gain but totally doable and totally worth it. The view is amazing all around not just the lake but the view of Mt Dana , Mt Hoffman and other peaks you can see from the trail. If you are out of shape like I am right now, just take your time and go slowly. It's okay , it's not a race. Enjoy the view and the smell and the sound of the mountains:))) ha ha One last thing , tons of mosquitoes when we were there on Saturday (6/23/2018). Highly recommend bug spray. I got tons of bites on my face and legs. Luckily I was wearing a long sleeve shirt so no bites on my arms.

Yawnnnn... A bit on…read morethe boring side for a Back Country hike. The hike starts out with some solid elevation gain, but after 15 minutes of hiking you'll be at the top of the peak and heading down towards Gaylor Lake. The lake is pretty big and beautiful with plenty of fish to be seen swimming in it. Due to the elevation of the lake it is colder than the lower elev lakes. Keep to your right and head up the trail to Upper Gaylor Lake. Not as big and pretty boring there. You can head left over the small mountain and see a few other small lakes on the other side or you can head straight up the trail to the old rock huts and mines and another small lake. After a 10 minute hike from Upper Gaylor Lake you'll crest the top and see several old rock homes. Go on inside and make yourself at home. Can you imagine people used to mine and live up here?! Our ancestors were definitely tougher than we are. Watch out for at least 2 mining holes. They have no warning or barrier around then and appear to be at least 20' deep WITH NO WAY OUT. The views on this trip are average at best. I wouldn't recommend this hike for the following reasons. IF you are coming Westward on the 120, the trailhead is at the Eastern end of the park, which is around 50 miles on Tioga pass road. The views are OK at best, not much too see. If you are coming in from the Eastern end (Highway 395) then it makes sense to check this easy hike off your list and then never speak of it again! There are only like 25+ better hikes off Tioga Road that come to mind. Hope this review helps those considering the hike.