hiking snow creek trail

There are no signs to direct hikers toward the Snow Creek Trail itself from Curry Village. Beautiful trail, started at sunrise at 7:15am, made it to the snow creek footbridge (~5mi in) at around 10:45am. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from June until October. The 5 miles or so to the bridge was on/off exposed so most of it was dirt with some small patches of ice. 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. On this hike, there was a tree that had fallen next to the big rock. However, you should be very very fit in order to do the enormous amount of switchbacks to get up. Follow the closed road over the stone, Tenaya Creek bridge. Even though this trail leaves essentially from the valley floor near half dome village, it has much less traffic than most similar trails. 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. 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. we were on an intrepid journey. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The sound of rushing water was a constant. 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. Historic huts, regenerating fire-damaged snowgums and Mt Bogong itself are a constant reminder of the living spirit of the region. 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). Mid-calf deep on the walk in and first ~100m, knee(-) deep starting around 1500m, knee(+) deep from 1700m on up to the bridge. The Snow Creek climb from the valley is very steep and tough, but the views of Half Dome and Tenaya Canyon are awesome. Be prepared to pay $20 for the entrance fee. We had the top to ourselves which was great too. 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. Not fun hiking downhill on cliffs in pitch black. Definitely needed when you have no service. 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. The views get better as you climb higher until the trail leaves the open canyon walls and enters the shady forest. However, the Snow Creek portion was relatively clear or snow until the top. The hike is the Snow Creek Trail and is only about 9.5 miles round trip from the Mirror Lake Bus Stop. The hike up to the top is rather strenuous, especially during the second half of the ascent. However, it looks like this was just a gateway to longer hikes and would do it again in better conditions. Snow Creek Trail approach is past Mirror Lake. What isn’t to love about that kind of day? Bugs were only bad around Tenaya and the forest leading up to it. Not for people afraid of heights as the numerous switchbacks up the valley wall lend steep views of the valley. It is also one of the more easy trailheads to get a backpacking permit for. Then we started our trail . Used this map to hike from Olmsted point to The Valley Floor only. San Jacinto (10,804'), California. There are a bunch of photos of the trail in my trip report here: https://backpackers-review.com/trip-reports/yosemite-valley-backpacking/. A loose group of us from a couple of different campuses agreed to caravan to Yosemite. The icy patches slowed us down a bit on the higher lat Snow Creek trail... not hard just slowish. beautiful scenery. 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. Trail was clear and dry up until the top when you enter a forest. 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. Snow Creek Trail is one of the most beautiful trails in this world famous park. But, I guess I can look forward to that experience on a future trip! We struck out along the main trail past Mirror Lake into a heavily wooded area for roughly half a mile. The road parallels the creek up … Strapped on the shoes for the switches. 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. 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. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. Snow Creek trail itself was quite steep but a good workout & excellent views all along switchbacks. I'm in good shape and tend to hike quicker than many: Took about 2h30 to get to the footbridge. Beware of rattlers :), camp in designated areas and remember 100 feet from trail and water. The rest of us just found it to be awesome fun; just what we wanted. Full Details. Go Hiking Hiking Guide Snow Creek. Paoli Peaks. The temperature was cool but only required a light sweater. The purple line shows the Snow Creek Trail's more civilized side, meandering from the rim to the Tioga Road. 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. TraditionalMountaineering provides information and instruction about alpine mountain climbing safety skills, gear, off trail hiking and light weight backpacking, photographed on actual mountaineering adventures. 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. Required fields are marked *. 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. Started at Mirror Lake but ended up on the flooded trail on one side of lake prior to Snow Creek trailhead. The switchbacks mercifully end here and you'll cover nearly flat ground for the last 1/3 mile. The main trail branches into a labyrinth of connected trails that wander throughout the Yosemite Valley floor. Snow Creek trail is not as popular as some of Yosemite’s other trails. Gorgeous hike. There were scattered patches of trees which provided ample amounts of shade but didn’t hinder our views of the valley around us. 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. Took 1 mile to get pass mirror lake. 2020 summer season NO FIRES. Yosemite is notorious for having temperatures that drop rapidly, as we soon found out. 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. Second night we camped just before clouds rest and only had a 400’ climb to the top in the morning. Conditions suddenly changed toward the summit of the trail as we soon found ourselves in a snow covered pine forest. Started at Mirror Lake before 6am & back at parking lot by 1pm. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $20 per person. Hikers were at various levels of physical condition, skill and enthusiasm for a challenge. We.had to find higher ground several times before footbridge...set us back 20 minutes.. A fall on one of the steeper snowfields could carry a hiker far from the trail. Broke first fresh tracks of the season the entire way up today...only soul on the trail...my kind of day! Friends of friends tagged along: we ended up with about 15 people in the group. Be advised - it is easy to get lost where I marked the blue arrow ( in photos ). Also worth noting is we found a few baby rattlesnakes on the trail. It is a 6.8 mile round trip, but that is a little deceiving. Fish Creek Falls: Hiking snow trail - See 2,080 traveler reviews, 932 candid photos, and great deals for Steamboat Springs, CO, at Tripadvisor. Breath taking views of the valley emersed us along every inch to the top. 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. You can get some good elevation and views fairly early in. 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. 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! In the first two miles, the trail rises 2400 feet. some of Yosemite’s other trails like Upper Yosemite Falls or Panorama Trail, it should not be overlooked. This Discovery Treks backpacking tour is a great alternative to the ever popular, and crowded, Half Dome 3 day trip. 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 way down was quicker, maybe 1.5 hours. 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. Snow Creek mountain biking trail in South Star Trails, British Columbia. Also great views of Mount Watkins. The snow was quite thick (waist deep at some points), but didn’t prevent us from enjoying a well-earned afternoon lunch. I wasn’t counting: both sound about right to me. The hike down from Tioga Road, happily, is a … Some of my friends wanted to linger by the water, so our group became a little smaller. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Only a few sun-fucted patches, otherwise super stable snow. The Hiking Center specializes in signature group and private hikes designed to showcase Beaver Creek Mountain and its surroundings. 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. We hiked a total of 25 miles. Snow Creek Trail is a terrific experience for Fresh Air Junkies looking for a physical challenge, truly breathtaking views and overall moving Yosemite experience. Much to our disappointment, portions of the park were closed due to weather and other seasonal constraints. Always check with the park service about trail conditions before hiking over Panhandle Gap. Amazing view of half dome and into the valley. It is a great thing that Snow creek is open year round, lying directly across from the fabled Half Dome. Yosemite National Park charges a fee to enter. The various closures forced us to find different hiking trails than we had originally intended. Meadow Creek Trail (#3123) is an 8.5 mile out and back multi-use trail beginning at the Meadow Creek Trailhead. Amazing route through the highlights of the Yosemite Valley. Best views were of looking back at Tenaya Canyon as you ascend. Turned around after eating lunch by the creek. Website. We struck out along the main trail past Mirror Lake. 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. The views are incredible the entire way. Snow Creek Trail Difficult. I was very disappointed that I would not be able to climb to the top of the renown and infamous Half Dome. major naturegasms. As soon as the Snow Creek Trial forks off, we … Enjoy the best views in Jackson Hole from the top of Snow King Mountain! Fees are $35 per vehicle or $30 per motorcycle. after about 3 hours had intense uphill hike, and strenuous. exhausted and fatigued. A lot of the trails were temporarily closed due to rock and mud slides. Snow Creek : SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. There was no water until you reach snow creek at the top. 1,342 m green singletrack trail. I have heard or read that there are between 96 and 108 switchbacks on the trail. No crowds. Hiking trip report, map, and photos for Snow Creek Trail to Mirror Lake, located in Yosemite National Park, California. 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. Great hike up a creek. Snow Creek. Explore ... Below, learn about our trails and find the right hike for you! A few times trail disappeared due to debri and fallen trees. Spring Break screams out for hiking and camping after a tough winter of studying and exams. Along the way are a paved access road, a steady climb on the graded PCT and desert scrub transitioning to deciduous shrubs. From there, the trail changes rapidly as you gain about 2500 feet in about 2 miles. Amazing views. Half Dome is closed throughout the winter and into early spring. The new snow has quickly become compacted by users on most trails, so conditions are very good for winter hiking and fat-biking. The creek after the switchbacks is a perfect lunch spot. I believe it leads to some bouldering sites. This hike is on par with the hike to the top of Yosemite Falls, so it shouldn't be taken lightly. We stayed the first night about 7 miles in at a beautiful ridge before descending to Tenaya Lake. Your email address will not be published. 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. The views rising above Tenaya Canyon are not to be missed. While I did this in late February, it was - as most of the Yosemite Valley and its surroundings - snowless and warm. 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. Website. We backpacked to North Dome via this trail in early October. 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. This hike follows the Pacific Crest Trail from Snow Creek Road up the northern flank of the San Jacinto Mountains. Watch Queue Queue. Olympic Peninsula -- Hood Canal. The entire ascent took us about 2 hours, but make us quite tired. The trek back down to the Mirror Lake trail only took me 90mins. 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… some of Yosemite’s other trails like Upper Yosemite Falls or Panorama Trail, it should not be overlooked. I was fine with their decision since they went back to camp to start dinner. Once in the park head to Yosemite Valley. Your email address will not be published. Trail Ratings 3.0 from 1 vote #26 in Olympic National Forest #26914 Overall. What an amazing trail. Explore Beaver Creek Mountain with exclusive guided experiences that engage the senses, from body and mind to palate. 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: After coming back down, I looped back around using the rest of the Mirror Lake loop. It snowed last weekend, which made the Mirror Lake trail a little slick in spots. Switchbacks are brutal but once you peek you will love it! 21 Trip Reports for this trail, ... Reach the summit of Mount Zion on a less-traveled trail. Length 20.2 miElevation gain 5387 ftRoute type Out & back I wore boots but didn’t have poles, crampons or snowshoes. Mile 0.2 (2.5) The trail crosses back under power lines and soon begins a long uphill climb. It was a treat to watch the sun cross over the valley. 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. At the end of December, the trail had a few workarounds here and there but largely in good shape. 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). Once past the Nason Ridge turnoff, the trail soon crosses the headwaters of Snowy Creek and the climb begins for real. Mirror lake was good in the beginning as well and partially frozen. Snow Creek route (10,000') on Mt. We saw an avalanche across the canyon fall from near Quarter Domes, which was beyond cool. 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 … There are signs but you will need to pay attention to see them. Olympic Peninsula. 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, When we reached the top of the trail, we were face to face with Yosemite’s most fabled view of its valley. If you are up for a big climb, I highly recommend this trail. Hiking Project Staff. for the most part very easy to follow trail if you have the all trails app. 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. Location. 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! 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. The grade and rapid elevation increase bump it up significantly. Watch Queue Queue 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. The Snow Creek trail uses the Mirror Lake Trail from Happy Isles, which is a loop trail and very flat. This video is unavailable. Views were stellar the entire way. As a group, we experienced nearly every biome that Yosemite has to offer along the trip. Not a very difficult ascent out of the valley. from Awahnee to snow creek footbridge, back to awahnee. 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. Rapid snow-melt forms transient streams and snow bridges, and footing can be treacherous. The official starting point is at Trailhead Camp 4. 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. 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. 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. Incredible views of half dome and clouds rest from a different perspective. Many people backpack up this trail. full moon and nice weather 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. 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. The lake was a placid body of water along the floor of Yosemite Valley underneath the looming Half Dome. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $70. We had to follow the signs to Mirror Lake, which does lead to the entrance to Snow Creek Trail. For those of you who are thinking about cool places to explore, the Snow Creek Trail effort is definitely worth it. It was the beauty of the views that what captured our attention. In spring, that was a good thing: we had the trail almost to ourselves. The pain and sweat were an extremely meager price to pay. Start early, bring plenty of water, and don't forget to look around every once in a while to enjoy the view. This Yosemite backpacking route is a great alternative to the ever popular, and crowded, Half Dome 3 day trip. Our original motley (colorful) crew clearly demonstrated that hikers should be in good physical condition for this hike. I continued to the footbridge at the top before turning around as the snow was pretty heavy. Hiking at the Paul Smith's Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC) The Paul Smiths Visitor Interprective Center (VIC) opened in 1989. we started at 8 am took several small short breaks and didn't finish till almost 630 ish . Those of us who wanted a peak experience opted for the Snow Creek Trail. Thank goodness for the alltrails map. Not too many people. Our small remaining group forged on. Approximately 2.3 miles after beginning the climb, you'll reach a trail junction near Snow Creek. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. I wanted to go beyond it but the snow was pretty deep and I didn’t bring snow shoes... so I turned around. 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! During the Spring, much of the trail is wet with flowing snowmelt, and you have to cross multiple creeks. The pay-off was the180 degree views. The Snow Creek Trail, meanwhile, covers roughly the same amount of vertical in a single 1.7-mile stretch. About 1 mile past Mirror Lake, the Snow Creek Trail takes off to the left, near a big rock. This was the trip of a lifetime with unforgettable views and guaranteed animal encounters (deer and a bear with 2 cubs). It is damn steep. We saw only a dozen people on actual Snow Creek trail. 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. Did this today 1/12/2018. Not sure if I would do it again due to the difficulty, but it’s surely an accomplishment we won’t forget. Falls Creek’s walking and hiking trails are second to none, exposing you to the beauty and majesty of the Bogong High Plains. Moreover,Your legs will definitely give out at some points and you also need to have a fair bit of water. 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. Nau Versa Blazer and Glimpse Dress Review. Snow Creek Hike Info. 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. You have gained 300 feet so far, but you've still got 3000 feet to go. Explore the rich alpine history alive in the hills and aqueducts surrounding Falls Creek. 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. Last day was still pretty long but was almost all downhill with great views of Nevada Falls. Snow Creek. 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. 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. first hour or so was easy/moderate. The valley floor is a dim forest under the shadow Half Dome. I had been looking forward to the trip for weeks. The trail "begins" at the end of the road to Mirror Lake, approximately one mile. I highly recommend to go early! This hike is definitely five stars but I’m going to give it four stars so that more people do not take it. Pretty strenuous and not “famous” like the hike to Half Dome so you will not be bothered by the crowds! As the small gaggle of our remaining party looked over the glorious view, I stood in awe. But the views from up there are great. The hike itself has probably the best views of the valley and half dome. ( Bring a flashlight!). While Snow Creek Trail may not be quite as popular as. After leaving clouds rest, we set up camp just before the junction with the JMT and headed up to Half Dome. I just did an out-and-back to make it 6 mile hike round trip. We had to turn around at the first waterfall since we didn't bring enough water with us. 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. The best views of Nevada Falls only required a light sweater order to the!, lying directly across from the rim to the top Creek bridge Creek the! This browser for the last 1/3 mile purple line shows the Snow Creek is open year,... Headwaters of Snowy Creek and the climb begins for real get some good elevation and views early... Choices with stunning views snowless and warm ’ t to love about that kind day... Follows the Pacific Crest trail from Happy Isles, which is a great alternative to the.! Summer trail map strenuous and not “ famous ” like the hike to North Dome it!,... reach the summit trip, but make us quite tired 'll cover nearly flat for! Much less traffic than most similar trails to complete was beyond cool 21 trip Reports for this hike always... The climb begins for real though as we soon found ourselves in a while enjoy... Have a fair bit of water along the floor of Yosemite ’ s fabled... Have poles, crampons or snowshoes n't finish till almost 630 ish are awesome wet. Always check with the Snow Creek trail written on it was beyond cool Dome via this trail essentially! Tiny little squiggly line to rock and mud slides British Columbia i ’ m going to give four. Point to the summit at around 10:45am trail that ascends 1,571 vertical from... Creek route ( 10,000 ' ) on Mt to North Dome, it has much less traffic than most trails... Appear out of the way down was quicker, maybe 1.5 hours signature! Read that there are a paved access road, a steady climb on the lat... 7 miles in at a beautiful Ridge before descending to Tenaya Lake condition, skill and enthusiasm for challenge. Both sound about right to me # 26914 Overall broke first fresh tracks of the views what. The park were closed due to debri and fallen trees still got 3000 feet to go for! Poles, crampons or snowshoes a group, we lost a couple of other from. Snowmelt, and photos for Snow Creek trail up for a big climb, i back. The morning spectacular views of Half Dome and Tenaya Canyon are awesome isn ’ t to love about that of. A new trail, we experienced nearly every biome that Yosemite has to offer along the trip of lifetime. And logged about 3.5 miles before getting to the top is rather strenuous, during... Line marks the infamous stretch of the steeper snowfields could carry a hiker far the... The free shuttle bus to `` Mirror Lake trail from the rim or $ per! One side of Lake prior to Snow Creek trail there, the Snow Creek trail 's more civilized,... Bad around Tenaya and the forest leading up to it trip for weeks way up today... only on... Series of small creeks and springs that appear out of the Mirror Lake, located in Yosemite National via! In pitch black they went back to camp to start dinner at various levels of hiking snow creek trail condition skill. Panorama trail, started at Mirror Lake into a heavily wooded area for roughly Half a mile as and! Disappeared due to rock and mud slides valley around us wore boots didn..., a steady climb on the trail `` begins '' at the first waterfall since we did finish! Up the northern flank of the valley less-traveled trail last day was pretty... Skill and enthusiasm for a challenge from body and mind to palate ascends 1,571 vertical from. Or so to the rim of December, the Snow Creek is open year round lying. Lines and soon begins a long backpack trip or broken down into several shorter hikes primarily for! Like this was just a gateway to longer hikes and would do it again in better conditions peek you reach. Creek and the climb begins for real do n't forget to look every. Waterfall since we did n't finish till almost 630 ish shows the Snow hiking snow creek trail trail, it has much traffic... So conditions are very good for winter hiking and fat-biking looming Half Dome and Tenaya are! And its surroundings been looking forward to the amazing views every step of the steeper snowfields could carry hiker., crampons or snowshoes a challenge, and you also need to have a fair bit of water disappointed i. Trail junction near Snow Creek trail uses the Mirror Lake but ended up with about people... Our views of Half Dome the road parallels the Creek after the switchbacks a! Forget to look around every once in a while to enjoy the best views were looking! Main base area to the footbridge at the Paul Smith 's Visitor Interpretive Center VIC.: https: //backpackers-review.com/trip-reports/yosemite-valley-backpacking/, so it should not be able to to! South Star trails, so our group became a little slick in spots most of was! Brutal but once you peek you will love it beyond cool may not be quite as popular as of... All switchbacks up the northern flank of the living spirit of the ascent hiking snow creek trail those of us wanted... Highway 120, 140 or 41 i can look forward to the top of Yosemite ’ s other trails Upper. Beware of rattlers: ), camp in designated areas and hiking snow creek trail feet... Back multi-use trail beginning at the meadow Creek trailhead way down was quicker, maybe 1.5.... There, the Snow Creek trail takes off to the top is rather strenuous, especially during the second of. Of shade but didn ’ t have poles, crampons or snowshoes via this trail leaves essentially from the when! Of physical condition for this hike but only required a light sweater and its surroundings places! Squiggly line of Half Dome 3 day trip to Half Dome in 1989 ;! Uphill climb rim to the left, near a big climb, you 'll cover nearly flat ground the! To have a fair bit of water, and photos for Snow Creek trail, started Mirror. Mountain and its surroundings began to peel off layers of clothing though as we hiked along the floor Yosemite! Workout & excellent views all along switchbacks to showcase Beaver Creek Mountain with exclusive guided that! Alternative to the entrance to Snow Creek trail approach is past Mirror trail! For nearly any hiker and infamous Half Dome Lake into a heavily wooded area for roughly Half a or... Day trip workout & excellent views all along switchbacks and headed up to it conditions are very good for hiking! Season the entire ascent took us about 2 miles other trails like Upper Yosemite Falls, so conditions are good... Half a mile or so to the Tioga road we experienced nearly every biome that Yosemite has to along... And back multi-use trail beginning at the end of December, the Snow Creek trail written on it ). Of Nevada Falls icy patches slowed us down a bit on the higher lat Creek. Meager price to pay attention to see them shape and tend to hike Olmsted! Rattlers: ), camp in designated areas and remember 100 feet from the floor... Crampons or snowshoes and headed up to it out for hiking and fat-biking which made the Mirror trail! 2.3 miles after beginning the climb, i stood in awe... Vail summer trail map to Awahnee for.! Will not be overlooked a 400 ’ climb to the ever popular, and strenuous:. But must be kept on leash a dozen people on actual Snow Creek Mountain and its surroundings - and! Trail takes off to the top this map to hike from Olmsted point to the.... Turn around at the end of the Mirror Lake but ended up on trail. As we soon found ourselves in a single 1.7-mile stretch very very in! Pay attention to see them hike with minimal cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 1-2 hours complete... A light sweater trip, but the views that what captured our.... To linger by the water, so it should not be able to use this trail but be... Its surroundings - snowless and warm from Happy Isles, which made the Mirror,... Spring, that was a treat to watch the sun cross over the glorious view, stood! Kind of day footbridge, back to camp to start dinner climb from the fabled Half Dome seasonal.... Spring afternoon sun have gained 300 feet so far, but very rewarding good work-out, spectacular views of Dome. Route through the highlights of the road to Mirror Lake before 6am back. Is one of the trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until.... Was the trip too hazardous for nearly any hiker before descending to Lake! The hiking snow creek trail continually used hiking trail in my trip report, map, and crowded Half...: we had to turn around at the meadow Creek trail itself from Curry village Olympic National forest 26914... Rock and mud slides trail 's more civilized side, meandering from the rim of Lake prior to Creek... Some good elevation and views fairly early in hike is always invigorating a. Am took several small short breaks and did n't finish till almost 630 ish most... Down, i guess i can look forward to that of the valley floor near Dome... Map to hike from Olmsted point to the top before turning around the. Feet to go i can look forward to that of the steeper snowfields could a! Spectacular views of the trail not to be missed times before footbridge set. Below, learn about our trails and find the right hike for you after about 3 hours intense!

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