Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ning to your hike, as John Muir was the first president elected to this conservation
body in 1892.
Within less than a mile, reach a wooden footbridge (4,600 feet) and a view of
the base of Vernal Falls. Together, Vernal and Nevada Falls are known as the Grand
Staircase, as the Merced River dramatically steps its way down to the valley.
Just across the bridge is a drinking fountain with the last potable water before
Tuolumne, restrooms, and a literal army of brazen snack-marauding squirrels.
Shortly after leaving the footbridge, watch for a junction. The Mist Trail continues
on the left, following the river steeply up wet and sometimes slippery granite steps in
the spray of Vernal Falls. We recommend turning right to follow the John Muir Trail
(JMT) up a longer, more gradual climb suitable for backpackers. This route follows
the canyon's south wall under the shade of conifers and bigleaf maples before rejoin-
ing the shorter and steeper Mist Trail at the top of Nevada Falls.
Shortly after the switchbacks begin, a pack trail enters from the right; ignore the
pack trail and continue ascending through Douglas fir and oak trees. After 2 miles,
reach Clark Point (5,481 feet), so named for Galen Clark, one of the first guardians
of Yosemite National Park and the first to discover the Mariposa Grove of Giant
Sequoia near Wawona. From here, soak in views of the falls, Mount Broderick, and
the Liberty Cap. Continuing up, the trail begins to hug the moist canyon wall, some-
times literally dripping with water in the spring and early summer. The path flattens
and then dips a bit before emerging at a footbridge (5,980 feet) atop the falls. Look
for the iron-railed observation terrace located off of a spur trail just north of the river.
Many people miss the awesome overlook, which is worth a visit to really get a feel
for the height.
Once you've had a chance to soak your feet and battle the squirrels and stellar
blue jays who want your peanuts, continue heading northeast on the rock-lined path.
Within ten minutes, you'll pass a junction with the Mist Trail as well as some com-
posting toilets.
Continue to climb gently northeastward to Little Yosemite Valley (6,140 feet).
Shortly, the path turns dusty, and after about a mile the trail curves downhill toward
the campground. At a Y juncture, notice that you can continue either way to the
campsites; the split trail rejoins near the composting toilets of the site. The path that
heads right is considered the official JMT route and parallels the Merced River. The
path that heads left is the more direct route for hikers continuing to Half Dome. Eith-
er trail leads to the composting toilets and backpacker sites of Little Yosemite Valley
in just over half a mile. This is the first legal place to set up camp after leaving the
valley floor. It's hardly an isolated spot, so be prepared for crowds.
