Glen Aulin is a little waterfall oasis in the heart of the Sierra. Make a stash before your trip, and try not to eat them all in the first mile. That said, simple seasonings, like salt, garlic powder and cinnamon, can go a long way on the flavor front. It is only.5 miles roundtrip from the trailhead or 1.5 miles from Yosemite Village. Distance: 1-mile round-trip; Duration: 20 minutes; Difficulty: Easy; If you’re looking for some of the best views in Yosemite without committing to a long walk, start with Glacier Point Trail. Speaking of that, it’s about time to start planning your next adventure. We love a day spent in the Valley, but if you're looking to escape the crowds, the backcountry is the answer. In Yosemite, backpackers must camp at least 100 feet from water and trails. Whether you’re a total beginner or have hundreds of miles under your well-worn boots, Yosemite offers ample backpacking opportunities. Part of North America's tallest waterfall, Lower Yosemite Fall is the final 320-foot drop of the waterfall. This is an excellent thru-hike option for visitors who have some cash to spend and don’t want to lug a … Are there water sources along your route? Few places on Earth evoke images of high-alpine adventure among majestic mountain scenery as Yosemite National Park. There is one road that loops through the Valley, linking car parks and villages to the hiking trails and viewpoints. Lower Yosemite fall hike is about 1.1 miles and takes only half an hour to complete. A backpacker hiking over Clouds Rest in Yosemite National Park. 1. Bring food that will fill you up without weighing you down. When you join us for a guided backpacking Outdoor Adventure, you’ll learn about the Leave No Trace Principles and get insights from an expert naturalist, while also having time to relax, enjoy the wilderness surroundings and, on group trips, connect with other park-lovers. Plus, we’ll take care of your permit and bear-proof canister rental. The two paved paths both lead to the viewing bridge, creating a loop trail. Tenaya Lake (2.5 miles/Easy) Get ready for postcard views on this hike, featuring one of Yosemite’s most beautiful and picturesque lakes surrounded by granite domes and peaks. This is the perfect short backpacking trip for solo hikers or groups. Start out with one of these 10 easy hikes in Yosemite, and then see where the road takes you. I had waited months for this day, after all, even if it had been mostly with foreboding. Where can you leave your car? At certain times, the park implements restrictions at lower elevations, too. If you’re a beginner backpacker, you’re probably far from rock climbing the famed El Capitan, but on this trip you get the next best thing. The walk up Sentinel Dome is nowhere close to as steep as Half Dome and is a much easier way to summit a Yosemite dome with panoramic views of the High Sierra. If you’re just getting into backpacking or even looking for your very first experience in the backcountry, you couldn’t ask for a more beautiful place to start than Yosemite National Park. Before you drift off into daydreams about rugged peaks and mountain meadows, here are a few backpacking basics to get you started, so when you feel that “springy keenness,” you’ll be ready! Nick P. Hiking. Not quite. “To my surprise, I felt a certain springy keenness. Park Ranger Marea Ortiz gives an overview of what camping is like in Yosemite, and advice on how to get a campsite. One of the most laid-back and easy trails in Yosemite, you get to enjoy a beautiful yet easy Yosemite hike, as well as the ability to haul kids and dogs in the car with a parking lot nearby. Whether you’re a total beginner or have hundreds of miles under your well-worn boots, Yosemite offers ample backpacking opportunities. The Yosemite Mountaineering School & Guide Service makes it easy and safe to explore Yosemite’s seemingly endless trails. Lower Yosemite Falls (0.5 miles/0.8 km round trip): Hike to the base of the tallest waterfall in North America and absorb some of the adrenaline-soaked spray that's just survived a 2,400-foot (720-meter) freefall. Oatmeal makes a great breakfast on a chilly morning. First things first: Decide when, where, and how far you want to go. You’re going to want to wake up early and catch sunrise from 10 Lakes Basin. Easy Hikes Lower Yosemite Falls. Keep an eye out after sunset, you can usually see at least a few headlamps making their way up. In winter and early spring, you might encounter snow, ice and/or high water; in summer, afternoon thunderstorms often roll through the Sierra. Curabitur quis varius libero. To make the latter, lather peanut butter or another spread on a piece of bread, sprinkle with granola, raisins or other toppings, and squish it all up in a ball. But first … leave your itinerary, including your trailhead, enter and exit dates, and planned route, with a family member or friend. I was ready to hike. Some of Yosemite’s best lakeside camping and breathtaking views of the high sierra await at the end of your first day. 3. Strollers & leashed dogs are OK. Bathrooms located at the parking lot. My name is Mike “ Hikin’ Mike ” Matenkosky and my mission of The Backcountry is to provide you with useful trail and trip information in a lively and inspiring way through pictures and short narratives. 2020 Top 5 Winter Hikes in Yosemite; 1) Lower Yosemite Fall. Best easy day hikes in Yosemite #3. Almost 95% of Yosemite is designated Wilderness, offering endless opportunities for adventure, solitude, and connection. I wanted to see what was out there … I was going for a walk in the woods. A quick online search will pull up several helpful options, including this handy PDF from REI. 2 miles round-trip, 100 ft elevation gain. + Save to a List. There are plenty of safe hikes, comfortable Yosemite vacation rentals, and kid-friendly recreational activities to keep your family happy occupied for the duration the trip. Uncategorized September 23, 2018 Sante Blog 0. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly! Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Or creeks that might be too deep to cross? Do a sweep of your campsite to make sure you didn’t leave anything behind, including food scraps. While you’re there, check in with our wilderness team for a refresher on what needs to be stored in the canister (short answer: anything scented). Apr 2019. That includes: You might also want to throw in some beyond-the-basics items, such as a book, a deck of cards, a sketchpad and some (non-toxic) paints, a camera, a pair of comfy sandals, and a field guide or lightweight field cards. Explore the beautiful Tuolumne Meadows and catch sunrise over some of the iconic peaks in the area like Mount Conness and Ragged Peak. You’ll save space in your pack, and have less trash to carry out. © 2020 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. If you want to treat yourself to a comfy room after the trip, check out the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge. The most scenic easy hike in the Yosemite Valley starts with a spectacular view of it and ends at the base of the lower section of the falls. The trail starts with an easy walk through the meadows before it starts going up through a series of switchbacks. Yeah, neither do we, but it keeps the lights on. Check the latest weather updates on the Yosemite National Park website (and keep an eye on our webcams), and make sure you have the gear and experience necessary to navigate safely.**. In Yosemite, fires are restricted to existing rings and prohibited above 9,600 feet. A naturally beautiful hike, its short length and ease makes it popular for good reason. Our naturalist guides lead multiday trips, including casual, beginner-friendly adventures to beautiful lakes and passes, and more strenuous treks through the park’s stunning mountain ranges. In order to protect these wild places and provide an outstanding hiking experience, wilderness permits are required for all overnight trips. Once you're out of the backcountry, you'll be ready for a hot meal and a drink. Get full access to my Yosemite stories and ALL stories at The Big Outside, plus get a … After your journey, refuel with tasty pub fare right back where you started at Jackalopes Bar & … As you start loading things into your bag, use the bottom section for your sleeping bag and other bulky items that you won’t need until you camp; stash heavier things, such as your stove and bear-proof canister, in the core, close to your back; and put gear you might need to access during the day, such as your rain jacket and snacks, toward the top and outsides. People have enjoyed the tradition of camping in Yosemite for generations. There is however a 9-hole golf course around this hike, which is interesting, but … Aside from taking in the views, hiking is one of the best ways to experience Yosemite. First, resources to help you plan your trip to Yosemite: (click the image for a link to the book) And click the map for a Google Map for these 5 Yosemite hikes with kids: Glacier Point loop. Backpackers in Yosemite’s high country. Minimize packaging, and bring reusable dishware. Yosemite Valley Lodge; Similar to The Majestic Yosemite Hotel, Yosemite Valley Lodge sits right in Yosemite Valley. 5. They’ll take away some of the stress and teach you lessons that will last you a lifetime of backpacking. The classic Lower Yosemite Fall trail is a great winter hike for families as it is a short and easy trail to Lower Yosemite fall. By: This is another pretty easy, quick hike with an awesome payoff. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. Photo: Keith Walklet. For dinner, try couscous with sundried tomatoes, or tuna melts on tortillas. If you’re Yosemite-bound, dig into more planning tips on the park’s website, and take a look at our upcoming and custom trips. Here are seven kid-friendly hikes in Yosemite National Park and the surrounding areas: 1. The Majestic Yosemite Hotel does fill up quickly so book your reservation well in advance if this is where you wish to stay. Photo: Kyle Frost. When you get home, give your gear a more thorough cleaning to ensure that you don’t accidentally bring any invasive species along when you hit the trail again. Daily scheduled group trips and custom designed backpacking expeditions are available and can be tailored to your group’s unique interests and abilities. 3 Easy Hikes in Yosemite National Park. When everything is in place, check the weight and fit of your pack. The Outbound Collective Now you’re really ready! Photo: Nathaniel Polta. For more no-trace tips, read this blog. You’ll have front row seats to watch climbers head up the face. If you’re bringing a stove, don’t forget fuel and a lighter or matches. "The trail, or actually walkway, has been revamped in recent years thanks to donations from visitors and now offers an easy approach to the lower falls, and a nice walk through the meandering creek bottoms." Backpack 10 Lakes Basin. Even if you only have an hour as you drive through the park on the way to your next destination, this short leg-stretcher is worth the quick hike. Home to arguably the best view of Half Dome in the whole park, the trip to North Dome also has the park’s only natural arch formation. In that line from Bill Bryson’s Appalachian Trail account, “more than ready” might have been a bit of an exaggeration. If you’re hiking Yosemite in the winter, we suggest you head for one of the most prominent waterfalls in the Yosemite Valley — Bridalveil Fall. This walk is easy and about 1/4 mile on paved paths. Duration: 3 minutes, 46 seconds But a family vacation to Yosemite could be just what you need. Check out our Wilderness Permits page for details. When you’re ready to pitch your tent, look for a durable surface, ideally a previously impacted campsite. Lorem. Unlike the campgrounds, there are only 4 trails that close during the winter season: The Mist Tail, John Muir Trail, Half Dome Cables and the Four Mile Trail. What’s the elevation gain? Even faced with a host of challenges, however, including bad weather and a companion who tosses provisions over a cliff, Bryson embraces the woods and the trail. Best in the spring and early summer, when there's lots of water roaring over the falls. Lower Yosemite fall. However, getting a campsite in Yosemite is not always easy. Looking for a comprehensive packing checklist? While backpacking solo is an amazing experience, for a beginner we would recommend you go with friends or team up with some of highly experienced guides in the park. It is in close proximity to Yosemite Falls so it is easy … This is a wonderful hike between May to July to see the base of Yosemite Falls (Lower Yosemite Falls, to see upper Yosemite Falls check out our backpacking trip). Glacier Point Trail. The Wawona Meadow Loop makes it on the top hikes in Yosemite list because not only is it a nice easy day hike, but it is also relatively uncrowded compared to many of Yosemites other hiking trails. There are over 50 marked hiking trails throughout the park for day hiking. Give yourself 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how entranced you are by amazing waterfalls. Snacks available at the store. The hike to upper Yosemite fall might kill your feet (6-8 hours of navigating over 7 miles) but the one leading to the lower one is easy peasy. Backpacking means carrying everything you need on your back. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. 7. Yep, us too. Research the trail(s) and seasonal conditions. 2. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. I was more than ready for this.” – Bill Bryson. As you work out the details, don’t forget to research, and, if necessary, reserve, a permit. And if you’re heading somewhere with limited water, bring foods that don’t require boiling or soaking. In Yosemite, wilderness permits are required for overnight trips; from November through April, you self-register in the park; from May through October, reservations are required. The Yosemite High Sierra Camps were developed between 1916 and the early 1960s, providing visitors with a luxurious backcountry experience that’s rich with history. 1. Get an ad-free experience, support The Outbound, and snag a bunch of other perks by subscribing for only $29.99/year. This is described as an alternative route in my e-guide “The Best First Backpacking Trip in Yosemite,” which provides a wealth of information on how to prepare for and take a backpacking trip in Yosemite. Ready to wrap up your trip? Whether you want to spend a week linking up multiple trails or just have time for a quick weekend overnighter, Yosemite has options for everyone. Quisque sapien velit, aliquet eget commodo nec, auctor a sapien. Welcome to The Backcountry Backpacking and Hiking in and Around Yosemite! If you’re just getting into backpacking or even looking for your very first experience in the backcountry, you couldn’t ask for a more beautiful place to start than Yosemite National Park. Backpack Sunrise Lakes to Clouds Rest. Ready to go? Scramble up one of the ridges or head up to Ten Lakes Pass - you won’t regret it! Pack out everything. If you drive this loop (or take the Yosemite Shuttle) you can see about half of these landmarks. Adjust straps and rearrange items as needed — making your pack as comfortable as possible in advance will pay off once you hit the trail! "Great waterfall and views - we did get quite a bit if mist crossing the bridge at the base of the falls, but it was a very high flow time with record snow and 95 degree temps!" Yosemite Valley Day Hikes. There are great day trips from camp to falls and swimming holes nearby for those hot afternoons. The heart of Yosemite is Yosemite Valley. Views are better on the west half of the loop, and the middle section is through the woods. For snacks, consider calorie-dense options such as nuts and dried fruit, or homemade peanut butter balls. There are no trail markers or maps but there is an unofficial use trail to the top and is pretty easy to follow. Though the lake is more of a meadow in the summer, the Tenaya Creek fills up a bit more in the winter and can even freeze over to create a beautiful mirror. If you’re in Yosemite, stop by a Wilderness Center to pick up your permit and rent a bear-proof canister. While known for dramatic big wall rock climbing and extensive multi-day backcountry treks, you can get a sense of the true essence of the park on many easy day hikes. While backpacking solo is an amazing experience, for a beginner we would recommend you go with friends or team up with some of highly experienced guides in the park. Will you need to factor in extra time to adjust to the altitude? Check out some of the tasty dining options right in the park - you earned it! Brush off your clothes, boots and pack to get rid of any seeds or bugs that might have latched on for a ride. For a fancier feast, use a water bottle or Ziploc bag to mix and pour pancake batter. Nam eu neque vulputate diam rhoncus faucibus. Getting to them all requires some hiking and a drive on Tioga Road. ** Heads up, Yosemite hikers: Check conditions before you start! As you hike, remember to stay hydrated, take time to enjoy the quiet and scenery, and minimize your impact by staying on formal trails whenever possible. Ten Lakes Basin. Early risers can also scramble back up the ridgeline … Our naturalist guides lead multiday trips, including casual, beginner-friendly adventures to beautiful lakes and passes, and more strenuous treks through the park’s stunning mountain ranges. (Take a look at our Outdoor Adventures calendar to find a trip that fits your style and schedule.). Not only is this one-mile hike easy to access, but it’s also conveniently located near the entrance to Yosemite Valley with a … Either way, any of these backpacking trips are perfect for beginners and we're sure you'll be planning a return trip before you even make it back to your car. If you’re planning to cook, check the fire rules for your destination. For the best views, push all the way to Upper Young Lake. 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