Lower Yosemite Fall – Hiking California

From westerly, one-way Northside Drive in Yosemite Valley, the trails to Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls are clearly signed.  There are several options to access a labyrinth of crowded and touristy trails which include many bridges over multiple tributaries feeding Yosemite Creek which in turn empties into the magnificent Merced River.

Mel and I choose to hike the short 1 mile (1.6 KM) loop clockwise, from Stop 7 on the shuttle route, to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall.  Along the wide, busy, wheel chair accessible, paved path there are brass monuments and interpretive plaques explaining the geology, ecology and impressive history of Yosemite Valley.

Near the beginning of the path there are limited but impressive views of the Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls as the loop trail weaves its way through mature groves of aromatic pine and cedar.

From top to bottom Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls cascade 2,425 feet (739 m) in three large tiers.  Mel and I arrive at a busy, misty viewpoint at the base where Lower Yosemite Falls tumbles 320 ft (97.5 m) to the Yosemite Creek basin of boulders.

The sound of pounding water combined with the rugged terrain, plentiful negative ionization, refreshing mist, mild breeze and the rich aroma from damp forest is a very pleasing experience.  Not only is there sensory overload, there is also evidence of wildlife.

Near the beginning of the loop hike to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall the Upper Yosemite Fall Trail branches off to the left.  This is a significantly more ambitious effort of 7.2 miles (11.5 KM), an elevation gain, over Columbia Rock and past Eagle Peak, of 2,700 ft (823 m) with an estimated hiking duration between 5 and 7 hours.  If I have the opportunity to return to Yosemite Valley in the future, this hike to Upper Yosemite Fall and Yosemite Point would be high on my list.  There is a shorter 2 mile (3.2 KM) round trip version with a 1,000 ft (305 m) of elevation to an amazing viewpoint at the top of massive, granite Columbia Rock.  Upper Yosemite Fall plunges 1, 430 ft (436 m) to the middle cascade which falls an additional 675 ft (206 m) to Lower Yosemite Fall tumbling to the Yosemite Valley floor.  I am left to imagine the views and sensory magic of the endeavour but Mel and I have limited time to experience what appears to be unlimited potential.  Difficult and reluctant decisions are a part of every day and we walk back to explore the more commercial side of Yosemite Valley.