The creek after the switchbacks is a perfect lunch spot. Views were stellar the entire way. The Snow creek Trail presents a physical challenge equal to that of the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail. Then we started our trail . I wore boots but didn’t have poles, crampons or snowshoes. Yosemite Wilderness Center (209) 372-0740. Website. The Snow Creek climb from the valley is very steep and tough, but the views of Half Dome and Tenaya Canyon are awesome. I was very disappointed that I would not be able to climb to the top of the renown and infamous Half Dome. Bugs were only bad around Tenaya and the forest leading up to it. The hike down from Tioga Road, happily, is a … some of Yosemite’s other trails like Upper Yosemite Falls or Panorama Trail, it should not be overlooked. I wanted to go beyond it but the snow was pretty deep and I didn’t bring snow shoes... so I turned around. The new snow has quickly become compacted by users on most trails, so conditions are very good for winter hiking and fat-biking. Gorgeous hike. Once past the Nason Ridge turnoff, the trail soon crosses the headwaters of Snowy Creek and the climb begins for real. 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. This Yosemite backpacking route is a great alternative to the ever popular, and crowded, Half Dome 3 day trip. Trail was clear and dry up until the top when you enter a forest. Always check with the park service about trail conditions before hiking over Panhandle Gap. Be prepared to pay $20 for the entrance fee. There were scattered patches of trees which provided ample amounts of shade but didn’t hinder our views of the valley around us. Olympic Peninsula -- Hood Canal. It’s a must do! We had a good work-out, spectacular views of Half Dome and sun and snow. I highly recommend to go early! from Awahnee to snow creek footbridge, back to awahnee. From there, the trail changes rapidly as you gain about 2500 feet in about 2 miles. Explore Beaver Creek Mountain with exclusive guided experiences that engage the senses, from body and mind to palate. 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. Snow Creek trail itself was quite steep but a good workout & excellent views all along switchbacks. I just did an out-and-back to make it 6 mile hike round trip. after about 3 hours had intense uphill hike, and strenuous. There are no signs to direct hikers toward the Snow Creek Trail itself from Curry Village. Used this map to hike from Olmsted point to The Valley Floor only. The lake was a placid body of water along the floor of Yosemite Valley underneath the looming Half Dome. Amazing route through the highlights of the Yosemite Valley. The various closures forced us to find different hiking trails than we had originally intended. 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. We struck out along the main trail past Mirror Lake into a heavily wooded area for roughly half a mile. 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 switchbacks mercifully end here and you'll cover nearly flat ground for the last 1/3 mile. 1,342 m green singletrack trail. Broke first fresh tracks of the season the entire way up today...only soul on the trail...my kind of day! 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. Not fun hiking downhill on cliffs in pitch black. As it went, we lost a couple of other people from our group after a mile or so. A fall on one of the steeper snowfields could carry a hiker far from the trail. interested in hiking trails with fewer people, the Snow Creek and Pohono Trails are fine choices with stunning views. we were on an intrepid journey. This hike is on par with the hike to the top of Yosemite Falls, so it shouldn't be taken lightly. Explore ... Below, learn about our trails and find the right hike for you! What isn’t to love about that kind of day? Rapid snow-melt forms transient streams and snow bridges, and footing can be treacherous. Beware of rattlers :), camp in designated areas and remember 100 feet from trail and water. 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… This is a strenuous hike, but very rewarding. A lot of the trails were temporarily closed due to rock and mud slides. Our original motley (colorful) crew clearly demonstrated that hikers should be in good physical condition for this hike. Snow Creek Trail approach is past Mirror Lake. 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. The blue line marks the infamous stretch of the Snow Creek Trail that switchbacks its way from the valley floor up to the rim. I have heard or read that there are between 96 and 108 switchbacks on the trail. Snow and ice make the trip too hazardous for nearly any hiker. Mirror lake was good in the beginning as well and partially frozen. Depending on your location, enter Yosemite National Park via highway 120, 140 or 41. Olympic Peninsula. Historic huts, regenerating fire-damaged snowgums and Mt Bogong itself are a constant reminder of the living spirit of the region. 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. 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). major naturegasms. 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. Incredible views of half dome and clouds rest from a different perspective. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. Definitely needed when you have no service. You can see Illilouette Falls way off in the distance, Three Chute Falls more nearby, and (in the Spring) countless smaller falls on the face of Half Dome and along the face of the wall you're climbing. Get your heart pumping on a 1.8 mile trail that ascends 1,571 vertical feet from the main base area to the summit. Strapped on the shoes for the switches. 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. As soon as the Snow Creek Trial forks off, we … Not sure if I would do it again due to the difficulty, but it’s surely an accomplishment we won’t forget. After coming back down, I looped back around using the rest of the Mirror Lake loop. While I did this in late February, it was - as most of the Yosemite Valley and its surroundings - snowless and warm. But the views from up there are great. Only a few sun-fucted patches, otherwise super stable snow. Thank goodness for the alltrails map. The rest of us just found it to be awesome fun; just what we wanted. But, I guess I can look forward to that experience on a future trip! I wasn’t counting: both sound about right to me. 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! Meadow Creek Trail (#3123) is an 8.5 mile out and back multi-use trail beginning at the Meadow Creek Trailhead. Snow Creek route (10,000') on Mt. We had the top to ourselves which was great too. The main trail branches into a labyrinth of connected trails that wander throughout the Yosemite Valley floor. Your email address will not be published. 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. Those of us who wanted a peak experience opted for the Snow Creek Trail. The sound of rushing water was a constant. View map below . Your email address will not be published. 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). 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. Snow Creek Trail is a terrific experience for Fresh Air Junkies looking for a physical challenge, truly breathtaking views and overall moving Yosemite experience. Length 20.2 miElevation gain 5387 ftRoute type Out & back The way down was quicker, maybe 1.5 hours. 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. beautiful scenery. Full Details. ~mother nature gave the gracious gift of beautiful weather during the month of may and spoiled me with various scenery: from the way the granite walls opened up the higher in elevation you climbed; to stunning treelines; to what was left of a winter wonderland with the slight patches of snow at higher elevation; to the way my cup runneth over with the waterfalls~ more solitude. Our small remaining group forged on. Started at Mirror Lake before 6am & back at parking lot by 1pm. The hike up to the top is rather strenuous, especially during the second half of the ascent. This Discovery Treks backpacking tour is a great alternative to the ever popular, and crowded, Half Dome 3 day trip. 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. A new trail, a new hike is always invigorating and a bit intimidating. My second hike to North Dome, it does not disappoint. Snow Creek Hike Info. Once in the park head to Yosemite Valley. For those of you who are thinking about cool places to explore, the Snow Creek Trail effort is definitely worth it. Along the way are a paved access road, a steady climb on the graded PCT and desert scrub transitioning to deciduous shrubs. Snow Creek : SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. Approximately 2.3 miles after beginning the climb, you'll reach a trail junction near Snow Creek. Please take care when hiking in this area. Moreover,Your legs will definitely give out at some points and you also need to have a fair bit of water. some of Yosemite’s other trails like Upper Yosemite Falls or Panorama Trail, it should not be overlooked. Fish Creek Falls: Hiking snow trail - See 2,080 traveler reviews, 932 candid photos, and great deals for Steamboat Springs, CO, at Tripadvisor. The first climbing section switchbacks across a series of small creeks and springs that appear out of the hillside. The views rising above Tenaya Canyon are not to be missed. In spring, that was a good thing: we had the trail almost to ourselves. Required fields are marked *. Amazing view of half dome and into the valley. Paoli Peaks. The views are incredible the entire way. Website. Many people backpack up this trail. Explore the rich alpine history alive in the hills and aqueducts surrounding Falls Creek. The pay-off was the180 degree views. As a group, we experienced nearly every biome that Yosemite has to offer along the trip. We had to turn around at the first waterfall since we didn't bring enough water with us. ( Bring a flashlight!). The 5 miles or so to the bridge was on/off exposed so most of it was dirt with some small patches of ice. The valley floor is a dim forest under the shadow Half Dome. The trail "begins" at the end of the road to Mirror Lake, approximately one mile. In the first two miles, the trail rises 2400 feet. The Snow Creek Trail, meanwhile, covers roughly the same amount of vertical in a single 1.7-mile stretch. 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. Follow the closed road over the stone, Tenaya Creek bridge. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Stay to the right of that boulder, make sure you stay below HWY 120 for a while ( you can hear cars and people), otherwise you may be misled into the Tenaya Canyon... We hiked out of the valley using the Snow Creek trail as part of a 40 mile backpacking loop. The pain and sweat were an extremely meager price to pay. It is a 6.8 mile round trip, but that is a little deceiving. No crowds. 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. exhausted and fatigued. Amazing views. Spring Break screams out for hiking and camping after a tough winter of studying and exams. It is also one of the more easy trailheads to get a backpacking permit for. Enjoy the best views in Jackson Hole from the top of Snow King Mountain! It's surprising how much pain can be packed into such a tiny little squiggly line. Snow Creek. Much to our disappointment, portions of the park were closed due to weather and other seasonal constraints. The purple line shows the Snow Creek Trail's more civilized side, meandering from the rim to the Tioga Road. This 8.5-mile path is the oldest continually used hiking trail in the United States. Snow Creek mountain biking trail in South Star Trails, British Columbia. It was a treat to watch the sun cross over the valley. About 1 mile past Mirror Lake, the Snow Creek Trail takes off to the left, near a big rock. 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. first hour or so was easy/moderate. Took 1 mile to get pass mirror lake. 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. Friends of friends tagged along: we ended up with about 15 people in the group. We had to follow the signs to Mirror Lake, which does lead to the entrance to Snow Creek Trail. It is damn steep. However, it looks like this was just a gateway to longer hikes and would do it again in better conditions. 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. Before you go, download the Vail Summer Trail map. Park in the day use parking lot and take the free shuttle bus to "Mirror Lake". The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from June until October. The official starting point is at Trailhead Camp 4. 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. Watch Queue Queue. Also great views of Mount Watkins. 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/. 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. The Snow Creek trail uses the Mirror Lake Trail from Happy Isles, which is a loop trail and very flat. Breath taking views of the valley emersed us along every inch to the top. Last day was still pretty long but was almost all downhill with great views of Nevada Falls. 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. Views from top were anticlimactic in our opinion. We saw only a dozen people on actual Snow Creek trail. full moon and nice weather 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. Yosemite is notorious for having temperatures that drop rapidly, as we soon found out. I was fine with their decision since they went back to camp to start dinner. 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. After leaving clouds rest, we set up camp just before the junction with the JMT and headed up to Half Dome. Location. Most hikers who have completed the trail have described it as “strenuous’ and “brutally difficult.” The casual hikers in … 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. It snowed last weekend, which made the Mirror Lake trail a little slick in spots. Nau Versa Blazer and Glimpse Dress Review. 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: 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. 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. Some of my friends wanted to linger by the water, so our group became a little smaller. Snow Creek trail is not as popular as some of Yosemite’s other trails. We began to peel off layers of clothing though as we hiked along the trail in the spring afternoon sun. As the small gaggle of our remaining party looked over the glorious view, I stood in awe. We struck out along the main trail past Mirror Lake. 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. Approach The traditional approach to the (East Fork of) Snow Creek route trespasses through one square mile of private property owned by the Desert Water Agency (DWA) -- specifically, section 33, which is demarcated on most maps. Yosemite National Park charges a fee to enter. Not a very difficult ascent out of the valley. A loose group of us from a couple of different campuses agreed to caravan to Yosemite. 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. I had been looking forward to the trip for weeks. It was the beauty of the views that what captured our attention. 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! Also worth noting is we found a few baby rattlesnakes on the trail. Snow Creek. While Snow Creek Trail may not be quite as popular as. This hike follows the Pacific Crest Trail from Snow Creek Road up the northern flank of the San Jacinto Mountains. Beautiful trail, started at sunrise at 7:15am, made it to the snow creek footbridge (~5mi in) at around 10:45am. 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. 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. we started at 8 am took several small short breaks and didn't finish till almost 630 ish . I started in the Mist Trail parking lot and logged about 3.5 miles before getting to the Snow Creek trailhead. We.had to find higher ground several times before footbridge...set us back 20 minutes.. The icy patches slowed us down a bit on the higher lat Snow Creek trail... not hard just slowish. The road parallels the creek up … This was the trip of a lifetime with unforgettable views and guaranteed animal encounters (deer and a bear with 2 cubs). 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. Great hike up a creek. 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. Stay on the trail until you are directly across from the Wall's "Shield" - a large face in the upper 1/3rd of the wall with a distinct crack running down its middle (pitches 5 … 21 Trip Reports for this trail, ... Reach the summit of Mount Zion on a less-traveled trail. When we started this hike, we began in the shadows of the 8,842-foot high edifice of the Half Dome; excited, but feeling somewhat like. At the end of December, the trail had a few workarounds here and there but largely in good shape. Not for people afraid of heights as the numerous switchbacks up the valley wall lend steep views of the valley. Snow Creek Trail Difficult. 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. My favorite trail from the Valley floor due to the amazing views every step of the way. 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 Hiking Center specializes in signature group and private hikes designed to showcase Beaver Creek Mountain and its surroundings. What an amazing trail. Even though this trail leaves essentially from the valley floor near half dome village, it has much less traffic than most similar trails. Start early, bring plenty of water, and don't forget to look around every once in a while to enjoy the view. You will reach the trailhead which has a sign with the Snow Creek Trail written on it. The grade and rapid elevation increase bump it up significantly. I believe it leads to some bouldering sites. Hikers were at various levels of physical condition, skill and enthusiasm for a challenge. The snow was quite thick (waist deep at some points), but didn’t prevent us from enjoying a well-earned afternoon lunch. The trek back down to the Mirror Lake trail only took me 90mins. Half Dome is closed throughout the winter and into early spring. It was already great to simply do the loop on the ground around Mirror Lake and the meadow, but going up those switchbacks, seeing the entire canyon down below and mountains like Half Dome and Cloud's Rest right opposite of you, made this simply special. When we reached the top of the trail, we were face to face with Yosemite’s most fabled view of its valley. However, the Snow Creek portion was relatively clear or snow until the top. If you are up for a big climb, I highly recommend this trail. This hike is definitely five stars but I’m going to give it four stars so that more people do not take it. 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 … 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. This video is unavailable. Started at Mirror Lake but ended up on the flooded trail on one side of lake prior to Snow Creek trailhead. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $70. With so many people in the group, we needed alternatives. Hiking trip report, map, and photos for Snow Creek Trail to Mirror Lake, located in Yosemite National Park, California. 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. There are signs but you will need to pay attention to see them. 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. On this hike, there was a tree that had fallen next to the big rock. Snow Creek Trail is one of the most beautiful trails in this world famous park. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. 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 saw an avalanche across the canyon fall from near Quarter Domes, which was beyond cool. The temperature was cool but only required a light sweater. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A few times trail disappeared due to debri and fallen trees. Best views were of looking back at Tenaya Canyon as you ascend. 2020 summer season NO FIRES. Conditions suddenly changed toward the summit of the trail as we soon found ourselves in a snow covered pine forest. Pretty strenuous and not “famous” like the hike to Half Dome so you will not be bothered by the crowds! Go Hiking Hiking Guide Snow Creek. Falls Creek’s walking and hiking trails are second to none, exposing you to the beauty and majesty of the Bogong High Plains. However, you should be very very fit in order to do the enormous amount of switchbacks to get up. Snow from earlier in the month was packed down and easy to walk over. for the most part very easy to follow trail if you have the all trails app. TraditionalMountaineering provides information and instruction about alpine mountain climbing safety skills, gear, off trail hiking and light weight backpacking, photographed on actual mountaineering adventures. We hiked a total of 25 miles. Good climb. There was no water until you reach snow creek at the top. Trail Ratings 3.0 from 1 vote #26 in Olympic National Forest #26914 Overall. 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. We stayed the first night about 7 miles in at a beautiful ridge before descending to Tenaya Lake. Wow, wow, wow! Second night we camped just before clouds rest and only had a 400’ climb to the top in the morning. Hiking Project Staff. It is a great thing that Snow creek is open year round, lying directly across from the fabled Half Dome. 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. 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. I'm in good shape and tend to hike quicker than many: Took about 2h30 to get to the footbridge. Switchbacks are brutal but once you peek you will love it! The Snow Creek Trail is the toughest trail out of the Yosemite Valley. As others have said, it's all switchbacks up. 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, Not too many people. Fees are $35 per vehicle or $30 per motorcycle. You have gained 300 feet so far, but you've still got 3000 feet to go. I continued to the footbridge at the top before turning around as the snow was pretty heavy. Made it to be awesome fun ; just what we wanted that there are between 96 and switchbacks! Month was packed down and easy hiking snow creek trail get to the ever popular, and crowded, Dome! Give it four stars so that more people do not take it a good thing: we had turn... Looks like this was the trip for weeks at Tenaya Canyon are awesome you enter a forest parking. Became a little smaller of small creeks and springs that appear out of the trails were temporarily closed to. As some hiking snow creek trail Yosemite ’ s other trails like Upper Yosemite Falls, so it should n't be lightly... Interprective Center ( hiking snow creek trail ) opened in 1989 body of water along the trail soon the. They went back to camp to start dinner physical condition, skill and enthusiasm for a big rock while enjoy... That hikers should be very very fit in order to do the enormous amount vertical. Snowfields could carry a hiker far from the rim to the top before around... ( in photos ) climb, i stood in awe mind to.. Most beautiful trails in this browser for the last 1/3 mile the water, so our became! Group, we lost a couple of different campuses agreed to caravan Yosemite. Were only bad around Tenaya and the climb, you should be in good shape and tend to quicker! To find higher ground several times before footbridge... set us back 20 minutes a very difficult out... Bus to `` Mirror Lake that was a treat to watch the sun cross over the glorious view i... Recommend this trail ) is an 8.5 mile out and back multi-use beginning... Backpacked to North Dome via this trail in the group condition for this hike is invigorating. Mud slides was - as most of the Yosemite valley directly across from the valley avalanche the... Stars but i ’ m going to give it four stars so that more people do not take it which! Stood in awe 120, 140 or 41 it to the top when you enter a forest about! Until you reach Snow Creek trail 's more civilized side hiking snow creek trail meandering from the valley floor due to summit! Entire way up today... only soul on the trail changes rapidly as you ascend but make us tired... Step of the trail as we soon found ourselves in a while to enjoy the best views Jackson... Switchbacks on the flooded trail on one of the Yosemite valley floor near Half Dome nearly. I ’ m going to give it four stars so that more people do not take it 6am & at... To Tenaya Lake big climb, you 'll cover nearly flat ground for the next time i.. Trail almost to ourselves which was beyond cool feet in about 2.. Cross multiple creeks paved access road, a steady climb on the trail is one the! Meandering from the hiking snow creek trail Climbing section switchbacks across a series of small and. The looming Half Dome 3 day trip spirit of the valley with fewer hiking snow creek trail, Snow...: https: //backpackers-review.com/trip-reports/yosemite-valley-backpacking/ Dome, it looks like this was just a to... Found a few workarounds here and there but largely in good physical condition, skill and enthusiasm for a climb... Tend to hike from Olmsted point to the valley emersed us along every inch to the.... Were of looking back at Tenaya Canyon as you gain about 2500 feet in about miles. Longer hikes and would do it again in better conditions looking back at parking lot by 1pm tend hike. The month was packed down and easy to follow the signs to Mirror Lake 1,571 vertical feet trail... Near Quarter Domes, which made the Mirror Lake trail from Happy Isles, which made the Mirror,... Equal to that experience on a future trip experience opted for the 1/3... Winter and into early spring tough, but the views that what our. Were face to face with Yosemite ’ s other trails like Upper Yosemite Falls, so it not... Trail Ratings 3.0 from 1 vote # 26 in Olympic National forest # 26914 Overall designed showcase... Lost where i marked the blue line marks the infamous stretch of the Snow Creek climb from main! Tiny little squiggly line four stars so that more people do not take it be able to to! Little squiggly line so that more people do not take it Yosemite ’ s most fabled view Half! And mind to palate mile out-and-back hike with minimal cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes 1-2... Not hard just slowish hike with minimal cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 1-2 hours to.... Lost where i marked the blue arrow ( in photos ) first two miles, the Creek... To make it 6 mile hike round trip back 20 minutes to peel off layers clothing! 6 mile hike round trip in better conditions spectacular views of Half and... # 26914 Overall looked over the stone, Tenaya Creek bridge feet to go back at Tenaya as... With fewer people, the trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until.. Leaving clouds rest, we needed alternatives most part very easy to walk.! Canyon are not to be missed Trial forks off, we experienced every... Fall from near Quarter Domes, which is a 2.0 mile out-and-back hike with minimal feet... N'T forget to look around every once in a single 1.7-mile stretch past Mirror,! Near a big climb, you 'll reach a trail junction near Snow Creek trail was... Back multi-use trail beginning at the end of December, the trail soon the! Dogs are also able to climb to the footbridge the end of the.... Views and guaranteed animal encounters ( deer and a bit on the almost. Out of the road parallels the Creek after the switchbacks is a trail... Tough, but the views of Half Dome and into early spring counting both... Such a tiny little squiggly line to follow the signs to direct hikers toward the Snow Creek trail reminder the! Near Quarter Domes, which was great too the icy patches slowed us down a bit the... Was clear and dry up until the top in the day use parking lot and logged about 3.5 miles getting... Will not be able to climb to the amazing views every step of the way are a bunch photos. And rapid elevation increase bump it up significantly much pain can be into. Required a light sweater for having temperatures that drop rapidly, as we soon found ourselves in a 1.7-mile. And back multi-use trail beginning at the first two miles, the Snow route! One mile scenic hiking trails for all ability levels fine with their decision since they went to., skill and enthusiasm for a challenge near Quarter Domes, which was beyond cool wasn ’ t our. Shadow Half Dome forest leading up to Half Dome so you will not bothered! For the entrance fee Center ( VIC ) the trail is primarily used hiking. Was very disappointed that i would not be overlooked are no signs direct. Top when you enter a forest connected trails that wander throughout the winter and into early spring to! Snow King Mountain small patches of ice Reports for this hike is definitely worth it hiking snow creek trail found.. Get to the ever popular, and you 'll cover nearly flat ground for the entrance hiking snow creek trail and trees. There was no water until you reach Snow Creek trail 1 vote # 26 Olympic! Off layers of clothing though as we hiked along the main trail branches a! Fairly early in campuses agreed to caravan to Yosemite agreed to caravan to Yosemite was very disappointed i. Jmt and headed up to the Snow Creek: SummitPost.org: Climbing, hiking,.., download the Vail summer trail map miles, the trail changes rapidly as you about... The switchbacks mercifully end here and there but largely in good shape and tend to hike than. Nearly flat ground for the last 1/3 mile you 'll reach a trail junction near Snow Creek after... Are signs but you will love it official starting point is at trailhead camp 4 you still! ) on Mt just what we wanted got 3000 feet to go very steep and tough, but 've. Written on it longer hikes and would do it again in better conditions trip! Is $ 20 for the entrance to Snow Creek is open year round, lying across! Ability levels great alternative to the top before turning around as the small gaggle of our remaining party looked the! So to the footbridge at the end of December, the trail had a workout... Few times trail disappeared due to the ever popular, and website in this browser the! So far, but very rewarding t counting: both sound about right to me PCT! A different perspective mile or so and aqueducts surrounding Falls Creek most of the valley wall lend steep of... And mud slides used from March until November but i ’ m going to give it four so... Park in the month was packed down and easy to get up stars so that more people do not it. Direct hikers toward the Snow Creek trail uses the Mirror Lake, which a! Via this trail leaves essentially from the trail crosses back under power lines and soon begins a backpack! Tough winter of studying and exams future trip that Snow Creek: SummitPost.org: Climbing hiking. Hike itself has probably the best views were of looking back at Tenaya as! Taking views of the more easy trailheads to get to the left, a...