mirror lake to snow creek trail

The trail is easily accessed from Highway 26, and the 3-mile hike is fairly easy and suitable for families. This trail begins at shuttle stop #17. Reaching the lake to see beautiful Mount Hood mirrored in its waters is … Drinking water is not available along the trail or at the trailhead. The total mileage of this trip is ten and a half miles with and elevation loss of approximately 4,700 feet. The first part of the trail consists of the Mirror Lake Trail. Beautiful Town. Pictures of Mirror Lake and Mirror Meadow, Yosemite National Park, California: The Snow Creek Trail above Mirror Meadow - view west towards Mirror Lake … It stopped at a stump harboring ants and began to tear it open and eat the larvae and eggs. Spring is my favorite time of year in the park. Basket Dome towered above just before I turned into the trees once again… which was a delightful respite as the afternoon was getting hot with no cover. This trail is generally well shaded and holds snow well. Very few hardy souls brave the steep switchbacks along Snow Creek to the canyon’s rim. The Snow Creek Trail, however, is the exact opposite. It's relatively flat and easy, and you can take either the north or south sides to reach the Snow Creek trail proper, though the south side is periodically closed by rockslides. Thanks for the blog and pics. Time: 6-7 hours I hope to be able to go next year. Park right at the nice new trailhead which is adjacent to skibowl West. Minoa, New York 144 contributions 28 helpful votes. Lots to love. If you aren't up for the strenuous, 2,700-foot climb to the footbridge, then take pleasure in knowing that you can enjoy fantastic views from partway up and choose your turnaround point at your own leisure. Ending time is usually between 11 am and 1 pm back in Curry Village. Those that do, however, are amply rewarded with views. Snow Creek Falls is the nearby cascade, but is not visible from this trail. A right at the fork brings you to the footbridge and makes a logical turnaround point. Vault toilets are available 0.5 miles (0.8 km) from the trailhead and again 1 mile (1.6 km) from the trailhead at the end of the paved service road at Mirror Lake. Read more. The first mile of this trail is a paved service road that leads directly to Mirror Lake. Snow Creek Falls is the nearby cascade, but is not visible from this trail. I hopped back onto the Mirror Lake Loop Trail and continued along. Instead of crossing over the bridge and heading up the road to Mirror Lake, I took the loop counter-clockwise. Start switchbacking immediately after the trail intersection and just keep on going- up and out of Tenaya Canyon. Take the Valley shuttle to Mirror Lake Trailhead where you will begin your hike. The trail worked its way along the calmer water for a bit longer with more views of North Dome and Basket Dome before dipping into the trees and away from the creek. I am glad I had everything booked (like 4 separate bookings for 5 night in the Many Glacier area), however couldn’t make the trip due to the closure of the section for the remainder of 2020. If you are looking for a quick and easy hike in the Yosemite Valley, Mirror Lake is a great option. Notes . Pre-existing medical conditions can be easily exacerbated on the steep ascent. Start your hike early; this trail can become very hot mid-day in the summer. The lakes are set in a deep bowl carved from Mount Achonee (12,469') and Lone Eagle Peak (11,920') … This incredible snowpack (of 2017) made for fantastic waterfalls and fast, cold streams. Much of the trail is exposed, receiving little to no shade until late afternoon or early evening. Mirror Lake -> Snow Creek -> Just past the split with May Lake trail Going up Snow Creek out of the Valley is as bad as they say it is, especially with a pack full of water and food for 4 nights. About a mile beyond Mirror Lake, you'll come to the junction of the Snow Creek Trail. I walked the road along Tenaya Creek which affords fantastic views of the cascading waters as it crashes around enormous boulders. I followed a seasonal stream up through more vegetation and began getting into the taller trees signifying that I was at the rim. Day Hikes of Glacier National Park Map Guide, Day Hikes of Olympic National Park Map Guide, Day Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, Day Hikes of Rocky Mountain National Park Map Guide, Day Hikes of Grand Teton National Park Map Guide, Day Hikes of Yellowstone National Park Map Guide, Day Hikes of Yosemite National Park Map Guide, Day Hikes of Zion National Park Map Guide. From the Mirror Lake trailhead (shuttle stop #17), it is 0.9 miles to the Snow Creek trailhead and 1.7 miles to the Snow Creek overlook where you can camp in close proximity. From here, you will begin climbing steeply out of Tenaya Canyon, one switchback after another. Sprained ankles and knee injuries are common on this trail. I wasn’t sure by the info on your web store. The valley loop trail follows Tenaya Creek beyond the lake, crosses two stone bridges after the Snow Creek Trail junction before returning past Mirror Lake on the south side of Tenaya Canyon. The trail broke out into the open with stunning views. The attention is well-deserved: The well-graded trail takes you to a serene mountain lake with picture-postcard views of Mount Hood and rugged Tom Dick and Harry Mountain towering a… We will return to the Valley itself by hiking down the Snow Creek trail, which descends 2,600′ feet into the Valley below. After passing through the boulders, the trail, normally easy going, was submerged in about 6 inches of ice cold water. The views rising above Tenaya Canyon are not to be missed. Elevation gain: 2,700 ft (820 m) The trail mercifully leveled off as I entered the cathedral forest. I exited the trees at the base of Half Dome, towering high above. Your email address will not be published. The first mile of this trail is a paved service road that leads directly to Mirror Lake. Date of experience: December 2020. Since Sep.2019, I’ve been busy checking all the available lodging (particularly in the Many Glacier area), and doing my research online to prepare my trip at the end of July (2020). Alick. Thank you and have a wonderful 2020 hiking season! Carry out all trash and food waste (fruit peels, shells, etc.). 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. I like to pack in a lunch to enjoy on Mirror Lake. Humming with butterflies, birds, bees, and babbling streams, this trail … This well-groomed 10.2-mile trail spur provides access to the Mirror Lake and Mill Hollow snowmobile complexes from the Hanna Trailhead. From the valley below, I was able to see the waterfall along Snow Creek and the trail teases on one of its switchbacks that it will go and visit it, but it didn’t (despite a bit of effort to do so). I figured the lighting would be better as the morning light would be lighting up North Dome across the valley and, later in the afternoon, the sun would be lighting up Half Dome when I was on the other side. The loop is nice and is less crowded. The loop follows Tenaya Creek beyond the lake, and crosses two bridges after the Snow Creek Trail junction before returning past Mirror Lake … The mirror lake trail was realigned in Fall 2018, so that there is no longer any walk along the highway. The trail loops out through peninsulas and is dotted with interpretive signs giving a window in how the valley was previously used. 1 Helpful vote. Mirror Lake Trail travels up Tom Dick and Harry Ridge to beautiful Mirror Lake, about 7 miles from Mount Hood and a mile west of Government Camp. I continued through the forest, past deer and woodpeckers to the bridge over Snow Creek. The surface was broken by a garter snake as it slithered across the water. During my online research, I found many of your Youtube videos, leading to your website. Keep your food within arm's reach at all times and do not feed the wildlife. Difficulty: Strenuous Varied day. Beware though, it isn't called “Snow Creek” for no … Today’s Mileage: 4.8 mi / … Make another immediate right into the new parking area at the Mirror Lake Trailhead. I passed the couple of pools and made it over to the bike rack and the beginning of the road (accessible only by those with accessibility permits and park staff). Beyond that, they are prohibited. The views get better as you climb higher until the trail leaves the open canyon walls and enters the forest. Big day. About a mile beyond Mirror Lake, you'll come to the junction of the Snow Creek Trail. Samantha B wrote a review Nov 2020. The lower portion of the trail can be snow covered and very icy in winter (the upper portion receives abundant sun and usually melts out with good weather). I am looking forward to your blogs. It lies near treeline in an isolated, steep-walled N-S valley in the Mummy Range. Jake, glad to see your new post. This hike is on par with the hike to the top of Yosemite Falls, so it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Thanks for this, Jake. After riding the bus shuttle to the Mirror Lake stop, I walked over to Tenaya Bridge where Tenaya Creek was roaring. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Can I order some maps and ship them to Canada? Mirror Lake Loop is a trail on Mirror Lake, Tenaya Creek, Merced River, and Snow Creek in Yosemite National Park, Sierra Nevada, CA. Plan out your day before heading to Snow Creek or navigate the mountain while you're at the resort with the latest Snow Creek trail maps. From the junction it begins climbing. Parking is not available at the trailhead. View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas. While the creek I followed up was a continuous cascade, the water here was perfectly still. Rarely can you find such lovely sites with so little effort, but here, a short trek will take you through forests, across delicate streams, and past brightly colored wildflowers. This short dayhike on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a nice alternate route to quiet Mirror Lake, or just a lovely little forest ramble on a quiet section of the well-maintained trail. I kept an eye out and was rewarded with it foraging along. Visitors will enjoy large open valleys, pristine forests, abundant wildlife, and miles of remote wilderness travel on the hike to Mirror Lake: Upside was that we saw very few people and no crowds at all. The Mirror Lake Trail has the misfortune of being one of the few hikes accessible directly from Highway 26 and thus suffers a crush of visitors on weekends. Half Dome was stunning, reflecting in the water. Required fields are marked *. Drink plenty and drink often; pace yourself; rest in the shade; eat salty snacks. Stay on the trail; there are numerous steep drop-offs and ledges off-trail. From there, you can either turn around or park your bike and begin your hike. In Yosemite National Park, Mirror Lake draws many visitors due to its very accessible trail and the chance to see Half Dome perfectly reflected in the water. The views across the valley towards Half Dome became less and less obscured. Thankfully it’s full of views and, for me, ample flora and fauna to make it all worth it. Comparable to the Yosemite Falls Trail, this trail climbs steeply along several dozen switchbacks but is narrower in comparison. Alternate Route: The easiest route to the Snow Creek vista is probably not to take the Snow Creek trail at all. I had seen plenty of torn up logs from these guys, but never watched them open one up.. impressive. based on 8 tracks & routes | | DIFFICULT #274 hike out of 302 in Yosemite National Park | DIFFICULT. Wolf Creek. This was my turnaround spot for the day. The ridgeline from Half Dome, past Quarter Domes and up to Clouds Rest were wonderfully lit. Be aware of rattlesnakes! Distance: 9.4 mi (15.1 km) round trip I lived in the valley for several years and made many trips to Yosemite, during that time. While not perfectly level, the Mirror Lake Loop Trail is fairly easy going. You could consider it as a first-time backpacking destination, too, since the trail is never particularly steep here. You will often find fewer people on this trail compared to other Yosemite Valley trails. You can also bicycle the first mile of the trail to the end of the paved service road. (There is no safe access to the north side of Mirror Lake directly from the south side of the loop, except via bridges at the west and east ends of the trail). You are rewarded with good views of various granite landforms (e.g., Half Dome, Quarter Domes, Clouds Rest) after only a dozen or so switchbacks. Share. The loop around this beautiful valley up and down Tenaya Creek is a popular one with Yosemite’s visitors. Nobletts When Snow Creek is running higher, you can see Snow Creek Falls, which is the second … Mirror Lake - 12.2 Miles Round-Trip Mirror Lake is located 6.1 miles from the Corral Creek Trailhead in the lightly traveled northwest corner of Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail followed closely along the creek through the trees. Really a deserving name, Mirror Lake. I hope to add more information for this trip report soon. This trail leads from May Lake, west of Tuolumne Meadows, to Mirror Meadow, in the Yosemite Valley. Nestled in a quiet basin only a stone’s throw from Snoqualmie Pass, pristine Mirror Lake is a destination to be enjoyed by the whole family. I hustled down the innumerable switchbacks to the valley floor. This trail goes by Valley Horse Stables, Lower Mirror Lake, A seasonal lake, Visitors at Mirror Lake, Upper Mirror Lake, and Selling the sublime. – Thanks. The Valley Visitor Shuttle (7 am to 10 pm year-round) serves the trailhead at shuttle stop #17. Along the way, I could see the creek cascading below me, while the gray walls off North Dome rose above the canopy. Bugs were never horrible, but did use the head-net a few times. and a sweet newsletter direct to your inbox! Snow Creek originates in May Lake to the north, and drops down the steep ravine to the east of the trail into Tenaya Creek, which goes through Mirror Lake, then empties into the Merced River near the Sugar Pine Bridge. By starting as early as possible, you will be able to hike during the cooler part of the day. Illilouette Falls can be seen cascading from it’s notch, then Illilouette Creek makes a hard right and cascades in your general direction from this perch. Lower Mirror Lake via Snow Creek Trail and Valley Loop Trail . We had to cancel our early June trip to Yosemite. There are no additional restrooms along the trail. This trail goes by Upper Mirror Lake and Lower Mirror Lake. In dry years and later in the summer, don’t expect much “mirror” as it rarely has water. Helpful. You may access the loop trail from the end of the paved path. A wonderful boulder field full of white rock extended across the path from a fall years ago. The nearest parking area is at Curry Village, though you can easily access the trail by parking anywhere in eastern Yosemite Valley and taking the free shuttle. Recommend bringing microspikes as well as snowshoes in the winter and assessing conditions at the trailhead. ... Fun factoid: often cited as the steepest trail in the Valley, the Snow Creek Falls Trail covers the same vertical in 1.7 miles as Upper Yosemite Falls … The trail starts at Mirror Lake and climbs to Snow Creek Falls and North Dome, then converges to the Upper Falls trail: Get off the shuttle bus at the Mirror Lake stop Walk about 1km on the paved road to Mirror Lake (note: the lake is not visible from the trail) Follow the unpaved trail to the junction with the trail going to Happy Isles. The Snow Creek Trail is open year-round and in winter becomes a popular trail for backpackers (equipped with snow shoes and/or cross-country skis) to access the wilderness. Once you reach the top, you can take a dip in the water which is about 200 yards from the campgrounds. Trail Map | Photo Gallery. On the way back down, the sun had moved. Snow Creek tends to mainly have backpackers and is much quieter… but it’s a brutal slog. This is the busiest trailhead on Mount Hood, providing easy access to lovely Mirror Lake. Approximately 2.6 miles (4.2 km) after beginning the uphill climb, you'll reach a trail junction near Snow Creek. Eventually the trail came up to the reflecting pools of water. Leashed pets, bicycles, and strollers are allowed on the first paved mile of the trail. Watch where you step, and if you want to take a break, look first before sitting and watch where you place your hands. This section of the lake has remnants of settlements from some of Yosemite’s early pioneers. Do not shortcut switchbacks, which causes rapid trail erosion and results in injuries. Learn how your comment data is processed. I never hiked the Snow Creek trail. This trailhead was built in 2018 to replace the old trailhead that was located right alongside Highway 26 just west of here. Crater Lake and Mirror Lake - 14.8 Miles Round-Trip Crater Lake and Mirror Lake are located 7.2 and 7.4 miles from Monarch Lake Trailhead on the west side of the Indian Peaks Wilderness.. It’s a better springtime hike. The red line marks the Tenaya Creek Canyon loop trail, which passes Mirror Lake and returns to Yosemite Valley. Eventually I arrived back at Tenaya Bridge where I closed up the loop and headed to the bus stop. (I’ve only been to Mirror Lake when it was dry – rolling hills of sand.) I took off my shoes and socks, and waded through the water praying that they would hurry up and go numb. There are many areas of loose sand mixed with rocky terrain, which can make for slippery footing in places. Once through the water the trail gained a bit of elevation before dropping back down to a lovely bridge that goes over Tenaya Creek. ... Yosemite National Park › Lower Mirror Lake via Snow Creek Trail and Valley Loop Trail. I live in Canada. A popular hill climbing area is located near Wolf Creek Pass. The good news is, you start to get views fairly quickly which gives you something to look at as you catch your breath. Your email address will not be published. Select resorts also feature an additional trail map from partner, FatMap that provides a 3D view of the ski resort, including slope steepness and aspect, along with information on what it's like to … The amount of water is astounding. Hiking trip report for Snow Creek Trail to Mirror Lake, located in Yosemite National Park, California. Avoid becoming dehydrated or experiencing heat exhaustion. Plan ahead and bring plenty of water for your hike. Begin at: Mirror Lake Trailhead (shuttle stop #17). There are a few spots to access the water… and this year, the water was accessing us! Mirror Lake Loop and Snow Creek Trail In Yosemite National Park, Mirror Lake draws many visitors due to its very accessible trail and the chance to see Half Dome perfectly reflected in the water. link Copy … After a flat 2 miles, you will begin the steep three miles up to snow creek as you take one switch back after the next. The east side of the valley was much less crowded, but I definitely wasn’t alone. A wonderful post. For most of the route the trail roughly follows Snow Creek to Tenaya Creek. The loop around this beautiful valley up and down Tenaya Creek is a popular one with Yosemite’s visitors. The old trailhead has been decommissioned. Looks like a good hike. This trail is tucked back in Tenaya Canyon, accessed from the eastern Yosemite Valley. You may access the loop trail from the end of the paved path. From there I continued on the loop through the trees and to the junction with the Snow Creek Trail. Birds were singing, flowers were blooming, and I was sweating and breathing hard. I had a heads up from someone hiking that one of Yosemite’s black bears was spotted in the area. If you don’t want to hike further, you can just stop at the lake, though. I am now rescheduling everything to August 2021. Once on the Valley floor we will hike out besides Mirror Lake (at the base of Half Dome) for another 2 miles. This is a difficult one way trail in Yosemite National Park. The loop follows Tenaya Creek beyond the lake, and crosses two bridges after the Snow Creek Trail junction before returning past Mirror Lake on the south side of Tenaya Canyon. Your right, walking in the water in the spring is downright painful! Nice post with a stunning photo of the trip. You just made me want to go back and do that. The adventure starts at the far end of the Mirror Lake Trail. Pictures of Mirror Lake and Mirror Meadow, Yosemite National Park, California: View of Glacier Point and the west end of Tenaya Canyon, from the Snow Creek Trail It is a grueling hike that begins on the Valley floor and climbs to its rim, but which offers great views along the way. The loop follows Tenaya Creek beyond the lake, and crosses two bridges after the Snow Creek Trail junction before returning past Mirror Lake on the south side of Tenaya Canyon. The first part of the trail consists of the Mirror Lake Trail. As I climbed up through Yosemite’s famous oak scrub, I spied a few different lizards and a Common Kingsnake. Lots of good restaurant on the strip. Shops on Majn st are nice. You will often find fewer people on this trail compared to other Yosemite Valley trails. 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. Thanks for the pictures. I followed the creek up to the lower pond of Mirror Lake. Mirror Lake Trail: Mirror Lake Snowshoeing - See 138 traveler reviews, 104 candid photos, and great deals for Hood River, OR, at Tripadvisor. Know your limits. ; there are numerous steep drop-offs and ledges off-trail up to the Mirror Lake stop, could. Did use the head-net a few times Valley in the Yosemite Valley, Mirror Lake via Snow Creek to. Vegetation and began getting into the open Canyon walls and enters the forest stop! Other Yosemite Valley Half Dome, past deer and woodpeckers to the pools... After beginning the uphill climb, you 'll come to the Yosemite Valley, Lake. The views get better as you catch your breath sun had moved you may access the loop through the,... Drop-Offs and ledges off-trail as well as snowshoes in the summer, don ’ t want to go year! Immediately after the trail intersection and just keep on going- up and go numb Creek was roaring DIFFICULT # hike... 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Your Youtube videos, leading to your website at as you catch your breath, Mirror and... To go back and do that N-S Valley in the summer that was located right alongside Highway 26 and. In 2018 to replace the old trailhead that was located right alongside Highway 26 just west of.... Footing in places the open with stunning views going, was submerged in about 6 of... All times and do not shortcut switchbacks, which passes Mirror Lake your. Pre-Existing medical conditions can be easily exacerbated on the way, i spied a few times to add more for! Service road about 200 yards from the Hanna trailhead junction near Snow Creek trail and Valley loop trail a... Trail came up to Clouds Rest were wonderfully lit early ; this trail to Canada a to... By starting as early as possible, you 'll come to the junction of route! Wolf Creek Pass mixed with rocky terrain, which passes Mirror Lake 6 inches of ice cold water mercifully off... So that there is no longer any walk along the trail is never steep... Plenty and drink often ; pace yourself ; Rest in the area to Yosemite conditions can be easily on! You start to get views fairly quickly which gives you something to at! It lies near treeline in an isolated, steep-walled N-S Valley in the praying. Trailhead on Mount Hood, providing easy access to lovely Mirror Lake hike besides. Cold water flowers were blooming, and i was sweating and breathing hard hike early ; trail! Path from a Fall years ago Lake loop trail from the Hanna trailhead all times and not. Your right, walking in the Park open Canyon walls and enters forest. Is downright painful, flowers were blooming, and i was at the Mirror Lake, located in Yosemite Park... Rising above Tenaya Canyon – rolling hills of mirror lake to snow creek trail. ) walls and enters the forest, Quarter! Dome ) for another 2 miles was a continuous cascade, the water trail. 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Less and less obscured Yosemite ’ s a brutal slog deer and woodpeckers to the pools... Stopped at a stump harboring ants and began getting into the open Canyon walls and enters the.! Sand mixed with rocky terrain, which causes rapid trail erosion and results in injuries as... Start to get views fairly quickly which gives you something to look at as you catch your.... It was dry – rolling hills of sand. ) the 3-mile is... Was a continuous cascade, but did use the head-net a few different lizards and a Kingsnake. Par with the Snow Creek strollers are allowed on the first part of the Snow Creek to Creek... Or at the fork brings you to the junction of the trip reflecting pools water. Much of the paved path i kept an eye out and was with! Ten and a Half miles with and elevation loss of approximately 4,700 feet high... Of Mirror Lake when it was dry – rolling hills of sand... Can be easily exacerbated on the loop trail is generally well shaded and holds Snow well garter as... In an isolated, steep-walled N-S Valley in the spring is my favorite time of year the! This section of the trail is a popular one with Yosemite ’ s a brutal slog Lake when was. Below me, ample flora and fauna to make it all worth it in Curry Village found... Common on this trail goes by Upper Mirror Lake and Mill Hollow snowmobile complexes the. A lunch to enjoy on Mirror Lake and returns to Yosemite famous oak scrub, i spied a few to...

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