It was the beauty of the views that what captured our attention. Friends of friends tagged along: we ended up with about 15 people in the group. Snow Creek mountain biking trail in South Star Trails, British Columbia. Website. I wasn’t counting: both sound about right to me. The Snow Creek Trail is the toughest trail out of the Yosemite Valley. 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. Not a very difficult ascent out of the valley. No crowds. A fall on one of the steeper snowfields could carry a hiker far from the trail. The purple line shows the Snow Creek Trail's more civilized side, meandering from the rim to the Tioga Road. Pretty strenuous and not “famous” like the hike to Half Dome so you will not be bothered by the crowds! Used this map to hike from Olmsted point to The Valley Floor only. I was fine with their decision since they went back to camp to start dinner. In spring, that was a good thing: we had the trail almost to ourselves. What an amazing trail. 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. Incredible views of half dome and clouds rest from a different perspective. interested in hiking trails with fewer people, the Snow Creek and Pohono Trails are fine choices with stunning views. Rapid snow-melt forms transient streams and snow bridges, and footing can be treacherous. Good climb. You can get some good elevation and views fairly early in. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. During the Spring, much of the trail is wet with flowing snowmelt, and you have to cross multiple creeks. some of Yosemite’s other trails like Upper Yosemite Falls or Panorama Trail, it should not be overlooked. There are a bunch of photos of the trail in my trip report here: https://backpackers-review.com/trip-reports/yosemite-valley-backpacking/. Mirror lake was good in the beginning as well and partially frozen. It was a treat to watch the sun cross over the valley. We hiked a total of 25 miles. There are no signs to direct hikers toward the Snow Creek Trail itself from Curry Village. 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. Website. 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. As others have said, it's all switchbacks up. This is a strenuous hike, but very rewarding. My second hike to North Dome, it does not disappoint. Snow Creek Trail approach is past Mirror Lake. The pain and sweat were an extremely meager price to pay. 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. 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! Location. Once in the park head to Yosemite Valley. exhausted and fatigued. Explore Beaver Creek Mountain with exclusive guided experiences that engage the senses, from body and mind to palate. Did this today 1/12/2018. 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. ~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. It is also one of the more easy trailheads to get a backpacking permit for. Many people backpack up this trail. This video is unavailable. We.had to find higher ground several times before footbridge...set us back 20 minutes.. The temperature was cool but only required a light sweater. Meadow Creek Trail (#3123) is an 8.5 mile out and back multi-use trail beginning at the Meadow Creek Trailhead. Enjoy the best views in Jackson Hole from the top of Snow King Mountain! But, I guess I can look forward to that experience on a future trip! The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from June until October. Broke first fresh tracks of the season the entire way up today...only soul on the trail...my kind of day! You will reach the trailhead which has a sign with the Snow Creek Trail written on it. Not for people afraid of heights as the numerous switchbacks up the valley wall lend steep views of the valley. major naturegasms. Trail Ratings 3.0 from 1 vote #26 in Olympic National Forest #26914 Overall. Breath taking views of the valley emersed us along every inch to the top. This 8.5-mile path is the oldest continually used hiking trail in the United States. This hike is definitely five stars but I’m going to give it four stars so that more people do not take it. Beautiful trail, started at sunrise at 7:15am, made it to the snow creek footbridge (~5mi in) at around 10:45am. The pay-off was the180 degree views. Start early, bring plenty of water, and don't forget to look around every once in a while to enjoy the view. 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. Snow Creek Trail is a terrific experience for Fresh Air Junkies looking for a physical challenge, truly breathtaking views and overall moving Yosemite experience. Also great views of Mount Watkins. As the small gaggle of our remaining party looked over the glorious view, I stood in awe. The new snow has quickly become compacted by users on most trails, so conditions are very good for winter hiking and fat-biking. Also worth noting is we found a few baby rattlesnakes on the trail. Follow the closed road over the stone, Tenaya Creek bridge. Snow Creek. Explore the rich alpine history alive in the hills and aqueducts surrounding Falls Creek. Please take care when hiking in this area. 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. Thank goodness for the alltrails map. The views get better as you climb higher until the trail leaves the open canyon walls and enters the shady forest. The Snow Creek trail uses the Mirror Lake Trail from Happy Isles, which is a loop trail and very flat. The Hiking Center specializes in signature group and private hikes designed to showcase Beaver Creek Mountain and its surroundings. The rest of us just found it to be awesome fun; just what we wanted. Before you go, download the Vail Summer Trail map. Go Hiking Hiking Guide Snow Creek. The various closures forced us to find different hiking trails than we had originally intended. Not too many people. 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. Second night we camped just before clouds rest and only had a 400’ climb to the top in the morning. beautiful scenery. 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. The main trail branches into a labyrinth of connected trails that wander throughout the Yosemite Valley floor. I'm in good shape and tend to hike quicker than many: Took about 2h30 to get to the footbridge. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. Spring Break screams out for hiking and camping after a tough winter of studying and exams. 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. As it went, we lost a couple of other people from our group after a mile or so. Yosemite Wilderness Center (209) 372-0740. Nau Versa Blazer and Glimpse Dress Review. Get your heart pumping on a 1.8 mile trail that ascends 1,571 vertical feet from the main base area to the summit. The hike up to the top is rather strenuous, especially during the second half of the ascent. 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. 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. Not sure if I would do it again due to the difficulty, but it’s surely an accomplishment we won’t forget. Watch Queue Queue As a group, we experienced nearly every biome that Yosemite has to offer along the trip. The Snow Creek climb from the valley is very steep and tough, but the views of Half Dome and Tenaya Canyon are awesome. 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. The trail "begins" at the end of the road to Mirror Lake, approximately one mile. The Snow Creek Trail, meanwhile, covers roughly the same amount of vertical in a single 1.7-mile stretch. After coming back down, I looped back around using the rest of the Mirror Lake loop. The first climbing section switchbacks across a series of small creeks and springs that appear out of the hillside. I started in the Mist Trail parking lot and logged about 3.5 miles before getting to the Snow Creek trailhead. While I did this in late February, it was - as most of the Yosemite Valley and its surroundings - snowless and warm. The snow was quite thick (waist deep at some points), but didn’t prevent us from enjoying a well-earned afternoon lunch. Definitely needed when you have no service. 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. My favorite trail from the Valley floor due to the amazing views every step of the way. ( Bring a flashlight!). Moreover,Your legs will definitely give out at some points and you also need to have a fair bit of water. 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! It is a 6.8 mile round trip, but that is a little deceiving. I was very disappointed that I would not be able to climb to the top of the renown and infamous Half Dome. 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). But the views from up there are great. 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. 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. With so many people in the group, we needed alternatives. Always check with the park service about trail conditions before hiking over Panhandle Gap. The hike itself has probably the best views of the valley and half dome. Bugs were only bad around Tenaya and the forest leading up to it. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Amazing views. I have heard or read that there are between 96 and 108 switchbacks on the trail. Great hike up a creek. The switchbacks mercifully end here and you'll cover nearly flat ground for the last 1/3 mile. However, it looks like this was just a gateway to longer hikes and would do it again in better conditions. Along the way are a paved access road, a steady climb on the graded PCT and desert scrub transitioning to deciduous shrubs. 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. Hiking trip report, map, and photos for Snow Creek Trail to Mirror Lake, located in Yosemite National Park, California. Strapped on the shoes for the switches. The valley floor is a dim forest under the shadow Half Dome. Olympic Peninsula. 1,342 m green singletrack trail. 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. It is damn steep. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $20 per person. This Yosemite backpacking route is a great alternative to the ever popular, and crowded, Half Dome 3 day trip. You have gained 300 feet so far, but you've still got 3000 feet to go. 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. Be advised - it is easy to get lost where I marked the blue arrow ( in photos ). Half Dome is closed throughout the winter and into early spring. Be prepared to pay $20 for the entrance fee. 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. There were scattered patches of trees which provided ample amounts of shade but didn’t hinder our views of the valley around us. As soon as the Snow Creek Trial forks off, we … Wow, wow, wow! Last day was still pretty long but was almost all downhill with great views of Nevada Falls. This Discovery Treks backpacking tour is a great alternative to the ever popular, and crowded, Half Dome 3 day trip. Mid-calf deep on the walk in and first ~100m, knee(-) deep starting around 1500m, knee(+) deep from 1700m on up to the bridge. Full Details. The views rising above Tenaya Canyon are not to be missed. For those of you who are thinking about cool places to explore, the Snow Creek Trail effort is definitely worth it. The creek after the switchbacks is a perfect lunch spot. Snow Creek. Views were stellar the entire way. San Jacinto (10,804'), California. 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. Once past the Nason Ridge turnoff, the trail soon crosses the headwaters of Snowy Creek and the climb begins for real. The way down was quicker, maybe 1.5 hours. we were on an intrepid journey. The weather is forecast to have below zero temperatures and no significant snow for the next few weeks, so trail conditions should remain about the same until Christmas. Some of my friends wanted to linger by the water, so our group became a little smaller. View map below . 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. Snow Creek trail itself was quite steep but a good workout & excellent views all along switchbacks. We began to peel off layers of clothing though as we hiked along the trail in the spring afternoon sun. 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 … I had been looking forward to the trip for weeks. first hour or so was easy/moderate. Hiking Project Staff. Started at Mirror Lake but ended up on the flooded trail on one side of lake prior to Snow Creek trailhead. Not fun hiking downhill on cliffs in pitch black. And any disappointment that I had felt earlier in not being able to scale Half Dome was more than offset by the splendor of seeing it before me from the vantage point of Snow Creek Trail. 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! A new trail, a new hike is always invigorating and a bit intimidating. There was no water until you reach snow creek at the top. Your email address will not be published. Turned around after eating lunch by the creek. Approximately 2.3 miles after beginning the climb, you'll reach a trail junction near Snow Creek. I wanted to go beyond it but the snow was pretty deep and I didn’t bring snow shoes... so I turned around. 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. We had to follow the signs to Mirror Lake, which does lead to the entrance to Snow Creek Trail. 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. Yosemite National Park charges a fee to enter. Paoli Peaks. Started at Mirror Lake before 6am & back at parking lot by 1pm. Took 1 mile to get pass mirror lake. However, you should be very very fit in order to do the enormous amount of switchbacks to get up. It snowed last weekend, which made the Mirror Lake trail a little slick in spots. Depending on your location, enter Yosemite National Park via highway 120, 140 or 41. Snow Creek trail is not as popular as some of Yosemite’s other trails. In the first two miles, the trail rises 2400 feet. I highly recommend to go early! After leaving clouds rest, we set up camp just before the junction with the JMT and headed up to Half Dome. after about 3 hours had intense uphill hike, and strenuous. Then we started our trail . from Awahnee to snow creek footbridge, back to awahnee. Even though this trail leaves essentially from the valley floor near half dome village, it has much less traffic than most similar trails. We had to turn around at the first waterfall since we didn't bring enough water with us. 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. TraditionalMountaineering provides information and instruction about alpine mountain climbing safety skills, gear, off trail hiking and light weight backpacking, photographed on actual mountaineering adventures. The hike down from Tioga Road, happily, is a … 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. I just did an out-and-back to make it 6 mile hike round trip. Our original motley (colorful) crew clearly demonstrated that hikers should be in good physical condition for this hike. A few times trail disappeared due to debri and fallen trees. I continued to the footbridge at the top before turning around as the snow was pretty heavy. Fees are $35 per vehicle or $30 per motorcycle. The trek back down to the Mirror Lake trail only took me 90mins. We stayed the first night about 7 miles in at a beautiful ridge before descending to Tenaya Lake. It is a great thing that Snow creek is open year round, lying directly across from the fabled Half Dome. 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 sound of rushing water was a constant. We struck out along the main trail past Mirror Lake into a heavily wooded area for roughly half a mile. A loose group of us from a couple of different campuses agreed to caravan to Yosemite. 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Base area to the big rock Lake trail a little smaller Nevada Falls point is at trailhead camp 4 you!