March 5, 2013 - Outer Loop

Title: March 5, 2013 - Outer Loop

Trail head: Mariposa Grove Parking Lot

Hike Info:

Trail:Outer Loop Trail

Destination:Back side of Mariposa Grove

Distance: 6.4

Travel Time: 3:33  (2.10 mph)

Moving Time: 2:48 (2.28 mph)

Elevation Rise: 1,235'

Maximum Elevation: 6,756'

Description:
A small storm is coming in tonight, but we thought we could squeeze a hike into before things got bad. We were right! We left Fresno at 9am and head for Mariposa Grove in Yosemite. We hike this area frequently, so it is a place we enjoy and only about 90 minutes from Fresno.

When we got there , it was cool, with a light breeze blowing through. Got started a little before eleven, and immediately started climbing up the road, which is the Outer Loop Trail. During the first mile or so, it is a 400' climb, not bad, but coming from sea level, it always takes a little bit of adjustment. It has been warm enough and dry enough that the trail is pretty clear of snow. Last year Steven and I skied a lot of what we will be doing today.



At the mile mark, we come to a junction. The one trail goes directly to the Grizzly Giant, about a mile away. The trail we take heads a little downward and towards a ridge separating the Grove from Wawona. We cross a pretty little creek and then start up a ridge. This ridge is the one Steven and I missed last year skiing this area.

While there is no scenic vistas, we are still struck by the beauty of the woods, particularly the Sequoia's. Even bare of snow, they stand majestic, as giants of the forest. But not the ugly kind of monsters, but more of what Tolkien had in mind with his Ents, shepherding the younger trees.

We arrive at the Galen Clark Tree. As Sherri says, it is nice to visit a tree named after a real person who had impact on the area and its preservation. Of course most of what I see in Yosemite and Kings Canyon is appropriately named.


We go past the Fallen Giant. Then to the fallen Stable Tree, which was used as a place to house horses. (Why did the tree fall after the horses were removed? It had become unstabled. Get it?) we finally come to the Grove Museum, which is close. We were going to eat lunch here on the fence rail, but decide to go on and see if the bathroom is open-it is not. But we have our peanut butter and Nutella sandwiches overlooking the grove on a cut down tree stump.

Then it is back down the trail. We come to the California Tunnel Tree and the Grizzly Giant- a very majestic and picturesque tree. We continue down and back to the parking lot, just short of 3pm. A nice hike and a pleasant day. Of course, we do stop at Todd's to wrap up our day.