October 22, 2013 - West Yosemite Valley Loop

Title: October 22, 2013 - West Yosemite Valley Loop

Trail head: Yosemite Valley Chapel

Hike Info:

Trail: West Yosemite Valley Loop

Destination: Yosemite Valley Chapel

Distance: 13.0 Miles

Travel Time: 6:07 (2.13 mph)

Moving Time: 5:08 (2.53 mph)

Elevation Rise: 1,291'

Maximum Elevation: 4,317'

Description:

In two weeks we will be walking a half marathon and we have grown lazy since doing the JMT. So the Two City's Marathon is pretty flat, so Yosemite Valley is a good place to have a practice hike. Last year we did a hike around the west end of Yosemite Valley. So this year instead of starting at Bridalveil Falls parking lot like last year, we decided to start at the Yosemite Valley Chapel, about two-thirds of the way up the valley.

We hit the trail at 10:20, in back of the chapel. We shortly hit the trail and started westwards down the valley. It is a bit cool. We have on long sleeves and breakers to keep warm. Today, the valley is alive in color. Maples, dogwood, cottonwoods, and oaks all changing colors. Striking against the shear rock cliffs which line the valley. You will notice the bounty of photo's emphasizing this display of color.

The trail itself is pretty easy. We show our lack of training as our pace does not match the ease of the trail. We rise about 20' and drop a little. We see hardly anybody. After an hour plus, we come to the base of Cathedral Rocks. Here we rise up a bit. There are several climber paths marked. We do not see any climbers. Shortly after this, the trail descends a bit down into the basin which Bridalveil Creek descends into. Of course, this year, we can hardly see a line of water coming down the Falls. So the creeks coming from the Falls are dry.

We cross the road and continue on the trail next to the Merced. We shortly stop for lunch next to a slow paced pool where the Fall colors reflect on the waters. What a good place to stop and enjoy. Lunch of course is basic-peanut butter and nutella sandwich.

Then it is a short walk down to Pohono Bridge. From here, it is time to start going back up the Valley. The return trip is on the north side, where we are bathed in sunshine. El Capitan is there in front of us, showing us the way. After 45 minutes of walking we get to the base. Here we start seeing people again. People not only on the trial, but there are three climbers on El Cap. We watch them for a few minutes, before continuing on.

Three Brothers

The trail now crosses the highway again and hugs the Merced for awhile again. All of this time, Sherri and I are gawking at the colors. We come into an area where the Native Americans hold ceremonies. There are some totem poles as well. Then we break into the legendary area call Camp 4, where climbing is in the soil. We pass through, glancing up at where Yosemite Falls have dried up. So we go across Sentinel Bridge and walk the short distance down to the Chapel parking lot and our car. It is time to go home after walking almost a half a marathon. Our time will need to improve a bit, but we now know we are not that far out of shape.