August 1, 2014 - Muir Grove

Title: August 1, 2014 - Muir Grove

Trail head:

Hike Info:

Type:  Hiking

Trail:  Muir Grove Trail

Destination: Muir Grove

Distance: 5.43 miles

Start Time:   10:32

End Time:      2:08

Travel Time: 3:35 (1.52 mph)

Moving Time: 3:01 (1.80 mph)

Elevation Rise: 933'

Maximum Elevation: 6,952'

Description:

Our group

Each year at our church's family camp out, a group of us goes for a hike. Sometimes it is only a few people, other times we have had 10 people. Today the hike has attracted eight of us: Jordon, Barbara, John, Johnathen, Sara, Sherri, Carol and myself. We will be going down to Dorst and hiking to Muir Grove.

It is a bit of a drive, about an hour from our campground to Dorst. We park at the amplitheater's parking lot and walk back about 150 yards to the start of the trail. Just this little walk you can tell it will be a warm hike-one report said it was 102, but that may have been Fresno.

The first little bit is downhill-I do not like trails where we go down on the way in. My feet turn to lead when we come out. But after a half mile, we start-up to the top of the first ridge. There is a nice view from here of where Dorst Creek drains out of. Plus we can see the broccoli tops of the Sequoia's at Muir Grove on the next ridge. That is always an encouraging view.

Carol and Sherri viewing Muir Grove

Barb, Carol and Sherru

By this time our group has divided like an amoeba. Those with more energy, the young ones split off and speed ahead while the more mature get to enjoy the trail at a more leisurely pace. We see things like dogwood leaves starting to change color; logs crossing a little rivulet and the wildflowers growing.

Dogwood

Lunch time

The last quarter mile is a gentle climb up to the grove. There we have lunch and enjoy the Sequoia's. Just general trail chatter goes on at lunch. So I slip off and go a little ways south and find a small social trail which I follow for just a short ways. But in that way I see many more redwoods in this little scoop of land. Also the sunlight features many interesting looking areas. So good to be out.

Carol contemplating walk-through tree

White Fir on granite

Afterwards, Carol and I go and explore the rest of the main trail. It leads us back up on top of the ridge where a giant sequoia grows despite being burnt  halfway around and all the way through. Carol, and later Barb, can walk through it. The trail continues around the ridge to a point. Even though it is hazy, we can see Alta Peak and that whole crest-line. So good to be here. Sherri joins us a few minutes later. We marvel at a couple white fir growing on what appears to be bare rock. When we return Barb comes up-she has given Sara her car keys and the speedsters are going back to camp. I accompany Barb to the point and we look around as well.

Alta Peak

 The return trip is much the same as coming. We do get to see a deer wander around the trail. Also I make snide remarks about a couple cutting switchbacks. But on the whole just a pleasant walk back to the car. When we get to the final trail sign, I glance at it and realize there was a warning sign on it. At least it looks like someone screaming in terror, but not us! Just a good trip.

Sequoia's lined up

Sunlight and bushes