April 30, 2026 - East Side of Yosemite Valley

Title: April 30, 2026 - East Side of Yosemite Valley
Hike Info : Description : Background : Extra Photo's : Flowers and Plants

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking 

Trail head: Camp Curry Parking Lot

Trail: Valley Loop

Destination: Loop

Distance:  5.83 miles 1

Start Time: 11:26

End Time:    4:10

Travel Time:  4:44  (1.23 mph)

Moving Time: 2:42   (2.16 mph)

Elevation Rise: 591 '

Descent: 595‘

Maximum Elevation: 4,072'

Minimum Elevation: 3,992'

GPS Tracks

 ¹The actual GPS track includes two times on the tram. I have removed those times from these figures.

Description:

Looking up the Merced from the Fens

I got up at 6:20 wondering if I was going to go on today’s hike in Yosemite Valley. Reason why I am unsure? Yesterday I had my COVID-19 vaccine. Usually this only leaves me with a sore arm. But last night I was really sore and tired.

Sherri comes in and wonders if I am going. I have a weak Yes. It will be just Sherri and I. We take off at 8:15 with me driving. It goes pretty smoothly until after Oakhusrt. Hazardous trees are being removed from along the side of the road. Looked like a guy is just about to fall one when we pass by. But this puts us behind a long line which plays into when we get to the entrance station. We get into a line which is about half an hour long, finally entering the Park at 9:40. Lesson learned is to start earlier. There is a stop at the Glacier Point Road. The lot is full with bicyclists as the road is closed to motorized traffic, but bikes are allowed. We finally get to Camp Curry’s parking lot at 11:05.

 

 

Gary, the Hiker

Our boots hit the dirt at 11:25. Our first stop will be Happy Isles. We walk to the backpacker’s parking lot, then take off on a trail which leads us away from the road, not that there is traffic on it. A backpacking couple with a foreign accent came upon us. We talk-they are heading up to Cloud’s Rest with the goal of Sunrise Creek tonight. That is adventuresome, particularly since they are starting around noon. But they are in the same situation as what I have been in: wondering if they are on the right trail? Yes. I tell them how to get on the JMT.

Tenaya Creek Bridge

Lost Arrow

We stop briefly at Happy Isles before going on. There is the obligatory stop on the bridge to look up the Merced. Then we continue on the Valley Loop on the east side of the Valley. While eyeballing a dogwood, another hiker passed by, and we exchanged greetings. Then he stopped and we talked for a time. He talks about his wandering, having visited several national parks in California. He is from Illinois and has been on this wander for over a month.. I am surprised that he is in his 50;s. He explains that he is retired military and just in his 50’s. We probably talked for about 15 minutes when I realized that Sherri had gone on. My new friend told me to tell her that Lyle is to be blamed for holding me up. In reality, we both enjoyed talking and exchanging stories.*

When I catch up with Sherri, she is at the Tenaya Creek Bridge. We crossed it and found a nice log by Tenaya Creek to have lunch. Around 1:15, we started walking again. The big decision is do we go to Mirror Lake or go further around the Valley. We chose to go further around the Valley. 

 

 

Base of Yosemite Falls

We got off on a paved path which will run us around past the backpacker’s camp. A few steps later a bicyclist comes by and says there are a couple of bear cubs ahead. Oh, be still my heart! Will we actually see a bear? We walked aways and there was no bear. But about ten minutes later a couple more people told us about a bear. And then we see the crowd gawking-a sure sign something is up. And there are two cubs and a mama bear scurrying away. I guess we are really too late for a good sighting.

We walk under the Royal Arches and its falls. This takes us past the Ahwahnee cottages and to the hotel itself. There we relaxed for a little while, enjoying Glacier Point to the south and contemplating how much more we wanted to do. Sherri would like to get close to Yosemite falls. We missed the tram, so we started to walk towards the Falls. We got to the Village. Sherri’s foot was starting to bother her and there was a tram bench for us to sit on. While we wait, I study a tram map-remember this because it gets into play later on.

The tram lets us off at the start of a quarter mile walk to the Falls. We go counter-clockwise to get to the falls-it is a bit dryer this way as well as a gentler incline. The spray is not too bad and we cross the bridge without getting soaked. Standing in the viewing area, we get to talking with a couple from upper Michigan. Fascinating how hiking we can talk with people, finding out different things. It just reinforces that talking with strangers can be good for us.

Yosemite Falls

We leave Yosemite Falls and walk back to the Northside Drive. Instead of waiting for the bus-it goes all the way around the Valley as far as the Pohono Bridge before getting back to Camp Curry, about a 45 minute trip. Even with that time, maybe we should have taken it.

But we did have a good walk through Cook Meadow. Looking east gives us a great view towards Half Dome. Plus the walk is relaxing. I thought I had seen where there was a tram stop at Sentinel Bridge. But when we got there, we did not see a sign for the tram. There was a guy dumping trash. So we asked him about the tram. He said no, but gave us directions to the nearest tram stop-over at the other large parking area.

We walked over there and a few minutes later, we were resting ourselves on the tram as it went past Housekeeping to Camp Curry. It is good to be back at the car. We shed our boots and take off. There is not a whole bunch of traffic, except around Wawona where we follow a pretty slow car. The next question is where to eat? I suggested El Cid in Oakhurst. Sherri did not object. It was a filling dinner. We made it back to our house by 7:30, a bit tired, but glad we went.

 

Background

*A few days after our walk, the New York Times asked the question, Do you talk with strangers? My kids would say when do I not talk with strangers?

Extra Photo's

Half Dome from Cook's Meadow 

Lower Yosemite Falls

Sierra Point

Lower Yosemite Falls

 

The Ahwahnee and Glacier Point

Upper Yosemite Falls

Sierra Point from Cook's Meadow

 
Flowers and Plants

Dogwood

Dogwood

January 29, 2026 - Snowshoe Badger Pass

 

Title: January 29, 2026 - Snowshoe Badger Pass

Hike Info : Description : Extra Photo's 

Hike Info:

Type:  Snowshoeing

Trail head: Badger Pass Parking Lot

Trail: Glacier Point Road, Summit Meadow Trail, Old Glacier Point Road, 

Destination:  Loop and possibly Tempo Dome

Actual Destination:  Ridge where Tempo Dome is

Distance:  3.94 miles 

Start Time: 10:52

End Time:     3:07

Travel Time:  4:15  (0.93 mph)

Moving Time: 3:01   (1.31 mph)

Elevation Rise:  692'

Descent: 719‘

Maximum Elevation: 7,653'

Minimum Elevation: 7,250'

GPS Tracks

Description:

Sherri cannot come today-she has an appointment. But Steven and Rachel can. We decided that it looks like we can go to Badger Pass today. It does not look like we will have fog in Fresno, even though in the morning, it looked like the temperature is 20 degrees up at Badger Pass. But by 10 it will be at least 40, at least that is the forecast.

We planned to leave at 8 so we could get a full day up at Badger Pass. Rachel got hung up, so I started driving about 8:40, but with all three of us. When we got to the Yosemite entry station, Rachel had her first opportunity to use her digital Park pass. It worked! The road is dry and there is no concern with there being ice on the road. We did stop at Chinquipin before going up the Glacier Point Road. We get to the parking area, parking close to where we will start off.

Our snowshoes touch the snow about 11. But we do not get too far before we get in conversation with a couple of young ladies who are on cross-country skis for the first time. At least they are upright. Their friend gets up and then falls, repeating that a couple of more times. It turns out they are part of a group.When the group comes along, we leave.

One of the things which I want to do is to see if I can identify why I get shortness of breath when going uphill. I have brought along an Pulse-Ox meter to measure both the oxygen saturation levels and my heart beats. We are at 7,200’, so that is also a factor. About the time we are at Summit Meadow, I am at 90%, a bit low, but reasonable. By the time we hit lunch time, it is up to 94%. That is a bit unusual since between Summit Meadow and the trail back to the parking area is the steepest part.

Rachel with Mt Clark

To go back to the start, once we leave those who are going to learn to cross-country ski, we start up the snow-covered Glacier Point Road. The slope up is gentle and in places we can look north across the Merced-but not into Yosemite Valley. Once we reach the top, it is a short descent to Summit Meadow. There had been a couple options which we rejected. There are a couple routes to Dewey Point-the site of my debacle last Spring. We would not have made it there, but Sherri and I have gone a ways on them and found routes back. Then there is continuing on down the Road, but that means a long uphill return. We decided to go south out of Summit Meadow up to a return route to the parking lot.

When we get to the trail, we found a log to sit on and have lunch. One of the good things about being outdoors and doing things with people whom you like, is that you get to talk with them. And by talking I mean more than just “how are you doing” type conversation. Rachel was talking about some training she is doing with yoga. Part of it is recognizing and responding to trauma. This brought up a conversation about trauma, the type and causes of trauma and how you could respond to it. It is good to be able to talk with both Steven and Rachel as adults.

After lunch we take the trail starting towards the parking lot. In about a quarter mile, we come to a junction with what looks like a service trail to the top of Tempo Dome. I think this is also part of the Old Glacier Point Road. Also at this junction is the true Badger Pass.

Cloud's Rest and Half Dome

We debated for a minute about what we should do. All of us felt like we wanted to do more. So we followed the road which goes up the ridge. But first, it goes on a small, gentle descent. Along the way, we noticed places where the snow had settled, leaving large cracks where snow sank. We take a little detour around these.

The road curves to the south before heading up the ridge. That climb is pretty steep-later looking at the stats, the slope was at a maximum of 13%. I definitely am huffing and puffing and stopping on the way up. Rachel is trying to pace us by keeping her heart beat within an aerobic area. Somehow that pace just does not suit me-even though it would have been better for me. My O₂ saturation is still OK at 91%, but the heart rate is in the upper 140’s.

When we reach the top, we turn around and see across the Clark Range. There we play the game of trying to identify peaks. The one just to the east, I say is Mt Starr King, but Steven and Rachel think it is Clark Peak. I suspect they are right and may King be behind some trees. Just looking over all of this would be breathtaking except the climb up already took my breath.

We spent about 15-20 minutes at the top of the ridge-there was still more up if we wanted to. After all Tempo Dome is another 200’ above us and about a quarter mile to the south. But, we have enjoyed this outing and rather than getting too tired out, we decide to head back down the ridge. Nobody is wild about taking off directly to Badge Pass, so we fall the same track as what we came up on. From Badge Pass down to the parking area, it is about a mile and almost all downhill. I am glad as the last 10 minutes or so, my legs were starting to feel the day. That indicates this has been a good one. We reach the car at 3:00pm and Rachel drives us out at 3:15. Just for the record, my O₂ level is now 94 and the heart rate is 110-getting better. We decided to do Mexican food in Oakhurst. Rather than El Cid, we go to Los 2 Carnales. The helpings there is satisfying and we arrive back in Fresno tired, but content.

Extra Photo's

Shadow Snoeshoers

Gary, Steven, Rachel

Half Dome and Cloud's Rest

Father and Daughter confering

Steven and Rachel going up the Summit Meadow Trail

May 16, 2025 - Yosemite Backpack

 

Title: May 16, 2025 - Yosemite Backpack
Hike Info : Description : Menu : Extra Photo's : Animals

Hike Info:

Type: Backpacking

Trail head: Bridalveil Creek

Trail: McGurk Meadow Trail, Pohono

Destination: McGurk Meadow Trailhead

Distance:  2.01 miles 

Start Time: 10:47

End Time:   12:33

Travel Time: 1:45  (1.15 mph)

Moving Time:  1:13  (1.65 mph)

Elevation Rise:  539'

Descent: 221‘

Maximum Elevation: 7,087'

GPS Tracks

 

 

 

 

Description:

Bridalveil Creek

I woke up at 5:50 and must have fallen asleep again as I really got out of the sleeping bag at 8. It being pretty cold outside could have also been a factor. I took a walk down to Bridalveil Creek. I enjoy a time just watching the water rush by me like lemmings ready to go over the Valley rim. Somehow the picture of lemmings is not right because the water seems joyful in its travels.

It is Steven's birthday. I am glad he chose to go backpacking with Rachel and I. We have our Oatmeal breakfast, is this really a birthday breakfast? We talked about plans for today. Obviously we are walking out today. Originally I was going to give Rachel and Steven the option of walking to Glacier Pt and I get the car. But for obvious reasons, that will not happen. Also, there is a spring with a great overlook of the Valley about a mile and of half east on the Pohono trail. Or just go back to the car. We decided to just go back.

 

 

 

 

Our camp deer

Rachel sees something off in the distance. Turns out it is a deer-maybe a year old. It moves cautiously closer to us and we just watch it while it watches us. Something startles it and it scampers away. But a few minutes later it brings back some friends-three of them.While they never came through camp, they did get near. Great entertainment for us.

But then we do not need to get an early start, so we leave at 10:45. I have almost all of the pack I came in on-both Rachel and Steven were willing to take some of my load considering yesterday. They already have the food and our tent. The first quarter mile is a steep climb up to the junction. I am already huffing and puffing. Fortunately, the rest of the trail is more of a gradual up. We still have the snow patches and logs to contend with. This just gives an excuse to catch my breath. This definitely a leisurely walk.

 

 

 

Crossing a snow patch

 We get to the car about 12:30. Steven drives us to Washburn Point. There we do the appropriate oohs and ahs of the country. I tell Rachel about what we are seeing. I notice somebody listening in, so I told about the Indian legend concerning the creation of Half, North and Basket Domes.

We decide that we are ready to go home. When we reached Oakhurst, we decided to try a new place to eat at: Los 2 Carnales. As it turned out this was a good move. Rachel and I shared a chilli relleno burrito while Steven had a steak fajita. I think we will add this place to our list of eating establishments. While there I give Sherri a call about what happened yesterday.

Then Rachel drives us back to Fresno. When we get into a stable cell service area, I give Kaiser a call to talk about what to do. Just as we cross the river, Kaiser recommends going to ER to get checked out. Rachel comes in with me while Steven takes the Highlander back home and fills in Sherri.

Kaiser runs all kinds of tests on me. Most of them show I am good. There is some concern about a protein which may indicate a heart attack may be coming. So I get admitted for observation overnight. The next day I have a stress test and ECG. Eventually they come out showing that the heart does not have an issue. I get released Saturday afternoon. 

 

You know I said that it was good we stopped in Oakhurst to eat? With everything else, I did not get to eat until close to noon Saturday. Also when I got home, it really felt good to have a shower.

Menu

Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner	Snacks
Oatmeal and add-ins	Los 2 Carnales		Jelly Belly

Extra Photo's

Steven at Washburn Point

View from Washburn Point

Another snow patch crossing

The backcountry with Nevada and Vernal Falls

Animals