Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [435]
SOUTH OF THE VALLEY
Chilnualna Falls from Wawona
8 miles RT. Moderate. Access: From Wawona, take Chilnualna Rd., just north of the Merced River's south fork, until it dead-ends at "The Redwoods," about 1 miles. This is the trailhead.
This trek offers a satisfying glimpse of a stunning waterfall. One of the tallest outside Yosemite Valley, the fall cascades down two chutes. The one at the bottom is narrower and packs a real punch after a wet winter. A series of switchbacks leads to the top fall.
Grizzly Giant
1.6 miles RT. Easy. Access: Sign near map dispenser at east end of Mariposa Grove parking lot.
This is the walking alternative to the Mariposa Grove tram tour described earlier in this chapter. It's a nice stroll to see an impressive tree, and the hike climbs only 400 feet.
Mariposa Grove
13-plus miles RT. Moderate to strenuous. Access: Park at Wawona Store parking area and walk east .25 mile to Forest Dr. trailhead is on the right.
The hike sounds long, but a one-way option in the summer uses the Wawona shuttle bus service for the return trip, cutting the distance almost in half. The trail climbs through a forest, then ascends the Wawona Dome and Wawona Basin, both of which provide excellent views.
Sentinel Dome
2.2 miles RT. Moderate. Access: Glacier Point Rd. to Sentinel Dome parking lot, about 3 miles from Glacier Point.
This hike offers broad views of Yosemite Valley. At the starting point you'll be able to see Sentinel Dome on your left. The trail descends slightly and, at the first fork, bears right. It winds through manzanita and pine before beginning its ascent. It's a steep scramble to the top of Sentinel Dome, and you have to leave the trail on the north side to scramble up. The view from the top offers a 180-degree panorama of Yosemite Valley that includes a host of impressive and recognizable geologic landmarks.
Taft Point
2.2 miles RT. Moderate. Access: Follow directions to Sentinel Dome (above). At fork, head left.
The walk to Taft Point crosses a broad meadow dotted in early summer by wildflowers. Near Taft Point, note the deep chasms, known as "fissures," in the rock. Some of the cracks are 40 feet long and 20 feet wide at the top and 100 feet deep. The wall of Yosemite actually overhangs the narrow ravine below, and if you carefully peer over the cliff, you'll notice that your head seems to be on the opposite side of a stream running far beneath you. A small pipe railing farther on marks the 6-by-3-foot Taft Point overlook hanging over Yosemite Valley.
Wawona Meadow Loop
3.5 miles RT. Easy. Access: Dirt road through golf course, and 50-yd. walk to the trail.
This relaxing stroll encircles Wawona Meadow, curving around at its east end and heading back toward the road. It crosses the highway and winds through forest until it returns to the Wawona Hotel. Some cars still use this road, so watch out. This trail is also open to pets.
NORTH OF THE VALLEY
Some of the hikes discussed below can be either long day hikes or overnight backpacking trips; see "Overnight Hikes," later in this chapter.
Cathedral Lakes
8 miles RT. Moderate. Access: Trailhead off Tioga Rd., at west end of Tuolumne Meadows, west of Budd Creek.
These lakes are set in granite bowls cut by glaciers, and the views of the peaks and domes around both Lower and Upper Cathedral lakes are worth the hike alone. Lower Cathedral Lake is next to Cathedral Peak and is a good place to stop for a snack before heading up the hill to enjoy the upper lake.
Cloud's Rest
14 miles RT. Strenuous. Access: Tioga Rd. to Tenaya Lake. Trail leaves from parking area on east side of road near southwest end of lake.
This hike descends through a wooded area, heading toward Sunrise Lake. Ascend out of Tenaya Canyon and bear right at the junction (watch for the signposts); the vistas will