Upper Yosemite Falls

When: 2016-12-10 to 2016-12-11

Early winter trip to Yosemite Falls. Initial plans were to go to Dewey Point but the road was closed. Instead, we ended up going to the Valley Floor before finally deciding on Yosemite Falls. The revised plan was to start at Camp 4 and sleep somewhere beyond the top of Upper Yosemite Falls.

---

Day 1

On the way from the road to Glacier Point (used for access to Dewey Point) down to the Valley Floor, we stopped by a vista point populated with tourists. Acting the part, we also took a photo or two of the scene.

Francisco taking a photo from a vista point.

Finally arriving at Camp 4 and obtaining a campground permit, we prepared to head off.

Francisco at Camp 4 parking lot.

On the way up, there was consistent light rain.

Colors of the Valley Floor.

Nearing the middle of the trail, we were greeted with a view of the Upper Yosemite Falls.

Francisco taking photos of the Upper Yosemite Falls.

After the first set of switchbacks, we decided to take a short lunch break here.

Francisco taking shelter under tree cover while eating lunch.

Our lunch was purchased in the morning from Raley's, along with the rest of our food for the trip.

My lunch, which includes a pesto pasta from Raley's.

Upon reaching the top, we walked an appropriate distance more to get away from the trail and into the camp-safe zone. The sun was falling fast, but the rain had no intention of stopping. Luckily, Francisco brought his 8x10 tarp to provide a semblance of shelter between two trees. My own 5x9 tarp would have been insufficient. After setup and a brief moment of pause from the pelting of rain, we were able to setup our sleep systems.

My shoes, placed between our two bivies.

In order to add some height and headroom, Francisco setup the ice axe to help anchor the tarp.

An ice axe being useful.

Day 2

Sign pointing to the Yosemite Falls Overlook.

Francisco posing near the top, before descending into the Yosemite Falls Overlook.

On the way to the Yosemite Falls Overlook, pipes-as-rails are helpfully placed throughout.

View of the Valley Floor, on the way to the Yosemite Falls Overlook.

Once at the Yosemite Falls Overlook, we were presented with a close up view of the waterfall. It looked feasible to cross it at some sections, though ill-advised.

View down, looking toward a part of Upper Yosemite Falls.

Francisco looking out, from the Yosemite Falls Overlook.

After the Yosemite Falls Overlook, we began our trip back down to the Valley Floor. While we lost sight of the trail for a little bit, we eventually found it again. The upper section did have quite a bit of snowfall--a stark difference from the trailhead.

Francisco on the trailhead, before entering the upper switchbacks.

Taking note of any signs for future reference, a trail to North Dome was presented to us.

YOSEMITE POINT. NORTH DOME.

On the way down, after a day filled with rain, the blue skies were a nice contrast. The view of the Valley Floor and beyond was a nice colorful contrast. Also, a worthwhile distraction from the monotony of a well-maintained trail.

View of the Valley Floor.

Further down, near the middle of the trail where we had lunch, Francisco pointed out the rainbow that was visible near the base of the Upper Yosemite Falls. We stopped around here to capture a bit more of the scene, before heading down.

Rainbow near the bottom of the Upper Yosemite Falls.

Upon returning to the trailhead, there is a sign with trails and distances. The disappointing part of this is that elevation is not noted. At this point, it was a short walk to Camp 4 where we were able to take a rest.

Trail sign near the trailhead.