15 Tips For Your First Time Hiking Half Dome
Every year, thousands of hikers summit Half Dome, many of them for the first time. In 2017, I was one of those first timers…
3 minute read | contains affiliate links
Each year, thousands of hikers summit Half Dome, many of them for the first time. In 2017, I was one of those first timers and though I felt like I was fully prepared, truth is, I wasn't.
In fact, I’m confident that if you polled others who’ve hiked Half Dome, I’m willing to bet that many of them would agree.
If you’re hiking Half Dome for the first time this season (or just mildly curious), this post is for you. I’m giving you 15 tips I feel all Half Dome hikers should be aware of going in. Let’s get into it.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us!
1) Get An Early Start
This is especially true if, like most people, you’re doing this as a day hike. You’ll want to arrive to the trailhead as early as possible.
When my brother and I hiked it, we arrived at the Happy Isles trailhead at 3am. We didn’t see any daylight until we got past Nevada Fall.
The reasons you’ll want to start early are:
You’ll beat the crowds to the cables and avoid bottlenecks
You’ll likely avoid the afternoon storms that are notorious in Yosemite
You’ll beat the mid-day heat
If you’re doing this hike as a multi-day and you’re just hiking to your camping spot the first day, you won’t have to worry about it as much.
If you’re doing this as a day hike, however, definitely get started as soon as you can. It doesn’t have to be 3am, but pre-dawn is ideal.
2) Bring Gloves With You
Surprisingly, many people don’t think of this. The Half Dome cables are made of steel and they get hot. They’re also blister inducing.
Using gloves on the cables will help prevent blisters, protect you from burns and most importantly, provide you with good grip.
Sometimes, a pile of discarded gloves forms near the base. You’re welcome to use a pair but you shouldn’t count on the pile being there.
While it’s thoughtful, Rangers will collect and throw the gloves away as it’s technically littering. So bring your own. Full fingered preferably.
SEE MY TOP RECOMMENDATION FOR GLOVES TO USE ON HALF DOME HERE!
3) Bring More Water Than You Think You’ll Need
I cannot stress this enough. It’s always important to bring water with you on a hike but it’s especially true on this one.
I recommend 3-4 liters, per person. I only brought two liters with me and ran out on the way back (with over six miles left to go).
The only filtered water source is the fountain at the Vernal Fall footbridge (just about a mile into the hike). After that, you’re on your own.
4) Trekking Poles Are A Must!
My knees were killing me on the way back. If it weren’t for my trekking poles helping to off-set the weight, my brother would’ve had to carry me out.
If you’re someone who’s prone to knee pain or you know you usually require trekking poles on normal hikes, you’ll definitely want to bring them along on this one.
5) Wear Shoes/Boots With Excellent Grip
While granite usually has excellent natural grip, years of hikers traversing it has caused that section to become smooth and slick.
Seriously, normal shoes or ones that are worn down will not suffice. You’ll definitely want to break them in prior to your hike, but the tread should be as new as possible.
6) Leave Your Backpack At The Base
It may be tempting to bring your backpack with you as you climb up the cables but take it from me, make it easier on yourself (and others) and ditch it at the base.
The reason I say this is twofold:
There isn’t a lot of space between the cables, so if everyone’s wearing a bulky backpack, that space only becomes more restrictive
For some, it’s already challenging enough to climb the cables. Adding the weight/balance of a backpack only complicates matters
If you must bring a backpack to the top, bring a smaller day bag and leave the bulky one behind. No one’s going to mess with your stuff.
Do be sure to seal your bag before leaving, though. You don’t want Marmots and other critters getting in there.
7) Take As Long As You Need On The Cables
There’s no shame in taking it slow. This isn’t a race and there’s no prize at the top for the fastest climber. Go at your own pace.
Every six feet or so (at each set of steel poles) are wooden planks. Use those as a guide and focus on them if the heights start getting to you.
Rest at each one if necessary. No one will make fun of you. Just be mindful of those who may want to go faster and let them pass.
8) If You See Dark Clouds, Don’t Attempt It
Yosemite is infamous for its afternoon storms. It isn’t uncommon to go from clear blue sky to rain and lightning in the blink of an eye.
Bad weather and climbing Half Dome isn’t a good mix. If lightning decides to strike, there’s a good chance Half Dome will be where it hits.
If you get to the base and it starts to rain, don’t risk it. If you’re at the summit and see black clouds rolling in, get back down pronto.
In the 1980’s, numerous people were killed and injured on the summit when a sudden storm came in. It’s always best to er on the side of caution when it comes to storms.
9) You Can Use A Climbing Harness If You Want
Some opt to utilize a harness to secure themselves to the cables, reducing their chance of falling.
It’s a device that you wear around your waist and legs, with the other end connecting to the cables via a carabiner.
Personally, I don’t think it’s necessary. However, if it’ll make you feel better and help you fulfill your dream, go for it.
You will need to unclip and clip back in every six feet or so, so it will slow you down a bit. The peace of mind it provides may be worth it, though.
10) Get Into The Best Shape You Can
There’s no need to be a top-level athlete or master climber, but the better shape you’re in, the easier time you’ll have.
The cables themselves are more upper strength than leg strength and the hike itself will test your cardiovascular endurance.
Hitting a stair master will prepare you for the Mist Trail portion of the hike. Likewise, a strength training routine would be beneficial.
Most importantly, hike as much and as often as you can prior to your trip. The higher the elevation, the better.
11) Bring Extra Socks
This is one I wish I’d thought about. You should always take care of your feet…always. That means bringing a fresh pair of socks (or two).
If you don’t and get soaked on the Mist Trail, you’ll be forced to hike the rest of the way with soggy socks.
If the Mist Trail doesn’t get you, then your socks will most definitely be soaked in sweat by the time you make it to the summit.
Packing extra socks will allow you to swap out the nasty ones for a fresh pair for the hike back down.
12) Have A Hard Copy Of Your Permit Available
Some hikers spend 8-10 hours or more doing this hike. Consequently, if you’re taking a lot of pictures, your phone battery will almost certainly die.
If that happens and all you have is a digital copy of your permit, you’ll have nothing to show the ranger when asked. Guess what that means? Off you go.
It wouldn’t hurt to have a printed copy in a plastic bag inside your backpack. That way, you won’t risk getting turned around.
13) Bring Ibuprofen & Moleskin
You can add this one to the, “wish I thought of it”, category. As stated above, my legs and feet were wrecked by the time we got back to the car.
It was only then that I realized my mistake. I had absolutely nothing to help mask the pain and had a long drive home ahead of me.
Bring some Ibuprofen (or an alternate pain killer) with you. Take a couple at the summit, if needed, to reduce the discomfort on the way back down.
Also, moleskin does wonders for covering and preventing blisters. If you don’t know what it is, it’s a dense, woven cotton fabric that acts as a shield between your skin and shoes in areas where blisters are most common. Highly recommended for ANY hike.
14) Eat, Eat And Eat Some More
This is a long, demanding hike and for most people, will take a full day. You will burn a serious amount of calories and energy.
Due to this, you’ll need to replenish your body with as many nutrient dense foods as you can.
Foods with complex carbs, low amounts of sugar, decent level of healthy fats and high amount of protein will do the trick.
Also, salty snacks, such as beef jerky and sunflower seeds, will help you retain water and keep you hydrated for longer.
Stop as often as you need if you’re feeling hungry or low on energy. Trust me, you don’t want to tackle the cables with nothing in the tank.
SEE MY TOP RECOMMENDATION FOR PREPARING FOOD IN THE WILDERNESS!
15) There’s No Shame In Turning Around
More hikers do it than you might think. I’d wager a guess that for every ten hikers that make it to the cables, at least one decides against it.
Whether it’s due to bad weather or simply a gut-feeling on your part, there’s no shame in turning around. The cables are intimidating.
So don’t succumb to peer pressure or allow pride to take over. If you get there and it doesn’t feel right, then don’t do it. You still had an amazing adventure!
BONUS: Peak Design Camera Clip
This camera clip by Peak Design is a MUST for anyone using their DSLR or point-and-shoot camera while out on a hike or are just out and about on a shoot.
As shown in the image above, it securely attaches to your backpack strap and firmly holds your camera in place. Allowing you to be hands free while not in use.
When inspiration strikes, a quick button press is all it takes to remove it. When done, simply snap back into place and you’re done.
CHECK OUT THIS SOLID CAMERA CLIP BY PEAK DESIGN ON AMAZON HERE!
If you’re serious about hiking Half Dome, be sure to read my other Half Dome related posts…
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How To Hike To Lower Eagle Falls In Lake Tahoe
Nestled within the captivating natural beauty of the iconic Emerald Bay State Park, the trail to Lower Eagle Falls offers…
2 minute read | contains affiliate links
Nestled within the captivating natural beauty of the iconic Emerald Bay State Park, the trail to Lower Eagle Falls offers an awe-inspiring experience for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Most are aware of the upper section of Eagle Falls just outside the park and how you can traverse the crest of lower falls across the highway.
If you want to see Lower Eagle Falls straight on, though, you’ll need to hike down into Emerald Bay via the short, but steep, one mile trail.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the parking situation, fees, what to expect on the trail and more. Let’s get into it!
Trail Stats
Location: Emerald Bay State Park, Lake Tahoe
Fee: $3 - $10 parking fee
Permit: None
Open: Seasonally
For: Hikers
Restroom: At the trailhead and in Emerald Bay
Parking: Medium sized paved lot
EV Stations: None
Difficulty: Easy going in, moderate going out
Popularity: Mega High
Mileage: About 2.5 miles total, RT
Time: 2-3 hours
Condition: Maintained, easy to follow
Features: Waterfall, Island, Visitor Center, Beach
Best Time: Spring/early summer
Pets: Not allowed
Drones: Not allowed
Hazards: Trail is steep going back out. Can be difficult for some
Our Visit(s): August 2022 & July 2023
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us!
Emerald Bay Parking Lot
Your trip to Lower Eagle Falls begins and ends in the Emerald Bay parking lot. To avoid the hassle of having to wait for a spot to open, you should arrive as early as possible as it’s known to fill up quickly.
There are pay stations near the trailhead that accept credit or debit cards. The parking fees are:
$3.00 for one hour (select this option if all you want to do is go to the viewing deck)
$10.00 for day use
To begin your hike, head towards the wooden booth past the pay station. To your right, there’s a viewing deck that provides a great view of Emerald Bay and your destination, Lower Eagle Falls.
The Trail To Emerald Bay
Going into Emerald Bay, the trail is all downhill and easy going. Just prepare yourself for the way out because it’s fairly steep and can be difficult for some. So come prepared.
It’s slightly less than a mile along a wider than usual dirt path. Near the bottom you’ll arrive at a junction. Head right to continue to the waterfall.
After this junction, you’ll officially be in Emerald Bay State Park. Continue straight as you pass the restroom, beach access and the Vikingsholm Castle.
Keep straight on the trail until you reach the visitor center. The incredibly short trail to Lower Eagle Falls begins just behind it.
Lower Eagle Falls
Facing the visitor center, the tail to the waterfall begins on the right. It starts out as gravel but as you get closer the falls, it’ll turn to dirt and stone.
When the trail aligns with the water, your first glimpse will be off two mini-waterfalls split between rocks and brush.
Further up, you’ll work your way up several granite rock steps before arriving at the Rubicon trail footbridge.
Go ahead and take in the views of the creek from the bridge, but don’t cross it to the other side as that’ll take you along the Rubicon Trail.
To continue towards Lower Eagle Falls, head up the trail for another 2/10’s of a mile while keeping the creek to your left.
You’ll encounter several more flights of granite steps just before reaching the falls. When you reach the top of those steps, the viewing deck and waterfall come into view.
The viewing deck is split in two by a tree and provides a straight-on view of Lower Eagle. There’s a fair amount of room but it doesn’t take many people to feel cramped.
There’s no access to Highway 89 from here. The viewing deck is the literal dead end of the trail. So when you’re finished taking it in, simply head back the same way you came.
I hope you’ll consider checking out Lower Eagle Falls. It’s a beautiful waterfall and worth the effort to see. If you’re interested in other sites nearby, check out our articles below.
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How To Hike To The Base Of Middle McCloud Fall
Middle McCloud Fall is just one of three beautiful waterfalls, collectively known as McCloud Falls, along the McCloud…
3 minute read | contains affiliate links
Middle McCloud Fall is just one of three beautiful waterfalls, collectively known as McCloud Falls, along the McCloud River about 45 minutes from the town of Burney.
Being that there’s two more waterfalls, you may be wondering why i’m only writing about the middle fall in this post. There reason is simple…it’s my favorite.
I have a post dedicated to the three falls as a whole. If you’re interested in reading that one, you can do so here.
In that post, I state near the end of article that if you only have time to visit just one of these, make it the middle fall.
On top of that, of the three, the middle fall is the only one that requires any real effort to reach the base (you can drive to all three but the middle one requires a small hike to reach it).
So in this post, i’m going to cover where to find parking, what to expect along the trail and what it’s like at the base of the fall. Let’s get into it!
Quick Stats
Location: McCloud, CA (45 minutes from Burney Falls)
Fee: None
Permit: None
Open: Spring, summer & fall
For: Hikers, swimmers, sightseers
Restroom: At the trailhead
Parking: Large, paved lot
EV Stations: None
Difficulty: Easy
Popularity: Medium to high
Mileage: 0.8-mile, out-and-back
Time: 1-3 hours (depending how much you spend at the fall)
Elevation Gain: 157-feet
Condition: Maintained & easy to follow
Features: Waterfall and great swimming hole
Pets: Allowed on leash
Drones: No signage stating you can’t use them
Hazards: Boulder field near the base and submerged boulders in the swimming hole
Our Visit(s): September 2019 and May 2022
Getting There and Parking
Middle McCloud Fall is fairy easy to get to. If you’re coming from the town of Burney:
Drive north on highway 89 for about 40-miles
Turn left onto Fowler Public Camp road
Continue for about a half-mile
Then turn left onto an unnamed, paved service road (you’ll see signage indicating the way)
If you’re coming from the Dunsmuir:
Drive south on highway 89 for about 22-miles
Turn right onto Fowler Public Camp road for a half-mile
Turn left onto the same unnamed service road.
Each of the three falls have their own paved parking lots but the middle one is the largest. It could easily fit dozens of vehicles plus some RV’s and buses.
You’ll find the trailhead directly adjacent to the bathrooms.
Trail To The Vista
For those who don’t want to make the trek down to the bottom, the middle fall can be viewed from above at the vista.
The trail to the vista is paved and is able to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers. There are two of them to choose from.
For most people, this is as far as they’ll go. The view of the falls from up there is nice but to get the true experience, you’ll want to hike down to the base.
Trail To The Base
Finding the beginning of the trail to the base can be a bit tricky. Especially if you aren’t paying attention (like me during our first visit).
The dirt path to the base spurs off from the paved trail that leads to the second vista. Right as the paved path elbows, look to your right (pictured above).
The dead giveaway are the rocks lining the right side of the trial, forming a path. How I missed that the first time I’ll never know.
*Side Note: There is no sign pointing the way. So keep an eye out for those rocks you see in the photo above.
From there, it’s only 0.4-mile down to the bottom. Accounting for a few stops to take pictures, it shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes or so.
Shortly after finding the trail, you’ll encounter a set of wooden stairs. After this, the trail continues its descent via a series of switchbacks.
The trail, while a bit rocky in some spots, is well maintained and easy to follow. There are no steep points as the switchbacks are gradual.
When you reach the bottom, you'll come to a junction. Going right will take you down to Lower McCloud Falls (about a mile out).
To continue to the middle fall, head left (you should have the waterfall in your line of sight as this point).
At the end of the trail, you’ll see a large boulder field in front of you. If you want to swim near the waterfall, you’ll need to negotiate it.
Most of the boulders are positioned fairly close to one another, so getting through it isn’t too difficult. Young children may have a tough time, though.
Once on the other side, you’ll have unobstructed views of Middle McCloud Fall and its pool. I was fortunate enough to have it all too myself.
The scenery is amazing. Huge, towering alpines surround you while the water pours over the crest and down the large basalt rock wall into the pool below.
If you plan to swim, I do caution you to watch for the submerged boulders and to wear water shoes as there’s tons of debris in the water.
When you’re done, simply head back up the same way you came. While you’ll definitely notice the incline going out, it’s still an easy trek.
I stand firm that the middle fall is the best of the three and if you only have time for one, to make it this one. You won’t regret it.
If you want to make it a point to see all three waterfalls and hike the trail connecting them, check out our post, “McCloud River Falls: Three Fantastic Waterfalls In One Hike”
Your Thoughts…
What do you think of Middle McCloud Falls? Does this seem like a waterfall/hiking trail you and your family would enjoy?
Let us know in the comments below! We love to hear from our readers.
Please support our website by subscribing to our newsletter below.
Thank you for reading.
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Hike The Convict Lake Loop In Mammoth Lakes
If you’ve never been to Convict Lake before, you really should plan a visit. It’s one of the most beautiful, photogenic and easy-to-access…
Contains affiliate links | 3 minute read
If you’ve never been to Convict Lake, you really should plan a visit. It’s one of the most beautiful, photogenic, easy-to-access lakes in the area.
While fishing is the top activity here, many people are unaware of the loop trail that encircles the lake. It’s a fairly easy-going trail with little elevation change.
In this article, we’re going to cover our experience hiking this trail for the first time. Topics such as where to find the trailhead, how Convict Lake got its name and more will be covered.
Quick Stats
Location: Convict Lake (Mammoth Lakes, CA)
Fee: None for the loop trail
Permit: None
Open: Spring, Summer & Fall
For: Hikers
Restroom: Near the trailhead
Parking: Small lot at the trailhead, larger lot further down the road
EV Stations: None
Difficulty: Easy
Popularity: Medium
Mileage: 2.5-miles
Time: 1 - 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 180-feet
Condition: Well-maintained
Features: Large lake surrounded by mountains
Pets: Allowed on leash
Drones: Not allowed
Hazards: None aside from usual wilderness hazards
Our Visit(s): October 2022
How To Get There
Getting to Convict Lake is pretty straight-forward as the street leading to the lake is directly off from Highway 395, just outside of Mammoth Lakes.
Regardless of which direction you’re traveling on the highway, you’ll want to turn onto Convict Lake road and follow that until it terminates at the lake.
For simplicity, plug in, “Convict Lake Resort”, into any GPS capable device and that’ll get you there. The resort is located right on the lake.
Trailhead & Parking
As you’re driving up on the lake, right before you’re forced to turn left, you’ll see a small parking lot for the marina on your right.
If there’s space, pull into this lot and park as this is the closest to the trailhead you can get. If not, continue left. There are numerous parking lots further down the road.
To find the trailhead, simply walk to the far end of the first parking lot (just a little bit past the marina). You’ll see trail signage indicating you’re in the right spot.
Convict Lake Loop
The trail is well-maintained and mostly flat throughout its entirety. You’ll encounter several small, gentle hills but most are barely noticeable.
Aside from a few moments of thick tree cover, the lake will be in view the entire time, giving you the opportunity to see it from multiple angles.
Also in view throughout much of the hike is Mount Morrison. This impressive, granite peak towers over Convict Lake at its head.
Mount Morrison is named after Robert Morrison, who was killed near the lake in a shootout with escaped convicts from Carson City (more on this later).
Along the trail, you’ll see many flora scattered throughout with rabbitbrush making multiple appearances (at least during our visit).
While not nearly as impressive of a view, be sure to look behind you as you progress. Many view the lake head-on but rarely do they see it from the opposite direction.
Prior to reaching the head of the lake, you’ll come across two forks on the trail. To remain on Convict Lake Loop proper, keep to the left at both junctions.
As you approach the head of the lake, you’ll come across a beach to relax on. There are many rocks and downed logs to sit on, as well as shade.
Depending on the time of year that you’re here, this beach may or may not be accessible. This is due to the decrease in snow pack as summer progresses.
Here, you’ll have easy access to the lake if you decide to go for a mid-hike swim (like I did) or to just simply dip your toes into the water.
When you’ve finished relaxing, simply continue in the same direction you were heading to complete the loop. More views await you.
Soon after passing the beach is when you’ll come across the boardwalk that elevates you above the creek. It’s fairly slim with no guardrails. So take care when passing others.
The reason for the boardwalk is the heavy run-off from melting snow pack early in the season. If it weren’t for this boardwalk, this section of trail would be inaccessible during that time.
We were here in mid-October, so there wasn’t any run-off to speak of. Even without the run-off, though, the boardwalk made for an idyllic element to the trail.
After a short while you’ll be back on hard compacted dirt and hiking through beautiful aspens before heading up a short incline to the other side of the lake.
Up until this point, the trail was relatively flat. On this side of the trail, you’ll encounter quite a few ups and downs. Fret not, they’re barely noticeable.
Soon, you’ll come to a point that’ll appear to be the end of the trail. That point is another beach with a large, paved parking lot just above it.
To re-join the trail, work your way through this area (or the parking lot). From this point forward, you’ll be on the paved, accessible portion of the trail.
Throughout this section of the trail, the views of Convict Lake and Mount Morrison will be heavily obstructed by trees.
Here and there, the views open up through the trees and as you near the end, you’ll come across an accessible fishing dock with a commending view.
From here, simply continue on until you’ve reached your vehicle. Better yet, stop by the marina and inquire about kayak or paddle board rentals.
You could also head a ways up the road and stop at the resort for lunch. They’re open daily during the summer months and most days in the fall.
How Did Convict Lake Get Its Name?
In 1871, a group of inmates escaped from a prison in Carson City and somehow, without shoes, made it all the way to what was then known as Monte Diablo Creek.
These days, with established highways, that trek would be about 140-miles. Keep in mind that Highway 395 wasn't constructed until 1926. So they trekked much, much longer than that.
At Monte Diablo Creek (what is now Convict Creek) Sheriff George Hightower and members of his posse (consisting of Robert Morrison, Mono Jim and others) encountered the inmates.
The inmates ambushed the posse and a shootout ensued. In the shootout, both Robert Morrison and Mono Jim were killed. The inmates got away, but were later captured in Round Valley.
For their sacrifice, the mountain towering over the lake was named, Mount Morrison, while the smaller peak adjacent to it was named Mono Jim.
Then, the lake was named, Convict. This gives the representation that the two posse members who perished will always have the watch over the convicts.
Your Thoughts…
Have you hiked the Convict Lake Loop before? If not, does this sound like a trail you and your family would enjoy?
Let us know in the comment section below! We love hearing from our readers.
Please support our website by subscribing to our newsletter below.
Thank you for reading.
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How To Visit Vikingsholm Castle In Emerald Bay State Park
Located along the beach and at the head of Emerald Bay State Park, Vikingsholm Castle is a fine example of Scandinavian…
3 minute read | contains affiliate links
Located along the beach and at the head of Emerald Bay State Park, Vikingsholm Castle is a fine example of Scandinavian architecture right here in Lake Tahoe.
This Nordic estate sits on 232-acres of pristine beach line, beautiful turquoise water, Fannette Island (the only island in Tahoe) and the only waterfall in Tahoe that flows directly into the lake.
Unlike most state parks and attractions like Vikingsholm, you cannot drive up to it. A visit to Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm requires you to either hike or boat in.
In this guide, we’ll cover all the necessary information you’ll need to plan a visit for yourself. Topics such as the hiking trail, parking, when to go and more will be covered.
Let’s get into it!
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Quick Stats
Location: Emerald Bay State Park, Lake Tahoe
Fee: $10 parking fee
Permit: None
Open: Year round, but road is sometimes closed in winter
For: Hikers, beach-goers, swimmers, kayakers, etc
Restroom: At the trailhead and at the beach
Parking: Medium-sized lot
EV Stations: None
Difficulty: Moderate
Popularity: High
Mileage: Two-miles, round trip
Time: A couple hours to a full day
Elevation Gain: 377-feet
Condition: Well-maintained and signed
Features: Vikingsholm Castle, waterfall and beach
Pets: Not allowed
Drones: Not allowed
Hazards: None other than usual wilderness dangers
Our Visit(s): August 2022
Parking and Location
Vikingsholm Castle is located in Emerald Bay, the crown jewel of Lake Tahoe. It’s one of the most popular destinations along the lake and thus, gets crowded quickly.
The key to a successful visit is to arrive early. Emerald Bay does have it’s own parking lot but for the crowds it sees, it’s inadequate at best.
We arrived just after 8am to a near empty lot. By 8:30am, while we were still gathering our things, the lot was nearly full. So arrive early. Earlier if you’re here on a holiday.
If you see this sign, you’ve arrived too late. It won’t re-open until enough space has been made and you’re not allowed to park on the side of the road.
You’ll either need to circle around a few times until spaces become available or try back again later in the day.
If you find space near the Eagle Falls trailhead, you can park there and walk to it but keep in mind, the road is very narrow and borderline hazardous for pedestrians.
The fee to use this lot is $10 for the day. This fee covers other California state parks in Tahoe during the same day (D.L. Bliss State Park is just down the road).
The pay stations accept cash or credit/debit cards. After paying, you’ll be given a receipt. You’ll need to display this receipt on your dashboard.
*Note: If you’re paying with cash, have the exact amount. The pay stations do not give change.
Just to the right of the pay stations is a booth. Head past this to access both the trail and the viewing deck for Emerald Bay.
Soon after passing the booth you’ll see a viewing deck on your right. This platform provides a commanding view of Emerald Bay and Fannette Island.
A lot of people simply get to this point, take their pictures and leave. If your intention is to visit the castle, then rejoin the trail and continue forward.
The Trail to Vikingsholm Castle
We’ll first address the difficulty of this trail. At more than a few spots, trail signage indicates how steep and borderline difficult the way back up can be.
From my perspective, the hike back up wasn’t bad. It was a constant incline and a little steep in some spots, but overall I didn’t have a problem with it.
That being said, if you have certain physical limitations, be honest with yourself. The way in is a breeze, but the way out can be difficult if you’re not acclimated to trails like this.
As stated above, the way in is a breeze. If you’re here early, the majority of the trail will have a plethora of shade and you’ll have sporadic views of Fannette Island.
As you near the end of the trail, you’ll reach a junction. If you go left, you’ll be on the Rubicon Trail. To continue to Vikingsholm Castle, go right.
Soon after this juncture, you’ll see the public restrooms for Emerald Bay on your right. Soon after that, you’ll see the back side of Vikingsholm Castle on your left.
Vikingsholm Castle
Vikingsholm Castle is sight to behold and one you’ll have to see for yourself to truly appreciate. How well it blends in with its natural surroundings is a wonderful example of how construction can compliment nature.
Vikingsholm Castle was designed by Swedish architect, Lennart Palme, in 1928. Palme was the nephew of the property owner, Lora Josephine Knight.
Construction of the castle was completed in 1929 and was used my Mrs. Knight and her family as a summer home (one of the first of which in Lake Tahoe).
The castle was owned by Mrs. Knight until her death in 1945. The castle traded hands a couple more times until the State of California acquired it in 1953.
Considering the jaw-dropping beauty of Emerald Bay, it’s crazy to imagine that someone once lived here. I know we would love to have Emerald Bay all to ourselves for the summer.
Tours of Vikingsholm Castle
Unfortunately, we didn’t partake in the tour of the castle as by the time the first one embarked, it was time for us to get going.
Tours of the castle are offered daily and take you through the interior. You’ll follow a knowledgable guide who’ll detail the history of the castle, its development and impact on the area.
Tour information is as follows:
Tours are guided
They are 30-minutes in length
They’re offered daily, early June - late September
Tour times are between 11am - 4pm
$15 per adult, $12 per child 7-17, free for under 7
Tickets can be purchased at the Emerald Bay Visitor Center
For more information on the guided tours, you can check out the Sierra State Parks Foundation.
Also, if you want further details of the history of Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm Castle and the people involved, we highly recommend checking out their official website.
Additional Activities in Emerald Bay
There’s more to do in Emerald Bay than just touring the castle. Many people make the trek down here to hang out on the beach and recreate on the lake.
There’s a dedicated (but small) swimming area near the center of the beach. There’s no swimming allowed outside this border due to the amount of vessels going through the bay.
Paddle boarding and kayaking are also popular activities. There’s a dedicated rental stand (Kayak Tahoe) where you can rent either one for an hour or for the day.
While I was here, I took the opportunity to try kayaking for the first time. It didn’t take me long to get it down so if you’ve never done it, don’t let that stop you.
If you’re interested in reading about my kayaking experience to Fannette Island and the Tea House, check out our article about it here.
Your Thoughts…
Have you visited Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm Castle or Fannette Island before? Do you have any additional tips about visiting this park? Let us know in the comments below. We love hearing from our readers!
Please support our website by sharing it with your family and friends.
Thank you for reading.
Hiking To Cascade Falls In South Lake Tahoe
Cascade Falls is a beautiful series of waterfalls just outside of the boundaries of Emerald Bay State Park in Lake Tahoe…
5 minute read | contains affiliate links
Cascade Falls is a beautiful series of waterfalls just outside the boundaries of Emerald Bay State Park in Lake Tahoe.
To get the full experience, you’ll need to see it in spring or early summer. Unfortunately, when we came, it was early August. So the run-off was lite.
However, the lack of run-off created dozens of tiny waterfalls scattered throughout (instead of one big cascading waterfall). So it was still a great experience.
In this guide, we’re going to cover all the information you’ll need to visit it for yourself. Topics such as directions, parking information, what to expect and more will be covered.
Let’s get into it.
Quick Stats
Location: West side of Lake Tahoe
Fee/Permit: $10 per vehicle parking fee
Open: Year round, but difficult to access in winter
For: Hikers
Parking: Semi-large parking area
Restroom: In the parking lot
EV Stations: None
Drone Use: Not allowed
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Popularity: High
Time: 2-3 hours
Milage: 2-miles, round trip
Elevation Gain: 255-feet
Trail Condition: Maintained, but very rocky
Main Feature(s): Cascading waterfall / views of the lake
Pets: Allowed on leash
Special Notes/Hazards: Trail is very rocky. Broken ankles aren’t uncommon on this trail
Our Visit(s): August 2022
Directions, Parking & Trailhead
Getting to the trailhead for Cascade Falls is easy and straight forward. Simply plug Bayview Campground into your GPS and follow the directions.
Shortly after entering Emerald Bay State Park, you’ll see a sign for Bayview Campground on the side of the road. Turn into this lot.
If there’s space available, a parking attendant will approach you to collect the parking fee. It is $10 per vehicle, payable by cash or check.
*Note: Credit/debit cards are not accepted as of 2022
Bayview is a former campground that was re-purposed into a parking for this popular trail. The former camp sites have been repurposed into parking spaces.
If there isn’t space available, you’ll be directed to find a spot along the side of the road. While you won’t have to pay for a spot here, you may have to circle around a couple times and it will add another half-mile to your overall hike.
Cascade Falls Trail
The trailhead is located at the back-end of the parking lot, across from the restrooms. This trailhead is also for the trail to Granite Lake and Maggie’s Peaks.
If you’re only going to Cascade Falls, a Desolation Wilderness permit isn’t required. If you’re going to Granite Lake or Maggie’s Peaks, then you will need to fill one out.
To go to Cascade Falls, head left at the trailhead. This section of the trail takes you under a plethora of shade from the pine trees and is relatively flat.
As you approach Cascade Lake, you’ll hit your first set of steps along this trail. At the top, you’ll get a partial view of Cascade Lake on your left. Keep going to get the full view.
As you reach the top, you’ll continue to follow the dirt/rock trail for another third-of-a-mile. Cascade Lake will remain on your left throughout its entirety.
As you get closer to Cascade Falls, you’ll see a small sign of an arrow pointing left posted on a tree. Heed these directions.
From here, the trail moves over solid granite rock and can be hard to follow. Simply use common sense and head in the direction of the waterfall.
Cascade Falls
As stated earlier in this post, if you’re here in spring or very early summer, you’ll be fortunate enough to experience the falls at peak flow.
We were here in early August, so the run-off was down to a trickle. If you happen to be here during this timeframe, fret not, you’ll be treated to dozens of mini waterfalls.
The best ones we found were closer to the bottom where the edge of the falls is, but there are others literally all over the place. You just have to find them.
If you’re a photographer (or aspiring one) be sure to bring a tripod and ND filter with you to help you get creative with your photos.
To get to the edge of Cascade Falls, you’ll need to scramble down some boulders but don’t worry, it’s nothing difficult.
From there, you’ll have a commanding view of Cascade Lake with Tahoe out in the distance. We’re not certain how accessible this spot is during peak flow, though.
From here, you can continue further up the trail to other desolation lakes. Keep in mind, though, that if you intend to do so you’ll need to have had filled out the permit at the trailhead.
If you’ve gotten your fill, simply head back in the same direction you came. You’ll be on an incline on your way out so make sure you’re prepared with plenty of water.
Your Thoughts…
Have you hiked to Cascade Falls before? Were you fortunate enough to see it at peak flow? Let us know in the comments below. We love hearing from our readers!
Please support our website by sharing it with your family and friends.
Thank you for reading.
Hike To Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake In Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is filled to the brim with hiking trails of varying lengths. Some can be done in a matter of hours while some will…
6 minute read | contains affiliate links
Lake Tahoe is filled to the brim with hiking trails of varying lengths. Some can be done in a matter of hours while some will take a day or two to complete.
If you’re new to hiking - or you’re a family with children in tow - you may be wondering which Tahoe trails would be best for you. Enter, Eagle Lake.
It’s a short, albeit rocky trail that begins at a beautiful waterfall (Eagle Falls) and concludes at the equally beautiful sub-alpine lake surrounded by rocky granite mountains.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you’ll need to know about this trail, including; how to get there, what to expect, pictures and more! Let’s get into it!
Here’s some great hiking equipment we recommend…
Quick Stats
Location: Emerald Bay State Park, Lake Tahoe
Fee/Permit: $10 per vehicle parking fee
Open: Year round (though the road to Emerald Bay does close in the winter if conditions are bad
For: Hikers
Parking: Small, paved lot at the trailhead and another (even smaller) lot along the road
Restroom: Yes. At the trailhead
EV Stations: None
Drone Use: Not allowed
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Popularity: High
Time: 2-3 hours
Milage: 1.9-miles, round-trip
Elevation Gain: 459-feet
Trail Condition: Maintained and clearly signed
Main Feature(s): Waterfall and lake
Pets: Allowed on leash
Special Notes/Hazards: This trail is VERY rocky.
Our Visit(s): 2016, 2018, & 2022
Location & Parking
While not contained within Emerald Bay State Park proper, the parking lot and trailhead can be found just outside its bounderies across the road.
From South Lake Tahoe:
Head south on Lake Tahoe blvd for 2.5 to 3-miles (depending on where you are in South Lake).
Turn right onto CA-89 north/Emerald Bay road.
You’ll soon hit a series of switchbacks and before long, you’ll arrive in Emerald Bay.
Don’t turn right in the lot when you see the sign for Emerald Bay. That’s for the campground.
Instead, continue straight until you see the sign for Eagle Falls (pictured above) and turn left into the parking lot.
From North Lake Tahoe:
Make your way to CA-89 south and stay on it for about 18-miles.
You’ll pass D.L. Bliss State Park before arriving.
After entering Emerald Bay, turn right into the parking lot at the Eagle Falls sign.
Parking is going to be the hardest part of this whole experience. For starters, the lot fills QUICKLY during the spring and summer months.
If you arrive before 9am, you’ll probably be ok. Any time after that, though, and you’ll have a rough time. It may be necessary to circle around a couple of times.
If the lot at the trailhead is full, there’s a small pull-out style lot along the road you can use. Every time we’ve gone, this was where we ended up parking.
The biggest advantage to parking here is you don’t have to pay the parking fee. If you park in the main lot, then you’ll need to pay the $10 per vehicle fee.
Lower Eagle Falls
One aspect of this hike people tend to miss is the lower section of Eagle Falls. To get to it, you’ll need to (safely) cross the road from the parking lot.
You won’t get the traditional, straight-on view of the falls, but you will have the opportunity to get close to it. Especially when the run-off starts to slow down.
From the lower falls, you’ll also get an awesome view of Emerald Bay and Fannette Island. You’ll be contending with trees slightly obstructing your view, though.
When you’re done taking in the views, simply head back up to the road and cross it to get back over to the Eagle Falls trailhead.
If you’re facing the lot, use the boardwalk style walkway on your left. This is a much safer route to the trailhead versus walking through the lot and dodging vehicles.
Upper Eagle Falls
The tail to Eagle Lake officially begins near the upper portion of Eagle Falls. From the trailhead to the bridge at the upper falls, it’s about a quarter-mile.
The trail immediately begins to climb from the trailhead up wide steps made from rock and wooden pillars. You’ll get a temporary reprieve at the top.
As the trail levels out, you’ll come to a junction. Going right will take you to an elevated viewing area for Eagle Falls. Going straight will take you to the bridge.
Shortly after the junction, the bridge will come into view. To the right of it, there’s a bench you can use to rest if needed.
To the left of the bench you’ll find a small viewing area that provides a full view of the upper falls with the bridge in the backdrop.
You will need to scramble down to it and it’s a bit sketchy. Taking small children down there probably wouldn’t be the best idea.
After crossing the bridge, you’ll see a small opening on your right between a few boulders and bushes. If you go through it, it’ll take you to the pond above Eagle Falls.
There wasn’t any signage stating to keep out but I would advise against against it considering it’s literally RIGHT above the crest of the falls.
To continue onto Eagle Lake, simply get back onto the trail and head up. From here, the trail gets even rockier. So watch your footing.
Trail To Eagle Lake
From this point forward, you’ll be in Tahoe’s Desolation Wilderness. In order to pass this point, you will have needed to fill out a permit at the trailhead.
The permit doesn’t cost anything. This is just their way of keeping track of how many people are in Desolation and in case anyone goes missing, they’ll have an idea where you are.
Simply fill out the permit at the trailhead and drop it into the iron ranger. This rule was suspended during the 2022 season but it’ll probably kick back up again in 2023.
From here, the trail gets even rockier than how it was before. It’s literally carved out of rock in most places. Being mindful of your footing is paramount. Many of the rocks are slick.
You’ll continue this incline for another quarter-mile or so before it flattens out up top for a temporary reprieve. From here, you’ll be treated to an epic view of Emerald Bay and the lake.
This middle section of the trail crosses over straight granite, making the trail a bit easy to lose at times. Follow the rocks lining the path and keep to the left.
If you want to see the view of Lake Tahoe as pictured above, you will need to leave the official trail a bit to see it.
Also coming into view throughout this section are the craggy peaks surrounding Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake. The scenery is simply stunning.
Before long, the trail will begin to ascend again as you make the final push to Eagle Lake. The sounds of the creek in the ravine below signals how close you’re getting.
The incline levels out a bit as the peak above Eagle Lake comes into view. You’ll pass another junction at this point. Keep straight.
Soon after this junction, you’ll come to Eagle Lake. Most people stop at the rocky beach near the outlet of the lake. For more privacy, continue straight to other spots.
Eagle Lake
As stated above, this small rocky beach is where most people stop. The outlet is right there and is lined with stepping stones to afford you access to the other side.
You can continue straight for other beaches with less crowds, but these aren’t very well maintained. So you’ll be fighting fallen branches and other hazards.
Eagle Lake sits at around 6,000-feet and is surrounded by rocky, granite peaks. It gets its water from snow melt run-off in the mountains.
The lake itself, while cold, is perfect for swimming or wading. We would recommend keeping kids away from the outlet of the lake, though.
From here, you have a couple choices. The first is you just head back the same way you came to the trailhead.
If you have enough energy, though, you can continue up the trail to more alpine lakes including Granite Lake, Dick’s Lake and Velma Lake.
This short-but-sweet hike to Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake is nothing short of spectacular. It packs a lot of punch with little effort required.
Your Thoughts…
Does this seems like a trail you and your family would enjoy? Tell us about it in the comment section below. We love hearing from our readers!
Please support our website by sharing it with your family and friends.
Thank you for reading.
How To Hike The Burney Falls Scenic Loop Trail
Burney Falls is one of the most visit state parks in all of California. Prior to covid, the park would see an average of 4,000…
3 minute read | contains affiliate links
Burney Falls is one of the most visited state parks in all of California. Prior to covid, the park would see an average of 4,000 daily visitors. Since covid, that number has more than tripled to an average of 13,000.
It’s no wonder, either. Burney Falls is a spectacular waterfall. On top of that, it’s one of the most easily accessible waterfalls as it can viewed from an accessible viewing deck just steps away from the parking lot or by taking a short, paved trail to the base.
Many people are completely unaware of the hiking trails contained within the park. So we’ve decided to write a post about the most popular one, the Burney Falls Scenic Loop. It’s a beautiful trail that begins at the rim of the falls and concludes at the base.
If you’ve never been there, you should check out our comprehensive guide on Burney Falls. In it, we cover a lot of information such as directions, camping, hiking trails, best time to visit and more! So if you’re looking for that information, you should definitely read that one and come back here.
Let’s get into it.
Quick Stats
Location: McArthur-Burney Falls State Park
Fee/Permit: $10 per vehicle to enter the park
Open: Year round
For: All visitors/hikers
Parking: Semi-large, paved lot
Restroom: At the visitor center
EV Stations: None
Drone Use: Not allowed
Difficulty: Easy
Popularity: Highly trafficked
Time: 1 hour or more
Milage: 1.2-miles
Elevation Gain: 167-feet
Trail Condition: Well maintained
Main Feature(s): Burney Falls
Pets: Not allowed
Special Notes/Hazards: Though it’s a beautiful trail, Burney Falls will be out-of-view for the majority of the hike
Our Visit(s): October 2016, August 2019, & May 2022
Trailhead, Parking & Direction
The trailhead for the Burney Falls loop trail is directly across the road from the park’s visitor center and parking lot. You’ll see a sign up ahead indicating as such (pictured above).
The parking lot is fairly large, probably closer to medium sized, actually. As we covered in our guide to Burney Falls, this lot tends to fill quickly in the summer months. So if you go during that time, we highly advise that you plan for an early arrival.
Once you’ve parked and paid your entry fee ($10), cross the street and head towards the rim of the falls to begin your hike. There’s a viewing deck where you can get a from above view of the falls.
Burney Falls Loop Trail
If all you want to do is go to the base of falls and leave, bear right towards the stairwell. It’ll only take a few minutes to get down there as it’s only a third-of-a-mile along a well-maintained path.
If you’re dead-set on the loop trail (as you should be) you’ll want to bear left along the dirt path. This trail also takes you to the base, just not as quickly.
Unfortunately, Burney Falls won’t be visible for much of the trail. In fact, you’ll only get the full view once you’ve circled down to the base. Shortly after the beginning of the trail, you’ll get one final look at it through some trees.
After a short time, you’ll arrive at the serene, ‘Fisherman’s Bridge’, crossing Burney Creek just upstream from the top of the falls. If you’re an angler, there are great spots here along the creek to fish for Rainbow Trout.
Be sure to stop near the middle of the bridge to take in the views. You won’t be able to see the crest of Burney Falls from here, but you’ll get a great view looking upstream of the creek.
After the bridge, turn right and you’ll enter a heavily forested portion of the trail filled with Douglas Firs and Oaks. Also along this stretch are a number of benches. Feel free to rest your feet for a moment and take in the sights around you.
The trail will begin to descend slightly along a series of gentle switchbacks. Before hitting the descent, you’ll pass a junction to the Pacific Crest Trail and a series of rocky steps built into the trail. No need to worry as the steps are easily navigable.
Near the halfway mark down the switchbacks you’ll get your first glimpse of Burney Falls since the start of the trail. Again, it’s through a collection of trees but it’s a gorgeous view nonetheless.
Rainbow Bridge Junction
At the bottom of the switchbacks you’ll come to another footbridge crossing over Burney Creek. This one is named, “Rainbow Bridge”. Much like the first one, stopping here to take in the views of the creek would be worth your while.
From here, you have two directions in which you could go. Going left from Rainbow Bridge will take you on a detour to Lake Britton. This is a solid option as the picturesque lake provides many recreational activities.
*Note: The detour to Lake Britton from this junction is closed for the 2022 season due to heavy storm damage to the trail. No word on when it’ll open. To reach Lake Britton, you’ll need to utilize the trail leaving from the rim of the falls and through the campground.
To keep to the loop trail and continue on to the falls, however, you’ll want to bear right as you’re walking off of the bridge. Along this stretch, you’ll pass a huge boulder field on your left. Showcasing evidence of the area’s volcanic past.
Soon, you’ll begin to hear the sounds of Burney Falls crashing into the pool below it and before long, it’ll come into view. There are many spots along this stretch of the creek to get an excellent side view of the falls. You’ll need to scramble a bit but trust us, it’s worth it.
The Base of Burney Falls
This is the main viewing area of Burney Falls and is where you would’ve ended up had you gone right at the trailhead instead of left. This area is defined by a perimeter made of rocks and is a somewhat small area (considering the crowds this park sees).
For a closer look - or to go for a swim in the pool below the falls - you’ll need to scramble down a rock field. The constant mist from the falls makes most of these rocks very slick. So be sure to watch your footing.
If you’re here on a particularly busy day (pretty much any day during the summer season) expect to find many, many people to be here. It doesn’t take long before that viewing area - and even the rock field - becomes a shoulder-to-shoulder situation.
We’ve never been here during winter, but we feel spring is the best time to go, crowds wise. Our most recent visit was the first week of May, 2022, and we practically had the falls all to ourselves. A few people came and went but that was it.
Once you’ve gotten your fill of the views, continue on the trail by heading up the paved switchbacks back to the rim (where you first began). Along the way, you’ll encounter several interpretive signs detailing the development and history of Burney Falls and the area.
It may be a persistent climb back to the rim but fret not, it isn’t that bad. The switchbacks are gentle and towards the end, there’s a couple sets of stairs to help with the final push.
Once you’re back at the rim and satisfied with your visit to the park, simply cross the road to get back to the parking lot. Or better yet, stop by the visitor center before leaving. They have many interesting/informative exhibits.
Which Direction Should You Go?
That’s entirely up to you, but we wrote this trail guide in the clockwise direction as that was the direction we went and feel it’s the way to go. The reason is because of the epic payoff at the end (Burney Falls).
However, there’s nothing that says you can’t go counter-clockwise. If you do, you’ll arrive at the falls after just a third-of-a-mile. To continue past that, head down the paved trail along the creek.
When you reach Rainbow Bridge, simply cross it and head up the dirt switchbacks and onward to Fisherman’s Bridge. There’s no right or wrong. Either direction will provide the same great views and experience.
*Tip: Be sure to read our comprehensive guide about Burney Falls State Park. It’ll help you plan your visit with information on weather, camping, amenities, directions and more!
Your Thoughts…
Does this sound a trail you and your family would enjoy hiking together? Have you been to Burney Falls or have you been dying to go? Tell us about it in the comments below. We love love hearing from our readers!
Please support our website by sharing it with your family and friends.
Thank you for reading.
Hedge Creek Falls: A Short Hike To An Incredible Waterfall
While not a grand sight or a long hike deep into the wilderness, Hedge Creek Falls still packs a punch as a highly scenic…
3 minute read | Contains affiliate links
While not a grand sight or a long, deep hike into the wilderness, Hedge Creek Falls still packs a punch as a highly scenic, simple trail terminating at the 35-foot waterfall spilling over a hanging wall of basalt.
The trail’s unique feature, aside from the waterfall itself, gives hikers the rare chance of going behind the waterfall via a large cleft in the rock.
Hedge Creek Falls is perfect for families with small children, pets, or anyone who happens to be driving by and wants to stretch their legs. Both the parking lot and trailhead are conveniently located right off Interstate-5.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you’ll need or want to know about hiking to Hedge Creek Falls. Let’s get into it.
Quick Stats
Location: Dunsmuir, CA
Fee/Permit: None
Open: All year
For: Hikers
Parking: Small dirt lot across the street from the trailhead
Restroom: Port-O-Potty in the parking lot
EV Stations: None
Drone Use: No signs stating you can’t
Difficulty: Easy
Popularity: Moderate
Time: Less than an hour
Milage: 0.7-miles, out and back
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Trail Condition: Well maintained
Main Feature(s): 35 foot waterfall, views of Mount Shasta, and views of the Sacramento River
Pets: Allowed on leash
Special Notes/Hazards: Vehicle break-ins are common in the trail’s parking lot
Our Visit(s): May 2022
*Please practice leave no trace principles and keep to the trail
Trailhead and Parking
The Hedge Creek Falls trail is probably one of the easiest trailheads on earth to find. Both it and the parking lot are located directly off Interstate-5 on Dunsmuir Ave.
Whether you’re traveling south or north on I-5S, you will see signs for Hedge Creek as you get close. From either direction, take exit #732 and go right on Dunsmuir Ave and it’ll be right there.
If you’re coming from Burney Falls, simply travel north on CA-89 for about 56-miles before jumping on Interstate-5 south for a short time. From there, follow the same directions above.
The parking lot is of the dirt variety and small. It fills rather quickly in the summer so the sooner you can arrive, the better. To find the trailhead, simply cross the street.
The Trail
The trail begins just past the water fountain on the left. It’s a well maintained, packed dirt trail with very little tripping hazards (rocks, branches, etc).
You’ll descend down to the falls under the cover of trees, providing plenty of shade even on the sunniest of days. After just a few minutes, you’ll take note of the sounds of Hedge Creek.
After just ten minutes or so, you’ll arrive at the waterfall. The time of year you’re visiting will determine how heavy the flow is. We were here in May and it wasn’t flowing very heavily.
As you approach the falls, the trail temporarily gets rockier (and slick during the winter) due to how close you’re able to get to both the falls and the creek.
Here, you’ll have the rare opportunity to walk directly behind a waterfall. There’s a large cleft cut into the columnar basalt wall for you to walk through.
You’ll also take notice of the dozens of handprints all over the walls of the hanging rock. These were left by visitors who used the mud in the cleft to leave those prints.
From here, the trail continues for another tenth of a mile to a spectacular view of the Sacramento River and an ‘ok’ view of the summit of Mount Shasta (the rest is obstructed by trees).
Onward to Mossbrea Falls
Now, there’s (almost) nowhere left to go. Most will simply turn around and go back their car. Others could cross the river (if it’s safe) and continue on to an even more beautiful waterfall, “Mossbrea Falls”.
Currently, there’s only an unofficial trail to Mossbrea that requires hikers to commit the crime of trespassing on more than one occasion. So the only other way is to cross the river.
The Mount Shasta Trail Association has been making efforts to finally construct an official trail. Essentially, the plan is to connect Mossbrea Falls to the Hedge Creek Falls trail via a bridge over the river.
Unfortunately, there hasn’t been much progress as the last update given by the MSTA was back in July of 2020. If you want to keep tabs on this project, go here.
Hopefully this project will pick up steam soon because Mossbrea Falls is amazing and it’s criminal that it can’t be accessed without risking a misdemeanor charge.
Have you been to Hedge Creek Falls? Or are you a local and have heard any rumors about the trail to Mossbrea or what the hold up’s about? Lets us know about it in the comments below!
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McCloud River Falls: Three Fantastic Waterfalls in One Hike
Just a short distance between two popular Northern California towns; Burney and Dunsmuir, McCloud Falls is a series of three…
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Just a short distance between two popular Northern California towns; Burney and Dunsmuir, McCloud Falls is a series of three beautiful waterfalls along the McCloud River.
Lower, Middle, and Upper McCloud Falls are easily accessible by foot via a 3.9-mile (out-and-back) hiking trail or by driving to each one via the paved road connecting the three. Additionally, each fall has its own parking lot with picnic tables, signage, restrooms and a campground nearby.
In this guide, we’ll cover a few things you’ll need to know about each of the falls like where to find them, how to access them once you’re there, etc. Let’s get into it.
Quick Stats
Location: McCloud, CA (in between Burney and Dunsmuir)
Fee/Permit: None
Open: Year round, but can be difficult to access in winter
Parking: Large, paved lots at each waterfall
Restroom: Three (one at each waterfall)
EV Stations: None
Drone Use: Allowed (UAV must be registered and follow applicable laws)
Difficulty: Easy by vehicle / Easy to moderate by foot
Popularity: Popular
When: Weekdays and early is best for lower crowds
Time: 2-3 hours
Milage: 3.9 miles, out and back via the trail
Elevation Gain: 337-feet
Trail Condition: Well maintained and easy to follow
Main Feature(s): Three waterfalls of varying heights
Campground: Fowler’s Campground (located near the lower falls)
Pets: Allowed on leash
Special Notes/Hazards: Each waterfall can either be hiked or driven to. No specific dangers aside from usual wilderness hazards.
Our Visit(s): August 2019 & May 2022
Directions To McCloud Falls
If you already happen to be at Burney Falls (or will be), making McCloud Falls part of your itinerary is easy as it’s just under fifty miles away. Even better, if you’re coming from Interstate-5, it’s only thirty(ish) miles away.
McCloud Falls is a well known destination, so simply plugging that into your GPS of choice will get you there without issue. If you’re not a tech person, here’s the simple directions:
From Burney: Go north on Highway 89 for 35-40 miles, then take a left onto Fowler Public Camp road and follow the directions.
From Dunsmuir: Go north on Interstate-5 and take the exit for Highway 89 south. Follow this for about 20-25 miles and take a right onto Fowler Public Camp road.
The road leading to the falls is paved and well maintained. You just need to decide whether you’re going to hike to all three or simply drive.
The falls are handicap accessible and feature viewing decks straight off of the parking lots. For those who wish to, you have the option to walk down to the base of each one for a closer look.
Because we stopped here between our visits to Dunsmuir and Burney, we decided to drive to each waterfall and walk down to their bases to save time. While I recommend hiking the trail connecting the three, you can save a significant amount of time by doing what we did.
Lower McCloud Falls
The lower falls is a great place to begin your visit. The parking lot is paved and decently large. The viewing deck is just off the parking lot, past the restrooms.
If you’re able, I highly recommend going down the stone steps to get a closer view of this 15-foot waterfall. These stone steps is also where the official beginning (or end) of the hiking trail is. I have seen pictures of people swimming in the emerald green plunge pool, so I assume it’s allowed.
In fact, while you’re there, look for metal hooks embedded into the rock. According to a local I spoke with, those are the remains of what used to be a ladder swimmers used to climb out.
From here, you can either start hiking up the trail to the middle falls or head back to your car and drive up. If you drive, simply take a right up the road and look out of the waterfall sign.
Middle McCloud Falls
The middle falls was our favorite and arguably the most impressive of the three. If you only have time for one, I recommend this one. If you’re hiking here from the lower falls, the trail will take you straight to the base. If you drive, you’ll need to hike down or simply view it from above.
To get to the base, you’ll need to hike the short, quarter-mile(ish) trail to the bottom. It’s easy to miss and there isn’t any signage indicating where to go (at least none that we saw). What you’ll look out for is a dirt path, lined with rocks, spurring off to the right from the paved one going to the viewing deck.
The trail consists of packed dirt and while a bit rocky in some spots, overall it’s a well-maintained, easy to-follow trail. You’ll take a short series of graded switchbacks before reaching the bottom.
When the trail flattens out at the bottom, keep left to the falls and you’ll eventually reach a rest area. Between you and the falls is a boulder field that you’ll need to scramble over if you want a closer view. The pool in front of the falls is perfect for swimming and while we don’t how deep it is, we have seen videos of people cliff jumping into it, indicating it’s decently deep.
Out of the three, the middle fall is where we spent the majority of our time. I wrote an extensive post highlighting the middle falls and its trail if you’d like to read more about it.
Upper McCloud Falls
The upper falls is the one with second tallest plunge at 30-feet. Similar to the lower fall, it’s narrow and dumps into a small pool but unlike the lower fall, it’s carved out an opening between the basalt rock walls, rather than just spilling over it.
There’s a plethora of viewing space up top but unfortunately, none of them provided an impressive view of the waterfall (in my opinion, anyway). To get a better view, you’ll need to rough it a bit.
Just past the last viewing deck, where the dirt trail begins, you’ll see a spur trail on your left going straight down to the waterline. Watch your footing and take your time. It’s short, but steep with nothing but loose dirt and rocks. Taking a spill here wouldn’t feel good.
There isn’t a lot of space at the water’s edge. Most of it consists of awkwardly spaced boulders that you’ll need to sit or stand on to view the waterfall.
When you’re done, head back up and go a little further upstream to see the cascades feeding the waterfall or read about the development of these falls on the informational signs near the trailhead.
Hike or Drive?
That all depends on personal preference, physical limitations, how much time you have, etc. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Hiking the trail: You’ll need to ensure you have the proper equipment with you such as trekking poles (see my recommendation here), hiking boots/shoes, water, sun protection, etc. Each waterfall is less than one mile from the next and the only real “challenging” part is the uphill slog out of the middle fall. Aside from that, it’s a fairly simple trail.
Driving to each fall: For those short on time or with physical limitations, this would be the best option. Each fall has its own parking lot and all of the upper viewing decks are wheelchair accessible. If you’re able, you can still get a close view of each waterfall (which is really the main point, anyway).
As far as where to start, that’s also your personal preference. If you’re hiking with a group with multiple vehicles, our recommendation would be to leave a vehicle at the lower fall, take another up to the upper fall, and start the hike there.
This strategy is two-fold as:
You’re hiking down to the lower falls, bypassing having to work your way up and out of the middle falls.
Saves you time by cutting the hike in half.
If you’re driving, it doesn’t really matter where you start. If you only have time for one waterfall, we recommend the middle falls as it’s the largest, most scenic/photogenic, and has the best swimming hole.
Barney Lake: A Beautiful Day Hike Near Bridgeport
Hiking to Barney Lake via the Robinson Creek trail is one of the many premier hiking experiences in Mono County…
3 minute read | contains affiliate links
Hiking to Barney Lake via the Robinson Creek trail is one of the many premier hiking experiences in Mono County.
The trailhead is located behind the campground at Mono Village, which is just 10-miles or so outside of the small town of Bridgeport.
We have hiked this trail many times. It’s one of our favorites. In fact, it was on this trail where the idea and name for this website was born.
In this guide, we’ll cover topics such as directions, what to expect along the trail, places to eat and more! Let’s get into it.
Here’s some great hiking products we recommend…
Quick Stats
Location: Bridgeport, CA
Fee: None
Permit: None
Open: Year round, though difficult to access in winter
For: Hikers & Equestrians
Restroom: At the trailhead in the campground
Parking: Large day-use dirt lot
EV Stations: None
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Popularity: Medium
Mileage: 8-9 miles, roundtrip
Time: 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,223-feet
Condition: Fairly maintained, mostly unsigned
Features: Robinson Creek & Barney Lake
Pets: Allowed on leash
Drones: Not allowed
Hazards: None aside from usual wilderness dangers
Our Visit(s): 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, & 2021
Mono Village Campground
As stated at the beginning of this post, the trailhead for Barney Lake is behind the campground at Mono Village.
Mono Village is easy to get to from the town of Bridgeport. From town, go down Twin Lakes road and continue straight for about ten miles.
Mono Village is located at the terminus of Twin Lakes road. You’ll literally run right into it. Shortly after arriving, you can park in the day-use lot on the left.
If you have time before or after your hike, there’s plenty to do at Mono Village if you’re here during their normal operational months. These include:
A large campground with many sites for tents, RV’s, etc.
Boat, Kayak and Paddleboard rentals
Bait & tackle shop
A general store
Restaurant
If you need to use the restroom before heading out, you can find one just behind the restaurant. If you’re eating there, there’s also one inside.
Finding The Barney Lake Trailhead
To find the trailhead, stand near the check-in booth to the left of the restaurant and face the campground.
Ahead of you, you’ll see two trees with a pathway going between them and yellow markers on each tree. Head between those trees.
Continue on this pathway until you see a meadow at the rear of the campground. Keep going straight while keeping this meadow on your left.
After a half-a-mile or so, you’ll see the one and only trail sign on this trail. It’s an arrow pointing right and says, Barney Lake, on it. Bear right with the sign.
Robinson Creek Trail to Barney Lake
As of now, you’re officially on the Robinson Creek trail. Initially, this part of the trail is mostly flat, with a few gentle inclines here and there.
There’s a plethora of tree cover and if you’re here during spring and early summer, there will be a few creeks to cross (easy to do).
After a mile or so, you’ll enter a large meadow with mountain peaks surrounding you. There isn’t a lot of shade on this section of the trail.
*Tip: Be sure to bring plenty of water with you. Tap to check out the Hydration Backpack we recommend (affiliate link). It can carry 2-liters of water in addition to your day-hike essentials.
You’ll eventually dip back down under tree cover but don’t get too excited. After a short time, you’ll come out of tree cover and start going at a slight incline.
This is also where you’ll meet back up with Robinson Creek. Aside from the lake itself, this is our favorite part of the trail.
There’s a few spots here where you can take a break and admire a couple mini waterfalls. All the while enjoying your return to tree cover.
Once you feel rested, continue up the trail. After coming into another opening, you’ll arrive to the start of the switchbacks (at this point, you’re close to the lake).
These switchbacks aren’t bad at all, but this is the least maintained part of the trail. There’s a lot of overgrowth.
To make matters worse, if you’re here in the spring or early summer, they’re muddy and slick from the water run-off.
About halfway up the switchbacks, you’ll come to a point where it seems as though the trail disappears. Continue up and over the granite rock to rejoin the trail.
Shortly after this point, the trail will flatten out and the sight of Barney Lake will soon come into view.
Barney Lake
The scenery at Barney Lake is impossibly gorgeous. Especially if you’re here on a day without wind. The surface of the lake is glass-like.
The west end of the lake (near the outlet) provides an alternate view, los of shade and many seating opportunities.
If you’re here in spring, the beach may be non-existent due to the amount of snow melt still coming off the mountains.
Throughout summer, as snowmelt lessens and water levels subside, the beach becomes more prominent.
Optional Lakes
From here, you have two choices. The first one is you can simply finish up with your hike and make your way back to the trailhead.
If you still have some energy to burn, you can continue up the trail and onto additional, even more amazing lakes.
Some of these lakes include Crown Lake, Robinson Lake, Peeler Lakes, Snow Lake and more!
Additionally, you can go even further by making your way over the pass and dropping into the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne in Yosemite.
Unless you’re a super fit hiker, you’ll need to secure a permit to do most of these as you’ll be spending a night or three in the backcountry.
*Tip: If you’re feeling hungry after your hike, stop by the Burger Barn before heading home. Tap the link to check out our post about them!
Your Thoughts…
Have you hiked to Barney Lake before? If so, tell us about your experience in the comment section below. We love hearing from our readers!
Please support our website by sharing it with your family and friends.
Thank you for reading.
The Mist Trail: Hike One Of Yosemite's Most Beautiful Trails
Yosemite National Park is filled to the brim with many popular and beautiful natural attractions and trails. However, there are a select handful that are…
5 minute read | Contains affiliate links
Yosemite is filled to the brim with many popular and beautiful natural attractions and trails. However, there are a select handful that are insanely popular in the park.
We have been blessed to have hiked many Yosemite trails and while they are all amazing in their own right, there are two that stand out from the pack; Half Dome and The Mist Trail.
We’ve covered Half Dome in a previous article that details my experience and gives you a good idea of what to expect.
While The Mist Trail is partially covered in that one (The Mist Trail is where most hikers begin), we felt it to be deserving of its own detailed, dedicated post.
Quick Stats
Location: Yosemite National Park (Valley)
Red Tape: None for the trail, but you’ll need to pay the park entrance fee
Open: Spring through Fall
For: Hikers only
Parking: Large dirt lot a quarter mile from the trailhead
Restroom: Two. One at the Vernal footbridge and another at the top of Nevada Fall
EV Stations: None
Drone Use: Not allowed
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Time: Two to four hours
Milage: Three miles (RT) to Vernal Fall / Seven miles (RT) to Nevada Fall
Elevation Gain: 1,925 feet
Trail Condition: Well maintained and marked
Main Feature(s): Vernal Fall & Nevada Fall
Pets: Not allowed
Special Notes/Hazards: The stone steps along the trail are slick, some are steep, and they can be dangerous. Watch your footing
Our Visit(s): September 2017 & June 2020
The Mist Trail
Parking can be somewhat complicated for this trail (Yosemite as a whole, really). This trail is one of, if not the, most popular in the park. So the lot fills quickly.
Those who are hiking Half Dome utilize this trail and parking lot as well and they get an early start. So the lot may be already partially full by the time the sun rises.
Usually, if you get here before 9am, you’ll likely score yourself a spot. If it’s full, signs will be posted alerting you to that.
Your options in this case would be to park at Curry Village (an additional half a mile away) or park elsewhere in the park and take the free shuttle.
Private vehicles are not allowed on the road going to the trailhead. So either way, you’re going to have to walk to get there.
Simply follow the road to the trailhead. It’ll be to your right after the bridge. After a short distance, you’ll see a gate and trail signage on your left. This is the official starting point.
Vernal Falls
The first feature on this trail is the beautiful Vernal Fall. Not counting the distance from the parking lot, it’s 1.5 miles from the trailhead to the top of Vernal.
Don’t let the short distance fool you. This trail is anything but easy. It’s a relentless, uphill slog nearly the entire way. Not to mention the slick, stone steps.
After a mile, you’ll arrive at the Vernal Fall footbridge. Here, you’ll get your first and only opportunity at filtered water via the fountain. You’ll also have access to the first of two restrooms.
Both are located just past the bridge. This is the point where a lot of visitors decide to call it a day and head back (you do get a slight view of the falls from the bridge).
You’ll also have a fork in the trail here. If you don’t want to deal with the slick stone steps, you can take the John Muir Trail.
This trail is on a far more even grade, but it will not take you to the base of Vernal and it will add a bit more time to your hike. To experience the mist, continue left on the trail proper.
The trail begins to climb again as you get closer to Vernal. Soon, you’ll approach the beginning of the stone steps and get your first glimpse of this magnificent waterfall.
I’ve never counted them, but according to my research, there are 500-600 of these steps. Again, these steps are SLICK. Be mindful of your footing.
As you make your way up the steps, it’ll soon dawn on you where this trail’s namesake comes from. Though the amount of mist you experience will depend on the time of year.
If you’re here in the fall, you’ll experience little, if any. This is due to the falls not flowing as heavily as they do in the spring.
That said, come during spring or early summer and you’ll definitely find out why it’s called the Mist Trail. You WILL get wet. Soaked, even.
We caution anyone with a camera that isn’t properly weather sealed to stow it away before proceeding. Also, If you’re against getting wet, a poncho would be advisable.
Once you’ve reached the mid-way point between the steps (you’ll know you’re there when you’re on a flat-ish area at eye level with the waterfall), you’ll be mostly out of the reach of the mist.
You’ll also have a decent amount of tree cover to help you escape the sun for a bit with various rocks to site on, if needed.
From here, you’ll have an epic view of the gorge that Vernal dumps into and the river, which has been cutting through here for many years. It’s an amazing, unbeatable sight.
If you’re lucky, the sun will hit the mist just right and present you with a rainbow (or two) to gaze at. At this point, you’re roughly one-mile into the hike.
From here, you’ll have a choice. This is the point where a lot of visitors decide to turn back. However there are more amazing views at the top of Vernal.
To do this, you must hike another half mile up a few hundred more stone steps. These steps are not usually as slick as the ones along the base, though.
Pictured above, you’ll see the last of the steps you’ll need to tackle before reaching the top. Once up there, you’ll see much more of the gorge leading into the valley and get up close to Vernal’s edge.
The river you see feeding the falls is the Merced River. The waters leading to the edge usually appear calm, but strong currents are always present.
At the edge, the Merced dumps millions of gallons of water 317-feet into the gorge below. The view up here is simply remarkable.
From here, you'll again have a choice to make. You can head back to your car or you can continue on for another 1.5 miles to Nevada Fall.
Nevada Falls
About a mile from Vernal, you’ll come to the Nevada Fall footbridge. The view of the Merced cutting through the granite boulders is an amazing sight.
From the bridge, you’ll have a great view of Liberty Cap. Many visitors mistake this for Half Dome (wishful thinking). From here, you’re close to the end of the trail (and another restroom).
While Nevada doesn’t produce nearly the amount of mist that Vernal does, the steps will still be slick. The good news is you won’t have as many to deal with as in between the steps are moments of compact dirt.
Once at the top, there’s rocks and log furniture to take a break on. There’s also the second opportunity for restroom use. This one is surprisingly well maintained.
If you’re a Half Dome permit holder, you’ll want to continue onward from here. For you Mist Trail day hikers, it’s time to head back. You’ll have two options on how to do this:
You can take the John Muir Trail down. This will add another mile to the hike, but its much smoother as you won’t have to negotiate the stone steps. Plus, you’ll get a unique view of Nevada Fall.
You can head back down the same way you came up. Keep in mind, going down those steps is worse than going up (especially if they’re slick). Going down the JMT may add an hour, but it wouldn’t necessarily add more time as it would more than likely take longer to deal with the steps.
On our 2017 visit, we opted to go back down the Mist Trail versus the JMT. Almost immediately, I regretted that decision. Seriously, consider the JMT.
Things to Remember
This is NOT an easy going trail. It may be fairly short, but don’t underestimate the potential dangers. More people have been killed or hurt on this trail than any other in the park. That includes Half Dome. It is sun exposed, has thousands of slick stone steps, and a powerful river running through it. Keep to the trail, watch your step, bring plenty of water/snacks, and don’t overdue it.
Swimming or wading is NOT allowed. Years ago, people were able to swim in the emerald pools up river from Vernal Fall. Unfortunately, those days are over. Far too many deaths have occurred from people getting swept over the edge.
The trailhead parking lot fills up early. The closest parking lot to the trailhead fills up quickly. Even if you do snag a spot, you’ll still have to walk a quarter-mile to the trailhead. So keep this in mind when planning your day and prepare for the possibility of having to park further away and taking the shuttle in.
Have a great time. Despite the potential dangers, this trail is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful trails you’ll ever hike. Pace yourself, take pictures, and be sure to pause and allow the beauty of Yosemite to consume you. If you only have time for one day hike during your visit, this is the one.
A quick note…
We’re often asked about the equipment we use to capture the photos on our website. Below, we’ve added Amazon links to those products and others that we recommend.
If you decide to purchase, Amazon will pay us a small commission. This helps us keep Inked with Wanderlust running and doesn’t cost you anything extra.
“Understanding Exposure” by Bryan Peterson (this book is a great resource for anyone starting out in photography)
Conclusion
It is our hope that this article was helpful to you in planning your next adventure. If so, please share it with your family and friends on Facebook or Pinterest.
You can further show support by subscribing to our newsletter below. In it, you’ll receive a once weekly newsletter containing announcements, new post alerts, news, and more!
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please engage with us in the comment section below.
Thanks for reading and safe travels!
Explore Sutro Baths and Hike The Lands End Trail in San Francisco
Located in the northwestern corner of the beautiful city of San Francisco, a coastal oasis awaits eager visitors and hikers alike; Lands End…
7 minute read | Contains affiliate links
Located in the northwestern corner of the beautiful city of San Francisco, a coastal oasis awaits eager visitors and hikers alike; Lands End.
From the moment you leave your vehicle, you’re treated to near non-stop stunning views of the city’s coast, Golden Gate Bridge, Pacific Ocean, and Marin Headlands.
If that wasn’t enough, you’ll also get to check out many historic sights and subjects such as the USS San Francisco Memorial, Sutro Baths, Cliff House, and more!
You can spend your visit just exploring the ruins of the Sutro Baths or extend your visit by hiking this short, but beautiful stretch of California’s infamous, Coastal Trail.
So how do you get to Lands End? Is the trail dog friendly? How many miles is it? We’ll answer all these questions and more below. Let’s get into it!
Lands End Information
Lands End Lookout
The parking lot for Lands End is located in the Sutro Heights district of the city, just off of Point Lobos Ave.
Here, you can access the Visitor Center, Cliff House, Sutro Bath ruins, and the trailhead for the Lands End trail.
For GPS purposes, here is the address:
680 Point Lobos Ave. San Francisco, CA, 94121
Sutro Baths Ruins
From the parking lot, you’ll see a stairwell descending towards the ocean. This stairwell will take you down to the Sutro Baths ruins.
The Sutro Baths complex was a massive saltwater swimming pool owned by Adolph Sutro. They were built in 1894 and remained opened until 1964.
The complex was sold to real estate developers with the idea to build ocean-side condos, but a fire in 1966 put an end to that plan.
Now run by the National Park Service, all that remains of the baths are the concrete foundations, walls, and stairwells.
It may seem like nothing, but the ruins are fun to explore. You’re free to climb and walk on them but be careful! One misstep and you’re in the ocean.
To the right of the ruins is a tunnel carved into the rock. It isn’t long and there’s not much to see at the end, but it’s still a cool feature of the area.
Sutro Baths Upper Traill
On the concrete path to the ruins, you’ll notice a dirt path that spurs off up and to the right. This is the Upper Trail.
The view from above will give you an idea of just how massive the Sutro Baths complex really was.
Lands End Trail
Trailhead near Sutro Baths.
Trail Information
The trailhead on the lookout side of the trail is adjacent to the parking lot. If you’re facing Sutro Baths at the top, go right.
You can access the other side of the trail by parking near the Legion of Honor building and walking down the pathway along the road.
Trailhead near Legion of Honor off of Lincoln Highway.
The Lands End trail is a section of the infamous, Coastal Trail. A near 1200-mile trail stretching from Mexico up to Oregon.
The Lands End portion is 1.5-miles, one-way, along a mostly dirt path winding along beautiful coastal bluffs lined with Cypress trees.
The trail is easy-to-mild in difficulty, but does present a few moderately challenging stairwells at certain points.
The trail starts out (from the lookout side) on a wide path under Cypress trees, before opening up to an amazing view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
About halfway through, the path narrows and turns into a more traditional hiking trail. For the most part, the trail is very shaded.
*Bathroom Alert: In short, there are none. Not on the trail, anyway. There are bathrooms at the Lands End Lookout visitor center and occasionally, there’s a portable restroom near Fort Miley at the dead-end.
Trail Detours & Features
If you just want to go from one end to another, you can. However, along the way, you’ll encounter a few cool detours you should consider taking.
Lands End Point
At around the half-mile point (coming from the lookout side), you’ll see a sign pointing towards a set of steep steps (pictured below).
This stairwell will take you down to three great detours; Lands End Point, Mile Rock Beach, and Lands End Labyrinth.
Halfway down the stairwell, where it flattens, veer to right to Lands End Point. It features a spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
It makes for an excellent spot to take a break and take some photos. You could also enjoy a picnic here with your partner.
You’ll see remnants of a foundation that held some kind of military artillery. To the left of that is the Lands End Labyrinth (our photo didn’t turn out well at all. Sorry).
*If you’re interested in more locations around the city with military history, check out our articles about Kirby Cove and the Muir Beach Overlook.
Mile Rock Beach
Taking the second set of stairs will take you to Mile Rock Beach. There’s also a short, but sketchy, path from Lands End Point you can take.
The beach is small, but beautiful. What it’s most known for are the seemingly hundreds of rock stacks along the cove.
These were left by many visitors over the years and the rocks used in the Labyrinth above the beach were taken from here.
Eagles Point
Eagles Point isn’t a detour as it’s directly off the trail, but it’s worth mentioning as it provides the closest view of the bridge on the trail.
If you’re starting on the Lincoln Highway side of the trail, you’ll see it right away as it’s just past the trailhead sign on your right.
Legion of Honor
Legion of Honor is a museum located near the trail in Lincoln Park. They display a collection of ancient and European artifacts from the last 4,000 years.
The Beaux-arts building was built in a way to commemorate Californian soldiers who were killed in battle during World War 1.
We would recommend visiting before or after your hike. For more information or to purchase advance tickets, go here.
USS San Francisco Memorial
This memorial was built to honor the memory of the men who died on the USS San Francisco during the Battle of Guadalcanal.
The memorial was built out of materials from the actual ship. You can see the holes made by enemy bullets all around it.
Coming from the Sutro Baths side of the trail, you’ll soon come to an opening on the trail with the Golden Gate Bridge on full display.
To the right of this viewing area, you’ll see a steep set of concrete steps on your right (you can’t miss them). Take these to the top and go right.
Additional Information
When To Go
The Lands End Trail and Sutro Baths are accessible throughout the year, so there’s no real bad time to go.
The summer months will obviously be the hottest and will have the heaviest crowds. Aside from that, it’s pretty much your preference.
It was late November when my Dad and I hiked this and we experienced minimal crowding and perfect weather.
Most of the crowds we saw were at the Sutro Baths and it was close to noon by the time we reached that point.
Cliff Warnings
Scattered throughout the trail and at Sutro Baths, you’ll likely notice signs such as the one pictured above. It’s best to heed these warnings.
Unfortunately, there have been many deaths along this trail. One being a 17-year-old girl who lost her life after falling over a cliff.
When my Dad and I were here, someone had fallen off a cliff after entering a restricted area near Sutro Baths.
Thankfully, he was recovered by Fire & Rescue Personnel and survived his injuries, but it could have been much, much worse.
Is The Trail Dog and Bike Friendly?
Dogs, leashed or not, are welcomed all along the trail and at Sutro Baths. Bikes, on the other hand, are a bit more complicated.
Bikes are allowed between Lands End Lookout and the cut-off for Mile Rock Beach. From there, there’s a bike trail that splits from the main one.
The new trail you’ll be on parallels Lands End Trail, but higher up and will eventually terminate near the Legion of Honor building.
A Quick Note…
We’re often asked about the equipment we use to capture the photos on our website. Below, you’ll find Amazon links to them.
If you decide to purchase, Amazon will give us a small commission. This helps us keep the site running and doesn’t cost you anything extra.
“Understanding Exposure” by Bryan Peterson (this book is an excellent resource for anyone getting into photography)
It is our hope that this article was helpful to you in planning your next adventure. If so, please share it with your family and friends on Facebook or Pinterest.
You can further show support by subscribing to our newsletter below. In it, you’ll receive a once weekly newsletter containing announcements, new post alerts, news, and more!
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please engage with us in the comment section below.
Thanks for reading and safe travels!
Kirby Cove: The Most Gorgeous View of The Golden Gate Bridge
There are countless ways vantage points could view the Golden Gate Bridge from. You could see it from the plazas on either…
There are countless vantage points one could view the Golden Gate Bridge from. You could see it from the plazas on either side, Battery Spencer, or Fort Point to name a few. Additionally, you could even walk or bike across it.
An estimated 10 million people, in one or another, visit the bridge every year. It is one of, if not THE most significant and recognizable landmarks in not just California, but the entire world. I could write an entire article on the countless view points. There’s one, however, I feel deserves the most praise.
I’m referring to Kirby Cove. A small enclave on the Marin Headlands side of the bridge. It’s accessible via a 1.5-mile trail that leaves from Conzelman road (just up the way from Battery Spencer). You may not get a close view, but seeing the bridge span across the bay with waves crashing against the rocky shoreline is a stunning sight.
So how do you get there? Where do you park? Can you just drive down there? All of these questions and more will be addressed in this article. If you weren’t planning on making a trip out to San Francisco this year, you very well may change your mind after seeing what this magical spot looks like. Here we go…
Trail Information
Kirby Cove trailhead. San Francisco, California.
Directions
As stated above, Kirby Cove is located on the Marin Headlands side of the bridge (opposite of the city). So if you’re already in the city, you’ll need to cross the bridge. If you’re coming into the city from the other side, the exit you’ll take is just before getting onto the bridge (or just coming off from the other side).
Take exit 442 to Alexander ave (We’re not kidding when we say it sneaks up on you. Be sure you’re paying attention or you’ll end up on the bridge and will have to pay toll)
Take a right on Alexander and shortly after, take a left on Bunker road
You’ll come to the single lane, “Bunker-Berry Tunnel”. Since it’s one lane, traffic is regulated via signal lights. You will likely have to wait a bit here
You’ll travel along Bunker road for a few miles before coming to McCullough road. Turn left here
When you come to the round-a-bout near Hawk Hill, you will take the Conzelman road exit and continue straight until you reach the signed trailhead
Parking
During our first visit in 2016, you essentially had to get lucky finding a spot at one of the 2-3 tiny pullouts along the road. Battery Spencer would’ve been your best bet as it’s the largest. Sometime between then and our most recent visit in December 2020, though, things have changed.
By altering the route people take to get here and making it a one-way road, they’ve increased the available parking tenfold via setting up parking spots along the side of the road in addition to the pull-outs. Regardless of this, parking still fills fast.
Our advice? Just pull into the first spot you see. Whether it’s the side of the road or in a pull-out, just take it. If you decide to roll the dice on getting a spot further down the road, you risk there being nothing available and you’ll be forced to drive around again (remember the single lane tunnel?)
The Trail
Trail to Kirby Cove. San Francisco, California.
The trail begins just up the way from the Battery Spencer parking lot. If you’ve managed to snag a parking spot here, congratulations! If you had to park further up, no worries. Simply walk down the road (on the dirt side) until you reach the signed trailhead.
Most people ask if they can just drive down there. The short answer is yes and no. The only real way to drive down is if you have a campground or event reservation (family reunion, birthday, etc.). Otherwise, you’re walking. If you want information on how to make a campground reservation, go here.
The trail is relatively smooth (if you're used to mountain trails this one will feel like a breeze). It’s a steep-ish, 1.5-mile hike to the bottom and is mostly sun exposed until you reach the campground. Just keep in mind that it can be a slog going back up so please stay hydrated.
Kirby Cove Campground
Kirby Cove campground.
Once the trail flattens out and you’re under tree cover, you’ll hook a left into the campground. Here, bathrooms are available if you’re in need of relief. If you feel like you’ve lost the trail, look for the logs positioned on the ground just as you enter the campground (pictured above).
Kirby Cove campground.
The campground is lush with cypress, eucalyptus, and pine trees providing plenty of shade. In the center of camp you’ll find a cluster of picnic tables and grills. We’re assuming this is where events are held. Shortly past this area is where you’ll see the bridge pictured above.
Battery Kirby
Battery Kirby.
After crossing the bridge, you’ll come across an old military artillery battery named, “Kirby Battery”. After construction in 1898, it was originally named, “Gravelly Beach Battery”, before being re-named to honor Lieutenant Edmund Kirby who died in 1853 during the Civil War.
Battery Kirby
This battery was built with concrete and had two M1895 mounted guns for defense. It was built in such a way where soldiers would have a commanding view of the bay while at the same time, making it nearly impossible for the enemy to see it from the water. If you'd like more information on the batteries around San Francisco Bay, go here.
Kirby Beach
Kirby Cove and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Just beyond Battery Kirby is the overlook that provides some of the best views you’ll ever see. To your right, waves crash against a rocky shoreline with endless ocean views. To your left is where you’ll get more rocky shorelines with the city of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge providing the most amazing backdrop.
Kirby Cove and the Golden Gate Bridge.
You’ll find stairwells on either side of you leading down to the beach. When we were here, there were quite a few fishermen here so if that’s your thing, bring your gear along. Most of the fishing seemed to take place on the right side of the beach but we did see one of the other end.
The Cave
Sea cave at Kirby Cove. San Francisco, California.
On the left side of the beach (facing the bridge) you’ll find a small sea cave cut into the rock wall. It isn’t much to look at but still cool, nonetheless. Access to it will depend on what the tide is doing. On our first visit, it wasn’t accessible but during our second visit, it was. If it looks sketchy, don’t risk it. As stated, it’s not much and isn’t worth being swept out to sea over.
Kirby Cove Swing
Kirby Cove swing. Now cut down.
Believe it or not, the expansive view of the ocean and bridge wasn’t always what Kirby Cove was known for. Around 2015 or so, images of people on a swing with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background began to spread through Instagram like wildfire and Kirby Cove became an overnight sensation.
When we came here in 2016, the swing was there. At that time, I was just getting into photography and all I had to work with was a cell phone (and not a good one), but my wife did manage to get a decent picture of me on it.
Kirby Cove. San Francisco, California.
Sometime between then and December 2020, the swing was taken down. NPS officials have taken it down a couple times before but a new one always managed to take its place. Now, though, the tree itself has been cut down entirely. Eliminating any possibility of a return.
We don’t know the exact reason(s) why the NPS is so against that swing being there but we have our suspicions. Either someone was injured to the point a lawsuit was filed or the NPS just wanted to avoid it all together. It’s understandable, but also unfortunate because that swing was pretty cool.
I don’t see how it could ever return but if it ever does, we will update this.
Conclusion
We hope this article about Kirby Cove has inspired you to visit this wonderful place. If so, please support our website by sharing it with your friends and family on social media. You can further show your support by staying on and reading one or more of the related articles above.
Thanks for reading and safe travels!
Hike The Virginia Lakes Trail In Mono County
There are a number of hikes in Mono County that, in my eyes, stand out from the crowd. Robinson Creek (Barney Lake), Lundy Canyon, Twenty Lakes Basin…
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There are numerous trails in Mono County that stand out from the crowd. Robinson Creek, Lundy Canyon, Twenty Lakes Basin, Crown Point Loop, and Virginia Lakes round out our personal top five in Mono County.
The Virginia Lakes trail is a great option for everyone from total beginners to seasoned backpackers as you can customize it to your comfort level.
You can keep it semi-shot only only hiking from the trailhead up to Frog Lakes. Then turn around. This will be about 6-miles, out-and-back.
If you want to push further, head past Frog Lakes up Burro Pass to higher elevation lakes like Summit Lake and Hoover Lakes.
So how do you go about hiking this beautiful trail? How do you get to the trailhead? What can you expect? We answer these questions and more below.
Quick Stats
Location: Mono County, CA (between Lee Vining and Bridgeport)
Fee: None
Permit: None
Open: Usually opens late spring and closes around November
For: Hikers
Restroom: At the trailhead
Parking: Large parking lot at the trailhead
EV Stations: None
Difficulty: Moderate
Popularity: Moderate to high
Mileage: 6-8 miles, out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 571 to 2,329 feet (depending how far you go)
Condition: Rocky, but maintained
Features: Numerous lakes and old mining cabin structures
Pets: Allowed on leash
Drones: Not allowed in Hoover Wilderness
Hazards: Nothing aside from usual wilderness hazards
Our Visit(s): 2018 & 2022
Getting to the Trailhead
Getting to the trailhead is pretty simple. If you’re coming from:
Bridgeport: You’ll travel on Highway 395 south for about 13 miles and turn right on Virginia Lakes road. From there, travel 5.5 miles until you reach the parking lot at the end of the road.
Lee Vining: Travel on Highway 395 north and turn left on Twin Lakes road (this will happen shortly after passing the Mono Lake Viewpoint) and follow the same directions above.
Virginia Lakes road is mostly paved and well maintained until around the last quarter mile or so. After passing Virginia Lakes Resort the road turns to gravel (don’t worry, compact cars will have no issues here).
Shortly after the start of the gravel section, you’ll reach the road’s terminus at the parking lot for Big Virginia Lake.
Parking is plentiful on both the upper and lower sections. The lower portion has picnic tables and the upper portion has the restrooms.
Speaking of the restrooms, look for the Hoover Wilderness information post behind them. This post is directly adjacent to the trailhead.
Before you head off, be sure to spend some time checking out Big Virginia Lake. This lake is VERY popular with fisherman.
There’s a short trail to Red Lake heading south away from Big Virginia you could use as a warm-up if you’d like to check it out.
The Trail
You’ll begin at 9,800 feet at the trailhead and trek an uphill slog right from the start. You can skip this by turning right on the trail along the lake (by the restroom) but if you do, you’ll miss out on an amazing view of Big Virginia (pictured above).
The trail will drop you back down a bit before flattening out. Around a quarter of a mile in, you’ll come to a sign announcing your official crossing into Hoover Wilderness and offers you two directions to go in.
Going in either direction will keep you on the trail but the one to the left hugs the lake while the one to the right takes you a bit up and around it. You can’t go wrong with either as both will eventually intersect again at Blue Lake.
Blue Lake
Shortly after crossing into Hoover Wilderness you’ll get your first glimpse of Blue Lake on your left.
This would make for an excellent place to stop for a quick break to take pictures. There’s a few spur trails leading to the lake’s rocky shore.
You’ll begin your ascent through a large scree field (don’t worry, the trail is obvious). Using trekking poles might be beneficial.
The trail flattens out at the top for a brief reprieve. While there, go off trail a bit to the rocky shelf to get an unparalleled view of the lake.
Miners Cabin & Cooney Lake
After some more climbing the trail will smooth out once again (this is common on this trail) and you’ll soon come across an old miner’s cabin.
Gold & silver mining was huge in this area in the late 1800’s. There are more cabins on other trails such as Lundy Canyon, Gaylor Lakes, and Mono Pass.
Support beams on the left side of the cabin keep it from falling over and rocks help keep the roof intact. It’s an interesting, unexpected find.
After the cabin you’ll begin to hear running water as you inch your way closer to the second lake; Cooney Lake (10,244 feet). Cooney was our favorite of the three.
Just before you arrive, depending on the time of year, you may find a small waterfall near the lake’s outlet. In spring and early summer it’s quite the sight. In fall, however, it’s a trickle.
Frog Lakes
Just a short distance from Cooney Lake is Frog Lakes. If you could view them from above you’ll see that they’re three lakes shaped in a triangular pattern.
We’re almost certain that they begin the season as one giant lake (right as the snow pact begins to melt).
To the north, picturesque granite crags make up the backdrop for these beautiful lakes. To the northeast, Dunderberg Peak (12,374 feet) fills in the skyline.
At this point, you’ve hiked about two miles and are at an elevation of 10,371 feet which gives you 571 feet of elevation gain from the trailhead.
Where to go From Here
This is usually the point where people decide what they want to do. Some choose to call it a day (which is what we did) and some decide to head up to Burro Pass (11,120 feet).
This would add another 1.2 miles up a rocky, barren series of switchbacks. From what i’ve been told by others who have do it, it’s challenging.
From there, you can hike to Summit Lake (10,183) and make it a four and half mile hike. You could also go right and hike to Hoover Lakes.
Your Thoughts…
Does the Virginia Lakes trail sound like one you and your family would enjoy? Let us know in the comments below! We love hearing from our readers.
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Editor’s note: This post was originally published in October 2020 and has been recently updated for comprehensiveness and accuracy.
How to Visit Devil's Postpile and Rainbow Falls
Formed roughly 80,000 years ago, the up to 60 foot basalt columns of Devil’s Postpile National Monument are a sight to behold. The saying, “you won’t believe it until you see it”, holds
Formed roughly 80,000 years ago, the up to 60 foot basalt columns of Devil’s Postpile National Monument are a sight to behold. The saying, “you won’t believe it until you see it”, holds true in this case. Pictures do no justice to this natural masterpiece.
Read along to find out how you can see it for yourself and witness one of the best examples of how much of a role Volcanos played in shaping the Sierras as we know it today.
Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center.
Your journey to Devil’s Postpile begins at the base of Mammoth Mountain in Mammoth Lakes, CA. With few exceptions, most visitors will be required to utilize the Monument’s shuttle that takes you down the access road to the valley.
The Shuttle
While the Monument itself is free, there is a fee to use this mandatory shuttle. Tickets can be purchased at the Adventure Center day of and as of 2019 it is $8.00 per person 15 and older, $4.00 per person between 3-15 years old, and free for those aged 2 and under (The shuttle rule was suspended in 2020 due to COVID-19).
As stated above, there are a few exceptions to this rule. They are:
Arrive before 7am or after 7pm
Have a handicap placard or plate
Are staying at either the valley campground or Red Meadow’s Resort.
You’re arriving after shuttle operating hours or season
You’re a hunter transporting game or weapons
You’re towing livestock and are using the livestock on valley trails
You have a cartop boat and are using it in valley lakes
READ ALSO: 7 Things You Will Love About Lee Vining
Shuttle line at Mammoth Mountain.
The shuttle runs on average every 45 minutes and usually takes 30 minutes or so to reach the valley. The line moves quickly due to plenty of seating on each shuttle along with some standing room (pro tip: If you’re standing, avoid locking your knees. Someone on the bus with me ate floor because of this).
Much like Yosemite’s east side, the Monument is seasonal and typically opens in mid June and closes in mid to late October. Be sure to keep this in mind when planning your trip.
Devil’s Postpile
Devils Postpile Monument.
The shuttle will make multiple stops along the access road. While you can reach the columns from Red’s Meadow, you’re going to want to get off at the Valley stop as this is the most direct and shortest route.
The valley is where you’ll find the campground, ranger station, bathrooms, and Soda Springs Meadow (which is where the trail to the columns begin). You can find the trailhead to the columns just beyond the Ranger Station.
Devils Postpile Monument.
It is just shy of .05 mile from the start of the trailhead to Devil’s Postpile. The trail is well maintained through Soda Springs Meadow but beyond this, you’ll start noticing thick tree roots and rocks getting in the way.
From here, it won’t be long before you get your first glimpse of Devil’s Postpile and when you do, you’ll be blown away. The columns formed around 80,000 years ago (give or take) after flowing lava cooled and cracked into what we see today.
Top of the Devils Postpile Monument.
Section of the San Joaquin River.
Just as you come upon it keep an eye out for a side trail to your left. This trail will take you to the top of the columns and allow you to touch their smooth, hexagon shaped surface. The trail is a bit steep but freight not, it’s short.
Take all the time you want to admire and photograph this amazing sight. The sun rises above the columns so the morning light tends to be harsh. I found the light much better on my way back out when the sun had time to move on. So if you want to get some good pictures, keep this mind.
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls. Mammoth Lakes.
You now have two choices. You can either stop here and head back to the shuttle once you’ve spent enough time admiring the Postpile or you can press on and head out to the other natural feature of the Monument; Rainbow Falls.
From here, it is another two miles to the falls. While that isn’t a lot and the trail is mostly flat with the occasional dip, there isn’t much in the way of shade. You’ll have a few opportunities here and there but for the most part, it’s exposed. So if you’re going to continue on, be sure that you brought plenty of water with you.
Between the postpile and the falls you’ll have amazing views of the San Joaquin River as you follow along side of it. Eventually, you’ll come out into a vast clearing (where a massive fire tore through) and be able to see the beautiful Minerats out in the distance to your right.
Me at Rainbow Falls.
Soon enough, you’ll start to hear the roaring of the beautiful Rainbow Falls. Your first glimpse will come as you approach the main (and largest) concrete viewpoint.
If you’re looking for a better viewpoint with a more straight on angle of the falls, keep going down the path and you’ll eventually see it off to your right. When I was here, this one had far less people than the first one.
There are also stairs that lead down the base of this 101-foot beauty where you can get some amazing photos but unfortunately, these stairs were closed to the public for maintenance when I was there. More of a reason to go back, right?
Lower Falls
Lower Falls. California.
Located about a mile further down the trail from Rainbow Falls and outside the boundary of the Monument is Lower Falls. Lower Falls drops just 15 feet over smooth granite rocks and into the perfect swimming hole for overheated hikers.
My friend and I debated over whether or not to include this on our visit. Ultimately, we decided to do it and I was sure glad we did. Lower Falls is comparatively unknown to most visitors so we only had to share it with a few others (we were here in August). I highly recommend going for it.
Devils Postpile Monument.
Things to Know
Mileage will vary. If you only hike to the columns, you’re looking at just under a mile from the valley to the columns and back. If you go to Rainbow Falls, that’ll make it 5 miles round trip and if you include Lower Falls, it’s about 7 miles round trip.
The Monument is free, but the shuttle isn’t. If you manage to arrive outside the operating hours of the shuttle, you’re free to drive down to the valley. Otherwise, you must pay for and use the shuttle.
The Monument is seasonal. Due to heavy snowfall, the Monument is only accessible from mid June to around mid to late October. So plan your visit accordingly.
Crowds get heavy. Devil’s Postpile is one of the most popular attractions in the Sierras. As such, crowds tend to be heavy. Your best bet for light crowds is in the morning because later in the day, lines for the shuttle will rival those of Space Mountain.
Your annual parks pass won’t waive the shuttle fee. Keep this in mind if you’re a pass holder. Everyone pays for the shuttle.
The trail to Devil’s Postpile is (kind of) wheelchair and stroller friendly. I know of people who have pushed strollers along this trail and others who have used a wheelchair, but they did struggle. As you approach the columns, there’s a ramp to help circumvent the rocky stairwell but you will encounter thick tree roots and rocks along the trail. Beyond the columns to the falls, wheelchairs and strollers won’t be possible.
Bring plenty of water. Seriously. I underestimated this trail due to it being short but didn’t realize how exposed the trail to Rainbow Falls is and was nearing dehydration. Learn from my screw up.
Conclusion
Whether you decide to just see the columns or include Rainbow and Lower Falls in your visit, you’re sure to enjoy the time you spend at Devil’s Postpile National Monument.
We hope this article has inspired you to want to visit this beautiful place. If so, please support us by sharing it with your family and friends on your favorite social media site.
Thanks for reading and safe travels!
The 10 Best Things To Do On Yosemite’s East Side
It still surprises me how many people are completely unaware that there’s much more to Yosemite beyond the valley. Yes, the valley is littered with amazing sights. Tunnel View, Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and the Mist Trail are just a few examples.
*Tioga Road will open on May 27th, 2022
It still surprises me how many people are completely unaware that there’s much more to Yosemite beyond the valley. The valley is littered with amazing sights such as Tunnel View, Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and the Mist Trail, but the east side packs just as much of a punch.
I put this list together to hopefully persuade you to include the east side on your trip. Most of this list can be seen in a single day but if possible, you’ll want to set aside at least two days so you can partake in two or three hiking trails. Also, this list was made with families and casual hikers in mind, which is why the more strenuous trails were omitted.
Things to Keep in Mind
It is seasonal. This part of the park is completely inaccessible during winter and early spring. Generally, Park Rangers open it up around late May or early June and close it with the first major snowfall, typically late October or November.
It can be accessed from either side. You can access the east side from the valley by following the signs to highway 120 and turning onto Tioga Road. You can also access the gate via Tioga Pass from the small town of Lee Vining in California.
Now, let’s get started.
READ ALSO: 10 Awesome Things To Do In Yosemite Valley
1) Drive Tioga Pass
Tioga Pass. Yosemite National Park.
If you’re coming from Lee Vining, this part is built into the trip. Tioga Pass is California’s highest automobile pass in the state and is the access road to Yosemite east.
From the valley, once on Tioga road, keep driving until you’re outside the gate and head down to Lee Vining. While you’re there, be sure to grab some lunch at Whoa Nelly Deli or Bodie Mike’s BBQ.
This drive is simply breathtaking and is a must see. Some notable features along the pass include Nunatak Loop, Saddlebag Lake, Lake Ellery, and the Twenty Lakes Loop trail.
Pro tip: Be sure to take advantage of one of the many pullouts along the pass for some epic views.
2) Gaylor Lakes Trail
Gaylor Lakes Trail. Yosemite.
Gaylor Lakes is one of the first hiking trails you’ll come across after arriving. In fact, the parking lot for the trailhead is to the immediate right of the gate.
It’s a moderate hike and rather short in length, but the first mile or so is an uphill slog above 10,000 feet. Once at the pass, it drops you back down and it is there where you’ll come across the first lake. Be sure to follow the stream to Upper Gaylor and the Miner’s Cabin above that.
Trail Length: About 3 miles, RT.
3) Elizabeth Lake Trail
Elizabeth Lake. Yosemite National Park.
This is another hike on the easier side. It has a few ups and downs along the way but it’s mostly flat, short in length, and has an epic payoff at the end. Unicorn Peak (behind the lake) is climbable if you’re up to it.
The official trailhead is located at the back end of Tuolumne Meadows campground. To get there, simply drive through the campground and park by the restrooms. If it is closed, you’ll need to park in the lot out front and hike it to the trailhead. This will add another couple miles round trip.
Trail Length: 5 miles, RT. 7 miles, RT if hiking through the campground.
4) Olmsted Point
Olmsted Point. Half Dome. Yosemite National Park.
Olmsted Point is one of the east side’s most popular attractions due to its easy access and epic view of Half Dome. The lot can comfortably hold around a few dozen vehicles but tour buses do utilize it and take up some precious space.
Try to get here as early as possible to guarantee a parking spot (being here for sunrise is an experience all its own). It will fill up later in the day but people tend to come and go often. So worst case, you may have to circle around a couple times.
Pro tip: If you have extra energy to burn, the granite slope to the rear of the lot and across the road is climb worthy because at the top, epic views of both Half Dome and Tenaya Lake await. Don’t tell anyone that I told you.
5) Lembert Dome & Dog Lake Trail
Lembert Dome. Yosemite National Park.
Looming 800 feet above Tuolumne Meadows is Lembert Dome, one of the most recognizable landmarks on the east side. In case you’re wondering, yes you can hike up there and you’ll get amazing views of Tuolumne Meadows if you do.
On top of that, just behind Lembert, is a small hidden lake named Dog Lake. Why did they name it, “Dog?” I have no idea, but it’s beautiful regardless.
While this hike starts out on flat terrain, it soon turns into an uphill climb that will make you question your desire to complete the hike.
Once you get past that, though, the trail smooths out again (until you reach the dome, anyway). Despite the climb, it is completely doable as a family hike and the views will make it worth it.
Trail Length: 2.8 miles, RT for both Lembert and Dog Lake.
6) Tenaya Lake
Tenaya Lake. Yosemite National Park.
Tenaya Lake is the largest and easily accessed of all Yosemite lakes. No hiking required. Simply find a parking spot in the lots at either end of the lake or find a spot along the shoulder.
In the dead of summer, the crowds here can get particularly large but still nowhere near the levels Yosemite Valley receives. To guarantee yourself a good spot on the lake itself, arrive early.
There’s an easy going trail that circles the lake. You won’t have to worry about ups and downs as it’s mostly flat but early on in the season you will encounter high water levels at the lake’s outlet on the west end. Late in the season, however, it’s a non-issue.
7) Pothole Dome
Gazing at Tuolumne Meadows from Pothole Dome. Yosemite.
The easiest of all the domes, Pothole stands on the western end of Tuolumne Meadows and is mild in difficulty. It’s also hard to miss as it’s easily visible from the road.
From the parking lot (10-12 cars max) you’ll find the trail that takes you straight to it. As tempting as it may be to cut straight across, please keep to the trail. This area is part of a years long effort to grow more trees in the meadow.
Once you reach Pothole, simply find a section that looks to be in your comfort zone and go up. There’s no official path from this point. Alternatively, keep on the trail and it’ll eventually take you to beautiful cascades on the Tuolumne River.
Pro tip: Go as high as you can. The views of Tuolumne Meadows and Cathedral Peak are amazing from the top.
8) Mono Pass Trail
Mono Pass. Sardine Lake. Yosemite National Park.
This hike falls under the category of sorta long but still moderate. It’s mostly flat until you reach the fork to Spillway Lake and starts to head up to Mono Pass at 10,599 feet.
Along the trail you’ll pass beautiful river streams, meadows, and shaded pines (until you reach the pass, that is). Once you pass the boundary of Yosemite and reach a rocky shelf, you’ll have an epic view of Sardine Lake and a slither of Mono Lake in the same frame.
Trail Length: 7.8 miles, RT if you go to the Sardine Lake overlook. 7.4 miles if you don’t.
Pro Tip: Shortly after arriving at the pass but before the lake you’ll see an unmarked trail spurring off to the right. Take it. A quarter mile in will reveal old 1800’s Miner cabins.
9) Tuolumne Meadows
Parsons Lodge. Tuolumne Meadows. Yosemite National Park.
Few things beat taking a stroll through the always beautiful, Tuolumne Meadows. It is probably the most tourist heavy attraction on this list but don’t fret, you’ll have plenty of elbow room.
Some notable features of Tuolumne Meadows are; frequent Deer & Bear sightings (mostly in the morning), the Merced River, Pothole Dome, Parsons Memorial Lodge, Soda Springs, and more!
Pro Tip: If you’re here in spring or early summer, bring mosquito repellant. Lots of it. You’re welcome.
10) Cathedral Lakes Trail
Lower Cathedral Lake. Yosemite National Park.
Rounding out the top 10 is the premier hike on the east side and easily one of the top hikes in the entire park; Cathedral Lakes. This one is mega popular among the Instagram crowd and is a regular stop along the JMT (John Muir Trail).
The trail is moderate but the first mile or so will be a steady uphill slog. You have two lakes to see, both worthy of your efforts. Lower Cathedral is the largest of the pair but Upper, in my opinion, wins in the scenery department. Doing both is worthy of the extra effort.
Trail Length: 7 miles, RT if doing one lake. 8 miles if doing both.
Conclusion
There you have it! The things that, in my eyes, are the 10 best things this side of the park has to offer. Many people pass up this up, with most of the love reserved for the valley and Glacier Point. As you can see in the photos above, that would be a mistake.
Tell me in the comments below if you’re planning a trip to the park and have any questions or feel I should’ve added something else. Also, please support the site by sharing this article with your friends and family. Thanks for reading.
Safe travels!
Hike to North Dome and Indian Rock Arch in Yosemite National Park
While hiking Half Dome requires a permit and a great deal of planning, hiking neighboring North Dome requires nothing more than a drive up to the trailhead…
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While hiking Half Dome requires obtaining a permit and a great deal of planning and preparation, hiking neighboring North Dome requires nothing more than a drive up to the trailhead and strong legs.
Due to this, many see North Dome as an excellent alternative to Half Dome if you were unsuccessful in the permit lottery or if Half Dome is too daunting. There are no cables or climbing involved and best of all, you’ll be in a position to get one of the best views of Half Dome in the entire park.
So where is the trailhead for North Dome? What’s the parking situation like? Like to know what to expect on this trail? What’s Indian Rock Arch? I answer all of these questions and more in the post below. Let’s get into it.
North Dome Trailhead and Parking
Although you’re technically able to reach North Dome from the valley, the official trailhead is just off Tioga Road on Yosemite’s east side and can be found in the Porcupine Creek parking lot (do not confuse this with Porcupine Flat).
From Yosemite Valley, follow the signs to Highway 120. Ten miles after leaving the valley you’ll come upon Crane Flat. Turn right there and after twenty-five miles or so, you’ll arrive to the parking lot on your right.
From Yosemite’s east entrance, simply drive for about twenty miles after driving through the gate and you’ll reach Porcupine Creek on your left. If needed, there are pit toilets located in the parking lot.
As is the case with most Yosemite trailheads, the earlier you arrive, the better off you’ll be. I arrived to the trailhead at around 7am and there was only one other car. When I got back to my car after the hike, around 2pm, every spot was occupied.
The North Dome Trail
Much of the route to North Dome is your standard, albeit beautiful, walk in the woods. The scenery is stunning as you’re surrounded by hundreds of moss-covered trees and granite boulders.
You’re starting at 8,100 feet at the parking lot and you’ll work your way down to 7,540 feet at North Dome. While there will be some slight incline on the trail, you are ultimately going downward the whole time.
This is great on the way in and will feel like a breeze, but you’ll definitely feel it on your way back to the car (especially in the final mile or so). Total mileage, without taking the detour to Indian Rock Arch is 8.8 miles, round-trip. With the detour (highly recommended), you’ll add another mile or so.
Indian Rock Arch Detour
About 2/3rds of the way to North Dome, you’ll come across the half mile (one way) detour to Indian Rock Arch on your left. It is the ONLY natural granite arch located within Yosemite. The arch is about 15 feet tall and sits atop a hill with commanding views at the top.
My recommendation would be to take the detour on the way in, rather than on the way back. This way, you can save your energy and endurance for the elevation gain you’ll still need to navigate.
North Dome
After checking out Indian Rock Arch, continue your way to North Dome. After another mile or so, you’ll come into a clearing and get your first glimpse of both North Dome and Half Dome in the distance. Don’t stop here, the views are just getting started.
Eventually, you’ll reach a point where it feels like you’ve lost the trail. You haven’t. Just keep Half Dome in your sights and stay to the left (down) and you’ll pick it back up again. If needed, there are typically cairns all over the place to help guide you.
After dropping down from the granite you were just on, you’ll once again find yourself surrounded by trees and will have lost sight of Half Dome. Keep with the trail and after a short while you’ll come to another clearing. Here, you’ve officially made it to North Dome.
Half Dome will have a commanding presence as you continue to work yourself down to North Dome’s precipice and on arrival, you’ll have an amazing view of not only Half Dome, but Tenaya Canyon and the many highlights of Yosemite Valley as well.
Things to Know About the North Dome Hike in Yosemite
The trail is inaccessible in winter. The North Dome trail is on Yosemite’s east side on Tioga Road and due to heavy snowpack, this area of the park is closed in winter. Typically, it’ll open for the season at the end of May or beginning of June and closes with the first major snowfall of the year (typically late October/November).
North Dome isn’t easy, but it isn’t difficult either. You’ll be starting out at a higher elevation and work your way down, which is the easy part. Where it could get moderately challenging for some is on the way back out. As long as you’re prepared for this, you’ll do just fine.
North Dome itself is generally safe, but use common sense. North Dome doesn’t see the amount of hikers Half Dome does, so it isn’t overly slick. However, getting too close to the edge could result in a deadly slide into Tenaya Canyon or Yosemite Valley. Using footwear with good grip is advisable and of course, watch your footing.
It doesn’t get too crowded. It’s nowhere near as bad as the trails in the valley, such as the Mist Trail, or some of the neighboring trails on Tioga road (Cathedral Lakes, Tuolumne Meadows, etc). If you get an early start, you’ll likely have it mostly (or all) to yourself. Starting later will likely mean more people on the trail, though.
North Dome is NOT the same as Half Dome. There are no cables or climbing involved and it’s roughly half of the total milage as Half Dome. North Dome is a great alternative to those seeking similar views as Half Dome provides (albeit from a lower vantage point), but don’t want to bother with the red tape or the challenge of Half Dome.
Glen Aulin: A Glorious Hiking Trail in Yosemite
I’m often asked by Yosemite first timers (friends and friends of friends) about which hiking trails in Yosemite should they hike during their visit…
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I’m often asked by Yosemite first timers (friends and friends of friends) about which hiking trails in Yosemite should they hike during their visit. There are many beautiful hikes in Yosemite, but one of the few I recommend most often is the Glen Aulin trail, located in the Tuolumne Meadows area of the park.
Its not the easiest hike in Yosemite, nor is it the shortest, but it’s far from difficult and I’d say that as long as you and your family have hiked, a minimum, a few times, then you shouldn’t have any issue with Glen Aulin. It’s a straight shot and mostly level throughout, making it an ideal hike for families.
Before we get into it, you need to know that this trail is located in the high elevation area of Yosemite’s east side. This area of the park receives tons of snow in the winter, making it inaccessible during that time. If you want to hike the Glen Aulin trail, you’ll need to plan a summer or fall visit as the east gate typically opens in late May or early June.
However, even at those times, there could still be heavy snow pack along the trail. If you want to avoid snow and/or muddy conditions, I recommend visiting in late summer or in the fall when the weather is pleasant.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get into it!
Glen Aulin Trailhead Parking
The official trailhead for Glen Aulin begins just to the right of Parson’s Lodge and Soda Springs in the back-end Tuolumne Meadows. However, you must begin on the opposition side of the meadow, which adds some milage to your hike, but not a lot.
Unless you’re starting from the Lembert Dome area, there is no official parking lot for this hike. Some attempt to park on the side of the road, but you’re risking being cited and towed. I would play it safe and park in the visitor center parking lot across the street.
Glen Aulin Hiking Trail
Once you’ve secured a spot, make sure there isn’t anything with a smell in your car or trunk, as this area sees a lot of bear activity. This includes food, drink, deodorant, etc. There are bear lockers everywhere in the area free to use.
To start your hike, cross the street and look out for the trailhead sign that lists Soda Springs, Glen Aulin and Waterwheel Falls (pictured above). You’ll want to follow the dirt path to the opposite end of Tuolumne Meadows.
The first notable feature you’ll encounter is the picturesque bridge spanning over the Tuolumne River. If you arrive early, do yourself a favor and get your pictures in now because on your way out it’ll likely be littered with tourists.
After the bridge you’ll come across Parsons Lodge (slight left) and Soda Springs (slight right). Parson’s Lodge was built by the Sierra Club in 1915 as a memorial to Edward Taylor Parsons (club member and Yosemite advocate). Soda Springs is a mineral spring with a half cabin built around it.
Don’t spend too much time here, because you haven’t officially started the actual trail yet and still have a ways to go. Keep going past Soda Springs and the lodge and you’ll see signs pointing you toward Glen Aulin trail, proper.
Glen Aulin shares its trail with both the PCT and the JMT. So if you see signs for either or both, you’re going in the right direction.
The first half-ish is fairly flat and straightforward. It’s clearly marked and well-maintained so there’s no real risk of going off-track. At around the three mile mark, you’ll come out into a beautiful meadow and lake that rivals Tuolumne Meadows (in my opinion).
Shortly after this point is where the trial starts to get a bit rocky and less maintained. However, the views continue to get better and better. For the next couple miles, you’re zig-zagging along beautiful cascades and have jaw dropping views of the granite mountains out in the distance.
The closer you get to Glen Aulin, the more spectacular the cascades get. I hiked this late in the season and the river was going strong. I could only imagine how it looks earlier in the season.
Tuolumne Falls
Before reaching Glen Aulin, you’ll first find yourself at the beautiful Tuolumne Falls. This waterfall is simply breathtaking and worth spending some time at. Although no one was down there on my hike, I have heard of overheated hikers using the pool around the falls as a swimming hole. I would exercise caution if you decide to do so.
After soaking in the views and getting your pictures, continue down the trail. From here, you’re still another mile or so from your destination. This is where the drop in elevation will become more noticeable and trail becomes rockier than it was before. Watch your step and pace yourself, if needed.
White Cascades and Glen Aulin
This is one of those destinations that just sneak up on you. You’re wondering how much further you have to go and bam, you come off a slight descent and there it is, the beautiful Glen Aulin and White Cascade. The views in this area are simply stunning.
While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the view from the initial side, you’ll want to keep going as the view is much better across the swimming hole. Head forward towards the bridge and cross it to get there.
Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp
As you’re coming off the bridge, take a right and head over to the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp. Everyone and anyone is free to hang out around the camp and the swimming hole, but access to the tents and restrooms are only for registered guests.
The Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp is one of five camps scattered throughout some of Yosemite’s most popular locations. You can attain one by entering the annual lottery and crossing your fingers that you win one. Rates for the Glen Aulin Camp in 2024 are as follows:
$175 per night (Adults)
$90 per night (Children)
Rates include a stay in one of the tents, along with dinner and breakfast, with lunch available as an option for an additional charge. Bookings are available for stays from July 4 - September 7, 2024. You can get more information here. Keep in mind that each tent can fit four people and they will fill it. Depending on your party size, you may be sharing it with others.
The best part of the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp is you’re camping directly next to the gorgeous White Cascades and swimming hole. Imagine waking up to that sight every morning and enjoying a prepared breakfast next to a fire. That beats any hotel I can think of.
Glen Aulin Hiking Tips
This trail gets crowded. For starters, the trailhead begins in Tuolumne Meadows, one of the most tourist-heavy areas of Yosemite. Additionally, it shares its trail with the PCT and JMT. The earlier you can get started, the better.
It’s a moderate level of difficulty. It’s not a difficult hike by any means, but it is on the longer side and rocky in the latter half. That said, it’s mostly level, straight forward, clearly marked and well-maintained. Just be prepared for the length of it and you’ll be fine.
This trail is seasonal. The Glen Aulin trail is located in Yosemite’s high elevation area and thus, receives a heavy amount of snow in the winter, making it inaccessible. The entire east side closes during this time. So plan a summer or fall visit if you want to hike Glen Aulin.
Bears do frequent this area. Bears are all over Yosemite. However, they tend to hang around Tuolumne Meadows and this trail quit a bit. I didn’t see any during my hike, but you might. If you do encounter a bear, make lots of noise to alert it of your presence, give the bear plenty of space and you’ll be fine.
Watch out for the pack horses! Supplies get down to Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp via pack horses. I encountered them 3 times on my hike. Keep an eye out for them and give them the right of way. You also may want to watch your footing after they pass, for obvious reasons.
Planning a trip to Yosemite? If it’s your first visit, be sure to read 10 Awesome Things to Do in Yosemite Valley on Your First Visit. Additionally, read Tunnel View: How to See the Most Iconic View in Yosemite for an epic view you won’t want to miss. Finally, if you’re thinking of hiking Half Dome, read How to Hike Half Dome: The Complete First Timers Guide.
IF YOU WANT TO SEE ALL OF YOSEMITE’S HIGHLIGHTS IN A DONE-FOR-YOU, HASSLE-FREE TOUR WITH KNOWLEDGEABLE GUIDES, GO HERE.
4 Reasons Why You Should NOT Hike Half Dome
I hiked Half Dome with my brother back in 2017 and it was the most thrilling experience of my life at the time. Hiking 8 miles (mostly uphill), a 400-foot climb up the cables
I hiked Half Dome with my brother in 2017 and it was the most thrilling experience of my life at the time. Hiking 8 miles (mostly uphill), a 400-foot climb up the cables, standing at the top, and being able to look down on Yosemite Valley is an experience that’s hard to describe.
As incredible as it was, it came at a price. As my brother and I were making our way up Sub Dome, I realized how truly unprepared we were. Don’t get me wrong, I THOUGHT we were prepared but truth be told, we probably had no business being up there. That’s a tough pill to swallow, but it’s the truth.
All went well, though. We made it to the top without any major problems and managed to make it back to the car despite being low on energy and close to dehydration. I knew the experience of hiking Half Dome would make for an awesome addition to this blog (you can read that article here) but I started thinking, “what about the other part of it that no one talks about”?
The “part” I’m referring to is instead of encouraging everyone and anyone to hike Half Dome, what if I gave people reasons why they SHOULDN’T hike it? That’s the purpose of this article. We all know the reasons why you should, but there are plenty of reasons why you shouldn’t. So read on to find out the four reasons why you should NOT hike Half Dome.
1) It can be dangerous
Half Dome. Yosemite National Park.
I’m not going to sugarcoat it, there is potential, life-threatening danger on this hike. Truth be told, you’ll find danger in anything you do. Just driving to the trailhead is more dangerous (statistically speaking). That’s why I’m saying it CAN be dangerous. I believe most of the danger can be mitigated as long as you’re prepared for it.
That said, people have died on this hike. They’ve died both on the trail and on the cables. As of 2019 (2020 numbers have not be listed yet) there have been:
At least 13 deaths
291 accidents
& 140 search & rescue missions
This is just since 2005. Thankfully, there were no confirmed deaths on Half Dome in 2020. The most recent was in 2019 when a young women from Arizona slipped on the steepest part of the climb and slid 500 feet to her death.
Weather also plays a role in the level of danger. The granite is smooth and slick from all the hiking boots that’s traversed over it over the years and when it rains, it becomes incredibly dangerous to attempt an ascent or descent. You do NOT want to be up top (or even on the base) when lightning strikes.
2) You have a medical condition
Half Dome. Yosemite.
If you have vertigo, are prone to seizures, have heart or lung problems, bad knees, etc, you shouldn’t hike Half Dome. Vertigo, especially, can cause a fatal accident to occur. Most of the hike takes place on your standard hiking trail but towards the end, you’ll need to navigate your way up Sub Dome and a 400-foot climb up the cables.
Hiking Half Dome with heart issues also wouldn’t be wise. In 1995, a man from Huntington Beach collapsed from heart failure as he was making his way up the cables and fell. There have been others who have had heart attacks while hiking but thankfully survived their ordeal.
Half Dome isn’t worth your life or making your condition worse. There are many trails in Yosemite that are just as spectacular that wouldn’t put you in unnecessary risk. North Dome, for example, is an excellent alternative that ends with any epic view of Half Dome. You can read that article here.
3) You have a low level of fitness
Half Dome cables. Yosemite.
While being a top level athlete isn’t required, being in at least decent shape is. One way you can find out how in “hiking” shape you are would be to go for a hike on an easier trail and pay attention to your breathing. If you’re huffing and puffing, then Half Dome is too dangerous.
Thankfully, this is something that can be overcome. If you’re serious about hiking Half Dome start training MONTHS before, even a year! The sooner the better. Join a gym and utilize a stair master and squat press. Go hiking regularly and keep upping the difficulty. The higher elevation you train at, the better prepared you’ll be.
4) You’re inexperienced
Half Dome. Yosemite National Park.
This one is pretty self explanatory and like the reason above, can also be overcome. If you’re new to hiking, starting with Half Dome wouldn’t be ideal. Your best bet would be to start out small. Like your local park, for example. If you’re coming to Yosemite, some good beginner trails would be:
The Mist Trail (Challenging, but still beginner friendly)
Cook’s Meadow
Elizabeth Lake
Lembert Dome
Cathedral Lakes
Once you’ve put a few of these (or others) under your belt, you can start hiking the more difficult ones that’ll challenge you to up your game and test your resolve. Some of those Yosemite trails include:
Upper Yosemite Falls
Four Mile Trail
Cloud’s Rest
If you can tackle one of these without feeling like you’re going to fall over at any moment, chances are good that you’re ready for Half Dome. If not, then I would definitely stick with the easier ones mentioned above (there’s no shame in it).
Remember, it isn’t just your safety at risk, but you could be putting the safety of other hikers and Park Rangers (if they have to come help you) at risk as well.
= Conclusion =
I hope you’ve found this article helpful in deciding whether Half Dome is a good fit for you. If none of these apply to you then great, get at it. If one does, then remember that NO hike is worth your life and there’s absolutely no shame in admitting when something’s out of your comfort zone. In fact, it’s a respectable trait.
Safe travels.
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