Valley Floor Loop

May 21, 2012
Valley Floor Loop, Yosemite National Park
Total distance walked:  10 miles

Upon Andrew’s return from college, and prior to starting his summer job in Yosemite, we embarked on the Valley Floor Loop hike. With numerous starting points available, we opted for the Eagle Creek pull-out along Northside Drive.

We headed west, strolling through the forest’s shade until we reached the sandy banks of the Merced River.

Weaving through the meadow swarming with mosquitoes, we were greeted with the magnificent sights of Sentinel Rock, Cathedral Rocks, Cathedral Spires, and the Three Brothers.

Gazing up from the meadow, we felt minuscule in the presence of the towering granite monolith, El Capitan.

A riverbank restoration was underway in the Devil’s Elbow area. The park aimed to reduce the erosion caused by years of foot traffic. We didn’t cross the street to the trail leading to Bridalveil Fall, as we had already explored that area previously.

Instead, we crossed the Merced River at El Capitan Bridge and followed the pack trail down to the Cathedral Beach area. After crossing Southside Drive, we ventured back into the forest, warding off more hungry mosquitoes.

As we strolled silently down the path, the sound of water rushing from different streams reached our ears. Busy woodpeckers tapped rhythmically on the trees. With each gust of wind, a haze of yellow pollen filled the air. Approaching the vista points of the majestic Yosemite Falls, we found the area bustling with people and the nearby road congested.

We came to the LeConte Memorial, a Tudor-style building dedicated to geologist Joseph LeConte. Constructed by the Sierra Club in 1903, it now serves as a library and educational center. From there we boarded the shuttle at Stop #12 to the Ahwahnee Hotel, where we enjoyed a meal in the bar accompanied by the familiar presence of the resident rodent, Mr. Squirrel.

After lunch, we resumed the Valley Floor tour, venturing out from behind the Ahwahnee along the dirt path, passing the faded dogwoods, and crossing both the Ahwahnee and Sugar Pine Bridges. We strolled through the walk-in Backpacker’s Camp and took the trail leading to Mirror Lake. In the late summer, Mirror Lake gives way to a meadow as it dries up.

From Mirror Lake, the views of Half Dome and Mount Watkins were just as breathtaking as the vistas from the park’s west end earlier this morning.

Reversing our path at the trail sign, we retraced our steps along the paved route beside Tenaya Creek, descending to Shuttle Stop #17 to board the bus. Deboarding at Stop #7, we trekked one mile back to our vehicle, skirting Leidig Meadow.

Even though we didn’t complete the entire 13-mile walk, we explored a significant portion of the valley by foot. Hiking with my son was a great way to bond and enjoy nature together.