First Day of Summer

June 21, 2012
Spillway Lake, Yosemite National Park
Total distance walked:  8.7 miles

Kicking off the summer, I ventured into Yosemite National Park’s high country for a solo day hike. I discovered Spillway Lake through another hiker’s online notes. With a map and those notes in mind, I set off for the lake. The trailhead began at an elevation of 9,700 feet and rose gradually by 800 feet.

The cicadas’ buzz accompanied me as I strolled through the forest, shaded and teeming with mosquitoes. Emerging from the trees, I was greeted by the lush, marshy expanse of Dana Meadows. In the sunlit patches, a variety of flowers bloomed: shooting stars, Brewer’s lupine, mountain phlox, and mountain heather.

The initial water crossing occurred roughly half a mile into the trail at Dana Meadows Creek, where an effortless rock-hop got me to the opposite bank. Subsequently, at the next crossing, a few slender tree logs were laid out over the water, providing a simple means to traverse.

As I gazed upon Kuna Crest and Mammoth Peak, I paused to sit for a moment. Before me lay a wonderland of nature’s palette: snowy white granite peaks set against a cloudless azure sky, the russet hues of Kuna Crest, the deep green of the forest, and the pale green of the meadow, speckled with white boulders.

Nearing the lake, the path followed along Parker Pass Creek before opening up to a vast, sunlit meadow.

At 10,500 feet, lazy marmots lounged in the sunshine while the wind whipped wildly around them. Spillway Lake lay to the west of the meadow.

Surveying my surroundings, it was hard to believe I was alone. I strolled partway around the lake and, upon discovering a shaded area, settled down to have my lunch. Meanwhile, a California gull soared above the lake, attempting to snag its own meal.

After lunch and a bit of exploration, I packed up and set out. While I was concentrating on the trail ahead, a weasel darted across my path, moving too swiftly to snap a picture.

It’s truly a blessing to be able to continually immerse myself in the wilderness and natural beauty of Yosemite.