October 5, 2023
Valley Loop Trail, Middle Section, Yosemite National Park
Total distance walked: 6 miles

While Yosemite is always beautiful, October is one of the best times of year to visit the park. It is transitioning into autumn and the summer crowds are dwindling. In October of 1890, Yosemite became a National Park. In October of 1905, the park expanded by adding the Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Valley. And on this day in October a few years back, my niece was born.

To celebrate her birthday, we headed to Yosemite Valley to hike a circuitous route on the middle section of the Valley Loop Trail. The trail runs through the majority of Yosemite Valley. There are multiple places for access and many trail signs to guide you as you make your way around. We began our walk at Swinging Bridge.

It was a crisp fall morning. From Swinging Bridge, we saw Yosemite Falls with just a thread of white spilling down like a string of pearls. We skirted the Merced River and headed toward the Upper Yosemite Fall trailhead. The Loop Trail led us around Camp 4. Camp 4 is a world-famous campground. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003 “for its significant association with the history of modern rock climbing in America.”

Leaving Camp 4, we crossed Northside Drive and entered Leidig Meadow following the Merced River.

Looking behind us (east) from Leidig Meadow was a classic view.

Just around the bend known as Devil’s Elbow, was a nice view of Cathedral Rocks. Although not as well-known as some of the other Yosemite landmarks, Cathedral Rocks are among the Valley’s most varied and interesting rock formations.

We also saw the impressive El Capitan, one of the world’s largest chunks of granite. It was so close I wanted to touch it, and so big I couldn’t capture it in its entirety with the camera lens I used.

The morning had warmed considerably. By lunchtime the trail led us near Cathedral Beach. After a brief break, we crossed Southside Drive and headed back into the woods.

The full Valley Loop Trail is about 13 miles. It is mostly flat and is a mix of paved paths and dirt trails. Along our chosen route, we saw splendid views of Three Brothers. Three Brothers was so named after members of the Mariposa Battalion captured three of Chief Tenaya’s sons near its base. The top brother is known as Eagle Peak because eagles used to nest there, then Middle Brother and Lower Brother.

Six miles later we returned to Swinging Bridge for a picnic lunch.

Fall is a great time to hike. After a long summer without stepping foot in Yosemite, it was wonderful to be reunited with the park on an easy trail with people I love.

Happy Birthday, Nikki.