Over the years the trip morphed into an annual snowshoe to Dewey point, where we would hang out for a couple of nights. Oftentimes we would come across strange "snow" creatures like this one...probably now extinct:
Disclosure: Accomplished Yeti trainer. Do not try this at home
It has been a while since I have been able to do the snowshoe to Dewey Point on MLK weekend. 3 years ago we went up to Yosemite Point, I missed the trip 2 years ago, and last year we did the Old Big Oak Flat Road. It was time to come up with another "Not Dewey point" trip plan due to lack of the white stuff. So this year we headed up to Little Yosemite Valley to base camp, with a variety of potential options for what to do on our free day.
Not knowing the trail conditions, but certain that snowshoes would not be needed, we brought microspikes and headed up to LYV via the winter route, i.e. to the Vernal Falls view bridge, then up the JMT to Clark Point and then down to the top of Vernal Falls, and then up past Emerald pool, which had an amazing amount of snow (frazzle ice?) that had accumulated on it. Enough so that folks were walking out on it to check it out. Probably not a good idea
Then it was up the Mist Trail to LYV. While waiting for the others at the location of the old Snow's Hotel I saw some pieces of glass shining in the sun and found a few pieces of glass and pottery and left them on a nearby rock. Whether from the old hotel, or left by a passerby last month, who knows?
A decent amount of water was flowing over Nevada Falls for this time of year
Arriving at the entrance to LYV above Nevada Falls, we encountered the first bits of snow/ice on the trail...very minimal. We found that in the warm temps it was pretty much melting during the day and freezing at night, so those spots with the snow and ice could potentially be a slip hazard in the morning. But in late afternoon, we were able to walk right through without any issues.
The campground at LYV had probably a half dozen groups of campers enjoying the weekend there, including this rather strange looking fellow
Being down in the trees the campground area held the snow and ice...I would guess about 20% of the area had lingering snow/ice cover of up to a few inches, with the rest of the campground being clear.
On Sunday, we decided to head up to the Diving Board. We followed the climber's trail past Lost Lake, and then followed the ducks
down a bit into the gully NW of Mt Broderick before heading north up the steep gully towards the ridge. As we crested the ridge, we enjoyed the views out to the Valley and beyond
I pointed out to my hiking mates the optional "crack" on the Diving Board that folks could do if they wanted, and also pointed out where to head down off the granite to be able to work up the sand and shrubs to the top. Of course, everybody opted for the crack route, and I was alternately hated and thanked over the course of the next few minutes
The Diving Board was as cool as ever, the only problem being the lack of snow in the view up Tenaya Canyon towards the high country
On Monday we headed on down, stopping for lunch at the top of Vernal Falls. Monday was a free day at the park, and I was amazed to look down over the railings and see a large number of everyday tourists heading up the "closed" Mist Trail to the top of Vernal. Parents, kids, moms with babies, you name it. I asked one fellow who emerged over the top of the gate at the top of Vernal if there was any snow or ice along the route, being especially concerned about the area just below the top of Vernal. After being convinced that it was dry, we opted for that (closed) route down. The trail is closed due to rockfall danger according to the signs, but the trail was completely dry...so from a "slipperiness" factor it was frankly much safer than it would be in the spring when the trail is completely wet with mist.
It was a good trip but I am running out of "Not Dewey Point" options...so will hope - again - for snow for next year!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/22/2015 12:36PM by Bearproof.
