This however is not such a detailed report, just a handful of pictures that I took on a trip in late June of this year.
Came in on Amtrak/YARTS from the Bay Area and arrived midday in the Valley without a set plan. Decided in line at the Wilderness Center that I would go up the Snowcreek trail and camp at the top, on to Watkins, Tenaya Lake and camp along Murphy Creek, up Sunrise trail to Clouds Rest, dry camp beyond, next day do Half Dome and camp the last night on Moraine Dome. It was mostly familiar territory, but I tried to explore something that was new to me on each of the days.
Here is my tent at the top of Snowcreek. When I got my permit the ranger told me that there was an active bear that had been rolling bear cans off the cliff. I put my can in some prickly bushes and that was apparently enough to deter the bear. Other cans at neighboring camps had obviously been rolled around.
Here is the view from my tent at the top of Snowcreek. I think those are called the Watkin Pinnacles.
Next day I hung out for a long time at the top of Watkins. Also decided to try to learn wild flower names so took a bunch of photos but none of them came out very well. Camped up Murphy Creek and on the way back to Tenaya Lake the next morning I did a little lost trail exploration.
The trail from outlet of Tenaya to where the switch backs start is kind of boring, so I stepped off the trail and explored along the creek.
Went to the edge of the Tenaya Canyon, but no further. Here I am looking at Pywiack Cascade I think. Edit: correction, that is Tenaya Creek. Edit: second correction, it is Tenaya Bowl.
Even though this photo doesn't show it, the trail to Clouds Rest was quite busy with people. It seems to have become a popular alternative to Half Dome.
Half Dome, tomorrow's destination, as seen from the Clouds Rest.
Dry camped next to the Pinnacles. Nice developed camp site, but lucked out and had it to myself. Next morning Half Dome greeted me again.
The climb up Half Dome has lots of great views, even before you get to the top. Here I am looking back into Tenaya Canyon.
Wasn't very busy on the cables. Everybody was super friendly, cooperative and encouraged anybody feeling scared (like me.) I hadn't done the cables in twenty years and somehow that rock has gotten a lot steeper
No pic, but I spent the last night all alone under the stars atop Moraine Dome (shout-out to AlmostThere who suggested it as an alternative destination to Half Dome.)
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/13/2013 08:59AM by KatyAnderson.
