Re: Horse trail to Clark Point, will it be maintained?

Took this trail on the way down once. I really enjoyed it compared to the concrete jungle of the normal way down to the Valley. What has become of this trail since the horsie rides have been discontinued? Is it being maintained? Is it still signed, horses only?

No opinions?

I can't remember for sure what the Merced Plan said but I believe that the trail will still be used by the NPS pack mules and if so, it would be maintained. As for it still being mark horses only, I have not been up there recently so I have no idea. You can always call and ask if no one else here answers.

"(209) 372-0200 The public information office is open from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific time (closed for lunch). Once connected, dial 3 then 5. If the ranger is already on the line, you'll be returned to the main menu. If the ranger is not there, you can leave a message and we will return your call."

Sorry... I was goofing around in the park lately...

It's still marked horsies only... it will be maintained. (b/c rangers will still take the trail up)
And it's still in great shape...

(nothing has changed... )

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I like going up and down the horse trail, especially when the dogwoods are in bloom, but it is clearly marked as not being for pedestrian traffic.
I was caught by a ranger as I started up it one backpacking trip, and politely asked to use the regular trail instead.
I agreed and headed back down as the ranger thanked me. Any other reaction on my part would have ruined the trip!

BTW it doesn't go to Clarke Point, it meets up with JMT just beyond the JMT/Mist trail junction, well short of Clarke Point.

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qumqats


BTW it doesn't go to Clarke Point, it meets up with JMT just beyond the JMT/Mist trail junction, well short of Clarke Point.

Yes, that's right. I couldn't remember for sure. Thanks!

It's still marked as Horses only. However, couldn't find such a sign at the start of the trail so I went for it (I did start my hike at 4:30am!). Seems like a lot of folks have been short cutting the trail as theres a lot of in-between shortcuts on the switch back sections.

If I had known it was still a horse only trail (sign is at the JMT junction), I wouldn't have gone up it

-Kevin



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/11/2016 01:40AM by KevinD.

They would do this typically:
(this is at the junction of the Happy Isle Nature Center and road to water tanks / trail cutoff)


I guess you could be confused by the sign when the trail cuts off the road that also says no hikey.
(I am being serious)

Also... The Old Dood needs to do this trail for Trail Quest!
hahahahaha

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/11/2016 07:23AM by chick-on.

Hmmm I recognize the electric stuff in the background. I swear that sign wasn't up 2 weeks ago! Or maybe I need a better headlamp lol!

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chick-on
Also... The Old Dood needs to do this trail for Trail Quest!

hahahahaha

I can't believe I've hiked a trail in Yosemite that Old Dood has never hiked. I've never hiked this trail uphill, but there's been a couple of times I've inadvertently hiked it downhill, veering off on it instead of staying on the JMT. When I realized my error, instead of backtracking I just continued on until I reached Happy Isles.

.

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Leave No Trace

Well... Old Guy no wanna even include valley trails in "Trail Quest".
So... I am betting that you have done a bunch in valley Old Doooood no Dooooo...

I would include at least all of these:
https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/upload/YOSEmap2.pdf

I mean how can you possibly say you did all the trails in the park and have not
done The Valley Loop?

Inquiring s wanna know

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I can't believe he never hiked the Valley Loop trail. That's one of the best trails in the entire park!

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Leave No Trace