Re: Rattlesnakes on Sierra Point trail

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SteveHall

Rattlesnakes on Sierra Point trail
June 05, 2009 09:38PM

Registered: 15 years ago
Posts: 109

When I did the Sierra Point trail last summer, it was the closest I've ever come in Yosemite to getting nailed by a rattlesnake. I had close encounters with 3 of them actually. 2 of them were relaxing in the large boulder field you have to navigate before even picking up the trail. And the other 1 was basking in the sun directly on the trail about 1/2 way up to Sierra Point. I actually came within a few feet, surprised him, and fell on my back in horror as he rose up ready to strike. So I'm just saying, be careful if you're doing this trail.

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Frank Furter

Re: Rattlesnakes on Sierra Point trail
June 05, 2009 10:11PM

Registered: 15 years ago
Posts: 1,942

Quote
SteveHall
When I did the Sierra Point trail last summer, it was the closest I've ever come in Yosemite to getting nailed by a rattlesnake. I had close encounters with 3 of them actually. 2 of them were relaxing in the large boulder field you have to navigate before even picking up the trail. And the other 1 was basking in the sun directly on the trail about 1/2 way up to Sierra Point. I actually came within a few feet, surprised him, and fell on my back in horror as he rose up ready to strike. So I'm just saying, be careful if you're doing this trail.

Just curious: what time of day, approx. date of year, any other conditions (hot dry, raining etc?)

The cure for a fallacious argument is a better argument, not the suppression of ideas.
-- Carl Sagan

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SteveHall

Re: Rattlesnakes on Sierra Point trail
June 07, 2009 10:29PM

Registered: 15 years ago
Posts: 109

The time was mid to late July and the temperature was probably around 90F in the middle of the day. Scared the heck out of me, and I'm a seasoned hiker.

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Bee

Re: Rattlesnakes on Sierra Point trail
June 08, 2009 10:34PM

Registered: 15 years ago
Posts: 1,347

I am surprised to read about the snake that was basking in the direct sunlight in 90 degree temps -- usually they are in the shadow zones, between rocks, ledges, etc, when it gets that warm.

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eeek

Re: Rattlesnakes on Sierra Point trail
June 08, 2009 11:06PM

Admin
Registered: 15 years ago
Posts: 17,111

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Bee
usually they are in the shadow zones, between rocks, ledges, etc, when it gets that warm.

Or lined up wall to wall in the Pate Valley. winking smiley