4.2 hr
Overview
This trail is great to do when temperatures are a bit cooler, as it makes it more comfortable to complete the exposed beginning and end of the trail. It also is more enjoyable, in my opinion, to begin at the parking lot on HWY 120 near Foresta and head into the Yosemite Valley, finishing the trip down the old (partially destroyed by rockslide) road. Doing so allows you to soak in the views up valley, and they are a lot more rewarding than those offered by the descent into the old burned forested into Foresta. <br><br>Either way you go, the views of the surrounding mountains and forests are impressive. <br><br>Approaching and passing Cascade Creek is a pleasant respite of solace and of shade. Traffic through this section seems to be minimal and the seasonal creeks and towering pines of this middle section of the trail contrast well with the open vastness of the beginning and end.
Trail Stats
14.1 km
405 m
1834 m
1222 m
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Photos
The narrow trail works through the area as it recovers from the Big Meadow Fire in 2009.
The narrow trail works through the area as it recovers from the Big Meadow Fire in 2009.
The trail passes through the remains of the Big Meadow Fire in 2009.
The trail passes through the remains of the Big Meadow Fire in 2009.
Wildflowers bloom in the spring time as the area recovers from the Big Meadow Fire in 2009.
Wildflowers bloom in the spring time as the area recovers from the Big Meadow Fire in 2009.
Here you come to Tamarack Creek that must be crossed. It's an easy rock hop when the water is down, but in the spring when the snow is melting, it can be trickier to cross.
Here you come to Tamarack Creek that must be crossed. It's an easy rock hop when the water is down, but in the spring when the snow is melting, it can be trickier to cross.
The Big Meadow Fire started as a prescribed burn in August 2009, but grew out of control. The damage you see in this shot is the result of that burn.
The Big Meadow Fire started as a prescribed burn in August 2009, but grew out of control. The damage you see in this shot is the result of that burn.
Looking back toward Big Oak Flat Road back toward El Portal.
Looking back toward Big Oak Flat Road back toward El Portal.
Only a few steps into the trail, the scenery is already beautiful.
Only a few steps into the trail, the scenery is already beautiful.
Bridalveil Falls can now be seen through the burned trees on a spring day. This hike shows how the area is recovering from a forest fire.
Bridalveil Falls can now be seen through the burned trees on a spring day. This hike shows how the area is recovering from a forest fire.
The view toward Yosemite Valley. El Capitan peeks above the ridge line, and Bridalveil Falls can be seen on right hand side.
The view toward Yosemite Valley. El Capitan peeks above the ridge line, and Bridalveil Falls can be seen on right hand side.
This is one of the early views along the trail before you get down into the forest.
This is one of the early views along the trail before you get down into the forest.
Rocking the REI National Parks Centennial Pack overlooking Yosemite Valley
Rocking the REI National Parks Centennial Pack overlooking Yosemite Valley