One Hundred Hikes in Yosemite

Introduction: Of all this guide's sections, this is the only one that lacks a prominent, nearby peak. It is chiefly a heavily forested uplands landscape of rolling, gentle topography. However, along this land's southern perimeter, the slopes end in steep-walled cliffs that make up the north wall of Yosemite Valley. Lacking alpine scenery, the trails in this section get only light-to-moderate use except for the stretch of trail that descends from the brink of Upper Yosemite Fall to the Valley floor. Compensating for the alpine deficiencies are five spectacular viewpoints along the Valley's north rim: El Capitan, Eagle Peak, the Upper Yosemite Fall brink, Yosemite Point, and North Dome. Furthermore, you can study the ever-changing perspective of Half Dome along your descent into Tenaya Canyon (Hikes 34 and 35).

Supplies and Services: See "Trails of Yosemite's West-Central Lands, between the Tuolumne River and Highway 120."

Wilderness Permits: See "Trails of Yosemite's West-Central Lands, between the Tuolumne River and Highway 120."

Campgrounds: All the campgrounds mentioned in "Trails of Yosemite's West-Central Lands, between the Tuolumne River and Highway 120" can be used plus the two following ones. After driving east 3 3/4 miles up the Tioga Road from Crane Flat, branch right immediately before Gin Flat and follow the old Big Oak Flat Road 3 winding miles to Tamarack Flat Campground. This camp is best for hikes 30 and 31. The second campground is also off the highway. Just 1/3 mile past the White Wolf road junction is a junction with the old Tioga Road, on your right. Follow it 4 3/4 miles to the Yosemite Creek Campground, best for Hike 32. At all campgrounds look for a site early in the day.

Click here to go to the complete trail listing for Yosemite's West-Central Lands, between the Tioga Road and Yosemite Valley (Hikes 29-36)