The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and Falls

The first (southeastern) bridge over the Tuolumne River in Pate Valley, as seen from the south shore. Rancheria Mountain is above and beyond.

Pate Valley

The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and Falls, June 2004

Day 3: Pate Valley to above Waterwheel Falls camp, 11.4 miles, 4003 feet of gain, 1421 foot loss.

The day dawned clear and was soon warm. We wanted to get going before the heat really settled in. We would race the temperatures as we climbed upward that day. It did not take long to break camp and hit the trail.

The first leg would be Pate Valley central (we were already in Pate Valley as far as I was concerned), and I was curious about an area where there were so many bear reports. We saw no sign of them probably because we were at the edge of Pate Valley and the fact we had no campfire. (We believe campfires attract bears.).

Looking up-stream from the south-eastern bridge in Pate Valley. Note the streaks of water coming down the granite.

The first part of the trail was a rolling affair with an almost 200 foot climb, 362 feet gain over all with a 244 foot loss by the time we got to the bridge. When we reached the flats of Pate Valley near the bridge, we could see camps (and campers) off to the right, which looked used and a bit exposed. Our camp was much better.

We did not hang around. In fact, we blew right by the camps and headed for the bridge. At first, I wondered if there was a bridge, but after navigating a little riverside pathway, it showed up. I have to say, the whole area is very picturesque, another Yosemite Valley in some respects, with the high granite walls and bridged waters. Morning is the best time in the wilderness, and this was a very good day. It was a joy seeing the high walls and the sun streaming through the trees.

The view looking south from the north-western bridge in Pate Valley.

After crossing the first bridge, the path edges around the island and crosses another bridge. I definitely slowed down to take in the views and pictures. Pate Valley is a worthy destination for backpacking, as long as you do not have to hike back up to White Wolf or Pleasant Valley.