The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and Falls

One of the first pronounced falls coming down from the south-side of the canyon walls. The falls and canyon has no name, but it is another reason this hike should be done early season. This fall is more than likely to be dry by mid season.

Falls and Walls

The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and Falls, June 2004

Whipping back around to the southeast, the trail levels out for a bit, then after a while curves back to the east to begin climbing again. As we gained altitude the trail curved back to the northeast to a tighter part of the canyon with more rushing water to our right.

The view up canyon across from point 5352 (7.5 map). It looks hot. It was hot.

One of the cool things about this hike is the sheer walls across the canyon that were cut by granite side-canyons spilling waterfalls down sheer rock faces. There were small falls of various sizes and wetness, but some would have been proud to be falling into Yosemite Valley that many people would admire. The thought occurred to me that there were places up there that possibly no human had ever been. Some of those places were not accessible except by rock climbers or helicopter. There was plenty of evidence of glacier polishing along the walls, sometimes with sun glinting off mirror smooth surfaces.

Another un-named fall/cascade along the trail that hints of the major falls ahead.

Once headed northeast (passing another cascade and inviting pool), the trail became exposed and hot for the most part and stayed that way for nearly two miles. The day was rapidly warming up and the climbing was becoming more pronounced; but worse was ahead.