The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and Falls

LeConte Falls in the early morning. This picture pretty much makes comment unnecessary. Just acres of area to explore and sights to see. The nearby bush says this side of the canyon gets more sun than the far side.

LeConte Falls

The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and Falls, June 2004

As usual, we were up at first light and packing. After the usual morning chores we were on the trail and working our way up to LeConte Falls below Wildcat Point.

The Wildcat Point, Mattie Lake and the surrounding area is on my list of things to see, in particular Virginia Lake, a large lake that sits on the edge of a precipice about 1500 feet above Virginia Canyon and Return Creek.

Nearing the lip if the falls, the waters roar and shoots foam and mist into the air. Note the glacier rounded and planed granite on the far side.

I was feeling very refreshed and willing to hike far that day. The climb up towards LeConte Falls seemed no more than an uphill stroll with spectacular views of LeConte Falls and the glacier excavated canyon. The falls were named after Joseph LeConte (1823-1901), and are perhaps the most impressive falls in the Tuolumne River Canyon. The setting is spectacular, and the falls are long and interesting with its own "waterwheel". This area deserves a longer stay because of the groves of forest, huge expanses of granite and multiple cross-country routes that beg to be explored. Bring a flotation device to get across the river, and choose a safe place to cross. And beware of any area near the water that has wet granite.