Everyone says Yosemite National Park is special place. If you were lucky enough to spend childhood in vicinity to nature then you can easily find connection and appreciation for this amazing wilderness. My favorite activity living in Bay Area is to take my friends–both old and new–to this great wilderness for their long overdue visit.

Alex, my long time college friend, took whimsical trip from NYC to San Francisco one sunny weekend in August. Naturally, I went on Recreation.gov to look for last minute campsite in Yosemite. Despite the high season ahead of Labor Day weekend one spot in Hogdon Meadow magically opened up.

If you never have done weekend trip to Yosemite from Bay Area it may be difficult to figure out the travel logistics. Easy rule of thumb is: Leave San Francisco early Saturday (by noon at latest) pick one hike to do for Sunday in the morning and leave the park by 5pm. This will give you enough time to wander and experience Yosemite on a single weekend.

Booking campsite in advance is always recommended. However, I have also stayed in the lodge outside of the park in the past (normally in Groveland) and it worked out fine as well. Walk-in campsites are available throughout the season if you want to try your luck. Yosemite is ready. Are you?

While I put together most of essential sites here in the past, I cannot never recommend Glacier Point for the first stopover activity in Yosemite. This is easy drive by spot that basically give you whole perspective of everything amazing about Yosemite. You can spend decent hour or so here to take pictures and learn about rocks and hiking trails that spread across impressive Yosemite Valley.

Sunset and sunrise are popular time of day to visit Glacier Point, and it is usually crowded with tourists. When you are up here make sure to go around the entire viewpoint and take postcard ready snaps of Yosemite Falls. It’s great place to take a glimpse at your next day’s hiking destination.

Another great stopover point is Sentinel Bridge in Yosemite Valley. Sentinel Bridge crosses over Merced River and gives perfect view of Half Dome and its reflection on the water.

While you are visiting Sentinel Bridge, you can also capture the perfect view of Yosemite Falls from the parking lot nearby.

Camping in Hogdon Meadow

Hogdon Meadow is the very first campsite that you will come across after entering the park from the west entrance. Campsite is sizeable for group up to 6 people and equipped with fire ring ready for fireside stories. Campsite is approximately 45 min drive away from the central Yosemite Valley. We set our tents and enjoyed the whiskey and talk by fire. Next day we rise early and drive to Camp 4 for day hike to Upper Yosemite Fall.

Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

• Hiking: 3.5 mile one way from trailhead to the top of Upper Yosemite Fall (7 miles out and back). Additional 2 miles to visit Yosemite Point (makes the total hike to 9 miles). Distance may vary depending on where you decide to park the car and enter the trail. This guide is based on the scenario starting from Yosemite Lodge parking area across the street from Camp 4.
• Estimated Hiking Time: 7-8 hours. We left the trailhead around 9am and returned to parking lot around 4:30pm.
• Difficulty: Strenuous with approximately 2,500ft to 3,000ft elevation gain from trailhead to the summit. GET READY FOR EXTREME LEG EXERCISE.
• Trail Condition: Majority of trail up to Upper Yosemite Fall is well maintained with established trail. Trail from Upper Yosemite Fall to Yosemite Point is somewhat unclear and mostly dependent on stone markers and your sense of direction.
• Weather: Hike was done in late August under the sunshine and light haze of smoke from natural fire. Temperature shifted from low 70F in the morning up to around 85F in the afternoon. Wear thick layer of sunscreen and carry at least 2.5L of water!
• Water: You can fill up your reservoir from portable water station in Camp 4. There is very limited source of water until reaching Upper Yosemite Fall, so do not wait until it is too late to fill the water. Carrying light-weight filtration system is recommended for in case. Smart water bottle like this one can really help.

But avoiding online sites does not mean saving money. this is because, it has been seen that it is not useable for all for repairing the erectile dysfunction of male reproductive organs and impotence. cialis online Avoiding these problems downtownsault.org india cheap cialis in some cases is inevitable, may accidentally lead to the damage of muscles, arteries or nerves. While all 3 are intended to aid in erectile disorder, a closer glance to levitra vardenafil generic http://downtownsault.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/03-12-14-DDA-Minutes.doc will be different. Proof It Works According to the product’s website, VigRX cialis price http://downtownsault.org/did5016.html Plus was tested on 75 men for a period of 84 days.

As many hikers before me said it, Upper Yosemite Falls Trail was definitely one of the most scenic trails in Yosemite Valley. Trail was moderately crowded with hikers from young to old ages, and steep ascension throughout the hike made this course rather challenging for less experienced hikers. I will not recommend hiking this trail on a whim, but it is definitely do-able if you are fit enough. Get ready for crying calves several days after the completion!

Vertical ascension to the top of Yosemite Falls offers some of the best views of Yosemite Valley that gradually shrinks down in size at your footsteps below. Watch the waterfall from the midpoint on this hiking trail and take in amazing view. Once you’ve reached this point of trail you are only about one hour away from the top of Upper Yosemite Fall.

…and finally you’ve made it! Here’s the rewarding views of Yosemite Valley and Upper Yosemite Fall from Yosemite Falls Viewpoint:

If you are up for it, there is another viewpoint further upward from Yosemite Falls Viewpoint that is marked as Yosemite Point on the trail guide. Yosemite Point is about a mile away from the stream of Upper Yosemite Fall and situated atop of granite rocks that gives unhindered view of North Dome and Half Dome reigning over Yosemite Valley. Here’s the view from Yosemite Point:

The air was somewhat hazy from the smoke, but the sight of Half Dome was quite impressive still. If you ever get the urge to climb to the top of Half Dome you may check this other post for trail review 🙂

After spending good few hours at the top of Yosemite Point we descent back to the parking lot.

Lower Yosemite Fall is also accessible from Upper Yosemite Falls Trailhead if you wish to include this beautiful cousin to the photo gallery. Lower Yosemite Fall is considerably easy to get to and in fact you barely have to “hike” to reach the viewpoint. It was a perfect short stroll to cool down my overheating body after extreme Upper Yosemite Fall hike to witness this delicate cascade.

Yosemite National Park offers so many great day hike options as well as overnight backpacking hikes. I would urge you to check out this post from the past to build the foundation of your itinerary for the next Yosemite trip!

Whatever the reason takes you to Yosemite, Yosemite will take you somewhere further than your expectation. Enjoy your time and let the inspiration lead the journey! And remember to share your love to NPCA so the folks after us can also enjoy this beautiful place 🙂

Dayhiking: Upper Yosemite Fall from Kosuke Haga on Vimeo.

Deep within Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest spreads the arms of woodsy and rocky trail that lead the travelers up and beyond the mountains of Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Here the ways of nature take over the landscape in full force. Our hiking adventure into Snow Zone started with steep elevation gain to the high mountains. Trail runs next to Snow Creek and provided us plentiful water resource to filter and replenish hydration reservoirs. It was quite strenuous first 5 miles or so until we started to see the signs of crystal clear Alpine Lakes revealing their majestic appearance.

We entered the wilderness from eastern side through Snow Zone; we had Snow Zone permit to camp in this area and continued to Core Enchantment Zone the following days for day hike activities.

First drastic change in sight opened up in front of our eyes when we approached Nada Lake (5 1/2 mi. from the parking lot). Despite its rather arid sounding name, Nada Lake’s big body of water was kind of sneak preview to Narnian-like Alpine Lakes waiting ahead on our path.

Let’s go.

After passing Nada Lake another ascending trail took us to the last stretch of switchbacks to approach Snow Lakes. This approximately one mile ascension was quite challenging with pure elevation gain on granite fragments. About half way on the ascension we were greeted by gushing sound of Snow Creek water.

Snow Lakes is ocean-like lake that is situated at the bottom of mountain basin populated only by backpacking campers who obtained permits to enter the sanctuary of nature’s wonder. Sun was going down and we were ready to stake our tents and fill our hungry stomachs with satisfying meal. We weaved around the lake and found the empty campsite conveniently located at the trail entrance to Core Enchantment Zone.

Snow Lakes

Snow Creek by the Campsite

Snow Lakes not only provided easy access to flowing water supply but it also offered beautiful sight of sunrise and sunset from outside our tents. Early August weather invited many mosquitoes to campsites so I highly recommend packing enough supply of insecticide as well as wear thick coat of sunscreen to protect your skins from the sun. There are many campsites around Snow Lakes area, so even if you arrive late for camping I would recommend traveling deeper into the trail as you will surely find some decent home. Campsites in this area are generally shaded and in close proximity to designated toilets (NOTE: it’s one of those toilets with just seat and wooden lid, there is no shelter).

Core Enchantment Zone

Day 2 we woke up around 6am and enjoyed breakfast with perfect view of rising sun. Today we are scrambling up the mountainous path to unveil the secret of Washington’s well preserved Alpine Lakes that is The Enchantments. Switching heavy 65L backpack load to daypack, we left Snow Lakes to get to the first vantage point to still silent Alpine Lakes.

The way from Snow Lakes to Lake Viviane was near vertical scramble up on wall like sheets of granite. Make sure you are equipped with good hiking sticks as strenuous ascension will surely make your ankles prone to fall into gashes of loose rocks. Reward for this challenging trek is gorgeous vista of Snow Lakes below accompanied by soothing music of creek streams. By the time you reach the top for Lake Viviane you will start to feel the drastic change in vegetation and perhaps encounter the first sign of wildlife. Welcome to mountain goats haven.

Lake Viviane

Lake Viviane

Lake Viviane

Lake Viviane

Lake Viviane

Lake Viviane

Once you reach Lake Viviane you know you are in the Core Enchantment Zone. There are numbers of crystal clear lakes that keep your eyes and camera busy scanning through endless sight of beauty. After crossing the creek by way of fallen tree, the trail continues around and up the rocks overlooking Lake Viviane to the next big Alpine Lake, Leprechaun Lake. This part of trek is tricky to navigate as the only trail marker is pile of stones left by the explorers before us. If you have GPS devise or trail map acquired at the ranger station, you can attempt maneuver off-trail to reach Leprechaun Lake.

Crossing the fallen tree to get ot the other side of Lake Viviane.

Leprechaun Lake

Leprechaun Lake

Leprechaun Lake was the first lake that we saw with remains of icy snows decorating the surrounding mountains. Flowers of magenta and lavender blue bloom everywhere and added hues to serene sawtooth mountains mirrored on the lake surfaces. We spent hours relaxing by the lake, ponder in thoughts, and maneuvered along the rim of crystal clear lakes to reach the waterfall and Perfection Lake deeper into The Enchantments.

Leprechaun Lake

Leprechaun Lake

Leprechaun Lake

Leprechaun Lake

Leprechaun Lake

Leprechaun Lake

After passing Perfection Lake the trail took us beyond the snow mountains to Inspiration Lake, small chains of lakes, and finally to Isolation Lake. Inspiration Lake has quickly become my favorite lake and I enjoyed the tranquility of deep blue water. We settled the backpacks and refilled the water reservoir by Inspiration Lake before continuing on steep snow trail.

Going up from Inspiration Lake involved continuous scramble along rugged rocks covered in snow. This part of trek was particularly challenging without hiking sticks (I had to fold hiking sticks occasionally to take pictures). I would recommend following the path on your left hand side that is exposed or least snowy; this will help you prevent mishaps of stepping on fragile snow that merely sit on top of stone crevices.

Let us discuss some common treatment options: 5 canadian viagra generic Simple Male Impotence Remedies Keep Your Arteries Clear- The primary reason for erectile dysfunction in men drug or alcohol abuse. Erectile dysfunction viagra online in uk occurs when testosterone level is reduced. Erectile dysfunction has a direct effect on genital blood sildenafil 25mg flow. Most people are now familiar with it but over the last couple of years, compliments of Dr Sinclair of the Harvard Medical Center and Rafael De robertrobb.com purchase generic levitra Cabo Phd., they may have isolated the properties that answer the mystery.

From the top of mountain you can look down on Inspiration Lake and unfurling view of The Enchantments. We continued our journey through chains of Alpine Lakes and passed several campsites populated by lucky campers who got the permits to stay in this truly enchanting wilderness. The trail eventually took us to Isolation Lake–the lake that is engulfed by massive impressive glaciers.

Isolation Lake

Isolation Lake

The sun was on its course to set so we turned our way to Snow Lakes. On the way back, I’ve encountered a couple of mountain goats feeding on soft green in front of gorgeous backdrop of Alpine Mountains. Every moment of trek in The Enchantments was filled with small surprises and it was amazing.

Prusik Peak

On the third day we returned to Core Enchantment Zone through the same trail we took the last day until Leprechaun Lake and diverged to Prusik Pass at Perfection Lake. Prusik Pass started mostly grassy and lush with greens for the first part of the hike and gradually transformed into snow mountain.

Prusik Pass

A view of Perfection Lake from Prusik Pass.

Prusik Peak

Prusik Peak

Sawtooth Mountain Beyond Prusik Peak.

Scrambling back up to Prusik Peak. Shield Lake Below.

Prusik Peak

Way down from Prusik Peak to Perfection Lake.

It was approximately one mile trail that took us to the summit of Prusik Peak. This short elevation boost trek lifted us above 2,200 ft and offered some of the best views of The Enchantments. From the top of Prusik Peak we saw Shield Lake in the distance and decided to scramble our ways down midway before finding it rather difficult to complete in available daylight. We altered the plan and returned to Snow Lakes before sunset to move our night’s camp near Nada Lake.

Although we passed through the same Alpine Lakes four times in two days (two out and back trips) the experience never got old. I saw the same sawtooth mountains and splash of flowing creeks both days and found comfort in revisiting these postcard perfect scenery. It was like finding home in distant planet; something that I always feel in remote places like Andes Mountains and Lost Coast. Being in The Enchantments was truly transcending experience for worn soul.

Perfection Lake

Sawtooth Mountain Beyond the Creek

This is one typical sight along the trail on the way to Lake Viviane from Snow Lakes.

Ryuta stretching his legs on the way down to Snow Lakes.

Edible?

Chris

Dandelion

Leprechaun Lake

Kathy

Perfection Lake

Once we reached our now familiar home by Snow Lakes I realized my 4 days excursion to the core of The Enchantments is coming close to an end. We dismantled our campsite and packed our gears to migrate to Nada Lake campsite further down the Snow Creek.
Nada Lake campsite was optimal campsite for our last night in Snow Zone as we have to hike out the next morning and wanted to burn as much mileage before dark.

Banjo and Hiker

Nada Lake in Twilight

Ryuta Took Brave Dip in Nada Lake

Trees Above Nada Lake Campsite

Camping Night

Camping Night

Feeling enchanted?

Here’s the video digest of Backpacking: The Enchantments:

The Enchantments was definitely one of the most breathtaking backpacking camping destinations that I have ever visited.
In the core of The Enchantments you will witness the endless sight of sawtooth mountains and everlasting signs of frost reflected upon crystal clear Alpine Lakes. Wild life such as mountain goats and squirrels roam freely in this place just the way they are.

If you ever have an opportunity to obtain overnight camping permit may the blessings of this magnificent place endear you with your visit!

Happy trails!

-Kosuke

[Summary of The Enchantments backpacking in this post]

Day.1 – Started from trailhead around noon to Snow Lakes (Camped by Snow Lakes within Snow Zone per permit).

Day.2 – Entered Core Enchantment Zone from Snow Lakes and visited Lake Viviane, Leprechaun Lake, Perfection Lake, Inspiration Lake, and Isolation Lake. Returned to Snow Lakes campsite.

Day.3 – Entered Core Enchantment Zone from Snow Lake and approached Perfection Lake, entered Prusik Pass to Prusik Pass. Returned to Snow Lakes and continued down to Nada Lake campsite.

Day.4 – Started from Nada Lake around 6am and returned to the cars by 10am.

The Enchantments permit area and detail can be found on Recreation.gov.