SNOW CREEK TRAIL, YOSEMITE February 6, 2000

The initial plan was to ski to the Crane Flat Lookout (6,644') from Highway 120, a short tour. I had skied up to this point in a blizzard two years ago, and never witnessed the view. However, today, on our arrival, there appeared only a few inches of old snow with stretches of dry pavement. Around us, entire hillsides of forests were completely snowless.

Our plans were changed to visit the Valley floor, and possibly go for a hike. Asking for ideas at the Park Service Information Center, we were told that the trail up Snow Creek was clear to a point, as on other trails on the south-facing valley walls.

We drove to the Stables parking lot, and began hiking at 11:45 a.m. Closed roads led us to Mirror Lake, where we enjoyed the tranquil waters, and the reflection of snowy-capped domes to the east. The lake waters were low, and the water a rusty color. This was not the glorious photo op that I remembered in years past. However, the trail continues up canyon to a junction with signs and mileages.

The Snow Creek Trail climbs in elevation from about 4,000 feet to well over 6,600 feet where I stopped. The trail was dry and clear of snow to this locale. Some small patches of snow on the trail marked my highpoint. I could have gone further, but there was a time constraint. I had set my turn-around at 3 p.m., due to concerns about darkness.

I had taken plenty of photographs of the massive formations across the canyon. Half Dome (8,842') made a great subject, with its 2,000 foot vertical Northwest Face, etched with ledges covered with snow. Clouds Rest (9,926') was more solidly covered, and made a more typical winter sight. These were vantages which are not seen by most tourists. While the trail is very good, there are many switchbacks to accomodate the steep terrain, and there is no distinct, day-hike goal to be reached. The trail eventually goes to Tenaya Lake on Highway 120, or, also in many miles, to North Dome.

I rejoined my slower companion, and we methodically plodded down the trail to return to Mirror Lake, where we ran into other hikers. Pale evening light cast itself on the great Northwest Face of Half Dome high above us. We took a wrong turn on the roads, and came to a nice view of North Dome with orange sunset light over the Merced River. We came back to our vehicle at 5:36 p.m., just before complete darkness.

Our drive home was made under the stars, with a sliver crescent moon in the low western sky. Traffic was almost non-existent, although I watched my speed due to the chance of wild animals standing on or crossing the road.

My distance hiked was about 11 miles total. It is 2.4 miles one-way to Mirror Lake, all of which is flat or small hills. I believe I reached at least 6,600 feet elevation, looking at the topo map later. I could see the top "obelisk" of Mt. Clark from where I turned back.

The snows in the Northern Sierra had now been heavy to this point in time, but very little of the precipitation had yet extended southward to this part of Yosemite, at this date. A snow depth report of 3.5 feet at Badger Pass ski area led me to believe that we would have enough snow to ski at Crane Flat. Most years, in February, that would be the case.

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