EAGLE PEAK (7,779') VIA YARTS June 5, 2000

While surfing the Net, I found that the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System had begun a new bus service to help reduce the auto traffic in Yosemite Valley. To June 15, 2000, this service was free as an introductory lure, for the 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. rides, from and to Merced, CA.

I couldn't resist. I have always wished to spend more time hiking on the Valley rim trails.

Waking to my alarm at 4:30 a.m., I left home Monday by 5:21 a.m. Driving quickly to Merced, I found the Transportation Center at 16th and O Streets. The bus left promptly, and the ride was pleasant enough. I took a short snooze on the way up Highway 140.

Getting to Yosemite Visitor Center at 10:40 a.m., I took the free Valley shuttle to Yosemite Lodge and began my hike up the Yosemite Falls Trail by 11:06 a.m. I knew I had to make good time to be able to get this peak and return to catch the 6 p.m. bus back.

Taking short breaks, I watched my time. I reached the Valley rim in just over two hours, and calculated my time to the top. A sign read, "2.8" miles. I figured about an hour more to complete my ascent.

There was a fallen tree across the trail, and a marshy bog which required walking on fallen logs. A few mosquitoes were an annoyance.

Coming to the final side trail to the top, the sign read "0.3" mile to the peak. This mileage was a bit off, more like 0.6 mile. I began to get into my turn-around time, but I was too close to reverse course. I reached the rocky top at 2:22 p.m., with three other hikers enjoying the spectacular view.

Half Dome here, in the photo to the lower right, stands against a backdrop of the Yosemite High Sierra. The Sierra Crest proper forms the horizon line here, with plenty of snow yet in the high backcountry. Half Dome itself has apparently lost its lone, summit snowpatch since this photo was taken.

Snapping more photos quickly, I found no register. I began down after ten minutes. I had allowed about as much time for the descent as it took me to climb up. I would have to make up time on my return.

Back to the rim after an hour, I knew I had it made. It was only 3.2 miles back to the Valley floor. With more sights, I stepped along in a lively fashion, and came to the bottom at 5 p.m. Taking the shuttle back to the Village, I had two sodas, and waited with a half hour to spare at the bus stop.

The YARTS bus came by just after 6 p.m., and I enjoyed another smooth ride west on Highway 140 through the Merced River Canyon. Part of the highway is being rebuilt, so the driving is slow over unpaved portions. The bus makes stops at various lodging from El Portal west, and at Mariposa, too. It has a restroom, and air-conditioning.

Returning to Merced by 8:42 p.m., I was off after a cheeseburger, and then a chicken sandwich in Stockton. I completed my long day by about 11:13 p.m. I plan to use this service again. While it takes about an hour longer each way for the bus ride, the economic fares certainly make this worthwhile.

My total hike today was 12 miles with about 4,200' gain round trip. I mainly wore a light polyester top with shorts. The weather had been sunny and clear, with warm to cool temperatures, perfect for this hike.

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