Triple Peak Fork Falls From Trail 1 Triple Peak Fork Falls From Trail 2 Although not well-known by most backpackers, this feature is highly coveted by waterfall connoisseurs. ![]() These falls occur where the Triple Peak Fork of the Merced River tumbles over a 500-foot slab in a series of short plunges and curving waterslides. ![]() Another of our trip highlights-Triple Peak Fork Falls-soon came into view. ![]() Morning Sun At Merced Lake Hiking Up Merced River On Day 3 Looking Across Washburn Lakeīeyond Washburn Lake, the trail took us through grassy, open forest and across the Merced River. We broke camp and continued hiking up the Merced River, passing by an abandoned ranger station before arriving at Washburn Lake. Our day began with sunny weather but with a threat of afternoon rain or snow showers. According to some of the other scramblers, this little thief is named “Steve,” and he has a criminal RAP sheet as long as his fuzzy nose.Ĭamp 2 At Merced Lake Day 3: Merced Lake to Merced Peak Fork Basin View Northwest From Clouds Rest Summit View Northeast From Clouds Rest Summit View East From Clouds Rest SummitĪs a testament to the regular parade of summit visitors, a brazen marmot scurried around the summit, trying to steal food from unattended rucksacks. We spent nearly an hour trying to identify the many surrounding mountains, although with only limited success. It immediately became obvious why Clouds Rest is such a popular summit: This centrally located peak is an outstanding viewpoint for the entirety of Yosemite National Park. Eileen On Summit Of Clouds Rest Looking Down Tenaya Canyon From Clouds Rest Summit We gained the roomy summit in early afternoon (3.6 hours + 2200 feet from Camp 1), along with a dozen other scramblers who had come up the more-direct southwest ridge. High on the ridge, our route transitioned to a delightful Class 1-2 scramble on a grippy granite sidewalk. Trail Sign On Northeast Ridge Of Clouds Rest Our trail took us to a broad saddle between Sunrise Mountain and Clouds Rest, then back along the northeast ridge of the latter peak. After stashing backpacks here, Eileen and I headed up the left-hand (northernmost) branch toward Clouds Rest-one of the most popular summits in Yosemite. In a short ½ mile, we arrived at Sunrise Junction, where two other trails branch off the JMT in the shape of a trident. We awoke to another warm, sunny morning and were back on the trail at 9:00am. Camp 1 In Sunrise Creek Flats Quartzite Peak From Sunrise Creek Flats Day 2: Sunrise Creek Flats to Merced Lake + Clouds Rest Sidetrip Despite being in the middle of a charred forest, our camp was comfortable and functional. ![]() We pitched our tent on a sandy bench with a view of Quartzite Peak across Merced Canyon. Having previously done it with the cables in place, we both thought “No thanks!”Įileen and I continued up Sunrise Creek until reaching a grassy flat at 7800 feet (7.4 hours + 7.5 miles + 4300 feet from parking lot). Several climbers reported that the Cable Route is doable but much more difficult under these pre-season conditions. Considering that the Half Dome climbing cables had not yet been installed for the summer season (they were installed a couple days later), we were surprised to see many people coming down from Half Dome. The JMT led us upward along Sunrise Creek, past the Half Dome Trail Junction.
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