A climb of 400 feet thru the forest now takes us to the summit of a long ridge which we follow southward, finally paralleling the edge of a deep precipice just westward from Castle Cliffs and emerging abruptly at Yosemite Point (Alt. 6935). This is one of the justly famous view-points of Yosemite and offers a remarkable combination of depths and distances. The granite spire just below and at the right is the Lost Arrow, the "Le Hammo" of the Yosemite Tribe, the story of which is one of their most charming legends.
Returning a short distance to the main trail we descend to Yosemite Creek. On the open ridge just beyond the crossing is a secondary trail which leads to the rim of the Upper Yosemite Fall, a few hundred feet distant. The wonderful view from this point is most thrillingly described by Muir.
Returning to the main trail we cross a small stream where is the junction with the Yosemite Creek, Eagle Peak and Ten Lakes Trails (Trail Trips 11, 9 and 10). There is here a government telephone (Central 1 ring). Turning left we descend abruptly 1600 feet by sharp, dusty switchbacks, finally skirting the bottom of the almost vertical cliff west of the falls. At this point one can leave the trail and climb to the foot of the upper fall, in times of low water even entering the cave beneath its base. The climb is dangerous because of the slippery rocks.
The trail now passes southward along a granite ledge beneath the shade of oaks and laurel. A short steep descent at the left of the trail takes us to Valley View, an excellent lookout point. Less than one-half mile further is Columbia Point (Alt. 5031) from which is a particularly wide and effective panorama. The following 2000-foot descent to the floor of Yosemite Valley is first along granite ledges among scattered Douglas firs and golden oaks, and finally beneath the dense laurel and oak forests of the lower talus slopes. At the foot of the trail is the El Capitan Road. Auto busses run between this and other valley points on half-hour service. Yosemite Lodge is a short distance eastward and Yosemite Village is about three-quarters of a mile distant via Yosemite Lodge and the foot-bridge.
TRAIL TRIP 5
RETURN via MIRROR LAKE
Reverse of Trail Trip 6
(32.25 miles—2-day trip)
Owing to the stupendous mountain scenery and the charming diversity of meadows and forests thru which this trail passes, it deserves to be ranked among the most scenic of Yosemite Trails. Two days should be taken for the trip. Excellent accommodations will be found at Tenaya Lake Lodge, but reservations should be made in advance from Yosemite.