Mobius Arch Loop Trail in Alabama Hills

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers.

Alabama Hills is located just outside of the small town of Lone Pine, along California’s scenic Highway 395. It’s known for its extensive history of being the filming locations for dozens of movies and most of all, being the “front yard” of Mount Whitney, the highest mountain peak in the lower 48.

While there are many things to do in Alabama Hills, this post is going to focus on one of, if not the, most popular trail in the area - the Mobius Arch loop trail. It’s well known by hikers and photographers alike, for its scenery, as they’re as close to second-to-none as it gets.

The orange/brown, drab-weathered volcanic and granite rock creates a stunning contrast to the often snow-capped granite peaks that make up the Whitney Range. Best of all, Alabama Hills is on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land and thus, is free to recreate in.

The Mobius Arch loop trail is on the short end of the spectrum but if you’re traveling along Highway 395 and need to stretch your legs for an hour, there are few places better to do that than Alabama Hills and the Mobius Arch trail, respectively.

So how long is the trail? How do you get there? What’s the bathroom and parking situation like? I answer all of these questions and more in the post below. Let’s get into it.

Trail Stats

• Location: Alabama Hills in Lone Pine, California

• Fees: None

• Open: All year

• Nearest Camping: Free, dispersed camping all over Alabama Hills. Paid, reservation-based camping at Mount Whitney Portal

• Family Friendly: Yes

• Cell Service: Decent

• Restroom: Three port-o-potties at the trailhead

• Parking: Large, well maintained dirt lot

• EV Stations: None

• Difficulty: Easy

• Popularity: Medium

• Mileage: 0.6 mile loop

• Time: One hour or less

• Elevation Gain: 42 feet

• Condition: Well maintained and easy to follow

• Features: Famous granite arch and views of Mount Whitney

• Best Time: Best in Spring or Fall.

• Pets: Allowed, must be leashed

• Drones: Allowed with a valid permit. You can obtain one here

• Hazards: Rattlesnakes have been known to frequent the area. Additionally, the trail is very exposed

• Our Visit(s): 2017, 2019 and September 2024

Mobius Arch Loop Trail Parking and Directions

Getting to the trailhead for Mobius Arch is an easy endeavor. No matter which direction you’re coming from, you’ll need to find your way to Highway 395. Once you get into the small town of Lone Pine, you’ll turn onto Whitney Portal Road (at the town’s sole stoplight).

If there’s construction going on (like there was during our recent visit), you’ll have to detour for about ten miles through Turtle Creek and Horseshoe Meadow Roads, before rejoining Whitney Portal Road and then turning left onto Movie Flat Road.

If there isn’t construction going on, you’ll simply continue up Whitney Portal Road for a few miles, passing Nightmare Rock on your right (pictured below). The designs and colors on Nightmare Rock change quite often, so there’s almost always something new to see with each visit.

Shortly after passing Nightmare Rock, you’ll see the turnoff for Movie Flat Road on your right. From either direction, travel along the road for about one mile. You’ll eventually see the large, dirt-floor parking lot on your left. There’s no fee. Just find a spot and park your car.

Near where you first drove into the lot are three port-o-potties available to use. I peaked inside of them to see how maintained they are and I was pleasantly surprised by their cleanliness (as far as port-o-potty standards go, anyway). Additionally, there are two informational boards over there as well.

This trail is of the loop variety, so it doesn’t particularly matter which direction you go. For the purpose of simplicity, though, this post will focus on the trailhead pictured below. It is located on the left side of the parking lot, facing Mount Whitney and Lone Pine Peak.

Mobius Arch Loop Trail

The trail is easy to follow as it’s mostly free of debris and lined with rocks, making the pathway obvious. It begins with one of only two elevation changes along the entire trail by descending a small hill to a dried creek bed. Once you pass that, you’ll start ascending to the arch.

You’ll only gain a meager 42-feet of elevation throughout this hike so while it isn’t completely flat, it’s easy for nearly anyone. I’ve seen kids, their grandparents, and grown adults in sandals (not recommended, though) on this trail. If your dog is with you, you can bring them as long as they’re leashed or otherwise controlled.

It was a bit too warm for our dog to walk, so my wife put her into this pouch/sling we got from Amazon. She’s a small dog and fit into it perfectly. It allowed her to come with us on the hike and avoided her paws getting burned. If you have a small dog and are interested, you can find it here.

Mobius Arch is situated at around the halfway point of the trail. If you don’t make stops, you should reach it within ten minutes of starting the trail. In fact, look for the rock that looks like a skull on your left (pictured below). You’ll come upon Mobius Arch (on your right) shortly after passing that rock.

There are many arches in Alabama Hills, but Mobius Arch is the famous one of the bunch, particularly among photographers, for the ability to frame both Mount Whitney or Lone Pine Peak within it to capture creatively stunning photographs.

Even if you’re not into photography, it’s still cool to look at and say you were there. In order to frame Whitney or Lone Pine within the arch, you’ll need to go up the boulder next to it and shoot from there (as you can see in the photo that my wife captured below). You won’t be able to do it from ground level.

If you’ve never been here before or haven’t seen what Mount Whitney looks like, don’t make the same mistake I did during my first visit in 2017. I framed Lone Pine Peak inside Mobius Arch, thinking it was Whitney, then got humbled later when our waitress at Alabama Hills Cafe advised me I had photographed the wrong mountain.

The peak you see in the photo above is indeed Mount Whitney. The one that appears more prominent from this perspective is Lone Pine Peak. It looks taller and more imposing, but that’s only because Whitney is much further back. Perspective is a crazy thing.

Once you’ve gotten enough photos of the arch, simply continue along the path to complete the loop. You could also opt to return in the same direction you came, but if you did you’d be missing out on some killer landscape and a bonus arch.

Shortly after Mobius is Heart Arch. You can see it in the distance from the parking lot (and honestly, the heart shape is more defined from there), but you can also see it up close along the trail. You’ll soon come to a trail junction after leaving Mobius. To the right will be the continuance of Mobius Arch Loop, up ahead will be Heart Arch.

As stated above, you can see the shape of the heart much better from the parking lot. From up close, it only slightly resembles a heart. It’s still cool to see, though. I’ve heard that there was another arch along this trail, but unfortunately I wasn’t able to locate it.

The remainder of the Mobius Arch Loop is made up of stunning landscapes and fascinating rock/boulder formations. It’s almost like walking through a scene in Star Wars, which is fitting because a scene for a Star Wars movie (among many others) was filmed in Alabama Hills.

Despite there being multiple trail junctions, the trail is easy to follow. For most of the later half of the loop, you’ll have the parking lot within view. Worst case scenario, as long as you keep Mount Whitney and Lone Pine Peak in front of you, you’re fine.

Near the end, you’ll have one final ascent that’ll take you to the parking lot and you’ll be done. This hike is super family friendly, pet friendly and is a great way to stretch your legs during your road trip. I highly recommend checking it out.

Frequent Questions About Alabama Hills

Why do they call it ‘Alabama Hills’?

It was named for a confederate warship, the CSS Alabama (not sure why, but it is what it is)

How many movies were filmed at Alabama Hills?

Alabama Hills has been featured in more than 400 movies, 100 TV show episodes, and countless commercials/ads.

Do you need a 4X4 for Alabama Hills?

For the trail featured in this post, no. However, there are many areas of Alabama Hills where a 4x4 would be needed.

Where is the best place to camp in Alabama Hills?

You can camp at the BLM managed Turtle Creek campground, or take advantage of dispersed camping and set up almost anywhere.

Can you see Mount Whitney from Alabama Hills?

Yes. Mount Whitney is visible from most areas of Alabama Hills.

PSALM 91

Lower Yosemite Falls Hiking Trail

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers.

When visiting Yosemite Valley, you’ll immediately take notice of its collective grandeur. Everywhere you look, it’s one amazing sight after another. One of those sights which stand out amongst most is the park’s namesake - Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America at 2,425 feet.

When searching for the best things to do in Yosemite Valley, many will point to the Upper Yosemite Falls hike and for good reason. The views from up there are simply incredible. However, it’s a physically demanding, time consuming hike.

For those who don’t have the time (or energy) to tackle the upper falls, and simply want an up-close view of this magnificent waterfall, there’s the Lower Yosemite Falls hiking trail. It’s an excellent option for those just looking to hit up the highlights.

So where do you park to see Yosemite Falls? How long is the trail to the lower portion? Is this trail stroller friendly? I answer all of these questions and more in the post below.

Trail Stats

• Location: Yosemite Valley, California

• Fee: Standard park entry fee (currently $35)

• Open: All year

• Cell Service: Decent, but can be spotty

• Restroom: Semi-large structure with flush toilets at the trailhead

• Parking: Large day-use lot east of Yosemite Valley Lodge

• EV Stations: Rivian Waypoint stations in the Yosemite Valley Lodge lot

• Difficulty: Easy

• Popularity: Mega high

• Mileage: One mile for the whole loop

• Time: Less than one hour

• Elevation Gain: 55 feet

• Condition: Well maintained

• Features: Lower portion of Yosemite Falls

• Best Viewed: November - June (peak flow in May)

• Pets: Allowed, but must be leashed

• Drones: Prohibited

• Hazards: Wildlife encounters are possible, as well as slippery rocks around the waterfall (off trail)

• My Visit(s): 2015, 2020, 2021 and 2024

Lower Yosemite Falls Parking

Much like the rest of Yosemite Valley, finding parking for Yosemite Falls can be quite the hassle. It’s for this reason I always encourage people to utilize the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle. It makes multiple stops at most of the valley highlights and is easy to use.

However, if you insist on using your own vehicle to get around, you’ll find parking for Yosemite Falls (either the upper or lower trails) in the lot east of Yosemite Valley Lodge, just a bit further down Northside Drive.

To get to the trailhead from here, you can, in theory, walk along Northside Drive but I don’t recommend it. The best (and safest) ways to reach it are to either cross the street and take the trail that cuts through Camp 4 or take the trail through Yosemite Valley Lodge and then cross the street to the trailhead.

Either way, you’re looking at a (roughly) half a mile walk to the trailhead, one way. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the parking lot directly across the street. I’m not encouraging you to park there as that area is typically reserved for hotel guests, but it is there. So do with that what you will.

Again, I’m going to strongly encourage you to utilize the shuttle. Park your vehicle at either Curry Village or Yosemite Village and hop on. Be sure you’re taking the valley-wide shuttle and not the east valley one. Shuttle service begins at 7am and ends at 10pm and again, it is free. The stop you’ll use for Yosemite Falls is #6.

Lower Yosemite Falls Trail

Both the trail to the base of the falls, and the conjoining loop, are paved paths with virtually no elevation gain to speak of. They’re also wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it an ideal outing for the entire family.

To the right of the trailhead is a semi-large structure with flushable toilets, water bootle refill stations and an array of unshaded picnic tables. It’s busy here quite often so if you’re looking to enjoy a quiet picnic, this isn’t it.

The lower section of Yosemite Falls is on full display in front of you at the trailhead so to continue, simply head straight for it and follow the path. If you’re here during the busy summer season, get here early in the morning and you’ll likely have it (mostly) to yourself.

About a quarter mile after starting, the trail will veer to the right and you’ll arrive to the base of the falls. As stated above, if you’re here in the early morning, you’ll likely only encounter a few others. After that, though, the crowds will be sizable. So pack your patience.

With few exceptions, don’t expect to see water flowing past June. Every so often there’s still flow into July, but it’s rare. If you want to see Yosemite Falls at its fullest, I recommend visiting no later than May. Once you get into July and August, the falls are all but dried up for the season.

If you feel inclined, you can boulder-hop your way to a closer view of the falls. I’m assuming Yosemite doesn’t prohibit this, as many were doing it and the ranger that was there didn’t seem to mind. Be careful, though. Those granite rocks are notoriously slick.

Most people stop here and head back the same way they came. For a more tranquil experience, traverse over Yosemite Creek via the wooden bridge and continue on the loop trail. Here, you’ll walk through a cluster of tall redwoods, which provide much needed shade. You’ll also get continued views of Yosemite Falls.

This segment of the trail was a virtual ghost town compared to what I experienced on the other side and at the base. Definitely don’t skip the other half of the loop. If nothing else, it’s a relatively peaceful escape from the crowds.

Shortly after crossing the bridge, you’ll come to a massive granite rock. There’s nothing inherently special about it that I was able to determine, but it’s crazy to think how loud of a noise that thing caused when it slammed into the valley floor all those years ago.

Shortly after the big rock, you’ll reach a segment of the trail that transitions from pavement to a wooden boardwalk. I asked about this and was told it’s because early in the season, there’s often runoff from Yosemite Creek and the boardwalk allows the runoff to flow while enabling visitors to still enjoy the trail.

In between the boardwalks there’s a small detour you can take for a view of the falls. Look for a small sign stating “falls view”. You’ll come to the view shortly after taking the detour. The view from here isn’t all that unique, but it’s still worth checking out since the detour only takes a few minutes.

If you’ve taken the shuttle to Lower Yosemite Falls, you’ll find shuttle stop #6 prior to the end of the loop, along Northside Drive to the left of the trail. Otherwise, continue on the loop to reach the trailhead, and continue to your vehicle.

Lower Yosemite Falls Common Questions

What is the difference between Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls?

Yosemite Falls is comprised of three parts - the lower falls, middle cascade and the upper falls. Together, they create Yosemite Falls. The upper portion is 1,430 feet tall while the lower portion stands at 320 feet. When adding in the middle cascade, the waterfall’s total height is 2,425 feet.

How long does it take to hike Lower Yosemite Falls?

That all depends on your fitness level and walking stride but generally, I would say less than one hour (including time spent at the base).

Is the Yosemite Falls hike hard?

The lower loop trail? No. It’s easy. If you’ve heard someone referring to this hike as hard, they were referring to the Upper Yosemite Falls hike which is a hard, physically demanding hike.

Do you need a reservation for Yosemite Falls?

Not for the falls itself but dependent on when you visit, you may need a day-use reservation to enter Yosemite.

Can you see Yosemite Falls without hiking?

You won’t be able to see the base but yes, there are many points throughout the park where you can see Yosemite Falls without hiking. A few include from the trailhead of this hike, Cook’s Meadow and Glacier Point.

Can you see Yosemite Falls from Tunnel View?

No, you cannot see it from Tunnel View.

When is Yosemite Falls dry?

Yosemite Falls typically begins to dry up around late June or early July. By late July, all you’ll be looking at is a smooth granite surface. If you want to see Yosemite Falls, plan you visit for between November to June. May is the falls’ peak flow time. If Yosemite Falls is dry during your visit, you can still see Bridalveil Falls, which flows all year.

PSALM 121:8

10 Amazing Things To Do On Yosemite’s East Side

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers.

It still surprises me how many people are completely unaware that there’s much more to Yosemite than the valley. Don’t get me wrong, the valley is literally dotted with amazing sights like Tunnel View, Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and the Mist Trail, so there’s no shame in spending your vacation there.

However, I put this list together to persuade you to include a visit to the east side of Yosemite during your visit. Many of the main sights can be seen in a single day, but if you want to include a few of the hiking trails (and you should), you’ll want to set aside at least two days.

This list was made with families and casual hikers in mind, which is why the more strenuous trails, such as Cloud’s Rest, were omitted. With that in mind, let’s get into my pick of 10 amazing things to do on the east entrance of Yosemite.

Is the East Entrance to Yosemite open?

Yosemite’s east entrance is seasonal. It is closed during the winter due to heavy snowpack and remains closed through early spring while road crews work to clear it. Typically, Yosemite’s east gate opens between late May and mid June, depending how heavy the snowfall was that year. For example, due to the record snowfall of the 2022/2023 winter, the east entrance didn’t open until late July.

In general, park officials will keep the gate open until the first major snowfall of the year, which typically occurs in late October or sometime in November. During this time, the only way to access this side of the park is via backcountry skiing.

1) Drive Tioga Pass

If you’re coming from Lee Vining, this part is built into the trip. Tioga Pass is California’s highest automobile pass in the state and is the access road to Yosemite’s east entrance. Most of it is also closed during winter.

From the valley, follow the signs to Highway 120 and keep driving until you’re outside of the east gate and head down to Lee Vining. While you’re there, be sure to grab some lunch at Whoa Nelly Deli or Bodie Mike’s BBQ.

This drive is simply breathtaking and is a must see. Drive cautiously, though. The is narrow, the drop-offs are steep, and there are no guard rails. Additionally, keep an eye out for falling rocks. Some notable features along the pass include Nunatak Loop, Saddlebag Lake, Lake Ellery, and the Twenty Lakes Loop trail.

2) Gaylor Lakes Trail

Gaylor Lakes is one of the first hiking trails you’ll come across after arriving. In fact, the parking lot is immediately to your right upon driving through the gate. People who are hiking up to the summit of Mount Dana also park here, so it fills rather quickly.

Gaylor Lakes is a moderate-level hike and rather short in length, but the first mile or so is an exhausting uphill slog above 10,000 feet. After the pass, it drops you back down and it is there where you’ll come across the first of a series of lakes. Keep going and you’ll discover historic miners cabins.

• Trail Length: About 3 miles, out and back

3) Elizabeth Lake Trail

This is another hike on the easier side. There is some elevation gain along the way, but nothing difficult and for the most part, it’s barely noticeable. It’s mostly flat, short in length and has an epic payoff at the end. Unicorn Peak is the mountain shadowing the lake and is climbable if you have any energy left to burn.

The official trailhead is located at the back end of Tuolumne Meadows campground. To get there, simply drive through the campground and park by the restrooms. If it is closed, you’ll need to park in the lot out front and walk to the trailhead. This will add another couple miles overall.

• Trail Length: 5 miles, out and back. 7 miles if hiking through the campground

4) Olmsted Point

Olmsted Point is one of the east side’s most popular attractions due to its easy access and epic view of Half Dome. The lot can comfortably hold around a few dozen vehicles, but tour buses do utilize it and thus, it fills up quickly. Especially on weekends and in the summer months.

Try to get here as early as possible to guarantee a parking spot (being here for sunrise is an experience all its own). It will fill up later in the day but people tend to come and go often. So worst case, you may just have to circle around a couple times.

• Pro tip: If you have extra energy to burn, head up the granite slope across the road because from there, the views of Half Dome and Tenaya Lake are epic

5) Lembert Dome & Dog Lake Trail

Looming 800 feet above Tuolumne Meadows is Lembert Dome, one of the most recognizable landmarks on the east side. Hiking to the top of Lembert Dome is possible via a rather short, but steep in some places, trail. Once you’re up there, the views of Tuolumne Meadows are outstanding.

Additionally, you can add some milage to this hike but taking the detour to Dog Lake, which is just behind Lembert Dome. Why did they name it, “Dog”, you ask? I have no idea, but it’s a beautiful lake regardless and worth the short detour.

While this hike starts out on flat terrain, it soon turns into an uphill climb that will make you question your desire to complete the hike. Once you get past that, though, the trail smooths out again (until you reach the dome, that is). Despite the climb, it’s completely doable as a family hike.

• Trail Length: 2.8 miles, out and back for both Lembert Dome and Dog Lake

6) Tenaya Lake

Tenaya Lake is the largest and easily accessed of all Yosemite lakes. No hiking required. Simply find a parking spot in the lots at either end of the lake or find a spot along the shoulder.

In the dead of summer, the crowds here can get particularly large but still nowhere near the levels Yosemite Valley receives. To guarantee yourself a good spot on the lake itself, arrive early.

There’s an easy going trail that circles the lake. You won’t have to worry about ups and downs as it’s mostly flat but early on in the season you will encounter high water levels at the lake’s outlet on the west end. Late in the season, however, it’s a non-issue.

• Pro Tip: Tenaya Lake is one of the most scenic lakes you could possibly paddle board on. Bring this highly-rated inflatable SUP board along with you

7) Pothole Dome

The easiest of all the domes, Pothole stands on the western end of Tuolumne Meadows and is mild in difficulty. It’s also hard to miss as it’s easily visible from the road.

From the parking lot (10-12 cars max) you’ll find the trail that takes you straight to it. As tempting as it may be to cut straight across, please keep to the trail. This area is part of a years long effort to grow more trees in the meadow.

Once you reach Pothole, simply find a section that looks to be in your comfort zone and go up. There’s no official path from this point. Alternatively, keep on the trail and it’ll eventually take you to beautiful cascades on the Tuolumne River.

• Pro tip: Go as high as you can. The views of Tuolumne Meadows and Cathedral Peak are amazing from the top

8) Mono Pass Trail

This hike falls under the category of sorta long but still moderate. It’s mostly flat until you reach the fork to Spillway Lake and starts to head up to Mono Pass at 10,599 feet.

Along the trail you’ll pass beautiful river streams, meadows, and shaded pines (until you reach the pass, that is). Once you pass the boundary of Yosemite and reach a rocky shelf, you’ll have an epic view of Sardine Lake and a slither of Mono Lake in the same frame.

• Trail Length: 7.8 miles, RT if you go to the Sardine Lake overlook. 7.4 miles if you don’t

• Pro Tip: Shortly after arriving at the pass but before the lake you’ll see an unmarked trail spurring off to the right. Take it and in a quarter mile you’ll see a few old 1800’s miner cabins

9) Tuolumne Meadows

Few things beat taking a stroll through the always beautiful, Tuolumne Meadows. It is probably the most tourist heavy attraction on this list but don’t fret, you’ll have plenty of elbow room.

Some notable features of Tuolumne Meadows are frequent deer & bear sightings (mostly in the morning), the Merced River, Pothole Dome, Parsons Memorial Lodge, Soda Springs, and more!

• Pro Tip: If you’re here in spring or early summer, bring mosquito repellant and lots of it. If you’re not a fan of DEET, you can try this DEET-free citronella spray. I use when I hike and it does a great job at keeping mosquitos, bees, and other insects off of me (it smells fantastic as well)

10) Cathedral Lakes Trail

Rounding out the list is one of the premier hikes on Yosemite’s east side and easily one of the top hikes in the entire park, Cathedral Lakes. This one is mega popular among the Instagram crowd and is a regular stop along the John Muir Trail (JMT).

The trail is moderate in difficulty but the first couple miles or so will be a steady uphill slog. You’ll see two lakes, both of which are worthy of your efforts. Lower Cathedral is the largest of the pair but the upper lake, in my opinion, wins in the scenery department.

1. Trail Length: 7 miles, out and back if doing one lake. 8 miles if doing both

Hike Through the Historic Donner Summit Tunnels

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers.

When searching for the most unique and best hikes in Northern California, many will point to areas like South Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, and famed Mono County, and for good reason. Those areas have some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the state.

Just a bit outside of Lake Tahoe proper, near the historic gold mining town of Truckee, is one of the most unique hikes you’ll come across anywhere - the Donner Summit Tunnels.

The tunnels were built in 1867 to accommodate the first train passage through the Sierra Nevada Range. Built primarily by Chinese laborers, nothing but hand drilling methods and explosives were used to carve through the granite-based Mount Judah.

The tunnels saw the first train traffic shortly after completion in 1868, and were used as recently as 1993, when they were then decommissioned. Today, the property is still owned by Union Pacific, who have been kind enough to allow people to freely explore the tunnels.

So how do you get to the Donner Summit Tunnels? What’s the parking situation like? What can you expect on this hike? I answer all of these questions and more below. Let’s get into it.

Trail Stats

• Location: Donner Summit in Norden, CA

• Fee: None

• Open: Mostly in Spring, Summer, and Fall. Difficult to impossible to access in Winter.

• For: Everyone

• Cell Service: Spotty

• Restroom: None

• Parking: Large dirt lot at the trailhead. There are also pull-outs on the side of the road, but you’ll be backtracking on the hike

• EV Stations: None

• Difficulty: Easy

• Popularity: Moderate

• Mileage: About 5-miles, out and back

• Elevation Gain: Just shy of 400 feet. The trail is mostly flat

• Condition: Not maintained, but completely doable

• Features: Historic trail tunnels, China Wall, petroglyphs and vast views.

• Pets: Allowed on leash

• Drones: No signs prohibiting it, but I saw a few people flying theirs

• Hazards: Uneven ground, loose gravel, low visibility, steep drop offs, and potential wildlife encounters.

• My Visit(s): July 2024

Recommended Products for this Hike

• Rechargeable Flashlight with High Lumens

• Sturdy Hiking Shoes or Boots

• Camera Tripod (you’ll need it for the low-light situations)

• Citronella Spray (a Deet-free way to keep the bugs off of you)

• DJI Drone (for even better photos/video of the area)

How to Get to Donner Tunnels

Most people access the Donner Tunnels from Interstate-80, as it’s easy and straight forward. If you’re coming from the direction of Reno or Truckee (westbound), take the Donner Lake Road exit. When you get to the bottom, turn right on Donner Pass Road to head up the pass.

Less than a mile after crossing the Donner Summit Bridge, look for the sign in the photo above (Sugar Bowl Road). You’ll turn left here. Shortly thereafter, look for an unmarked dirt road on your right. This will take you to the parking lot.

Coming from Sacramento (eastbound), you’ll take the Donner Pass Road exit for about four miles before turning right onto Sugar Bowl Road to the parking lot. If you’re coming from Lake Tahoe, you have a couple options:

1. From North Lake/Sand Harbor area: Make your way to North Shore Boulevard (CA-217) and go north. Then, merge onto I-80 west for a short time before taking the Donner Pass road exit and head up the summit to the parking lot.

2. From South Lake/Emerald Bay area: Travel north on CA-89 and continue onto Highway 28, before turning left onto North Shore Boulevard (north). From there, follow the same directions as described above.

Donner Tunnels Parking Lot and Trailhead

The parking lot for Donner Tunnels is a circular dirt lot with no actual parking spaces laid out. It’s essentially park wherever you can find space. If you arrive early (like I did), you’ll have no trouble finding a spot. Later in the day is when it starts to fill, as shown in the photo above.

While any vehicle can access this lot, I do need to warn you about all of the tire-busting rocks. Union Pacific doesn’t maintain this lot at all and as such, there are rocks all over the place that have the potential for ruining your day. Take it slow and you should be fine. The good news is there’s no parking fee.

The unsigned trailhead is located just off the parking lot through a heavily graffitied red gate. You’ll find the first of several tunnels after you walk underneath the road you took to get here.

Donner Tunnels Hike

From here, you’ll work your way through a series of tunnels, each with a varying level of length (and graffiti). The first one from the parking lot is fairly long and dark, but you’ll always have the light at the end in sight.

Don’t be fooled by the amount of light in the photo above. That was me using my camera’s settings so I could show you the detail. It’s actually very dark in here and in my opinion, a cell phone flashlight doesn’t cut it. Which is why I recommend bringing a flashlight with high lumens.

In these tunnels and the upcoming ones, you’ll likely hear, smell, and possibly even see bats in the tunnels. We never saw them, but we did hear and smell them. As is the case with most wildlife encounters, don’t go looking for trouble and you likely won’t find it. In other words, don’t bother them.

After the first tunnel, you’ll briefly enter a snow shed before walking back out into a clearing with sweeping views of Donner Lake and the surrounding mountains. On this stretch, you’ll pass by some petroglyphs on your left and walk over the historic China Wall (pictured below) before entering the next tunnel.

The China Wall is a 75-foot high hand-built retaining wall that helped keep the trains propped up as it passed between the two tunnels. Take a moment to check it out. It’s amazing what the laborers were able to accomplish without the help of modern equipment.

Also along this stretch is the ability to climb up onto the top of the tunnel you just left. You’ll get an awesome perspective for photos. Just be careful as there’s no established way up and the granite rocks are slippery. Going back down is a bit sketchy.

From here, you’ll enter the next tunnel and go through a series of several more. You’ll go through sections where enough light passes through the slits in the walls, enabling you to see without a flashlight. Then you’ll hike through sections of near-complete darkness as well.

On top of the darkness, the ground you’ll be walking on is on uneven, loose gravel with occasion larger rocks. Additionally, and particularly if you’re here while the snowpack is still melting, you’ll also have standing water and potential icy spots to traverse.

The walls of the tunnels are literally covered in graffiti. Some are actually artistically well done while other pieces are simply words/political statements or nondescript images. While I do think it’s a shame that a historical site like this has graffiti all over it, I have to admit that it does add a certain vibe to the overall experience.

If you’re bringing small children, be warned that some of the graffiti art is highly inappropriate for young eyes. Thankfully, most of it is difficult to make out, or even see in the darkness, so I wouldn’t let it stop you from bringing them. Just something to be conscience of.

The hike can be as short or as long as you want it to be. During our hike, I noticed most people turn around after the second tunnel, but I recommend sticking it out and keep going to the end of the final tunnel. If you do, you’ll be rewarded with an epic, unobstructed view of Donner Lake (especially if you climb on top of the tunnel).

In conclusion, this hike is fantastic. Even if you don’t care about the historical aspect of it, it’s worth it for the views and photography opportunities alone. Additionally, because there’s so much to explore, you could hike the Donner Tunnels multiple times over and always see something new.

When you’re finished, consider heading over to nearby Donner Memorial State Park and see the site where part of the ill-fated Donner Party attempted to wait out winter and fight off starvation. Additionally, Emerald Bay State Park is about an hour away and more than worth the drive.

EXODUS 13:21

How to See Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite National Park

Standing at a commanding 617 feet, Bridalveil Falls is often the first waterfall visitors see when driving into Yosemite Valley. It is visible from portions of both Northside and Southside Drive, several pull outs along Big Oak Flat Road, and is part of the famed postcard view from the Tunnel View vista.

However, why stop at viewing it from afar when you can hike a short, easy-to-follow trail to the base and get up close and personal with it? Recently, Bridalveil Falls reopened to the public after a years-long closure for improvements to the trail, parking lot, and facilities.

The Bridalveil Falls hike is one of the most popular in the valley, often seeing similar crowds to other waterfall trails such as Lower Yosemite Falls and the Mist Trail. So how long is the Bridalveil Falls trail? When is the best time to visit? I discuss all of this and more in the post below.

How to Get to Bridalveil Fall and Parking

As one of the premier attractions in Yosemite Valley, Bridalveil Falls is easy to reach within the park. Its parking lot and facilities have recently gone through a years-long improvement project, adding additional parking spaces, improved trail conditions, and several restoration efforts.

The parking lot for Bridalveil is on the way to famed viewpoint, Tunnel View. From the El Portal entrance, make your way through El Portal road and take the Southside Drive option at the fork. From there, turn right onto Wawona Road. Shortly after that turn, the entrance to the parking lot will be on your left.

From the west entrance, continue down Wawona Road. After driving through Wawona Tunnel and passing Tunnel View on your left, continue a bit further down the road where you’ll find the parking lot on your right.

From the park’s east entrance or Hetch Hetchy, you’ll make your way to or on Big Oak Flat Road before transitioning onto El Portal Road, then onto Southside Drive, and taking the right turn onto Wawano Road. As you can see, no matter which direction you are coming from, Bridalveil Fall is easy to reach.

One important thing to note is the Yosemite Valley or the El Capitan shuttles do not stop here. The closest is stop E5 (Cathedral Beach Picnic Area) via the El Capitan shuttle (summer months only). From there, you can reach Bridalveil Fall via the Valley Loop Trail, which is a roughly 1.5-mile hike.

Bridalveil Fall Yosemite Hiking Trail

How long is the hike to Bridalveil Fall? Not long at all. If you’re not fond of long hikes or you’re just short on time, you’ll be happy to discover that the trail to Bridalveil Fall is less than a mile, round trip, along a smooth dirt path with very little elevation gain.

The trail begins at the far end of the parking lot, just past the restrooms. To the left of the trailhead is informational literature of how Bridalveil formed, current wildlife activity, and more.

The views of the waterfall are non-stop throughout this short trail. Just past the boardwalk section of the trail you’ll get more glimpses of Bridalveil beautifully framed by trees and other greenery. If you happen to be here during the fall, the fall foliage takes the view up a few notches.

Just prior to reaching the waterfall, you’ll encounter several views of the beautiful Bridalveil Creek. While spring is the best time to see the creek at its fullest, it’s a lovely sight even when it slows down as the water cascades over the boulders, creating dozens of mini waterfalls.

Once you reach the creek, simply follow it upstream. You’ll eventually come to a few steps and after that, Bridalveil Fall comes into view as you step into the viewing area. From here, you get close enough to the waterfall to feel the mist coming off of it (though not nearly as bad as the Mist Trail).

The viewing area is fairly small for such a popular destination. On a busy day, it isn’t unheard of for people to be shoulder-to-shoulder here. That is why I highly recommend getting here early to beat the rush. During my visit, I only had to share it with a few other people.

Common Questions About Bridalveil Fall

Is Bridalveil Fall open?

Yes. Bridalveil Fall reopened in 2023 from its years-long closure for the restoration project.

How long is the hike to Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite?

The trail is 0.8-miles, out and back.

What is the difference between Bridalveil Fall and Yosemite Falls?

While both are amazing in their own right, the differences are stark. Yosemite Falls is comprised of three waterfalls (upper, middle cascade, and lower sections), totaling 2,425 feet. Making it the tallest waterfall in North America. Bridalveil Fall is much smaller at 617 feet and is a singular waterfall. Both, however, are worthy of your time.

When is the best time to visit Bridalveil Fall?

Any time. Bridalveil flows all year, so there’s never a bad time. You’ll see it at its best in the spring. The summer months bring dense crowds and a diminished(ish) flow. Fall is fantastic for the colors and reduced crowds. Winter could be a great time as crowds are minimal, but you could be dealing with icy conditions and possible trail closures.

Is Bridalveil Fall trail ADA friendly?

Yes. The entire trail is paved, with the exception of the wooden boardwalk portion. There are three steps at the end, but to the right of those steps is a ramp you can utilize. Additionally, there is very little, if any, elevation gain on this trail.

Where is Bridalveil Fall located?

There are many waterfalls with this name in the United States. Both “Bridalveil” and “Bridal Vail” are often used. The Bridalveil Fall in this article is located in the valley of Yosemite National Park, California.

When does Bridalveil Fall stop flowing?

Unlike Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite flows all year long.

Planning a trip to Yosemite? If so, be sure to read about the current day-use reservation requirements here. Also, read about Washburn Point, one of Yosemite’s most beautiful viewpoints. Additionally, if it’s your first visit, see my recommendations for the best things to do in Yosemite Valley. Finally, no visit to Yosemite would be complete without seeing its equally amazing east side.

15 Tips For Your First Time Hiking Half Dome

3 minute read | contains affiliate links

Each year, thousands of hikers summit Half Dome, many of them for the first time. In 2017, I was one of those first timers and though I felt like I was fully prepared, truth is, I wasn't.

In fact, I’m confident that if you polled others who’ve hiked Half Dome, I’m willing to bet that many of them would agree.

If you’re hiking Half Dome for the first time this season (or just mildly curious), this post is for you. I’m giving you 15 tips I feel all Half Dome hikers should be aware of going in. Let’s get into it.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us!

1) Get An Early Start

This is especially true if, like most people, you’re doing this as a day hike. You’ll want to arrive to the trailhead as early as possible.

When my brother and I hiked it, we arrived at the Happy Isles trailhead at 3am. We didn’t see any daylight until we got past Nevada Fall.

The reasons you’ll want to start early are:

1. You’ll beat the crowds to the cables and avoid bottlenecks

2. You’ll likely avoid the afternoon storms that are notorious in Yosemite

3. You’ll beat the mid-day heat

If you’re doing this hike as a multi-day and you’re just hiking to your camping spot the first day, you won’t have to worry about it as much.

If you’re doing this as a day hike, however, definitely get started as soon as you can. It doesn’t have to be 3am, but pre-dawn is ideal.

2) Bring Gloves With You

Surprisingly, many people don’t think of this. The Half Dome cables are made of steel and they get hot. They’re also blister inducing.

Using gloves on the cables will help prevent blisters, protect you from burns and most importantly, provide you with good grip.

Sometimes, a pile of discarded gloves forms near the base. You’re welcome to use a pair but you shouldn’t count on the pile being there.

While it’s thoughtful, Rangers will collect and throw the gloves away as it’s technically littering. So bring your own. Full fingered preferably.

SEE MY TOP RECOMMENDATION FOR GLOVES TO USE ON HALF DOME HERE!

3) Bring More Water Than You Think You’ll Need

I cannot stress this enough. It’s always important to bring water with you on a hike but it’s especially true on this one.

I recommend 3-4 liters, per person. I only brought two liters with me and ran out on the way back (with over six miles left to go).

The only filtered water source is the fountain at the Vernal Fall footbridge (just about a mile into the hike). After that, you’re on your own.

SEE MY TOP RECOMMENDATION FOR A WATER BLADDER!

4) Trekking Poles Are A Must!

My knees were killing me on the way back. If it weren’t for my trekking poles helping to off-set the weight, my brother would’ve had to carry me out.

If you’re someone who’s prone to knee pain or you know you usually require trekking poles on normal hikes, you’ll definitely want to bring them along on this one.

SEE OUR TOP RECOMMENDATION FOR TREKKING POLES!

5) Wear Shoes/Boots With Excellent Grip

While granite usually has excellent natural grip, years of hikers traversing it has caused that section to become smooth and slick.

Seriously, normal shoes or ones that are worn down will not suffice. You’ll definitely want to break them in prior to your hike, but the tread should be as new as possible.

SEE OUR TOP RECOMMENDATION FOR HIKING BOOTS HERE!

6) Leave Your Backpack At The Base

It may be tempting to bring your backpack with you as you climb up the cables but take it from me, make it easier on yourself (and others) and ditch it at the base.

The reason I say this is twofold:

1. There isn’t a lot of space between the cables, so if everyone’s wearing a bulky backpack, that space only becomes more restrictive

2. For some, it’s already challenging enough to climb the cables. Adding the weight/balance of a backpack only complicates matters

If you must bring a backpack to the top, bring a smaller day bag and leave the bulky one behind. No one’s going to mess with your stuff.

Do be sure to seal your bag before leaving, though. You don’t want Marmots and other critters getting in there.

SEE OUR TOP RECOMMENDATION FOR A LIGHTWEIGHT DAY BAG!

7) Take As Long As You Need On The Cables

There’s no shame in taking it slow. This isn’t a race and there’s no prize at the top for the fastest climber. Go at your own pace.

Every six feet or so (at each set of steel poles) are wooden planks. Use those as a guide and focus on them if the heights start getting to you.

Rest at each one if necessary. No one will make fun of you. Just be mindful of those who may want to go faster and let them pass.

8) If You See Dark Clouds, Don’t Attempt It

Yosemite is infamous for its afternoon storms. It isn’t uncommon to go from clear blue sky to rain and lightning in the blink of an eye.

Bad weather and climbing Half Dome isn’t a good mix. If lightning decides to strike, there’s a good chance Half Dome will be where it hits.

If you get to the base and it starts to rain, don’t risk it. If you’re at the summit and see black clouds rolling in, get back down pronto.

In the 1980’s, numerous people were killed and injured on the summit when a sudden storm came in. It’s always best to er on the side of caution when it comes to storms.

HERE’S A GREAT BOOK ABOUT THAT UNFORTUNATE INCIDENT!

9) You Can Use A Climbing Harness If You Want

Some opt to utilize a harness to secure themselves to the cables, reducing their chance of falling.

It’s a device that you wear around your waist and legs, with the other end connecting to the cables via a carabiner.

Personally, I don’t think it’s necessary. However, if it’ll make you feel better and help you fulfill your dream, go for it.

You will need to unclip and clip back in every six feet or so, so it will slow you down a bit. The peace of mind it provides may be worth it, though.

SEE OUR TOP RECOMMENDATION FOR A HARNESS!

10) Get Into The Best Shape You Can

There’s no need to be a top-level athlete or master climber, but the better shape you’re in, the easier time you’ll have.

The cables themselves are more upper strength than leg strength and the hike itself will test your cardiovascular endurance.

Hitting a stair master will prepare you for the Mist Trail portion of the hike. Likewise, a strength training routine would be beneficial.

Most importantly, hike as much and as often as you can prior to your trip. The higher the elevation, the better.

11) Bring Extra Socks

This is one I wish I’d thought about. You should always take care of your feet…always. That means bringing a fresh pair of socks (or two).

If you don’t and get soaked on the Mist Trail, you’ll be forced to hike the rest of the way with soggy socks.

If the Mist Trail doesn’t get you, then your socks will most definitely be soaked in sweat by the time you make it to the summit.

Packing extra socks will allow you to swap out the nasty ones for a fresh pair for the hike back down.

SEE OUR TOP RECOMMENDATION FOR WATERPROOF SOCKS!

12) Have A Hard Copy Of Your Permit Available

Some hikers spend 8-10 hours or more doing this hike. Consequently, if you’re taking a lot of pictures, your phone battery will almost certainly die.

If that happens and all you have is a digital copy of your permit, you’ll have nothing to show the ranger when asked. Guess what that means? Off you go.

It wouldn’t hurt to have a printed copy in a plastic bag inside your backpack. That way, you won’t risk getting turned around.

13) Bring Ibuprofen & Moleskin

You can add this one to the, “wish I thought of it”, category. As stated above, my legs and feet were wrecked by the time we got back to the car.

It was only then that I realized my mistake. I had absolutely nothing to help mask the pain and had a long drive home ahead of me.

Bring some Ibuprofen (or an alternate pain killer) with you. Take a couple at the summit, if needed, to reduce the discomfort on the way back down.

Also, moleskin does wonders for covering and preventing blisters. If you don’t know what it is, it’s a dense, woven cotton fabric that acts as a shield between your skin and shoes in areas where blisters are most common. Highly recommended for ANY hike.

SEE MY TOP RECOMMENDATION FOR MOLESKIN!

14) Eat, Eat And Eat Some More

This is a long, demanding hike and for most people, will take a full day. You will burn a serious amount of calories and energy.

Due to this, you’ll need to replenish your body with as many nutrient dense foods as you can.

Foods with complex carbs, low amounts of sugar, decent level of healthy fats and high amount of protein will do the trick.

Also, salty snacks, such as beef jerky and sunflower seeds, will help you retain water and keep you hydrated for longer.

Stop as often as you need if you’re feeling hungry or low on energy. Trust me, you don’t want to tackle the cables with nothing in the tank.

SEE MY TOP RECOMMENDATION FOR PREPARING FOOD IN THE WILDERNESS!

15) There’s No Shame In Turning Around

More hikers do it than you might think. I’d wager a guess that for every ten hikers that make it to the cables, at least one decides against it.

Whether it’s due to bad weather or simply a gut-feeling on your part, there’s no shame in turning around. The cables are intimidating.

So don’t succumb to peer pressure or allow pride to take over. If you get there and it doesn’t feel right, then don’t do it. You still had an amazing adventure!

BONUS: Peak Design Camera Clip

This camera clip by Peak Design is a MUST for anyone using their DSLR or point-and-shoot camera while out on a hike or are just out and about on a shoot.

As shown in the image above, it securely attaches to your backpack strap and firmly holds your camera in place. Allowing you to be hands free while not in use.

When inspiration strikes, a quick button press is all it takes to remove it. When done, simply snap back into place and you’re done.

CHECK OUT THIS SOLID CAMERA CLIP BY PEAK DESIGN ON AMAZON HERE!

If you’re serious about hiking Half Dome, be sure to read my other Half Dome related posts…

• “Hiking Half Dome In Yosemite: My Journey In 30 Pictures”

• “How To Hike Half Dome: The Complete First Timers Guide”

• “Half Dome Permit: The Ultimate Permit Lottery Guide”

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us!

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Thanks for reading.

How To Hike To Lower Eagle Falls In Lake Tahoe

2 minute read | contains affiliate links

Nestled within the captivating natural beauty of the iconic Emerald Bay State Park, the trail to Lower Eagle Falls offers an awe-inspiring experience for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Most are aware of the upper section of Eagle Falls just outside the park and how you can traverse the crest of lower falls across the highway.

If you want to see Lower Eagle Falls straight on, though, you’ll need to hike down into Emerald Bay via the short, but steep, one mile trail.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the parking situation, fees, what to expect on the trail and more. Let’s get into it!

Trail Stats

• Location: Emerald Bay State Park, Lake Tahoe

• Fee: $3 - $10 parking fee

• Permit: None

• Open: Seasonally

• For: Hikers

• Restroom: At the trailhead and in Emerald Bay

• Parking: Medium sized paved lot

• EV Stations: None

• Difficulty: Easy going in, moderate going out

• Popularity: Mega High

• Mileage: About 2.5 miles total, RT

• Time: 2-3 hours

• Condition: Maintained, easy to follow

• Features: Waterfall, Island, Visitor Center, Beach

• Best Time: Spring/early summer

• Pets: Not allowed

• Drones: Not allowed

• Hazards: Trail is steep going back out. Can be difficult for some

• Our Visit(s): August 2022 & July 2023

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us!

Emerald Bay Parking Lot

Your trip to Lower Eagle Falls begins and ends in the Emerald Bay parking lot. To avoid the hassle of having to wait for a spot to open, you should arrive as early as possible as it’s known to fill up quickly.

There are pay stations near the trailhead that accept credit or debit cards. The parking fees are:

• $3.00 for one hour (select this option if all you want to do is go to the viewing deck)

• $10.00 for day use

To begin your hike, head towards the wooden booth past the pay station. To your right, there’s a viewing deck that provides a great view of Emerald Bay and your destination, Lower Eagle Falls.

The Trail To Emerald Bay

Going into Emerald Bay, the trail is all downhill and easy going. Just prepare yourself for the way out because it’s fairly steep and can be difficult for some. So come prepared.

It’s slightly less than a mile along a wider than usual dirt path. Near the bottom you’ll arrive at a junction. Head right to continue to the waterfall.

After this junction, you’ll officially be in Emerald Bay State Park. Continue straight as you pass the restroom, beach access and the Vikingsholm Castle.

Keep straight on the trail until you reach the visitor center. The incredibly short trail to Lower Eagle Falls begins just behind it.

Lower Eagle Falls

Facing the visitor center, the tail to the waterfall begins on the right. It starts out as gravel but as you get closer the falls, it’ll turn to dirt and stone.

When the trail aligns with the water, your first glimpse will be off two mini-waterfalls split between rocks and brush.

Further up, you’ll work your way up several granite rock steps before arriving at the Rubicon trail footbridge.

Go ahead and take in the views of the creek from the bridge, but don’t cross it to the other side as that’ll take you along the Rubicon Trail.

To continue towards Lower Eagle Falls, head up the trail for another 2/10’s of a mile while keeping the creek to your left.

You’ll encounter several more flights of granite steps just before reaching the falls. When you reach the top of those steps, the viewing deck and waterfall come into view.

The viewing deck is split in two by a tree and provides a straight-on view of Lower Eagle. There’s a fair amount of room but it doesn’t take many people to feel cramped.

There’s no access to Highway 89 from here. The viewing deck is the literal dead end of the trail. So when you’re finished taking it in, simply head back the same way you came.

I hope you’ll consider checking out Lower Eagle Falls. It’s a beautiful waterfall and worth the effort to see. If you’re interested in other sites nearby, check out our articles below.

• “Glen Alpine Falls: A Beautiful Lake Tahoe Waterfall”

• “Hike To Upper Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake In Lake Tahoe”

• “How To Kayak To The Fannette Island Tea House In Emerald Bay”

• “Hiking To Cascade Falls In South Lake Tahoe”

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Thank you for reading.

How To Hike To The Base Of Middle McCloud Fall

3 minute read | contains affiliate links

Middle McCloud Fall is just one of three beautiful waterfalls, collectively known as McCloud Falls, along the McCloud River about 45 minutes from the town of Burney.

Being that there’s two more waterfalls, you may be wondering why i’m only writing about the middle fall in this post. There reason is simple…it’s my favorite.

I have a post dedicated to the three falls as a whole. If you’re interested in reading that one, you can do so here.

In that post, I state near the end of article that if you only have time to visit just one of these, make it the middle fall.

On top of that, of the three, the middle fall is the only one that requires any real effort to reach the base (you can drive to all three but the middle one requires a small hike to reach it).

So in this post, i’m going to cover where to find parking, what to expect along the trail and what it’s like at the base of the fall. Let’s get into it!

Quick Stats

• Location: McCloud, CA (45 minutes from Burney Falls)

• Fee: None

• Permit: None

• Open: Spring, summer & fall

• For: Hikers, swimmers, sightseers

• Restroom: At the trailhead

• Parking: Large, paved lot

• EV Stations: None

• Difficulty: Easy

• Popularity: Medium to high

• Mileage: 0.8-mile, out-and-back

• Time: 1-3 hours (depending how much you spend at the fall)

• Elevation Gain: 157-feet

• Condition: Maintained & easy to follow

• Features: Waterfall and great swimming hole

• Pets: Allowed on leash

• Drones: No signage stating you can’t use them

• Hazards: Boulder field near the base and submerged boulders in the swimming hole

• Our Visit(s): September 2019 and May 2022

Getting There and Parking

Middle McCloud Fall is fairy easy to get to. If you’re coming from the town of Burney:

• Drive north on highway 89 for about 40-miles

• Turn left onto Fowler Public Camp road

• Continue for about a half-mile

• Then turn left onto an unnamed, paved service road (you’ll see signage indicating the way)

If you’re coming from the Dunsmuir:

• Drive south on highway 89 for about 22-miles

• Turn right onto Fowler Public Camp road for a half-mile

• Turn left onto the same unnamed service road.

Each of the three falls have their own paved parking lots but the middle one is the largest. It could easily fit dozens of vehicles plus some RV’s and buses.

You’ll find the trailhead directly adjacent to the bathrooms.

Trail To The Vista

For those who don’t want to make the trek down to the bottom, the middle fall can be viewed from above at the vista.

The trail to the vista is paved and is able to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers. There are two of them to choose from.

For most people, this is as far as they’ll go. The view of the falls from up there is nice but to get the true experience, you’ll want to hike down to the base.

Trail To The Base

Finding the beginning of the trail to the base can be a bit tricky. Especially if you aren’t paying attention (like me during our first visit).

The dirt path to the base spurs off from the paved trail that leads to the second vista. Right as the paved path elbows, look to your right (pictured above).

The dead giveaway are the rocks lining the right side of the trial, forming a path. How I missed that the first time I’ll never know.

*Side Note: There is no sign pointing the way. So keep an eye out for those rocks you see in the photo above.

From there, it’s only 0.4-mile down to the bottom. Accounting for a few stops to take pictures, it shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes or so.

Shortly after finding the trail, you’ll encounter a set of wooden stairs. After this, the trail continues its descent via a series of switchbacks.

The trail, while a bit rocky in some spots, is well maintained and easy to follow. There are no steep points as the switchbacks are gradual.

When you reach the bottom, you'll come to a junction. Going right will take you down to Lower McCloud Falls (about a mile out).

To continue to the middle fall, head left (you should have the waterfall in your line of sight as this point).

At the end of the trail, you’ll see a large boulder field in front of you. If you want to swim near the waterfall, you’ll need to negotiate it.

Most of the boulders are positioned fairly close to one another, so getting through it isn’t too difficult. Young children may have a tough time, though.

Once on the other side, you’ll have unobstructed views of Middle McCloud Fall and its pool. I was fortunate enough to have it all too myself.

The scenery is amazing. Huge, towering alpines surround you while the water pours over the crest and down the large basalt rock wall into the pool below.

If you plan to swim, I do caution you to watch for the submerged boulders and to wear water shoes as there’s tons of debris in the water.

When you’re done, simply head back up the same way you came. While you’ll definitely notice the incline going out, it’s still an easy trek.

I stand firm that the middle fall is the best of the three and if you only have time for one, to make it this one. You won’t regret it.

If you want to make it a point to see all three waterfalls and hike the trail connecting them, check out our post, “McCloud River Falls: Three Fantastic Waterfalls In One Hike”

Your Thoughts…

What do you think of Middle McCloud Falls? Does this seem like a waterfall/hiking trail you and your family would enjoy?

Let us know in the comments below! We love to hear from our readers.

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Thank you for reading.

Check Out These Other Amazing Destinations!

Hike The Convict Lake Loop In Mammoth Lakes

Contains affiliate links | 3 minute read

If you’ve never been to Convict Lake, you really should plan a visit. It’s one of the most beautiful, photogenic, easy-to-access lakes in the area.

While fishing is the top activity here, many people are unaware of the loop trail that encircles the lake. It’s a fairly easy-going trail with little elevation change.

In this article, we’re going to cover our experience hiking this trail for the first time. Topics such as where to find the trailhead, how Convict Lake got its name and more will be covered.

Quick Stats

• Location: Convict Lake (Mammoth Lakes, CA)

• Fee: None for the loop trail

• Permit: None

• Open: Spring, Summer & Fall

• For: Hikers

• Restroom: Near the trailhead

• Parking: Small lot at the trailhead, larger lot further down the road

• EV Stations: None

• Difficulty: Easy

• Popularity: Medium

• Mileage: 2.5-miles

• Time: 1 - 2 hours

• Elevation Gain: 180-feet

• Condition: Well-maintained

• Features: Large lake surrounded by mountains

• Pets: Allowed on leash

• Drones: Not allowed

• Hazards: None aside from usual wilderness hazards

• Our Visit(s): October 2022

How To Get There

Getting to Convict Lake is pretty straight-forward as the street leading to the lake is directly off from Highway 395, just outside of Mammoth Lakes.

Regardless of which direction you’re traveling on the highway, you’ll want to turn onto Convict Lake road and follow that until it terminates at the lake.

For simplicity, plug in, “Convict Lake Resort”, into any GPS capable device and that’ll get you there. The resort is located right on the lake.

Trailhead & Parking

As you’re driving up on the lake, right before you’re forced to turn left, you’ll see a small parking lot for the marina on your right.

If there’s space, pull into this lot and park as this is the closest to the trailhead you can get. If not, continue left. There are numerous parking lots further down the road.

To find the trailhead, simply walk to the far end of the first parking lot (just a little bit past the marina). You’ll see trail signage indicating you’re in the right spot.

Convict Lake Loop

The trail is well-maintained and mostly flat throughout its entirety. You’ll encounter several small, gentle hills but most are barely noticeable.

Aside from a few moments of thick tree cover, the lake will be in view the entire time, giving you the opportunity to see it from multiple angles.

Also in view throughout much of the hike is Mount Morrison. This impressive, granite peak towers over Convict Lake at its head.

Mount Morrison is named after Robert Morrison, who was killed near the lake in a shootout with escaped convicts from Carson City (more on this later).

Along the trail, you’ll see many flora scattered throughout with rabbitbrush making multiple appearances (at least during our visit).

While not nearly as impressive of a view, be sure to look behind you as you progress. Many view the lake head-on but rarely do they see it from the opposite direction.

Prior to reaching the head of the lake, you’ll come across two forks on the trail. To remain on Convict Lake Loop proper, keep to the left at both junctions.

As you approach the head of the lake, you’ll come across a beach to relax on. There are many rocks and downed logs to sit on, as well as shade.

Depending on the time of year that you’re here, this beach may or may not be accessible. This is due to the decrease in snow pack as summer progresses.

Here, you’ll have easy access to the lake if you decide to go for a mid-hike swim (like I did) or to just simply dip your toes into the water.

When you’ve finished relaxing, simply continue in the same direction you were heading to complete the loop. More views await you.

Soon after passing the beach is when you’ll come across the boardwalk that elevates you above the creek. It’s fairly slim with no guardrails. So take care when passing others.

The reason for the boardwalk is the heavy run-off from melting snow pack early in the season. If it weren’t for this boardwalk, this section of trail would be inaccessible during that time.

We were here in mid-October, so there wasn’t any run-off to speak of. Even without the run-off, though, the boardwalk made for an idyllic element to the trail.

After a short while you’ll be back on hard compacted dirt and hiking through beautiful aspens before heading up a short incline to the other side of the lake.

Up until this point, the trail was relatively flat. On this side of the trail, you’ll encounter quite a few ups and downs. Fret not, they’re barely noticeable.

Soon, you’ll come to a point that’ll appear to be the end of the trail. That point is another beach with a large, paved parking lot just above it.

To re-join the trail, work your way through this area (or the parking lot). From this point forward, you’ll be on the paved, accessible portion of the trail.

Throughout this section of the trail, the views of Convict Lake and Mount Morrison will be heavily obstructed by trees.

Here and there, the views open up through the trees and as you near the end, you’ll come across an accessible fishing dock with a commending view.

From here, simply continue on until you’ve reached your vehicle. Better yet, stop by the marina and inquire about kayak or paddle board rentals.

You could also head a ways up the road and stop at the resort for lunch. They’re open daily during the summer months and most days in the fall.

How Did Convict Lake Get Its Name?

In 1871, a group of inmates escaped from a prison in Carson City and somehow, without shoes, made it all the way to what was then known as Monte Diablo Creek.

These days, with established highways, that trek would be about 140-miles. Keep in mind that Highway 395 wasn't constructed until 1926. So they trekked much, much longer than that.

At Monte Diablo Creek (what is now Convict Creek) Sheriff George Hightower and members of his posse (consisting of Robert Morrison, Mono Jim and others) encountered the inmates.

The inmates ambushed the posse and a shootout ensued. In the shootout, both Robert Morrison and Mono Jim were killed. The inmates got away, but were later captured in Round Valley.

For their sacrifice, the mountain towering over the lake was named, Mount Morrison, while the smaller peak adjacent to it was named Mono Jim.

Then, the lake was named, Convict. This gives the representation that the two posse members who perished will always have the watch over the convicts.

Your Thoughts…

Have you hiked the Convict Lake Loop before? If not, does this sound like a trail you and your family would enjoy?

Let us know in the comment section below! We love hearing from our readers.

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Thank you for reading.

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How To Visit Vikingsholm Castle In Emerald Bay State Park

3 minute read | contains affiliate links

Located along the beach and at the head of Emerald Bay State Park, Vikingsholm Castle is a fine example of Scandinavian architecture right here in Lake Tahoe.

This Nordic estate sits on 232-acres of pristine beach line, beautiful turquoise water, Fannette Island (the only island in Tahoe) and the only waterfall in Tahoe that flows directly into the lake.

Unlike most state parks and attractions like Vikingsholm, you cannot drive up to it. A visit to Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm requires you to either hike or boat in.

In this guide, we’ll cover all the necessary information you’ll need to plan a visit for yourself. Topics such as the hiking trail, parking, when to go and more will be covered.

Let’s get into it!

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Quick Stats

• Location: Emerald Bay State Park, Lake Tahoe

• Fee: $10 parking fee

• Permit: None

• Open: Year round, but road is sometimes closed in winter

• For: Hikers, beach-goers, swimmers, kayakers, etc

• Restroom: At the trailhead and at the beach

• Parking: Medium-sized lot

• EV Stations: None

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Popularity: High

• Mileage: Two-miles, round trip

• Time: A couple hours to a full day

• Elevation Gain: 377-feet

• Condition: Well-maintained and signed

• Features: Vikingsholm Castle, waterfall and beach

• Pets: Not allowed

• Drones: Not allowed

• Hazards: None other than usual wilderness dangers

• Our Visit(s): August 2022

Here’s some great hiking products we recommend…

• Venture Wipes for Adults

• Garmin Instinct Rugged GPS Watch

• Foxelli Collapsable Trekking Poles

• TETON Oasis Hydration Backpack

• Jetboil Flash Stove Cooking System

• Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera

• EllaPee Women’s Urinal Funnel

Parking and Location

Vikingsholm Castle is located in Emerald Bay, the crown jewel of Lake Tahoe. It’s one of the most popular destinations along the lake and thus, gets crowded quickly.

The key to a successful visit is to arrive early. Emerald Bay does have it’s own parking lot but for the crowds it sees, it’s inadequate at best.

We arrived just after 8am to a near empty lot. By 8:30am, while we were still gathering our things, the lot was nearly full. So arrive early. Earlier if you’re here on a holiday.

If you see this sign, you’ve arrived too late. It won’t re-open until enough space has been made and you’re not allowed to park on the side of the road.

You’ll either need to circle around a few times until spaces become available or try back again later in the day.

If you find space near the Eagle Falls trailhead, you can park there and walk to it but keep in mind, the road is very narrow and borderline hazardous for pedestrians.

The fee to use this lot is $10 for the day. This fee covers other California state parks in Tahoe during the same day (D.L. Bliss State Park is just down the road).

The pay stations accept cash or credit/debit cards. After paying, you’ll be given a receipt. You’ll need to display this receipt on your dashboard.

*Note: If you’re paying with cash, have the exact amount. The pay stations do not give change.

Just to the right of the pay stations is a booth. Head past this to access both the trail and the viewing deck for Emerald Bay.

Soon after passing the booth you’ll see a viewing deck on your right. This platform provides a commanding view of Emerald Bay and Fannette Island.

A lot of people simply get to this point, take their pictures and leave. If your intention is to visit the castle, then rejoin the trail and continue forward.

The Trail to Vikingsholm Castle

We’ll first address the difficulty of this trail. At more than a few spots, trail signage indicates how steep and borderline difficult the way back up can be.

From my perspective, the hike back up wasn’t bad. It was a constant incline and a little steep in some spots, but overall I didn’t have a problem with it.

That being said, if you have certain physical limitations, be honest with yourself. The way in is a breeze, but the way out can be difficult if you’re not acclimated to trails like this.

As stated above, the way in is a breeze. If you’re here early, the majority of the trail will have a plethora of shade and you’ll have sporadic views of Fannette Island.

As you near the end of the trail, you’ll reach a junction. If you go left, you’ll be on the Rubicon Trail. To continue to Vikingsholm Castle, go right.

Soon after this juncture, you’ll see the public restrooms for Emerald Bay on your right. Soon after that, you’ll see the back side of Vikingsholm Castle on your left.

Vikingsholm Castle

Vikingsholm Castle is sight to behold and one you’ll have to see for yourself to truly appreciate. How well it blends in with its natural surroundings is a wonderful example of how construction can compliment nature.

Vikingsholm Castle was designed by Swedish architect, Lennart Palme, in 1928. Palme was the nephew of the property owner, Lora Josephine Knight.

Construction of the castle was completed in 1929 and was used my Mrs. Knight and her family as a summer home (one of the first of which in Lake Tahoe).

The castle was owned by Mrs. Knight until her death in 1945. The castle traded hands a couple more times until the State of California acquired it in 1953.

Considering the jaw-dropping beauty of Emerald Bay, it’s crazy to imagine that someone once lived here. I know we would love to have Emerald Bay all to ourselves for the summer.

Tours of Vikingsholm Castle

Unfortunately, we didn’t partake in the tour of the castle as by the time the first one embarked, it was time for us to get going.

Tours of the castle are offered daily and take you through the interior. You’ll follow a knowledgable guide who’ll detail the history of the castle, its development and impact on the area.

Tour information is as follows:

• Tours are guided

• They are 30-minutes in length

• They’re offered daily, early June - late September

• Tour times are between 11am - 4pm

• $15 per adult, $12 per child 7-17, free for under 7

• Tickets can be purchased at the Emerald Bay Visitor Center

For more information on the guided tours, you can check out the Sierra State Parks Foundation.

Also, if you want further details of the history of Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm Castle and the people involved, we highly recommend checking out their official website.

Additional Activities in Emerald Bay

There’s more to do in Emerald Bay than just touring the castle. Many people make the trek down here to hang out on the beach and recreate on the lake.

There’s a dedicated (but small) swimming area near the center of the beach. There’s no swimming allowed outside this border due to the amount of vessels going through the bay.

Paddle boarding and kayaking are also popular activities. There’s a dedicated rental stand (Kayak Tahoe) where you can rent either one for an hour or for the day.

While I was here, I took the opportunity to try kayaking for the first time. It didn’t take me long to get it down so if you’ve never done it, don’t let that stop you.

If you’re interested in reading about my kayaking experience to Fannette Island and the Tea House, check out our article about it here.

Your Thoughts…

Have you visited Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm Castle or Fannette Island before? Do you have any additional tips about visiting this park? Let us know in the comments below. We love hearing from our readers!

Please support our website by sharing it with your family and friends.

Thank you for reading.

Hiking To Cascade Falls In South Lake Tahoe

5 minute read | contains affiliate links

Cascade Falls is a beautiful series of waterfalls just outside the boundaries of Emerald Bay State Park in Lake Tahoe.

To get the full experience, you’ll need to see it in spring or early summer. Unfortunately, when we came, it was early August. So the run-off was lite.

However, the lack of run-off created dozens of tiny waterfalls scattered throughout (instead of one big cascading waterfall). So it was still a great experience.

In this guide, we’re going to cover all the information you’ll need to visit it for yourself. Topics such as directions, parking information, what to expect and more will be covered.

Let’s get into it.

Here’s some hiking products we recommend…

• Venture Wipes for Adults

• Foxelli Collapsable Trekking Poles

• TETON Oasis Hydration Pack

• RANDY SUN Waterproof Socks

• Jetboil Flash Stove Cooking System

• Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera

Quick Stats

• Location: West side of Lake Tahoe

• Fee/Permit: $10 per vehicle parking fee

• Open: Year round, but difficult to access in winter

• For: Hikers

• Parking: Semi-large parking area

• Restroom: In the parking lot

• EV Stations: None

• Drone Use: Not allowed

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Popularity: High

• Time: 2-3 hours

• Milage: 2-miles, round trip

• Elevation Gain: 255-feet

• Trail Condition: Maintained, but very rocky

• Main Feature(s): Cascading waterfall / views of the lake

• Pets: Allowed on leash

• Special Notes/Hazards: Trail is very rocky. Broken ankles aren’t uncommon on this trail

• Our Visit(s): August 2022

Directions, Parking & Trailhead

Getting to the trailhead for Cascade Falls is easy and straight forward. Simply plug Bayview Campground into your GPS and follow the directions.

Shortly after entering Emerald Bay State Park, you’ll see a sign for Bayview Campground on the side of the road. Turn into this lot.

If there’s space available, a parking attendant will approach you to collect the parking fee. It is $10 per vehicle, payable by cash or check.

*Note: Credit/debit cards are not accepted as of 2022

Bayview is a former campground that was re-purposed into a parking for this popular trail. The former camp sites have been repurposed into parking spaces.

If there isn’t space available, you’ll be directed to find a spot along the side of the road. While you won’t have to pay for a spot here, you may have to circle around a couple times and it will add another half-mile to your overall hike.

Cascade Falls Trail

The trailhead is located at the back-end of the parking lot, across from the restrooms. This trailhead is also for the trail to Granite Lake and Maggie’s Peaks.

If you’re only going to Cascade Falls, a Desolation Wilderness permit isn’t required. If you’re going to Granite Lake or Maggie’s Peaks, then you will need to fill one out.

To go to Cascade Falls, head left at the trailhead. This section of the trail takes you under a plethora of shade from the pine trees and is relatively flat.

As you approach Cascade Lake, you’ll hit your first set of steps along this trail. At the top, you’ll get a partial view of Cascade Lake on your left. Keep going to get the full view.

As you reach the top, you’ll continue to follow the dirt/rock trail for another third-of-a-mile. Cascade Lake will remain on your left throughout its entirety.

As you get closer to Cascade Falls, you’ll see a small sign of an arrow pointing left posted on a tree. Heed these directions.

From here, the trail moves over solid granite rock and can be hard to follow. Simply use common sense and head in the direction of the waterfall.

Cascade Falls

As stated earlier in this post, if you’re here in spring or very early summer, you’ll be fortunate enough to experience the falls at peak flow.

We were here in early August, so the run-off was down to a trickle. If you happen to be here during this timeframe, fret not, you’ll be treated to dozens of mini waterfalls.

The best ones we found were closer to the bottom where the edge of the falls is, but there are others literally all over the place. You just have to find them.

If you’re a photographer (or aspiring one) be sure to bring a tripod and ND filter with you to help you get creative with your photos.

To get to the edge of Cascade Falls, you’ll need to scramble down some boulders but don’t worry, it’s nothing difficult.

From there, you’ll have a commanding view of Cascade Lake with Tahoe out in the distance. We’re not certain how accessible this spot is during peak flow, though.

From here, you can continue further up the trail to other desolation lakes. Keep in mind, though, that if you intend to do so you’ll need to have had filled out the permit at the trailhead.

If you’ve gotten your fill, simply head back in the same direction you came. You’ll be on an incline on your way out so make sure you’re prepared with plenty of water.

Your Thoughts…

Have you hiked to Cascade Falls before? Were you fortunate enough to see it at peak flow? Let us know in the comments below. We love hearing from our readers!

Please support our website by sharing it with your family and friends.

Thank you for reading.

Hike To Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake In Lake Tahoe

6 minute read | contains affiliate links

Lake Tahoe is filled to the brim with hiking trails of varying lengths. Some can be done in a matter of hours while some will take a day or two to complete.

If you’re new to hiking - or you’re a family with children in tow - you may be wondering which Tahoe trails would be best for you. Enter, Eagle Lake.

It’s a short, albeit rocky trail that begins at a beautiful waterfall (Eagle Falls) and concludes at the equally beautiful sub-alpine lake surrounded by rocky granite mountains.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you’ll need to know about this trail, including; how to get there, what to expect, pictures and more! Let’s get into it!

Here’s some great hiking equipment we recommend…

• Venture Wipes for Adults

• Foxelli Collapsable Trekking Poles

• TETON Oasis Hydration Pack

• RANDY SUN Waterproof Socks

• Jetboil Flash Stove Cooking System

• Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera

Quick Stats

• Location: Emerald Bay State Park, Lake Tahoe

• Fee/Permit: $10 per vehicle parking fee

• Open: Year round (though the road to Emerald Bay does close in the winter if conditions are bad

• For: Hikers

• Parking: Small, paved lot at the trailhead and another (even smaller) lot along the road

• Restroom: Yes. At the trailhead

• EV Stations: None

• Drone Use: Not allowed

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Popularity: High

• Time: 2-3 hours

• Milage: 1.9-miles, round-trip

• Elevation Gain: 459-feet

• Trail Condition: Maintained and clearly signed

• Main Feature(s): Waterfall and lake

• Pets: Allowed on leash

• Special Notes/Hazards: This trail is VERY rocky.

• Our Visit(s): 2016, 2018, & 2022

Location & Parking

While not contained within Emerald Bay State Park proper, the parking lot and trailhead can be found just outside its bounderies across the road.

From South Lake Tahoe:

• Head south on Lake Tahoe blvd for 2.5 to 3-miles (depending on where you are in South Lake).

• Turn right onto CA-89 north/Emerald Bay road.

• You’ll soon hit a series of switchbacks and before long, you’ll arrive in Emerald Bay.

• Don’t turn right in the lot when you see the sign for Emerald Bay. That’s for the campground.

• Instead, continue straight until you see the sign for Eagle Falls (pictured above) and turn left into the parking lot.

From North Lake Tahoe:

• Make your way to CA-89 south and stay on it for about 18-miles.

• You’ll pass D.L. Bliss State Park before arriving.

• After entering Emerald Bay, turn right into the parking lot at the Eagle Falls sign.

 

Parking is going to be the hardest part of this whole experience. For starters, the lot fills QUICKLY during the spring and summer months.

If you arrive before 9am, you’ll probably be ok. Any time after that, though, and you’ll have a rough time. It may be necessary to circle around a couple of times.

If the lot at the trailhead is full, there’s a small pull-out style lot along the road you can use. Every time we’ve gone, this was where we ended up parking.

The biggest advantage to parking here is you don’t have to pay the parking fee. If you park in the main lot, then you’ll need to pay the $10 per vehicle fee.

Lower Eagle Falls

One aspect of this hike people tend to miss is the lower section of Eagle Falls. To get to it, you’ll need to (safely) cross the road from the parking lot.

You won’t get the traditional, straight-on view of the falls, but you will have the opportunity to get close to it. Especially when the run-off starts to slow down.

From the lower falls, you’ll also get an awesome view of Emerald Bay and Fannette Island. You’ll be contending with trees slightly obstructing your view, though.

When you’re done taking in the views, simply head back up to the road and cross it to get back over to the Eagle Falls trailhead.

If you’re facing the lot, use the boardwalk style walkway on your left. This is a much safer route to the trailhead versus walking through the lot and dodging vehicles.

Upper Eagle Falls

The tail to Eagle Lake officially begins near the upper portion of Eagle Falls. From the trailhead to the bridge at the upper falls, it’s about a quarter-mile.

The trail immediately begins to climb from the trailhead up wide steps made from rock and wooden pillars. You’ll get a temporary reprieve at the top.

As the trail levels out, you’ll come to a junction. Going right will take you to an elevated viewing area for Eagle Falls. Going straight will take you to the bridge.

Shortly after the junction, the bridge will come into view. To the right of it, there’s a bench you can use to rest if needed.

To the left of the bench you’ll find a small viewing area that provides a full view of the upper falls with the bridge in the backdrop.

You will need to scramble down to it and it’s a bit sketchy. Taking small children down there probably wouldn’t be the best idea.

After crossing the bridge, you’ll see a small opening on your right between a few boulders and bushes. If you go through it, it’ll take you to the pond above Eagle Falls.

There wasn’t any signage stating to keep out but I would advise against against it considering it’s literally RIGHT above the crest of the falls.

To continue onto Eagle Lake, simply get back onto the trail and head up. From here, the trail gets even rockier. So watch your footing.

Trail To Eagle Lake

From this point forward, you’ll be in Tahoe’s Desolation Wilderness. In order to pass this point, you will have needed to fill out a permit at the trailhead.

The permit doesn’t cost anything. This is just their way of keeping track of how many people are in Desolation and in case anyone goes missing, they’ll have an idea where you are.

Simply fill out the permit at the trailhead and drop it into the iron ranger. This rule was suspended during the 2022 season but it’ll probably kick back up again in 2023.

From here, the trail gets even rockier than how it was before. It’s literally carved out of rock in most places. Being mindful of your footing is paramount. Many of the rocks are slick.

You’ll continue this incline for another quarter-mile or so before it flattens out up top for a temporary reprieve. From here, you’ll be treated to an epic view of Emerald Bay and the lake.

This middle section of the trail crosses over straight granite, making the trail a bit easy to lose at times. Follow the rocks lining the path and keep to the left.

If you want to see the view of Lake Tahoe as pictured above, you will need to leave the official trail a bit to see it.

Also coming into view throughout this section are the craggy peaks surrounding Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake. The scenery is simply stunning.

Before long, the trail will begin to ascend again as you make the final push to Eagle Lake. The sounds of the creek in the ravine below signals how close you’re getting.

The incline levels out a bit as the peak above Eagle Lake comes into view. You’ll pass another junction at this point. Keep straight.

Soon after this junction, you’ll come to Eagle Lake. Most people stop at the rocky beach near the outlet of the lake. For more privacy, continue straight to other spots.

Eagle Lake

As stated above, this small rocky beach is where most people stop. The outlet is right there and is lined with stepping stones to afford you access to the other side.

You can continue straight for other beaches with less crowds, but these aren’t very well maintained. So you’ll be fighting fallen branches and other hazards.

Eagle Lake sits at around 6,000-feet and is surrounded by rocky, granite peaks. It gets its water from snow melt run-off in the mountains.

The lake itself, while cold, is perfect for swimming or wading. We would recommend keeping kids away from the outlet of the lake, though.

From here, you have a couple choices. The first is you just head back the same way you came to the trailhead.

If you have enough energy, though, you can continue up the trail to more alpine lakes including Granite Lake, Dick’s Lake and Velma Lake.

This short-but-sweet hike to Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake is nothing short of spectacular. It packs a lot of punch with little effort required.

Your Thoughts…

Does this seems like a trail you and your family would enjoy? Tell us about it in the comment section below. We love hearing from our readers!

Please support our website by sharing it with your family and friends.

Thank you for reading.

How To Hike The Burney Falls Scenic Loop Trail

3 minute read | contains affiliate links

Burney Falls is one of the most visited state parks in all of California. Prior to covid, the park would see an average of 4,000 daily visitors. Since covid, that number has more than tripled to an average of 13,000.

It’s no wonder, either. Burney Falls is a spectacular waterfall. On top of that, it’s one of the most easily accessible waterfalls as it can viewed from an accessible viewing deck just steps away from the parking lot or by taking a short, paved trail to the base.

Many people are completely unaware of the hiking trails contained within the park. So we’ve decided to write a post about the most popular one, the Burney Falls Scenic Loop. It’s a beautiful trail that begins at the rim of the falls and concludes at the base.

If you’ve never been there, you should check out our comprehensive guide on Burney Falls. In it, we cover a lot of information such as directions, camping, hiking trails, best time to visit and more! So if you’re looking for that information, you should definitely read that one and come back here.

Let’s get into it.

Quick Stats

• Location: McArthur-Burney Falls State Park

• Fee/Permit: $10 per vehicle to enter the park

• Open: Year round

• For: All visitors/hikers

• Parking: Semi-large, paved lot

• Restroom: At the visitor center

• EV Stations: None

• Drone Use: Not allowed

• Difficulty: Easy

• Popularity: Highly trafficked

• Time: 1 hour or more

• Milage: 1.2-miles

• Elevation Gain: 167-feet

• Trail Condition: Well maintained

• Main Feature(s): Burney Falls

• Pets: Not allowed

• Special Notes/Hazards: Though it’s a beautiful trail, Burney Falls will be out-of-view for the majority of the hike

• Our Visit(s): October 2016, August 2019, & May 2022

Trailhead, Parking & Direction

The trailhead for the Burney Falls loop trail is directly across the road from the park’s visitor center and parking lot. You’ll see a sign up ahead indicating as such (pictured above).

The parking lot is fairly large, probably closer to medium sized, actually. As we covered in our guide to Burney Falls, this lot tends to fill quickly in the summer months. So if you go during that time, we highly advise that you plan for an early arrival.

Once you’ve parked and paid your entry fee ($10), cross the street and head towards the rim of the falls to begin your hike. There’s a viewing deck where you can get a from above view of the falls.

Burney Falls Loop Trail

If all you want to do is go to the base of falls and leave, bear right towards the stairwell. It’ll only take a few minutes to get down there as it’s only a third-of-a-mile along a well-maintained path.

If you’re dead-set on the loop trail (as you should be) you’ll want to bear left along the dirt path. This trail also takes you to the base, just not as quickly.

Unfortunately, Burney Falls won’t be visible for much of the trail. In fact, you’ll only get the full view once you’ve circled down to the base. Shortly after the beginning of the trail, you’ll get one final look at it through some trees.

After a short time, you’ll arrive at the serene, ‘Fisherman’s Bridge’, crossing Burney Creek just upstream from the top of the falls. If you’re an angler, there are great spots here along the creek to fish for Rainbow Trout.

Be sure to stop near the middle of the bridge to take in the views. You won’t be able to see the crest of Burney Falls from here, but you’ll get a great view looking upstream of the creek.

After the bridge, turn right and you’ll enter a heavily forested portion of the trail filled with Douglas Firs and Oaks. Also along this stretch are a number of benches. Feel free to rest your feet for a moment and take in the sights around you.

The trail will begin to descend slightly along a series of gentle switchbacks. Before hitting the descent, you’ll pass a junction to the Pacific Crest Trail and a series of rocky steps built into the trail. No need to worry as the steps are easily navigable.

Near the halfway mark down the switchbacks you’ll get your first glimpse of Burney Falls since the start of the trail. Again, it’s through a collection of trees but it’s a gorgeous view nonetheless.

Rainbow Bridge Junction

At the bottom of the switchbacks you’ll come to another footbridge crossing over Burney Creek. This one is named, “Rainbow Bridge”. Much like the first one, stopping here to take in the views of the creek would be worth your while.

From here, you have two directions in which you could go. Going left from Rainbow Bridge will take you on a detour to Lake Britton. This is a solid option as the picturesque lake provides many recreational activities.

*Note: The detour to Lake Britton from this junction is closed for the 2022 season due to heavy storm damage to the trail. No word on when it’ll open. To reach Lake Britton, you’ll need to utilize the trail leaving from the rim of the falls and through the campground.

To keep to the loop trail and continue on to the falls, however, you’ll want to bear right as you’re walking off of the bridge. Along this stretch, you’ll pass a huge boulder field on your left. Showcasing evidence of the area’s volcanic past.

Soon, you’ll begin to hear the sounds of Burney Falls crashing into the pool below it and before long, it’ll come into view. There are many spots along this stretch of the creek to get an excellent side view of the falls. You’ll need to scramble a bit but trust us, it’s worth it.

The Base of Burney Falls

This is the main viewing area of Burney Falls and is where you would’ve ended up had you gone right at the trailhead instead of left. This area is defined by a perimeter made of rocks and is a somewhat small area (considering the crowds this park sees).

For a closer look - or to go for a swim in the pool below the falls - you’ll need to scramble down a rock field. The constant mist from the falls makes most of these rocks very slick. So be sure to watch your footing.

If you’re here on a particularly busy day (pretty much any day during the summer season) expect to find many, many people to be here. It doesn’t take long before that viewing area - and even the rock field - becomes a shoulder-to-shoulder situation.

We’ve never been here during winter, but we feel spring is the best time to go, crowds wise. Our most recent visit was the first week of May, 2022, and we practically had the falls all to ourselves. A few people came and went but that was it.

Once you’ve gotten your fill of the views, continue on the trail by heading up the paved switchbacks back to the rim (where you first began). Along the way, you’ll encounter several interpretive signs detailing the development and history of Burney Falls and the area.

It may be a persistent climb back to the rim but fret not, it isn’t that bad. The switchbacks are gentle and towards the end, there’s a couple sets of stairs to help with the final push.

Once you’re back at the rim and satisfied with your visit to the park, simply cross the road to get back to the parking lot. Or better yet, stop by the visitor center before leaving. They have many interesting/informative exhibits.

Which Direction Should You Go?

That’s entirely up to you, but we wrote this trail guide in the clockwise direction as that was the direction we went and feel it’s the way to go. The reason is because of the epic payoff at the end (Burney Falls).

However, there’s nothing that says you can’t go counter-clockwise. If you do, you’ll arrive at the falls after just a third-of-a-mile. To continue past that, head down the paved trail along the creek.

When you reach Rainbow Bridge, simply cross it and head up the dirt switchbacks and onward to Fisherman’s Bridge. There’s no right or wrong. Either direction will provide the same great views and experience.

*Tip: Be sure to read our comprehensive guide about Burney Falls State Park. It’ll help you plan your visit with information on weather, camping, amenities, directions and more!

Your Thoughts…

Does this sound a trail you and your family would enjoy hiking together? Have you been to Burney Falls or have you been dying to go? Tell us about it in the comments below. We love love hearing from our readers!

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Hedge Creek Falls: A Short Hike To An Incredible Waterfall

3 minute read | Contains affiliate links

While not a grand sight or a long, deep hike into the wilderness, Hedge Creek Falls still packs a punch as a highly scenic, simple trail terminating at the 35-foot waterfall spilling over a hanging wall of basalt.

The trail’s unique feature, aside from the waterfall itself, gives hikers the rare chance of going behind the waterfall via a large cleft in the rock.

Hedge Creek Falls is perfect for families with small children, pets, or anyone who happens to be driving by and wants to stretch their legs. Both the parking lot and trailhead are conveniently located right off Interstate-5.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you’ll need or want to know about hiking to Hedge Creek Falls. Let’s get into it.

Quick Stats

• Location: Dunsmuir, CA

• Fee/Permit: None

• Open: All year

• For: Hikers

• Parking: Small dirt lot across the street from the trailhead

• Restroom: Port-O-Potty in the parking lot

• EV Stations: None

• Drone Use: No signs stating you can’t

• Difficulty: Easy

• Popularity: Moderate

• Time: Less than an hour

• Milage: 0.7-miles, out and back

• Elevation Gain: 200 feet

• Trail Condition: Well maintained

• Main Feature(s): 35 foot waterfall, views of Mount Shasta, and views of the Sacramento River

• Pets: Allowed on leash

• Special Notes/Hazards: Vehicle break-ins are common in the trail’s parking lot

• Our Visit(s): May 2022

*Please practice leave no trace principles and keep to the trail

Trailhead and Parking

The Hedge Creek Falls trail is probably one of the easiest trailheads on earth to find. Both it and the parking lot are located directly off Interstate-5 on Dunsmuir Ave.

Whether you’re traveling south or north on I-5S, you will see signs for Hedge Creek as you get close. From either direction, take exit #732 and go right on Dunsmuir Ave and it’ll be right there.

If you’re coming from Burney Falls, simply travel north on CA-89 for about 56-miles before jumping on Interstate-5 south for a short time. From there, follow the same directions above.

The parking lot is of the dirt variety and small. It fills rather quickly in the summer so the sooner you can arrive, the better. To find the trailhead, simply cross the street.

The Trail

The trail begins just past the water fountain on the left. It’s a well maintained, packed dirt trail with very little tripping hazards (rocks, branches, etc).

You’ll descend down to the falls under the cover of trees, providing plenty of shade even on the sunniest of days. After just a few minutes, you’ll take note of the sounds of Hedge Creek.

After just ten minutes or so, you’ll arrive at the waterfall. The time of year you’re visiting will determine how heavy the flow is. We were here in May and it wasn’t flowing very heavily.

As you approach the falls, the trail temporarily gets rockier (and slick during the winter) due to how close you’re able to get to both the falls and the creek.

Here, you’ll have the rare opportunity to walk directly behind a waterfall. There’s a large cleft cut into the columnar basalt wall for you to walk through.

You’ll also take notice of the dozens of handprints all over the walls of the hanging rock. These were left by visitors who used the mud in the cleft to leave those prints.

From here, the trail continues for another tenth of a mile to a spectacular view of the Sacramento River and an ‘ok’ view of the summit of Mount Shasta (the rest is obstructed by trees).

Onward to Mossbrea Falls

Now, there’s (almost) nowhere left to go. Most will simply turn around and go back their car. Others could cross the river (if it’s safe) and continue on to an even more beautiful waterfall, “Mossbrea Falls”.

Currently, there’s only an unofficial trail to Mossbrea that requires hikers to commit the crime of trespassing on more than one occasion. So the only other way is to cross the river.

The Mount Shasta Trail Association has been making efforts to finally construct an official trail. Essentially, the plan is to connect Mossbrea Falls to the Hedge Creek Falls trail via a bridge over the river.

Unfortunately, there hasn’t been much progress as the last update given by the MSTA was back in July of 2020. If you want to keep tabs on this project, go here.

Hopefully this project will pick up steam soon because Mossbrea Falls is amazing and it’s criminal that it can’t be accessed without risking a misdemeanor charge.

Have you been to Hedge Creek Falls? Or are you a local and have heard any rumors about the trail to Mossbrea or what the hold up’s about? Lets us know about it in the comments below!

Please support our website by sharing this article with your family and friends.

Thanks for reading.

McCloud River Falls: Three Fantastic Waterfalls in One Hike

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers.

Just a short distance between two popular Northern California towns; Burney and Dunsmuir, McCloud Falls is a series of three beautiful waterfalls along the McCloud River.

Lower, Middle, and Upper McCloud Falls are easily accessible by foot via a 3.9-mile (out-and-back) hiking trail or by driving to each one via the paved road connecting the three. Additionally, each fall has its own parking lot with picnic tables, signage, restrooms and a campground nearby.

In this guide, we’ll cover a few things you’ll need to know about each of the falls like where to find them, how to access them once you’re there, etc. Let’s get into it.

Quick Stats

• Location: McCloud, CA (in between Burney and Dunsmuir)

• Fee/Permit: None

• Open: Year round, but can be difficult to access in winter

• Parking: Large, paved lots at each waterfall

• Restroom: Three (one at each waterfall)

• EV Stations: None

• Drone Use: Allowed (UAV must be registered and follow applicable laws)

• Difficulty: Easy by vehicle / Easy to moderate by foot

• Popularity: Popular

• When: Weekdays and early is best for lower crowds

• Time: 2-3 hours

• Milage: 3.9 miles, out and back via the trail

• Elevation Gain: 337-feet

• Trail Condition: Well maintained and easy to follow

• Main Feature(s): Three waterfalls of varying heights

• Campground: Fowler’s Campground (located near the lower falls)

• Pets: Allowed on leash

• Special Notes/Hazards: Each waterfall can either be hiked or driven to. No specific dangers aside from usual wilderness hazards.

• Our Visit(s): August 2019 & May 2022

Directions To McCloud Falls

If you already happen to be at Burney Falls (or will be), making McCloud Falls part of your itinerary is easy as it’s just under fifty miles away. Even better, if you’re coming from Interstate-5, it’s only thirty(ish) miles away.

McCloud Falls is a well known destination, so simply plugging that into your GPS of choice will get you there without issue. If you’re not a tech person, here’s the simple directions:

• From Burney: Go north on Highway 89 for 35-40 miles, then take a left onto Fowler Public Camp road and follow the directions.

• From Dunsmuir: Go north on Interstate-5 and take the exit for Highway 89 south. Follow this for about 20-25 miles and take a right onto Fowler Public Camp road.

The road leading to the falls is paved and well maintained. You just need to decide whether you’re going to hike to all three or simply drive.

The falls are handicap accessible and feature viewing decks straight off of the parking lots. For those who wish to, you have the option to walk down to the base of each one for a closer look.

Because we stopped here between our visits to Dunsmuir and Burney, we decided to drive to each waterfall and walk down to their bases to save time. While I recommend hiking the trail connecting the three, you can save a significant amount of time by doing what we did.

Lower McCloud Falls

The lower falls is a great place to begin your visit. The parking lot is paved and decently large. The viewing deck is just off the parking lot, past the restrooms.

If you’re able, I highly recommend going down the stone steps to get a closer view of this 15-foot waterfall. These stone steps is also where the official beginning (or end) of the hiking trail is. I have seen pictures of people swimming in the emerald green plunge pool, so I assume it’s allowed.

In fact, while you’re there, look for metal hooks embedded into the rock. According to a local I spoke with, those are the remains of what used to be a ladder swimmers used to climb out.

From here, you can either start hiking up the trail to the middle falls or head back to your car and drive up. If you drive, simply take a right up the road and look out of the waterfall sign.

Middle McCloud Falls

The middle falls was our favorite and arguably the most impressive of the three. If you only have time for one, I recommend this one. If you’re hiking here from the lower falls, the trail will take you straight to the base. If you drive, you’ll need to hike down or simply view it from above.

To get to the base, you’ll need to hike the short, quarter-mile(ish) trail to the bottom. It’s easy to miss and there isn’t any signage indicating where to go (at least none that we saw). What you’ll look out for is a dirt path, lined with rocks, spurring off to the right from the paved one going to the viewing deck.

The trail consists of packed dirt and while a bit rocky in some spots, overall it’s a well-maintained, easy to-follow trail. You’ll take a short series of graded switchbacks before reaching the bottom.

When the trail flattens out at the bottom, keep left to the falls and you’ll eventually reach a rest area. Between you and the falls is a boulder field that you’ll need to scramble over if you want a closer view. The pool in front of the falls is perfect for swimming and while we don’t how deep it is, we have seen videos of people cliff jumping into it, indicating it’s decently deep.

Out of the three, the middle fall is where we spent the majority of our time. I wrote an extensive post highlighting the middle falls and its trail if you’d like to read more about it.

Upper McCloud Falls

The upper falls is the one with second tallest plunge at 30-feet. Similar to the lower fall, it’s narrow and dumps into a small pool but unlike the lower fall, it’s carved out an opening between the basalt rock walls, rather than just spilling over it.

There’s a plethora of viewing space up top but unfortunately, none of them provided an impressive view of the waterfall (in my opinion, anyway). To get a better view, you’ll need to rough it a bit.

Just past the last viewing deck, where the dirt trail begins, you’ll see a spur trail on your left going straight down to the waterline. Watch your footing and take your time. It’s short, but steep with nothing but loose dirt and rocks. Taking a spill here wouldn’t feel good.

There isn’t a lot of space at the water’s edge. Most of it consists of awkwardly spaced boulders that you’ll need to sit or stand on to view the waterfall.

When you’re done, head back up and go a little further upstream to see the cascades feeding the waterfall or read about the development of these falls on the informational signs near the trailhead.

Hike or Drive?

That all depends on personal preference, physical limitations, how much time you have, etc. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

• Hiking the trail: You’ll need to ensure you have the proper equipment with you such as trekking poles (see my recommendation here), hiking boots/shoes, water, sun protection, etc. Each waterfall is less than one mile from the next and the only real “challenging” part is the uphill slog out of the middle fall. Aside from that, it’s a fairly simple trail.

• Driving to each fall: For those short on time or with physical limitations, this would be the best option. Each fall has its own parking lot and all of the upper viewing decks are wheelchair accessible. If you’re able, you can still get a close view of each waterfall (which is really the main point, anyway).

As far as where to start, that’s also your personal preference. If you’re hiking with a group with multiple vehicles, our recommendation would be to leave a vehicle at the lower fall, take another up to the upper fall, and start the hike there.

This strategy is two-fold as:

1. You’re hiking down to the lower falls, bypassing having to work your way up and out of the middle falls.

2. Saves you time by cutting the hike in half.

If you’re driving, it doesn’t really matter where you start. If you only have time for one waterfall, we recommend the middle falls as it’s the largest, most scenic/photogenic, and has the best swimming hole.

Barney Lake: A Beautiful Day Hike Near Bridgeport

3 minute read | contains affiliate links

Hiking to Barney Lake via the Robinson Creek trail is one of the many premier hiking experiences in Mono County.

The trailhead is located behind the campground at Mono Village, which is just 10-miles or so outside of the small town of Bridgeport.

We have hiked this trail many times. It’s one of our favorites. In fact, it was on this trail where the idea and name for this website was born.

In this guide, we’ll cover topics such as directions, what to expect along the trail, places to eat and more! Let’s get into it.

Here’s some great hiking products we recommend…

• Venture Wipes for Adults

• Garmin Instinct Rugged GPS Watch

• Foxelli Collapsable Trekking Poles

• TETON Oasis Hydration Backpack

• Jetboil Flash Stove Cooking System

• Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera

• EllaPee Women’s Urinal Funnel

Quick Stats

• Location: Bridgeport, CA

• Fee: None

• Permit: None

• Open: Year round, though difficult to access in winter

• For: Hikers & Equestrians

• Restroom: At the trailhead in the campground

• Parking: Large day-use dirt lot

• EV Stations: None

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Popularity: Medium

• Mileage: 8-9 miles, roundtrip

• Time: 3-4 hours

• Elevation Gain: 1,223-feet

• Condition: Fairly maintained, mostly unsigned

• Features: Robinson Creek & Barney Lake

• Pets: Allowed on leash

• Drones: Not allowed

• Hazards: None aside from usual wilderness dangers

• Our Visit(s): 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, & 2021

Mono Village Campground

As stated at the beginning of this post, the trailhead for Barney Lake is behind the campground at Mono Village.

Mono Village is easy to get to from the town of Bridgeport. From town, go down Twin Lakes road and continue straight for about ten miles.

Mono Village is located at the terminus of Twin Lakes road. You’ll literally run right into it. Shortly after arriving, you can park in the day-use lot on the left.

If you have time before or after your hike, there’s plenty to do at Mono Village if you’re here during their normal operational months. These include:

• A large campground with many sites for tents, RV’s, etc.

• Boat, Kayak and Paddleboard rentals

• Bait & tackle shop

• A general store

• Restaurant

If you need to use the restroom before heading out, you can find one just behind the restaurant. If you’re eating there, there’s also one inside.

Finding The Barney Lake Trailhead

To find the trailhead, stand near the check-in booth to the left of the restaurant and face the campground.

Ahead of you, you’ll see two trees with a pathway going between them and yellow markers on each tree. Head between those trees.

Continue on this pathway until you see a meadow at the rear of the campground. Keep going straight while keeping this meadow on your left.

After a half-a-mile or so, you’ll see the one and only trail sign on this trail. It’s an arrow pointing right and says, Barney Lake, on it. Bear right with the sign.

Robinson Creek Trail to Barney Lake

As of now, you’re officially on the Robinson Creek trail. Initially, this part of the trail is mostly flat, with a few gentle inclines here and there.

There’s a plethora of tree cover and if you’re here during spring and early summer, there will be a few creeks to cross (easy to do).

After a mile or so, you’ll enter a large meadow with mountain peaks surrounding you. There isn’t a lot of shade on this section of the trail.

*Tip: Be sure to bring plenty of water with you. Tap to check out the Hydration Backpack we recommend (affiliate link). It can carry 2-liters of water in addition to your day-hike essentials.

You’ll eventually dip back down under tree cover but don’t get too excited. After a short time, you’ll come out of tree cover and start going at a slight incline.

This is also where you’ll meet back up with Robinson Creek. Aside from the lake itself, this is our favorite part of the trail.

There’s a few spots here where you can take a break and admire a couple mini waterfalls. All the while enjoying your return to tree cover.

Once you feel rested, continue up the trail. After coming into another opening, you’ll arrive to the start of the switchbacks (at this point, you’re close to the lake).

These switchbacks aren’t bad at all, but this is the least maintained part of the trail. There’s a lot of overgrowth.

To make matters worse, if you’re here in the spring or early summer, they’re muddy and slick from the water run-off.

About halfway up the switchbacks, you’ll come to a point where it seems as though the trail disappears. Continue up and over the granite rock to rejoin the trail.

Shortly after this point, the trail will flatten out and the sight of Barney Lake will soon come into view.

Barney Lake

The scenery at Barney Lake is impossibly gorgeous. Especially if you’re here on a day without wind. The surface of the lake is glass-like.

The west end of the lake (near the outlet) provides an alternate view, los of shade and many seating opportunities.

If you’re here in spring, the beach may be non-existent due to the amount of snow melt still coming off the mountains.

Throughout summer, as snowmelt lessens and water levels subside, the beach becomes more prominent.

Optional Lakes

From here, you have two choices. The first one is you can simply finish up with your hike and make your way back to the trailhead.

If you still have some energy to burn, you can continue up the trail and onto additional, even more amazing lakes.

Some of these lakes include Crown Lake, Robinson Lake, Peeler Lakes, Snow Lake and more!

Additionally, you can go even further by making your way over the pass and dropping into the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne in Yosemite.

Unless you’re a super fit hiker, you’ll need to secure a permit to do most of these as you’ll be spending a night or three in the backcountry.

*Tip: If you’re feeling hungry after your hike, stop by the Burger Barn before heading home. Tap the link to check out our post about them!

Your Thoughts…

Have you hiked to Barney Lake before? If so, tell us about your experience in the comment section below. We love hearing from our readers!

Please support our website by sharing it with your family and friends.

Thank you for reading.

The Mist Trail: Hike One Of Yosemite's Most Beautiful Trails

5 minute read | Contains affiliate links

Yosemite is filled to the brim with many popular and beautiful natural attractions and trails. However, there are a select handful that are insanely popular in the park.

We have been blessed to have hiked many Yosemite trails and while they are all amazing in their own right, there are two that stand out from the pack; Half Dome and The Mist Trail.

We’ve covered Half Dome in a previous article that details my experience and gives you a good idea of what to expect.

While The Mist Trail is partially covered in that one (The Mist Trail is where most hikers begin), we felt it to be deserving of its own detailed, dedicated post.

Quick Stats

• Location: Yosemite National Park (Valley)

• Red Tape: None for the trail, but you’ll need to pay the park entrance fee

• Open: Spring through Fall

• For: Hikers only

• Parking: Large dirt lot a quarter mile from the trailhead

• Restroom: Two. One at the Vernal footbridge and another at the top of Nevada Fall

• EV Stations: None

• Drone Use: Not allowed

• Difficulty: Moderate to hard

• Time: Two to four hours

• Milage: Three miles (RT) to Vernal Fall / Seven miles (RT) to Nevada Fall

• Elevation Gain: 1,925 feet

• Trail Condition: Well maintained and marked

• Main Feature(s): Vernal Fall & Nevada Fall

• Pets: Not allowed

• Special Notes/Hazards: The stone steps along the trail are slick, some are steep, and they can be dangerous. Watch your footing

• Our Visit(s): September 2017 & June 2020

The Mist Trail

Parking can be somewhat complicated for this trail (Yosemite as a whole, really). This trail is one of, if not the, most popular in the park. So the lot fills quickly.

Those who are hiking Half Dome utilize this trail and parking lot as well and they get an early start. So the lot may be already partially full by the time the sun rises.

Usually, if you get here before 9am, you’ll likely score yourself a spot. If it’s full, signs will be posted alerting you to that.

Your options in this case would be to park at Curry Village (an additional half a mile away) or park elsewhere in the park and take the free shuttle.

Private vehicles are not allowed on the road going to the trailhead. So either way, you’re going to have to walk to get there.

Simply follow the road to the trailhead. It’ll be to your right after the bridge. After a short distance, you’ll see a gate and trail signage on your left. This is the official starting point.

Vernal Falls

The first feature on this trail is the beautiful Vernal Fall. Not counting the distance from the parking lot, it’s 1.5 miles from the trailhead to the top of Vernal.

Don’t let the short distance fool you. This trail is anything but easy. It’s a relentless, uphill slog nearly the entire way. Not to mention the slick, stone steps.

After a mile, you’ll arrive at the Vernal Fall footbridge. Here, you’ll get your first and only opportunity at filtered water via the fountain. You’ll also have access to the first of two restrooms.

Both are located just past the bridge. This is the point where a lot of visitors decide to call it a day and head back (you do get a slight view of the falls from the bridge).

You’ll also have a fork in the trail here. If you don’t want to deal with the slick stone steps, you can take the John Muir Trail.

This trail is on a far more even grade, but it will not take you to the base of Vernal and it will add a bit more time to your hike. To experience the mist, continue left on the trail proper.

The trail begins to climb again as you get closer to Vernal. Soon, you’ll approach the beginning of the stone steps and get your first glimpse of this magnificent waterfall.

I’ve never counted them, but according to my research, there are 500-600 of these steps. Again, these steps are SLICK. Be mindful of your footing.

As you make your way up the steps, it’ll soon dawn on you where this trail’s namesake comes from. Though the amount of mist you experience will depend on the time of year.

If you’re here in the fall, you’ll experience little, if any. This is due to the falls not flowing as heavily as they do in the spring.

That said, come during spring or early summer and you’ll definitely find out why it’s called the Mist Trail. You WILL get wet. Soaked, even.

We caution anyone with a camera that isn’t properly weather sealed to stow it away before proceeding. Also, If you’re against getting wet, a poncho would be advisable.

Once you’ve reached the mid-way point between the steps (you’ll know you’re there when you’re on a flat-ish area at eye level with the waterfall), you’ll be mostly out of the reach of the mist.

You’ll also have a decent amount of tree cover to help you escape the sun for a bit with various rocks to site on, if needed.

From here, you’ll have an epic view of the gorge that Vernal dumps into and the river, which has been cutting through here for many years. It’s an amazing, unbeatable sight.

If you’re lucky, the sun will hit the mist just right and present you with a rainbow (or two) to gaze at. At this point, you’re roughly one-mile into the hike.

From here, you’ll have a choice. This is the point where a lot of visitors decide to turn back. However there are more amazing views at the top of Vernal.

To do this, you must hike another half mile up a few hundred more stone steps. These steps are not usually as slick as the ones along the base, though.

Pictured above, you’ll see the last of the steps you’ll need to tackle before reaching the top. Once up there, you’ll see much more of the gorge leading into the valley and get up close to Vernal’s edge.

The river you see feeding the falls is the Merced River. The waters leading to the edge usually appear calm, but strong currents are always present.

At the edge, the Merced dumps millions of gallons of water 317-feet into the gorge below. The view up here is simply remarkable.

From here, you'll again have a choice to make. You can head back to your car or you can continue on for another 1.5 miles to Nevada Fall.

Nevada Falls

About a mile from Vernal, you’ll come to the Nevada Fall footbridge. The view of the Merced cutting through the granite boulders is an amazing sight.

From the bridge, you’ll have a great view of Liberty Cap. Many visitors mistake this for Half Dome (wishful thinking). From here, you’re close to the end of the trail (and another restroom).

While Nevada doesn’t produce nearly the amount of mist that Vernal does, the steps will still be slick. The good news is you won’t have as many to deal with as in between the steps are moments of compact dirt.

Once at the top, there’s rocks and log furniture to take a break on. There’s also the second opportunity for restroom use. This one is surprisingly well maintained.

If you’re a Half Dome permit holder, you’ll want to continue onward from here. For you Mist Trail day hikers, it’s time to head back. You’ll have two options on how to do this:

1. You can take the John Muir Trail down. This will add another mile to the hike, but its much smoother as you won’t have to negotiate the stone steps. Plus, you’ll get a unique view of Nevada Fall.

2. You can head back down the same way you came up. Keep in mind, going down those steps is worse than going up (especially if they’re slick). Going down the JMT may add an hour, but it wouldn’t necessarily add more time as it would more than likely take longer to deal with the steps.

On our 2017 visit, we opted to go back down the Mist Trail versus the JMT. Almost immediately, I regretted that decision. Seriously, consider the JMT.

Things to Remember

• This is NOT an easy going trail. It may be fairly short, but don’t underestimate the potential dangers. More people have been killed or hurt on this trail than any other in the park. That includes Half Dome. It is sun exposed, has thousands of slick stone steps, and a powerful river running through it. Keep to the trail, watch your step, bring plenty of water/snacks, and don’t overdue it.

• Swimming or wading is NOT allowed. Years ago, people were able to swim in the emerald pools up river from Vernal Fall. Unfortunately, those days are over. Far too many deaths have occurred from people getting swept over the edge.

• The trailhead parking lot fills up early. The closest parking lot to the trailhead fills up quickly. Even if you do snag a spot, you’ll still have to walk a quarter-mile to the trailhead. So keep this in mind when planning your day and prepare for the possibility of having to park further away and taking the shuttle in.

• Have a great time. Despite the potential dangers, this trail is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful trails you’ll ever hike. Pace yourself, take pictures, and be sure to pause and allow the beauty of Yosemite to consume you. If you only have time for one day hike during your visit, this is the one.

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A quick note…

We’re often asked about the equipment we use to capture the photos on our website. Below, we’ve added Amazon links to those products and others that we recommend.

If you decide to purchase, Amazon will pay us a small commission. This helps us keep Inked with Wanderlust running and doesn’t cost you anything extra.

• Nikon D780 Camera

• Tamron 24mm to 70mm 2.8 Lens

• GoPro Hero 10

• Mosiso Camera Backpack

• “Understanding Exposure” by Bryan Peterson (this book is a great resource for anyone starting out in photography)

Conclusion

It is our hope that this article was helpful to you in planning your next adventure. If so, please share it with your family and friends on Facebook or Pinterest.

You can further show support by subscribing to our newsletter below. In it, you’ll receive a once weekly newsletter containing announcements, new post alerts, news, and more!

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please engage with us in the comment section below.

Thanks for reading and safe travels!

Explore Sutro Baths and Hike The Lands End Trail in San Francisco

7 minute read | Contains affiliate links

Located in the northwestern corner of the beautiful city of San Francisco, a coastal oasis awaits eager visitors and hikers alike; Lands End.

From the moment you leave your vehicle, you’re treated to near non-stop stunning views of the city’s coast, Golden Gate Bridge, Pacific Ocean, and Marin Headlands.

If that wasn’t enough, you’ll also get to check out many historic sights and subjects such as the USS San Francisco Memorial, Sutro Baths, Cliff House, and more!

You can spend your visit just exploring the ruins of the Sutro Baths or extend your visit by hiking this short, but beautiful stretch of California’s infamous, Coastal Trail.

So how do you get to Lands End? Is the trail dog friendly? How many miles is it? We’ll answer all these questions and more below. Let’s get into it!

Lands End Information

Lands End Lookout

The parking lot for Lands End is located in the Sutro Heights district of the city, just off of Point Lobos Ave.

Here, you can access the Visitor Center, Cliff House, Sutro Bath ruins, and the trailhead for the Lands End trail.

For GPS purposes, here is the address:

• 680 Point Lobos Ave. San Francisco, CA, 94121

Sutro Baths Ruins

From the parking lot, you’ll see a stairwell descending towards the ocean. This stairwell will take you down to the Sutro Baths ruins.

The Sutro Baths complex was a massive saltwater swimming pool owned by Adolph Sutro. They were built in 1894 and remained opened until 1964.

The complex was sold to real estate developers with the idea to build ocean-side condos, but a fire in 1966 put an end to that plan.

Now run by the National Park Service, all that remains of the baths are the concrete foundations, walls, and stairwells.

It may seem like nothing, but the ruins are fun to explore. You’re free to climb and walk on them but be careful! One misstep and you’re in the ocean.

To the right of the ruins is a tunnel carved into the rock. It isn’t long and there’s not much to see at the end, but it’s still a cool feature of the area.

Sutro Baths Upper Traill

On the concrete path to the ruins, you’ll notice a dirt path that spurs off up and to the right. This is the Upper Trail.

The view from above will give you an idea of just how massive the Sutro Baths complex really was.

Lands End Trail

Trailhead near Sutro Baths.

Trail Information

The trailhead on the lookout side of the trail is adjacent to the parking lot. If you’re facing Sutro Baths at the top, go right.

You can access the other side of the trail by parking near the Legion of Honor building and walking down the pathway along the road.

Trailhead near Legion of Honor off of Lincoln Highway.

The Lands End trail is a section of the infamous, Coastal Trail. A near 1200-mile trail stretching from Mexico up to Oregon.

The Lands End portion is 1.5-miles, one-way, along a mostly dirt path winding along beautiful coastal bluffs lined with Cypress trees.

The trail is easy-to-mild in difficulty, but does present a few moderately challenging stairwells at certain points.

The trail starts out (from the lookout side) on a wide path under Cypress trees, before opening up to an amazing view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

About halfway through, the path narrows and turns into a more traditional hiking trail. For the most part, the trail is very shaded.

*Bathroom Alert: In short, there are none. Not on the trail, anyway. There are bathrooms at the Lands End Lookout visitor center and occasionally, there’s a portable restroom near Fort Miley at the dead-end.

Trail Detours & Features

If you just want to go from one end to another, you can. However, along the way, you’ll encounter a few cool detours you should consider taking.

Lands End Point

At around the half-mile point (coming from the lookout side), you’ll see a sign pointing towards a set of steep steps (pictured below).

This stairwell will take you down to three great detours; Lands End Point, Mile Rock Beach, and Lands End Labyrinth.

Halfway down the stairwell, where it flattens, veer to right to Lands End Point. It features a spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

It makes for an excellent spot to take a break and take some photos. You could also enjoy a picnic here with your partner.

You’ll see remnants of a foundation that held some kind of military artillery. To the left of that is the Lands End Labyrinth (our photo didn’t turn out well at all. Sorry).

*If you’re interested in more locations around the city with military history, check out our articles about Kirby Cove and the Muir Beach Overlook.

Mile Rock Beach

Taking the second set of stairs will take you to Mile Rock Beach. There’s also a short, but sketchy, path from Lands End Point you can take.

The beach is small, but beautiful. What it’s most known for are the seemingly hundreds of rock stacks along the cove.

These were left by many visitors over the years and the rocks used in the Labyrinth above the beach were taken from here.

Eagles Point

Eagles Point isn’t a detour as it’s directly off the trail, but it’s worth mentioning as it provides the closest view of the bridge on the trail.

If you’re starting on the Lincoln Highway side of the trail, you’ll see it right away as it’s just past the trailhead sign on your right.

Legion of Honor

Legion of Honor is a museum located near the trail in Lincoln Park. They display a collection of ancient and European artifacts from the last 4,000 years.

The Beaux-arts building was built in a way to commemorate Californian soldiers who were killed in battle during World War 1.

We would recommend visiting before or after your hike. For more information or to purchase advance tickets, go here.

USS San Francisco Memorial

This memorial was built to honor the memory of the men who died on the USS San Francisco during the Battle of Guadalcanal.

The memorial was built out of materials from the actual ship. You can see the holes made by enemy bullets all around it.

Coming from the Sutro Baths side of the trail, you’ll soon come to an opening on the trail with the Golden Gate Bridge on full display.

To the right of this viewing area, you’ll see a steep set of concrete steps on your right (you can’t miss them). Take these to the top and go right.

Additional Information

When To Go

The Lands End Trail and Sutro Baths are accessible throughout the year, so there’s no real bad time to go.

The summer months will obviously be the hottest and will have the heaviest crowds. Aside from that, it’s pretty much your preference.

It was late November when my Dad and I hiked this and we experienced minimal crowding and perfect weather.

Most of the crowds we saw were at the Sutro Baths and it was close to noon by the time we reached that point.

Cliff Warnings

Scattered throughout the trail and at Sutro Baths, you’ll likely notice signs such as the one pictured above. It’s best to heed these warnings.

Unfortunately, there have been many deaths along this trail. One being a 17-year-old girl who lost her life after falling over a cliff.

When my Dad and I were here, someone had fallen off a cliff after entering a restricted area near Sutro Baths.

Thankfully, he was recovered by Fire & Rescue Personnel and survived his injuries, but it could have been much, much worse.

Is The Trail Dog and Bike Friendly?

Dogs, leashed or not, are welcomed all along the trail and at Sutro Baths. Bikes, on the other hand, are a bit more complicated.

Bikes are allowed between Lands End Lookout and the cut-off for Mile Rock Beach. From there, there’s a bike trail that splits from the main one.

The new trail you’ll be on parallels Lands End Trail, but higher up and will eventually terminate near the Legion of Honor building.

A Quick Note…

We’re often asked about the equipment we use to capture the photos on our website. Below, you’ll find Amazon links to them.

If you decide to purchase, Amazon will give us a small commission. This helps us keep the site running and doesn’t cost you anything extra.

• Nikon D750

• Nikon 24mm to 70mm 2.8 Lens

• K&F Concept ND Filter

• Gopro Hero 10

• GoPro Media Mod

• Mosiso Camera Backpack

• “Understanding Exposure” by Bryan Peterson (this book is an excellent resource for anyone getting into photography)

It is our hope that this article was helpful to you in planning your next adventure. If so, please share it with your family and friends on Facebook or Pinterest.

You can further show support by subscribing to our newsletter below. In it, you’ll receive a once weekly newsletter containing announcements, new post alerts, news, and more!

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please engage with us in the comment section below.

Thanks for reading and safe travels!

Kirby Cove Hike Near the Golden Gate Bridge

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers.

There are countless vantage points one could view the Golden Gate Bridge from. You can see it from the plazas on either side, Battery Spencer, or Fort Point National Historic Site, to name a few. Additionally, you could walk or bike across it.

An estimated ten million people visit the bridge every year. It is one of, if not the most significant and recognizable landmarks in not just California, but the entire world. I could write an entire article on the countless view points. There’s one, however, I feel deserves its own praise.

I’m referring to the Kirby Cove hike, a small enclave on the Marin Headlands side of the bridge. It’s accessible via a three mile, round trip trail. At the end of the trail on Kirby Beach, you’ll be treated to an incredible view of the bridge, with waves crashing against the rocky shoreline in the foreground.

So how do you get there? Where can you park? Can you drive down to Kirby Cove? All of these questions (and more) will be addressed. If you weren’t planning on making a trip out to San Francisco this year, you very well may change your mind after reading this post. Let’s get into it.

Trail Stats

• Location: Marin Headlands (across from San Francisco)

• Fee: None

• Open: All year

• Family Friendly: Yes

• Cell Service: Spotty, but available

• Restroom: Multiple vault-style toilets in the campground

• Parking: Limited parking along the road and in a few small lots

• EV Stations: None

• Difficulty: Easy going in / easy to moderate on the way out

• Popularity: Medium to high

• Mileage: 3 miles, round trip

• Elevation Gain: 610 feet

• Condition: Easy to follow

• Features: Views of the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge, and remains of a couple military batteries

• Pets: Not allowed

• Drones: Not allowed

• Hazards: Steep drop-offs, sun exposed trail, and high tide dangers

• My Visit(s): 2016 and 2020

Kirby Cove Hike Information

How to Get There

As stated above, Kirby Cove is located on the Marin side of the bridge (opposite of SF). So if you’re already in the city, you’ll need to cross the bridge. If you’re coming into the city from the other side, the exit you’ll take is just before the bridge. To get to Kirby Cove…

• Take exit 442 to Alexander Ave. (I’m not kidding when I say it sneaks up on you. Pay close attention or you’ll end up on the bridge)

• Take a right on Alexander and shortly after, take a left on Bunker Road

• You’ll come to the single lane, “Bunker-Berry Tunnel”. Since it’s one lane, traffic is regulated via signal lights. You will likely have to wait a bit here

• You’ll drive Bunker Road for a few miles before coming to McCullough Road. Turn left here

• When you come to the round-a-bout near Hawk Hill, you will take the Conzelman Road exit and continue straight until you reach the signed trailhead

Kirby Cove Parking

During our first visit in 2016, you essentially had to get lucky finding a spot at one of the two or three small pullouts along the road. Battery Spencer would’ve been your best bet as it’s the largest. Now, though, the traffic and parking situation has improved greatly.

By converting the main road that runs adjacent to Kirby Cove to a one-way, they’ve increased the available parking tenfold by setting up parking spots along the side of the road, in addition to adding several pull-outs. Regardless of this, parking still fills fast.

My advice is to just grab the first spot you come across. Whether it’s the side of the road or in a pull-out, just take it. If you roll the dice on finding a spot further down the road, you risk finding nothing and will be forced to circle around again.

Kirby Cove Trail

The trail begins just up the way from the Battery Spencer parking lot. If you’ve managed to snag a parking spot here, congratulations! If you had to park further up, no worries. Simply walk down the road (on the dirt side) until you’ve reached the signed trailhead. The trail is right behind it.

Many people ask if they can drive to Kirby Cove. The short answer is yes and no. The only way to drive down is if you have a campground or event reservation (more on that below). Otherwise, you’re going to have to hike down.

The trail is relatively smooth (if you're used to mountain trails this one will feel like a breeze). It’s a steep-ish, 1.5-mile hike to the bottom and is mostly sun exposed until you reach Kirby Cove Campground. Save some water for the hike back out. It’s an uphill slog.

Kirby Cove Campground

When the trail starts to even out and you’re under tree cover, you’ll hook a left into Kirby Cove Campground. There are several vault-style toilets here, if needed. If you feel like you’ve lost the trail, just look for the logs positioned on the ground just as you enter the campground (pictured above).

If you’re interested in camping here, the Kirby Cove Campground is open between spring and the fall. It has five campsites, each capable of accommodating ten people, and features barbecue pits, picnic tables, and fire rings. Unfortunately, there’s no potable water.

Reserving a camp site or the day-use area is the only way to drive down to his point. When you receive your confirmation, you’ll be given an access code to open the gate at the top of the hill. These sites are tent-only, though. So you’ll need to park and walk your equipment to your site. For reservations, go here.

The campground is lush with cypress, eucalyptus, and pine trees providing plenty of shade. In the center of camp you’ll find a cluster of picnic tables and grills. This is the day-use are you can reserve for special events. Shortly past this area is where you’ll see the bridge pictured above. Cross it to continue the Kirby Cove hike.

Battery Kirby

After crossing the bridge, you’ll come across an old military artillery battery named, “Kirby Battery”. After construction in 1898, it was originally named, “Gravelly Beach Battery”, before being re-named to honor Lieutenant Edmund Kirby who died in 1853 during the Civil War.

This battery was built with concrete and had two M1895 mounted guns for defense. It was built in such a way where soldiers would have a commanding view of the bay while at the same time, being nearly impossible for enemy ships to see them. If you'd like more information on the batteries around San Francisco Bay, go here.

You’re free to explore the battery’s remains all you like. There are several old structures around the battery and an old storm drain tunnel underneath it. I would avoid entering the tunnel as, unfortunately, it’s been wrought with garbage and god knows what else. Last time I visited it was sealed off.

There are several remains of historic military batteries all over both sides of the bay. Another spot on the Marin side is the Muir Beach Overlook, with numerous “dugouts” that were used during World War Two.

Two additional locations with batteries that are across the bridge in San Francisco include the Lands End Trail and Fort Point National Historic Site. The latter is a hiking trail along San Francisco’s coastal shores and the former is a preserved Civil War-era Army Fort situated underneath the Golden Gate Bridge.

Kirby Cove Beach

Just beyond Battery Kirby is the overlook that provides some of the best views you’ll ever see. To your right, waves crash against a rocky shoreline with endless ocean views. To your left is where you’ll get more rocky shorelines, in addition to the Golden Gate Bridge providing an amazing backdrop.

You’ll find stairwells on either side that’ll lead you to the beach. When my wife and I were last here, there were quite a few fishermen so if that’s your thing, bring your gear along. Most of the fishing was taking place on the right side, but we did see one of the other end as well.

The Sea Cave

On the left side of the beach (facing the bridge) you’ll find a small sea cave cut into the rock wall. Access to it will depend on the tide. On our first visit, it wasn’t accessible so for our second trip, we timed the tide just right. You can check tide times at this website.

It wasn’t nearly as impressive as the sea caves we explored on Hug Point Beach on the Oregon Coast (there’s also a waterfall there), but still cool, regardless. Don’t try it if the waves are sketchy. This isn’t a spot you’ll want to be trapped in.

Kirby Cove Swing Update 2024

Believe it or not, the expansive view of the ocean and bridge wasn’t always what the Kirby Cove hike was known for. Around 2015 or so, images of people on a swing with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background began to spread rapidly on Instagram. Due to this, Kirby Cove became an overnight sensation.

When we came here in 2016, the swing was there. At that time, I was just getting into photography and all I had was a cell phone (and not a good one), but my wife did manage to get a decent picture of me on it, that you can see above.

Sometime between then and December 2020, the swing was taken down. NPS officials have taken it down a few times, but a new one always managed to take its place. But officials have eliminated any further chance of its return by cutting the entire tree down.

I don’t know the exact reason why they were so against it, but I have my suspicions. Simply, either someone was injured to the point that a lawsuit was filed or the NPS just wanted to avoid it all together. It’s understandable, but unfortunate because that swing was pretty cool.

Hike The Virginia Lakes Trail In Mono County

4 minute read | contains affiliate links

There are numerous trails in Mono County that stand out from the crowd. Robinson Creek, Lundy Canyon, Twenty Lakes Basin, Crown Point Loop, and Virginia Lakes round out our personal top five in Mono County.

The Virginia Lakes trail is a great option for everyone from total beginners to seasoned backpackers as you can customize it to your comfort level.

You can keep it semi-shot only only hiking from the trailhead up to Frog Lakes. Then turn around. This will be about 6-miles, out-and-back.

If you want to push further, head past Frog Lakes up Burro Pass to higher elevation lakes like Summit Lake and Hoover Lakes.

So how do you go about hiking this beautiful trail? How do you get to the trailhead? What can you expect? We answer these questions and more below.

Quick Stats

• Location: Mono County, CA (between Lee Vining and Bridgeport)

• Fee: None

• Permit: None

• Open: Usually opens late spring and closes around November

• For: Hikers

• Restroom: At the trailhead

• Parking: Large parking lot at the trailhead

• EV Stations: None

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Popularity: Moderate to high

• Mileage: 6-8 miles, out-and-back

• Elevation Gain: 571 to 2,329 feet (depending how far you go)

• Condition: Rocky, but maintained

• Features: Numerous lakes and old mining cabin structures

• Pets: Allowed on leash

• Drones: Not allowed in Hoover Wilderness

• Hazards: Nothing aside from usual wilderness hazards

• Our Visit(s): 2018 & 2022

Getting to the Trailhead

Getting to the trailhead is pretty simple. If you’re coming from:

• Bridgeport: You’ll travel on Highway 395 south for about 13 miles and turn right on Virginia Lakes road. From there, travel 5.5 miles until you reach the parking lot at the end of the road.

• Lee Vining: Travel on Highway 395 north and turn left on Twin Lakes road (this will happen shortly after passing the Mono Lake Viewpoint) and follow the same directions above.

Virginia Lakes road is mostly paved and well maintained until around the last quarter mile or so. After passing Virginia Lakes Resort the road turns to gravel (don’t worry, compact cars will have no issues here).

Shortly after the start of the gravel section, you’ll reach the road’s terminus at the parking lot for Big Virginia Lake.

Parking is plentiful on both the upper and lower sections. The lower portion has picnic tables and the upper portion has the restrooms.

Speaking of the restrooms, look for the Hoover Wilderness information post behind them. This post is directly adjacent to the trailhead.

Before you head off, be sure to spend some time checking out Big Virginia Lake. This lake is VERY popular with fisherman.

There’s a short trail to Red Lake heading south away from Big Virginia you could use as a warm-up if you’d like to check it out.

The Trail

You’ll begin at 9,800 feet at the trailhead and trek an uphill slog right from the start. You can skip this by turning right on the trail along the lake (by the restroom) but if you do, you’ll miss out on an amazing view of Big Virginia (pictured above).

The trail will drop you back down a bit before flattening out. Around a quarter of a mile in, you’ll come to a sign announcing your official crossing into Hoover Wilderness and offers you two directions to go in.

Going in either direction will keep you on the trail but the one to the left hugs the lake while the one to the right takes you a bit up and around it. You can’t go wrong with either as both will eventually intersect again at Blue Lake.

Blue Lake

Shortly after crossing into Hoover Wilderness you’ll get your first glimpse of Blue Lake on your left.

This would make for an excellent place to stop for a quick break to take pictures. There’s a few spur trails leading to the lake’s rocky shore.

You’ll begin your ascent through a large scree field (don’t worry, the trail is obvious). Using trekking poles might be beneficial.

The trail flattens out at the top for a brief reprieve. While there, go off trail a bit to the rocky shelf to get an unparalleled view of the lake.

Miners Cabin & Cooney Lake

After some more climbing the trail will smooth out once again (this is common on this trail) and you’ll soon come across an old miner’s cabin.

Gold & silver mining was huge in this area in the late 1800’s. There are more cabins on other trails such as Lundy Canyon, Gaylor Lakes, and Mono Pass.

Support beams on the left side of the cabin keep it from falling over and rocks help keep the roof intact. It’s an interesting, unexpected find.

After the cabin you’ll begin to hear running water as you inch your way closer to the second lake; Cooney Lake (10,244 feet). Cooney was our favorite of the three.

Just before you arrive, depending on the time of year, you may find a small waterfall near the lake’s outlet. In spring and early summer it’s quite the sight. In fall, however, it’s a trickle.

Frog Lakes

Just a short distance from Cooney Lake is Frog Lakes. If you could view them from above you’ll see that they’re three lakes shaped in a triangular pattern.

We’re almost certain that they begin the season as one giant lake (right as the snow pact begins to melt).

To the north, picturesque granite crags make up the backdrop for these beautiful lakes. To the northeast, Dunderberg Peak (12,374 feet) fills in the skyline.

At this point, you’ve hiked about two miles and are at an elevation of 10,371 feet which gives you 571 feet of elevation gain from the trailhead.

Where to go From Here

This is usually the point where people decide what they want to do. Some choose to call it a day (which is what we did) and some decide to head up to Burro Pass (11,120 feet).

This would add another 1.2 miles up a rocky, barren series of switchbacks. From what i’ve been told by others who have do it, it’s challenging.

From there, you can hike to Summit Lake (10,183) and make it a four and half mile hike. You could also go right and hike to Hoover Lakes.

Your Thoughts…

Does the Virginia Lakes trail sound like one you and your family would enjoy? Let us know in the comments below! We love hearing from our readers.

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Thank you for reading.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in October 2020 and has been recently updated for comprehensiveness and accuracy.