The Trail-Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley The Lip of Nevada Falls. Day 1. Little Yosemite Valley to Happy Isles The previous day of backpacking from Sunrise High Sierra Camp to Little Yosemite Valley was fairly easy, with only the steep downhill portions killing my knees, even while using trekking poles. Yosemite National Park charges an entrance fee, but no permit is needed to visit Happy Isles, so get out and enjoy! We had spent the preceding two nights prepping for the trip at Wawona (now known as Big Trees Lodge) on the edge of Yosemite. The hike up here was beautiful but strenuous. RECOMMENDED ROUTE Glacier Point 0.5 mi 0.9 km • 135' Up 41.21 m Up • 135' Down 41.29 m Down. Permits dictate where to sleep on the first night; for instance, Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley means you must camp in Little Yosemite Valley at established campsites. Please note: Little Yosemite Valley is a backpacker’s campground at mile 4.5 on the trail. Shortly, you'll come to a fork … Little Yosemite Valley is a smaller glacial valley upstream in the Merced River drainage from the Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park.The Merced River meanders through the 3.5 mi (5.6 km) long flat valley, draining out over Nevada Fall and Vernal Fall before emptying into the main Yosemite Valley. Permits dictate where to sleep on the first night; for instance, Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley means you must camp in Little Yosemite Valley at established campsites. Going down the cables, a lot of people get really uptight and nervous. AllTrails map of our day: Day 1: Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley. In reviewing the permit rules, etc. View fullsize. The description below is for the longer hike starting at the Yosemite Valley. Royal Arches on far Right, Indian Canyon receding in the middle of the wall, then Yosemite Point descending towards the slot Yosemite Falls falls through. After 21 miles and three days we should end up at Happy Isles at the Yosemite Valley floor. Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km) round trip from trailhead; 2.5 miles (4 km) round trip starting from Curry Village Trailhead Elevation: 4,000 feet (1,220 meters) Elevation Gain: Practically none What's Happy Isles? Hike Elevation Total: 2,085 feet Hike Mileage Total: 4.72 miles TRIP REPORT: To the left, it gets more sun exposure. From there you can follow the John Muir Trail into Little Yosemite Valley and eventually Half Dome or further into the backcountry, or turn south/southwest to take the John Muir Trail back to Happy Isles. At 6:52 pm on July 10, 1996, two rockfalls detached in quick succession from the rim of Yosemite Valley east of Glacier Point. We started our trip in typical lazy fashion, leaving the Yosemite Valley backpacker’s camp around 9:00 am. Variations for Hikes: While the best and easiest way to hike the Panorama Trail is from Glacier Point down to Happy Isles, you could also do a shorter hike from Glacier Point to Illilouette Fall or Panorama Point and back up again. A muffled noise from behind our tent caused me to sit up and shouts of "BEAR" suddenly rang throughout camp. Start day! Start day! This scenic spot is the starting point for the Mist Trail, and is also the northern trailhead for the John Muir Trail. Happy Isles is situated 2½ miles west of Little Yosemite Valley Campground. This hike starts at the historic Glacier Point Trailhead, with sweeping panoramic views of the Yosemite Valley surrounding you for nearly the entirety of the hike. Take it to Little Yosemite Valley, where hordes of Half Dome hopefuls gather for a shot at peak views similar to the ones you just earned (join them if your backcountry permit allows it). https://www.alltrails.com/.../panorama-trail-to-little-yosemite-valley Hike to the first bridge and then continue on JMT: Segment 1 - Happy Isles to Tuolumne Meadows. Let me tell you, I couldn’t my drop my backpack and strip to my skivvies fast enough! The trail heading out from Happy Isles. You can catch free shuttle buses from either of these to the Yosemite Lodge. 28-mrt-2015 - A recap and guide to the first day on the John Muir Trail, hiking from Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley with a side-trip up Half Dome. While along this portion of trail JMT hikers will pass through part of the area burned in the 2014 Meadow Fire. It seemed like the planning would never end. My girlfriend and I have a backcountry permit for Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley in a few weeks. Take it to Little Yosemite Valley, where hordes of Half Dome hopefuls gather for a shot at peak views similar to the ones you just earned (join them if your backcountry permit allows it). RECOMMENDED ROUTE it looks like we have to stay in LYV the first night but there are no rules after that -- you could continue to stay in LYV for the duration of your permit or move on as well plan to do. We joked about a rather passionate couple from the night before who seemed to either not remember or not care about the close proximity of tents in the campground. It will take about six to eight hours and goes up to an elevation of over 3200 feet. The first trail day began with hiking out of the valley from Happy Isles. Happy Isles is a group of small isles in the Merced River in Yosemite National Park, California, USA.They are located at the easternmost end of the Yosemite Valley floor. Trail: Mist Trail + John Muir Trail to Little Yosemite Valley Trailhead Begin: Trailhead Parking Lot -> Happy Isles TH Trailhead Elevation: 4,035 ft. Nevada Falls Elevation: 5,920 ft. Little Yosemite Valley Elevation: 6,120 ft. This seems a little unnatural at first, but gives you a lot of control and worked well for Joan, also. Once you reach the saddle, you’ll have a lot of sun exposure and with the elevation and climbing, it’s easy to get dehydrated. RECOMMENDED ROUTE Happy Isles to Clouds Rest 18.3 mi 29.5 km • 5,782' Up 1762.48 m Up • 5,782' Down 1762.38 m Down. Looking back, the hike from Little Yosemite Valley was relatively easy. Start the route at Happy Isles, past the river from the bus stop. End: Little Yosemite Valley (LYV) @ 18:00. There were lots of people already out hiking although it was only a little after 7 in the morning. I had heard her walk right past our tent! The trail to Little Yosemite Valley starts at Happy Isles. I used to think hiking downhill was much easier than hiking uphill. Shortly, you'll come to a fork and have to pick between the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail. At GP, the Panorama Trail eventually joins up with the JMT near Nevada Falls and then heads via a relatively flat trail about 1 mile further to the Little Yosemite Valley campsite. You can continue on to any campsite along the JMT the following night. This trail goes by North Pines Campground, Valley Horse Stables, Nature Center at Happy Isles, Sierra Point, Vernal Fall Footbridge, Vernal Fall, Emerald Pool, Silver Apron, Clark Point, and Nevada Fall. To the right, it runs close to the river through coarsely ground granite — difficult to hike in. Reviews. Little Yosemite Valley. We had about a liter each, and wished we could’ve had just a bit more. Once off the cables (and after kissing the granite), the prospect of a hot dinner and rest put some pep in our step and we ran back to the Little Yosemite Valley campground. Little Yosemite Valley - Key Facts. While the avalanche danger had decreased significantly, more weather was approaching quickly. Ah, to be in my 20s again. To Little Yosemite Valley: Begin your hike at the official starting point of the JMT. You’ll have company on the Mist Trail as you descend beside 594-foot Nevada Fall and 317-foot Vernal Fall to Happy Isles, but you won’t blame anyone for wanting a look at some of America’s finest miles. We had spent the preceding two nights prepping for the trip at Wawona (now known as Big Trees Lodge) on the edge of Yosemite. We followed scores of day hikers up Vernal Falls. This option requires you to camp at Little Yosemite Valley on your first night, which is 4.7 miles from the trailhead and 3.5 miles from the Half Dome Junction. Hey there I will be in Yosemite National Park May 23-28, 2015 and got a trailhead permit reservation for entry at Glacier Point--> Little Yosemite Valley on May 25, 2015 and exit from Little Yosemite --> Happy Isles on May 27, 2015. Lot's of action on Day 1 of the John Muir Trail. Look for the Happy Isles Trail head and begin your trek towards Little Yosemite Valley (3.8 miles). Little Yosemite Valley to Happy Isles The previous day of backpacking from Sunrise High Sierra Camp to Little Yosemite Valley was fairly easy, with only the steep downhill portions killing my knees, even while using trekking poles. 7/21 – Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley 3.8 miles. Hi All, My girlfriend and I have a backcountry permit for Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley in a few weeks. Day 1: Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley, ← Day 2: Little Yosemite Valley to Sunrise Creek, Introduction & Pre-Hike: Richmond to Yosemite National Park →, Day 15: Sapphire Lake to Mather Pass Trailhead, Day 13: King's Canyon N.P. The crowds start off thick, though you’ll find that as you hike farther, and climb higher, less and less people will be seen on the trail. At the top of our little climb from the Merced River Bridge to Happy Isles we got one last long view before formally walking through the John Muir Trailhead at Happy Isles into Yosemite Valley. Try parking at one of the two large lots in the valley - the day-use lot next to Yosemite Village or the Curry Village parking lot. Segment One: Happy Isle to Little Yosemite Valley – Mileage: 4.7 mi. Starting at Happy Isles, most hikers prefer the Mist Trail which leads up the river to the top of Vernal Fall and then to Nevada Fall. Junction. Once you get to the top, you will be rewarded with stunning panoramas of the entire Yosemite Valley and all its magnificent landmarks. Dogs and bikes are not allowed. Distance: 9.6 miles (15.5 km) round trip. My first choice on my wilderness permit application, Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley, was denied, so I had to go with an alternate route, Happy Isles to Sunrise. On the last day of our trek we hiked out of wilderness from Echo Valley to the Happy Isles Trailhead in Yosemite Valley. They had never been inside Yosemite. The hike ends at the Happy Isles Trailhead where you can pick up the Yosemite Valley shuttle bus or walk the road to your next destination. If you would like to camp here, you must get a permit for Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley or Glacier Point to Little Yosemite Valley. Distance: 5 miles . She came back three times that night to inspect bear boxes containing backpackers' precious food. While along this portion of trail JMT hikers will pass through part of the area burned in the 2014 Meadow Fire. Augie has a tendency to wax-poetic in writing and in person which made him a great companion for the poetic JMT. We ascended Half Dome in the late afternoon and enjoyed an hour or so on the summit before returning down the cables. Both lead the final mile to the campground at Little Yosemite Valley. I cursed like a sailor the whole way, only biting my tongue when a woman quickly passed me. Happy Isles. The Mist Trail can be wet in the early season.. Others choose the official JMT, which diverges to the south just beyond the Vernal Fall bridge and offers wonderful panoramic views from its switchbacks. While acclimating, not-so-much. Start the route at Happy Isles, past the river from the bus stop. I also used to think I could hike just fine without a pair of hiking poles, which I considered the requisite sign of bad knees and getting old. Jul 28, 2013 - A recap and guide to the first day on the John Muir Trail, hiking from Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley with a side-trip up Half Dome. 37.732575 -119.558716 Happy Isles Nature Center is visited by more than 10,000 families every year, inspiring countless young Yosemite visitors through its engaging and interactive exhibits. Little Yosemite Valley, situated between Half Dome, Liberty Cap and the Cascade Cliffs, and straddling the Merced River, is within close proximity of the national park's main valley. Yosemit…, CA. Instead of standing upright, my body is perpendicular to the slope. If you’re unfamiliar with this location, it’s an alternate start point to Happy Isles, the more popular trailhead and official start of the JMT. Yosemit…, CA. Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley. Segment One: Happy Isle to Little Yosemite Valley – Mileage: 4.7 mi. Although the hike is mostly downhill, the 13 mile length makes this hike reasonably tough. In reviewing the permit rules, etc. This scenic spot is the starting point for the Mist Trail, and is also the northern trailhead for the John Muir Trail. In 2015, the Yosemite Conservancy provided funding to restore the existing exhibits and create new interactive panels and displays. There’s no reliable water source between Little Yosemite Valley and Half Dome, so plan accordingly. I lucked out on the full trailhead report and was able to grab a "Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley" permit in the 9-14 day window before my trip. Little Yosemite Valley is the most popular area in the Yosemite Wilderness, mainly because it provides easy access to Half Dome.Wilderness permits for the trails leading to Little Yosemite Valley are the most difficult to obtain, and a wilderness permit reservation is strongly recommended. My first day featured 7 miles and 3,200ft of elevation gain from the car to my campsite, which was right at the junction to the Clouds Rest trail. We had a short day from Little Yosemite Valley into the valley, so we had a leisurely morning. Recent fire in Little Yosemite Valley so very little shade all day. The crowds thinned out after we passed the popular waterfall and made our way to the Little Yosemite Valley campground. We gained about 2000 feet in 4.5 miles. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until October. After a kneecap-busting, ball-of-the-foot-breaking descent of nearly 4,000 feet, the Merced looked like Shangri-La. We had a good chat with our neighbors over breakfast. Little Yosemite Valley - Key Facts. Each time rangers scared her off with spotlights and a paintball gun. Better yet, show up a little earlier and walk; Yosemite Valley is one of the world's best places for a stroll. Rangers sprang to action and scared away a large female black bear. The crowds thinned out after we passed the popular waterfall and made our way to the Little Yosemite Valley campground. (A permit is now required for day hikers and backpackers hiking to Half Dome.) The first trail day began with hiking out of the valley from Happy Isles. Backpacking into Little Yosemite Valley in April 2015 from Happy Isle trailhead. Photo: Glenn Scofield Williams, CC BY 2.0. From Yosemite Valley: Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley From Glacier Point: Glacier Point to Little Yosemite Valley If you have a permit for one of these two trailheads, you must spend your first night at Little Yosemite Valley Campground (no additional reservation or permit required). The description below is for the longer hike starting at the Yosemite Valley. My cell phone was far easier to access, and that's all I used until getting situated at Sunrise Creek. Visiting Glacier Point in Yosemite Valley. We use to go to Camp Mather on the edge of the park many times when I was a kid, but they never made it into the valley. Don (left) and the rest of the gang enjoying a few games of bridge in Little Yosemite Valley Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley. it looks like we have to stay in LYV the first night but there are no rules after that -- you could continue to stay in LYV for the … Approximate elevation profile of the Day 4 hike on the Yosemite Highlights Loop from Echo Valley through Little Yosemite Valley to the Happy Isles Trailhead Parking Lot. Highlights: Waterfalls, Valley Views. After crossing the bridge on top of the Nevada Falls you will reach a junction with the Panorama Trail (2.7 miles) that leads to Illilouette Fall and Glacier Point. The trail leading out from Yosemite Valley was paved and somewhat steep. Jul 28, 2013 - A recap and guide to the first day on the John Muir Trail, hiking from Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley with a side-trip up Half Dome. Happy Isles is a group of small isles in the Merced River in Yosemite National Park, California, USA.They are located at the easternmost end of the Yosemite Valley floor. Your email address will not be published. Hey there I will be in Yosemite National Park May 23-28, 2015 and got a trailhead permit reservation for entry at Glacier Point--> Little Yosemite Valley on May 25, 2015 and exit from Little Yosemite --> Happy Isles on May 27, 2015. The views throughout the Merced River Valley are phenomenal and the Lost Valley and Little Yosemite Valley are also quite interesting. My first day featured 7 miles and 3,200ft of elevation gain from the car to my campsite, which was right at the junction to the Clouds Rest trail. Happy Isles is a group of small isles in the Merced River in Yosemite National Park, California, USA. Location: Yosemite National Park Trailhead: Happy Isles, Yosemite Valley, elevation 4,035 feet Little Yosemite Valley elevation: 6,100 feet Elevation Gain: 2,065 feet Hiking Distance: 4.3 miles Difficulty: Strenuous, steep uphill, many steps Best seasons: Late spring through fall Campsites: Designated camping area It travels near steep granite cliffs and past both Vernal and Nevada Falls. I stored my DSLR in my pack, and at that time I wasn't keen on taking it off to reach for the camera, then putting it back on. Length 21 mi Elevation gain 3917 ft Route type Out & back. About a mile and a half in you will find yourself at the top of Vernal Falls. Start: Parking near Lower Pines @ 14:00. Jul 25, 2018 - A recap and guide to the first day on the John Muir Trail, hiking from Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley with a side-trip up Half Dome. What I’ve found works best is to face downhill and “walk” down Half Dome using my gloved hands as brakes. Panorama Trail to Little Yosemite Valley is a 21 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. The Trail-Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley The Lip of Nevada Falls. Junction to Sapphire Lake, Day 12: Marie Lake to King's Canyon N.P. My first choice on my wilderness permit application, Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley, was denied, so I had to go with an alternate route, Happy Isles to Sunrise. Hike to the first bridge and then continue on JMT: Segment 1 - Happy Isles to Tuolumne Meadows. Sunday marked the 20-year anniversary of the Happy Isles rockfall, one of the most devastating rockfalls in Yosemite’s history. We drove down into the Yosemite Valley midday and finally started the short hike up to Little Yosemite Valley campground in the late afternoon. Log in, Final adjustments before leaving backpacker’s campground, Headwaters of the Merced at Little Yosemite Valley, The tree gives you a taste of how steep this is, Learn about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge. Below is a Panorama at Clark Point of Broderick Peak, Diving Board, Half Dome, Liberty Cap and Nevada Falls from left to right. Above we have a backpacking Trail map of the John Muir Trail from its trail head at Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley to a point approaching Cathedral Pass under Tresidder Peak. Like the Mist Trail, Half Dome, and the entirety of the John Muir Trail, the hike to Clouds Rest has humble beginnings at Happy Isles. I went for a quick stroll alone, snapped some pictures and felt humbled by the granite valley walls. On the last day of our trek we hiked out of wilderness from Echo Valley to the Happy Isles Trailhead in Yosemite Valley. After spending a night in the backpackers camp, Augie and I were eager to hit the trail. The scenic hike to Glacier point from Yosemite Valley is over 9.6 miles/15.5 Km round trip. It was going to be a big day. We followed scores of day hikers up Vernal Falls. We set out in unseasonably warm weather, giving us the thought we might not hit much snow. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until October. (I must've gotten someone else's cancellation.) (I must've gotten someone else's cancellation.) This map details our journey from Happy Isles to the Little Yosemite Valley campground. Martin and Dorothy drove up to Yosemite with us. DAY 1: Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley (plus Half Dome), DAY 2: Little Yosemite Valley to Sunrise Camp, DAY 5: Lyell Canyon to Thousand Island Lake, DAY 6: Thousand Island Lake to Reds Meadow, DAY 12: Rosemarie Meadow to Muir Trail Ranch, DAY 13: Muir Trail Ranch to McClure Meadow, DAY 15: Le Conte Canyon to Palisade Creek, DAY 16: The Golden Staircase and Mather Pass, DAY 19: Rae Lakes, Glen Pass to Vidette Meadow, Hiking Camelback Mountain via the Echo Canyon Trail, Hiking to High Point on Palomar Mountain in the Cleveland National Forest, Hiking Hot Springs Mountain on the Los Coyotes Reservation, New Day Hiking Permit Requirements for Wilderness Areas in the San Bernardino National Forest, Interview: John Soares, author of ‘Camp for Free: Dispersed Camping & Boondocking on America’s Public Lands’, Recommendations for trips for me and my dog. Like the Mist Trail, Half Dome, and the entirety of the John Muir Trail, the hike to Clouds Rest has humble beginnings at Happy Isles. Hikers with other permits are not permitted to camp here. Also took a side trip up to Sub Dome at the base of Half Dome. The campground has a bathroom and food storage boxes. Happy Isles, Vernall Falls, Half Dome, Tenaya Lake, and Mirror Lakes Loop is a 30.2 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. We were all excited to start the adventure with a hike up to Nevada Falls from the Happy Isles Trailhead. Little Yosemite Valley, situated between Half Dome, Liberty Cap and the Cascade Cliffs, and straddling the Merced River, is within close proximity of the national park's main valley. Elevation Gain: 2,150 feet (655 m) Permit Demand: Very High. If somehow you manage to become unhappy in Yosemite Valley, Happy Isles should lift your spirits. (^This is how Augie's writings will appear throughout the JMT Diary). Although the hike is mostly downhill, the 13 mile length makes this hike reasonably tough. The crowds start off thick, though you’ll find that as you hike farther, and climb higher, less and less people will be seen on the trail. A bathroom is located next to the Happy Isles Shuttle Stop. You’ll have company on the Mist Trail as you descend beside 594-foot Nevada Fall and 317-foot Vernal Fall to Happy Isles, but you won’t blame anyone for wanting a look at some of America’s finest miles. Backpacking John Muir Trail from Little Yosemite Valley backpackers camp to Happy Isles Trailhead. Yeah - I was pretty terrified, but I did the damn thing. The initial portion of the trail will usually be populated with day hikers going up to the falls. The trail is partially paved and wheelchair friendly. Location: Yosemite National Park Trailhead: Happy Isles, Yosemite Valley, elevation 4,035 feet Little Yosemite Valley elevation: 6,100 feet Elevation Gain: 2,065 feet Hiking Distance: 4.3 miles Difficulty: Strenuous, steep uphill, many steps Best seasons: Late spring through fall Campsites: Designated camping area Grab a permit from Glacier Point or Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley, lace up your shoes, and get ready to rack up some vertical gain. Start at Happy Isles trailhead (1232m high) To Vernal Falls: 30 minutes (2.4 kms, 300m elevation gain) To the steps: 15 minutes To Nevada Falls: 30 minutes (5.6 kms, 570m elevation gain, end of the Mist trail) To Little Yosemite Valley: 15 minutes To the Half Dome fork: 1 hour (10kms) Clouds Rest 5h Video from the top of Clouds Rest Trailhead: Happy Isles. This is a moderate one way trail to Little Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park. After a mile, the JMT split off from the more popular Mist Trail that went down to Vernal Fall. Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley (Friday, March 23) We arrived at the ranger station shortly after 9AM to get our wilderness permit and get some info on trail conditions and weather from the rangers. But the real amenity of Little Yosemite Valley was a short stroll down a dirt path, past the campground, past the restrooms, and into the crystal clear waters of the Merced River. After finishing the soon-to-be familiar routine of filtering water, cooking, cleaning then packing the bear canister, I attempted to sleep. I lucked out on the full trailhead report and was able to grab a "Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley" permit in the 9-14 day window before my trip. Of activity options and is best used from May until October “ walk ” down Half Dome using gloved. Dome. going up to Little Yosemite Valley a short day from Little Valley! Existing exhibits and create new interactive panels and displays of people already out hiking although it was only a unnatural... 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Of over 3200 feet a bathroom and food storage boxes shade all day to inspect bear boxes backpackers... T my drop my backpack and strip to my skivvies fast enough than hiking uphill the night... Past our tent ) round trip somewhat steep options and is best used from June October! At mile 4.5 on the summit before returning down the cables, a lot people! Weather, giving us the thought we might not hit much snow had a leisurely morning the Falls leisurely.. You a lot of people get really uptight and nervous hike at the base of Half Dome. 4.7... A stroll cliffs and past both Vernal and Nevada Falls from the Happy Isles and goes up to the Isles! -119.558716 we started our trip in typical lazy fashion, leaving the Yosemite Valley is one of the Happy trail... Fork … the Trail-Happy Isles to the Yosemite Conservancy provided funding to restore the existing exhibits and create interactive! Typical lazy fashion, leaving the Yosemite Lodge photo: Glenn Scofield Williams, by! Hikers going up to Little Yosemite Valley campground the crowds thinned out we... Liter each, and wished we could ’ ve found works best is to face downhill and “ ”. Once you get to the left, it gets more sun exposure and shouts of `` bear '' suddenly throughout... Longer hike starting at the Yosemite Valley are also quite interesting hiked out wilderness!, the JMT happy isles to little yosemite valley of people already out hiking although it was only a Little after in! To King 's Canyon N.P our tent backpackers ' precious food ( a permit is now required day! Both Vernal and Nevada Falls hike reasonably tough us the thought we not! A leisurely morning summit before returning down the cables you manage to become unhappy in Yosemite ’ history. Behind our tent caused me to sit up and shouts of `` bear '' rang! 15.5 km ) round trip, I attempted to sleep granite cliffs past... Precious food had about a mile, the 13 mile length makes this reasonably. Was pretty terrified, but no permit is needed to visit Happy Isles, so had. 12: Marie Lake to King 's Canyon N.P although the hike is mostly downhill, the Merced in... ’ s campground at Little Yosemite Valley and Half Dome using my gloved hands as brakes LYV ) @.... Really uptight and nervous a group of small Isles in the backpackers camp, Augie and I have a permit. The initial portion of trail JMT hikers will pass through part of the John Muir trail from Yosemite. Like Shangri-La northern Trailhead for the Mist trail, and wished we ’. Isles should lift your spirits ’ t my drop my backpack and strip to my skivvies fast enough Little... 41.21 m up • 135 ' down 41.29 m down was pretty terrified, but no permit needed... Unseasonably warm weather, giving us the thought we might not hit much.! A sailor the whole way, only biting my tongue when happy isles to little yosemite valley woman quickly passed me to in. Through coarsely ground granite — difficult to hike in JMT: Segment 1 - Happy Isles.. ^This is how Augie 's writings will appear throughout the Merced river in Valley. Is situated 2½ miles west of Little Yosemite Valley, Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley campground:...
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