Hiking to Nevada Falls
Jun 1st, 2008, 08:47 AM
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Hiking to Nevada Falls
My husband and I will be visiting Yosemite for the second time in August. We hiked to Vernal Falls last time and would like to make it up to Nevada Falls this time. How should we prepare for this hike? We are 30 and in relatively good shape; we hiked to Angel's Landing in March. Our exercise routine consists of moderate cardio several times per week at the YMCA. We are interested in suggestions about how to modify and/or augment our routine to prepare for the steep nature of the Mist Trail. We live in Southeastern PA so there are not many opportunities to climb mountains! Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank you!
Thank you!
That will get you used to climbing mountains. In fact, if memory serves, part of the trail is actual stairs carved into the rock.
Jun 1st, 2008, 08:14 PM
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You won't have any problems hiking to Nevada Falls if you're in relatively good shape; my husband and I went up and back a few years ago without any undue distress. Just take your time. However, if you're concerned about climbing, consider taking the bus from the valley up to Glacier Point and hiking down...I believe this is called the Panorama Trail and you will end up back on the Nevada to Vernal section heading back toward the valley floor.
Jun 1st, 2008, 08:57 PM
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If you are 30 and in relatively good shape you will have no trouble getting to the top of Nevada Falls. I believe it is considered "moderate" hike. It's a bit higher than Angel's Landing but no where near as challenging in terms of drop-off factor. Keep up the cardio and you should be fine.
The Mist Trail is steep but just like going up stairs. Do stop now and then to enjoy the experience and the scenery.
The elevation, even at the top of Nevada Falls, is not so high that you should have any problems from that.
I did all of this and more (to the top of Half Dome and back in a day) last summer and I am 60.
The Mist Trail is steep but just like going up stairs. Do stop now and then to enjoy the experience and the scenery.
The elevation, even at the top of Nevada Falls, is not so high that you should have any problems from that.
I did all of this and more (to the top of Half Dome and back in a day) last summer and I am 60.
Jun 2nd, 2008, 11:30 AM
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Give yourself a day to get used to the elevation in Yosemite before you start your hike. I don't think you'll have any trouble if you are in reasonable shape. If you set your treadmill to the highest incline when you work out, you'll build leg muscle for your hike.
The last time I hiked the Mist Trail I did it with my 65-year-old mother and two kids under the age of 7. I held onto my 3-yr-old's hands because the trail was slippery, but other than that, had no problems. You'll be fine!
The last time I hiked the Mist Trail I did it with my 65-year-old mother and two kids under the age of 7. I held onto my 3-yr-old's hands because the trail was slippery, but other than that, had no problems. You'll be fine!
Jun 2nd, 2008, 09:44 PM
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We went up to Vernal Falls about 3 weeks ago. Love it every time I go. We've been up to Nevada, too.
Keep in moderate cardio shpae at least and keep your knees happy (careful on the stair master) and you'll be fine. Just take your time and rest as needed. That's what I did and I leave at sea level. Don't bother with a pncho cuz the mist will feel good and dry fast (if there is any!)
I suggest this... go on the morning of the 2nd or 3rd day you are in the Valley. Avoid Saturday or holiday mornings if at all possible. Start just after your breakfast as it will be much cooler with far fewer people going up the mist trail and perhpas no one coming down. I really don't like heights, so not having to pass others is a nice feature of the morning time.
Go up the mist trail to Vernal Falls and then over the bridge and up to Nevada.
On the way down, do go down the horse trail to avoid all the other folks now stuck in the melee. It is longer with a bit more horse poop, but as it will only be mid day by the time you descend, it shouldn't be too bad. And it is way easier on your knees than the mist trail.
One alternate route down is to back track back down to vernal falls from Nevada falls, and then before you get to Vernal, cut off up to the John Muir Trail. This will give you a great view looking down on Vernal falls and only half the horse poop.
A nice stop at the bottom is the Happy Isles Nature Center. They have a bathroom AND air conditioning and a top notch stuffed mammal and bird exhibit. They have a really cool explanation of the Happy Isles rock fall, too.
Have a great time and say "Hi" to Camp Curry for me!
Keep in moderate cardio shpae at least and keep your knees happy (careful on the stair master) and you'll be fine. Just take your time and rest as needed. That's what I did and I leave at sea level. Don't bother with a pncho cuz the mist will feel good and dry fast (if there is any!)
I suggest this... go on the morning of the 2nd or 3rd day you are in the Valley. Avoid Saturday or holiday mornings if at all possible. Start just after your breakfast as it will be much cooler with far fewer people going up the mist trail and perhpas no one coming down. I really don't like heights, so not having to pass others is a nice feature of the morning time.
Go up the mist trail to Vernal Falls and then over the bridge and up to Nevada.
On the way down, do go down the horse trail to avoid all the other folks now stuck in the melee. It is longer with a bit more horse poop, but as it will only be mid day by the time you descend, it shouldn't be too bad. And it is way easier on your knees than the mist trail.
One alternate route down is to back track back down to vernal falls from Nevada falls, and then before you get to Vernal, cut off up to the John Muir Trail. This will give you a great view looking down on Vernal falls and only half the horse poop.
A nice stop at the bottom is the Happy Isles Nature Center. They have a bathroom AND air conditioning and a top notch stuffed mammal and bird exhibit. They have a really cool explanation of the Happy Isles rock fall, too.
Have a great time and say "Hi" to Camp Curry for me!
Jun 3rd, 2008, 03:41 PM
#9
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Thanks for all of the great ideas. I will try the stairmaster; I will also try to gradually increase the Stairmaster to full incline.
I love the idea of taking a different trail back down. The John Muir sounds interesting to get a view of Vernal Falls.
We will be going in mid-August. I know the timing isn't ideal but I teach so summer is the only time I can travel!
THanks again for all of the great ideas. Any other suggestions would be appreciated!
I love the idea of taking a different trail back down. The John Muir sounds interesting to get a view of Vernal Falls.
We will be going in mid-August. I know the timing isn't ideal but I teach so summer is the only time I can travel!
THanks again for all of the great ideas. Any other suggestions would be appreciated!
Jun 4th, 2008, 07:52 PM
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Definitely go down another way---walking down the Mist Trail is difficult due to the steep and slippery stairs. And it causes trouble for the people coming up. (They really should make it a one-way trail!)
The John Muir trail route down from the top of Nevada Falls is very nice and offers different views than you get from the Mist Trail.
The John Muir trail route down from the top of Nevada Falls is very nice and offers different views than you get from the Mist Trail.
