Hiking In Yosemite Nat Park There is so much to do and see in Yosemite Nat Park. One of the tougher hikes here is from Yosemite Valley to Merced Lake. Hiking from Happy Isles (in the Yosemite Valley) up to Merced Lake is a 28.4 mile hike. Allow yourself two if not three days to complete this hike. This is a hike for serious backpackers and weekend warriors. Start out at Happy Isles and follow the marked trail to the top of Vernal Falls. Once at the top of Vernal Falls, you can take a rest at Emerald Pool and Silver Apron. Once rested, continue on the John Muir Trail another 1.2 miles to Clark Point. Clark Point will give you great views of Half Dome, Mount Broderick and Liberty Cap. After taking in the breath taking scenery continue another 1.1 mile to Glacier Point's Panorama Trail. From here the trail gives your legs a break with an easy 0.2 of a mile decent to the bridge at Nevada Falls. At the top of Nevada Falls you will pick up the trail by following the trailhead sign that points you in the direction of Little Yosemite Valley. This is approximately a mile above Nevada Falls. Little Yosemite Valley is a great place to call it a night and set up camp. In the morning you will follow trailhead signs to Merced Lake. The first couple of miles is a nice flat walk in a shaded forest. You will then come upon a pool of water that has cascaded down from Merced Lake. Take some time and slide the cascades! Stay on the trail that is marked Merced Lake. You'll come to Yosemite Nat Parks Lost Valley and then the trail switchbacks begin. Here you will break out of the forest and have some great Sierra Nevada canyon views. After awhile on the trail you will come upon a bridge that allows you to cross the Merced River. Your hike will take you 400 feet above the Merced River as you continue on the switchbacks. At the top you will have unprecedented views of Clouds Rest. After taking in the view, the trail will walk you through a forested area. You'll cross over several creeks as you follow trailhead signs to Merced Lake. Take a rest on the bench located at the rivers inner gorge. When your ready to continue on, cross over the river just above the cascades. Follow trailhead signs to Echo Valley. Echo valley is a good place to set up camp and stay the night. In the morning, cross over Echo Creek and hike through Echo Valley. Your hike will take you uphill to Merced Lake. Set up camp and go fishing for your dinner! Brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout are all easily caught here. Return From Yosemite Nat Park Page To The Yosemite Hiking Page
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