Yosemite-- Sierra Point

[SteveHall]

Yosemite Valley exclusives

Sierra Point via the Sierra Point Trail
(Part 2 of 3)

Sierra Point is a place which has become mostly forgotten by the current generation of visitors to Yosemite. The destination was once very popular, as it was the shortest hike which could be taken from Happy Isles, with the Sierra Point Trail being marked on both park signs and maps. Now, almost nobody knows about it, yet it provides one of the most spectacular overlooks in all of Yosemite. From Sierra Point, it is possible to see majestic views of four major waterfalls at the same time-- Vernal, Nevada, Illilouette, and Yosemite Falls. And this is the only place in Yosemite where such a feat is possible. The park service decided to stop promoting the trail in the 1970's, when a rockslide took out portions of the trail which were of great importance. It doesn't seem to be officially "closed", as there are no signs instructing wanderers or others who stumble across the trail to stay away from it. Yet, it can be hard to find initially, and there is one part in the middle which has to be classified as a bit risky and nerve racking. But at the end of the Sierra Point Trail lies Sierra Point, with its original railing intact and a view which few people in the world have ever seen.

Yosemite Valley Place Names (1955) by Richard J. Hartesveldt says that: "SIERRA POINT was named in honor of the Sierra Club by Charles A. Bailey in 1897. He had searched for a point from which the five waterfalls (Upper and Lower Yosemite, Illilouette, Vernal and Nevada) could be seen. It was first plotted by triangulation. Impressed by the view, he thought it appropriate to name it in honor of the mountaineering club."

Topographical map of Happy Isles and the route to Sierra Point:


Our own search for the Sierra Point Trail proved to be quite time consuming and frustrating. We were armed with photographs and general instructions obtained from various sources on the internet. Thus, we hiked up from the Happy Isles bridge to the Rock Slide sign, and then turned off the main trail, heading east into the wilderness. Somehow, we missed the trail and began wandering around the upper portion of the forest in this area searching everywhere for the trail. A couple of hours passed by and we were growing more and more frustrated by the minute, because it was really hot outside and we had no idea where the trail was. Finally, I conceded that I would have to buy a GPS unit and locate the trail by using coordinates which have been published. We began hiking down, but decided to head back southwest, to cover a little bit of ground we had not checked.

A few minutes later we had a breakthrough-- we walked through some trees and brush and came across what appeared to be an intact trail. Sure enough, this was it... the legendary Sierra Point Trail. We followed it up and soon came to the portion of the hike where it is necessary to scramble up a brief, somewhat steep and slippery area. Dave decided to stay behind and wait for me here, while I finished the hike to Sierra Point. I had come too far and gone through too much to be denied. Trying to push the fear out of my mind, I made my way up the difficult part safely and continued on what was clearly a genuine park trail. About 15 minutes later I walked out onto Sierra Point and my life had changed forever.

Once I met back up with Dave and we hiked down, I realized just where we had gone wrong and ended up lost in the forest. The start of the Sierra Point Trail is actually not very far from the Happy Isles-Vernal Falls Trail, you can actually see all the way to the start of the trail, but you have to know exactly where it is. On our way down we also noticed that cairns had been set up by others marking the way, but these may or may not be there for future visitors. I will try to give some general directions below, along with my photographs, to help any who may visit this special place. Before I go, a word of caution-- we did find two huge rattlesnakes along the way, so be very careful where you step. I came within 5 feet of one which was sleeping, and when the snake rose up and turned around to threaten me, I fell backwards to the ground in shock and fear. So be careful, not just with the hiking and scrambling, but with the danger of snakes.

Elevation gain from Happy Isles to Sierra Point: about 800 feet

The Rock Piles sign is the starting point for the hike to Sierra Point:


Climb the rocks directly towards this jagged point, the trail is just beyond:


A rattlesnake which we came close to stepping on:


Dave climbing through a challenging section of boulders:


Views of Yosemite Falls are enjoyed by looking back on the hike up:




Finally finding the Sierra Point Trail over two hours after we started:


Sometimes the trail is overgrown but it is easy to follow:


Stop here, turn around, and look up:


Like Dave, you can survey the most treacherous part of the hike:

[SteveHall]

Going up, I went up and around and to the right until I reached these cairns:


Looking down from the top, I went straight down this on the way back:


The trail continues after the treacherous part is climbed:




There are many steps built by the park service long ago:


The Sierra Point Trail is continuously steep the entire hike:






Getting close-- go straight across and around this ledge:


The final stretch, with the point just ahead:


Finally reaching Sierra Point!!

[SteveHall]

Vernal and Nevada Falls from the Sierra Point railing:




A close-up of Vernal Falls from Sierra Point:


A close-up of Nevada Falls from Sierra Point:


Illilouette Falls from the Sierra Point railing:


A close-up of Illilouette Falls from Sierra Point:


Yosemite Falls from the Sierra Point railing:


A close-up of Yosemite Falls from Sierra Point (blowing in the wind):


Looking down at hikers on the Happy Isles-Vernal Falls Trail:




Steve posing at the legendary Sierra Point:

[Snow Nymph]

I love that trail, and great views! If I ever get there, I'll check it out. The crowds keep me from doing anything there. The last few times it took forever to get thru traffic and I can't deal with that. Maybe better during the week.
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Expose yourself to your deepest fear; after that, fear has no power, and the fear of freedom shrinks and vanishes. You are free . . . . Jim Morrison

[netllama]

Thanks for this nice trip report. Roughly how long would you estimate this hike was from start to finish?

[SteveHall]

If you can find the start of the trail-- which is literally only a 5 minute hike up from the Happy Isles-Vernal Falls Trail if you look in the right place, the entire hike can be done in 1 1/2 to 2 hours round-trip. If you can't find it, like we couldn't, then it turns into a 4 to 5 hour adventure. Of course, most of you have GPS units, so you could just follow the coordinates posted elsewhere on the web and minimize problems with getting lost.

I'm not sure if I mentioned this but the Park Service officially doesn't recommend the trail, due to that one difficult area to get up, which I posted above. But the trail is not "closed", in fact, I can't wait to try it again next time I'm in Yosemite... which will be next week for a backpacking trip.