When I was 19 my friend and I decided to this hike at night. We started at midnight and reached the top just before sunrise. One of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. But still makes my palms sweaty thinking about the danger we put ourselves in. I did this hike again 2 years ago during the day and I still don’t know how we got up there with just head lamps and a backpack full of beer and beef jersey
I just completed this hike and as I reached the overlook, the sun was setting and it was the most epic scenery I’ve ever seen. I’m lucky I always hike with a military-grade flashlight because that descent in darkness was wild. Definitely start this hike early.
Awesome video. My wife and I just completed the hike to Columbia Rock. It was great to see the rest of the trail to the top in your video. We set out with the intention of going to the top but realized that our goal was much tougher than anticipated. I am 62 and my wife is 63 and legally blind. She has a degenerative eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa. She has no vision in her right eye and about 5% in her left. She has been using a guide dog for about15 years now. I can't tell you how amazing she and Maude(her 2nd guide) were in making this journey. It was something she really wanted to do. Thanks for the great video. I plan on going back and making it to the top.
Glad you got to hit the trail and congrats on making it to the rock. This is a tough hike (as you know now!) and getting to Columbia Rock is a feat in itself. I hope you get to experience more great trails when you get back. Give the 4 Mile Trail a try - it's right across the valley and you'll get views of Yosemite Falls and the area you hiked up.
My wife and I just did this hike June 30th. Definitely start this hike as early as possible. It was 90 degrees on the way back down and the trail is almost completely in the sun after 9 am. The bridge to the other side of Yosemite creek is a must see as it allows you access to the creek above the falls where you can chill on the granite and soak your legs before you head back down...
I did this hike back in 2018. We stopped at the bottom of the falls because I am not a fan of SUPER heights. It was a TOUGH hike but absolutely beautiful. Breathtaking is the right word. Awesome footage, thanks for the video!
This has to be one of my dream hikes. Living in the UK we don’t really have anything like Yosemite Park. One day I hope to visit and do the hikes there.
I live in CA, a 200 mile drive from Yosemite and used to hike there often, but haven't actually done so for about 40 years. Now, it is America's most visited park, so...if you can plan a mid-week visit before schools shut down for the summer, would be your best bet. I now posses a "Senior Pass" which allows me free access to any national park and also gives me a price break on state and regional parks, so while I occasionally drive through Yosemite w/o charge, I've actually done very little hiking in the last 30 years. In my lfietime , I have visited many national parks. Also, because I have chased total solar eclipses all around the world and have now seen 10, have also seen what six continents have to offer, but Yosemite, practially in my back yard, remains my all time favorite. BHE
Thanks so much... this video is very nostalgic as my father and I did this exact hike about 60 years ago when I was in my early teens. The same switchbacks and the same great views. We left more midmorning and in the summer when you combine the steepness, the switchbacks, the sun and the sun reflecting off the granite, it gets hot. As the commentator said, leave at first light. Thank you again.
Next on my list! I hiked this last year for the first time in 25 years or so. In about 3 weeks I'll be back, this time heading on up to Eagle Peak, which I've never done. Thanks for all the videos and guides that you produce, Cris!
That's a great vista point, hoping to get a guide all the way up there at some point soon. I'd just add on a few extra miles and bag the top of El Cap too. Once you're up there it's not too bad.
@@Hikingguy Yeah, that'd be fun. I haven't been up El Cap for decades. Looks like an additional 5 miles and ~1300 feet of climb to add that on. I'll see how it goes when I'm up there!
Did this walk on a Gadventures trip a few years ago. Great walk although it was December and there was sheet ice about 2/3 of the way up across the full width of the path and everyone struggled a bit.
Yea, I've done this in the winter before and encountered the same ice. Was a bit stressful and slow-going with the ice. My sweet spot here is late May and early Oct.
I just hiked this last week, it took me over 12 hours because i have gotten severely out of shape and couldn't make more than 2 switch backs at a time with out having to stop and let my hartrate slow down
Hi, It is Kathy. I love your videos. You really take time to plan. I am watching your Yosemite series now. I wish you went all over the US and cataloged your trips. You do a great job! Thank you for all you do!
My wife and I are planning to visit Yosemite when we can get back on trail. We followed your advice from the Crystal Cove - El Moro Canyon Trail last year. Appreciate your insight on the trails. Cheers!
Just did this hike yesterday after running a half marathon the day prior at Yosemite as well. If anyone takes anything from this comment is just be WELL rested before hand and take time to rest the day after because the hike is TOUGH!!!! I'm having a rough time walking today, so probably not one of my best ideas but worth every minute of it . Also keep an eye out on the weather because it started snowing for us when we got to the top and on the way down so it can get pretty slippery. Overall worth the 6-8 hour hike depending on how fast you can hike but be prepare to be sore the next day :)
In 1980, seven members of my immediate family, including my brother, two sisters and seven of our children, hiked to the top of Yosemite Falls, threw our sleeping bags on the ground (rocks) and spent the night. The next morning I hiked over the bridge, gained acces to the stream, and walked down into the mini canyon, through which the water flows through. I then walked beside the flowing water, right to the very ''knife edge" with the toes of my shoes right at the very edge of the cliff. The stream actually flows slightly downhill at that point, so gains quite a bit of speed before shooting out into the open air. I was standing with the roaring water right beside me shooting out ten feet into open space as it begins its 1800' plunge down to the rocks far below. After a few moments or so, the loud water rushing right beside me began to endizzy me, so I did step back a few feet. Noone else within my group did this except me. Seems so many places I see photos of Yosemite Falls, often in the waiting rooms of doctor's offices and whenever I do, seems I cannot help but think back to that moment, which has turned out to be the foremost iconic moment of my life. Back then, I did a lot of other hiking within the park, including hiking to the top of Half Dome a total of six times and never bothered to take the time to obtain a permit.......just went. It has now been 42 years since I've done any serious hiking within the park....even though I have often driven and ridden my motorcycle many times through the park....and, introduced my AU wife to it over ten years ago. BHE
@@Hikingguy I was the eldest of five in my family and my first wife was the eldest of her family of four, so I don't recall exactly how many of our kids went, but I know both of my sons did. First we drove 200 miles to arrive at the park, then set off on the hike to the top of the falls. Although we couldn't see the falls from where we spent the night, we certainly heard them all night. The next morning we walked over the bridge which is about 200' back from the falls and everyone got closer. However, I was the ONLY one who worked my way down into the canyon and walked out to the very rim of the knife edge where the water shoots out a bit before it begins making its long plunge to the valley far below. I am now 'pushing' 82, but this still remains my most iconic moment..... However, still do ride a motorcycle. In 2013, I rode it on a mission to 'bag' the 13 states I had never previously been in before.....ALL east of the MS River...and did. ...so I can now claim to have been in all 50 states....although obviously not Hawaii via motorcycle.....nor Alaska, which I did in 1980 via pick and camper (still have the pick up) On that trip, I met a guy riding the same motorcycle as I (a Honda ST 1100) when we virtually came within inches of jointly colliding with a black bear on the Blueridge Parkway in VA....he invited me to his home for the night and I ended up spending three. He is, as I pen this, riding across to USA to meet me in CA, and, if he makes it, I'll treat him to a three day ride to exihibit some of the finest roads in CA, including highway 1...the Big Sur Highway.....which begins about 25 miles from where I live. In my 'other' life, I am an amatuer astronomer and have been on six continents to observe total solar eclipses. However, the most stunning sight I have ever seen is Niagara Falls. I've been wanting to introduce my AU wife to them, but this co-vid thingie has put a lid on so many things. Hopefully, things are easing up a bit and we'll be able to do that before this summer is over. If you think I must be rich, couldn't be farther from the truth and currently drive an 88 Pontiac Fiero.....V6 five-speed I bought seven years ago with 20K on it. Never bought a new car in my life, and as my wife's uncle often said, "Let someone else take the beating!" BHE
I thought they shut down the Yosemite Park due to the Covid-19, I was planning a trip couple weeks ago and didn't succeed. Thanks for sharing the great hiking footage of the Yosemite
Just did this hike and it's an ass-kicker! Well worth it though, the views along the trail and from the top are amazing, Swam in a pool beyond the top to cool off. 2hrs 15 mins to the top and about an hour and a half back down for me. Highly recommended if you enjoy challenging yourself.
@@natlovell122 I love the absolutely imcomparable hiking trails in Yosemite. However, I am fast closing in on 82, so even though I am again planning on doing the majestic hike to the top of Yosemite Falls, I plan on sneaking in my camel and starting the 'hike' well before sunup. BHE
@@blackholeentry3489 There are many amazing hiking trails in Yosemite. My wife and I backpacked from Glacier Point to Illilouette Basin last summer and that was amazing. Did Chilnualna Falls in southern Yosemite this spring which was breathtaking as well. My favorite hike I’ve done is the Mist Falls Trail at Roads End in Kings Canyon though. Absolutely stunningly beautiful and really not that difficult either. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone looking for a great hike in an amazing setting! Especially in the spring where the Falls are in peak form!
@@Hikingguy Right on! I really hope you enjoy my content. I have studied videography so much lately and have so much I am improving on, I can't wait to share my future content. Check out some of the class 2 14ers to climb, you'd enjoy filming out on them and experiencing them!
Thanks for all your guides, super helpful to get visuals for mental preparation! In your opinion, is the Upper Yosemite Falls hike or the Four Mile Trail hike more difficult?
Thank you! It's a good question, they're both very similar but the 4-Mile is probably a little harder, but not by much. I do think the Upper Yosemite Falls hike has some steeper sections though.
When I was 19 my friend and I decided to this hike at night. We started at midnight and reached the top just before sunrise. One of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. But still makes my palms sweaty thinking about the danger we put ourselves in. I did this hike again 2 years ago during the day and I still don’t know how we got up there with just head lamps and a backpack full of beer and beef jersey
I just completed this hike and as I reached the overlook, the sun was setting and it was the most epic scenery I’ve ever seen. I’m lucky I always hike with a military-grade flashlight because that descent in darkness was wild. Definitely start this hike early.
I started this hike at midnight once lol
Awesome video. My wife and I just completed the hike to Columbia Rock. It was great to see the rest of the trail to the top in your video. We set out with the intention of going to the top but realized that our goal was much tougher than anticipated. I am 62 and my wife is 63 and legally blind. She has a degenerative eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa. She has no vision in her right eye and about 5% in her left. She has been using a guide dog for about15 years now. I can't tell you how amazing she and Maude(her 2nd guide) were in making this journey. It was something she really wanted to do. Thanks for the great video. I plan on going back and making it to the top.
Glad you got to hit the trail and congrats on making it to the rock. This is a tough hike (as you know now!) and getting to Columbia Rock is a feat in itself. I hope you get to experience more great trails when you get back. Give the 4 Mile Trail a try - it's right across the valley and you'll get views of Yosemite Falls and the area you hiked up.
❤❤❤
My wife and I just did this hike June 30th. Definitely start this hike as early as possible. It was 90 degrees on the way back down and the trail is almost completely in the sun after 9 am. The bridge to the other side of Yosemite creek is a must see as it allows you access to the creek above the falls where you can chill on the granite and soak your legs before you head back down...
I did this hike back in 2018. We stopped at the bottom of the falls because I am not a fan of SUPER heights. It was a TOUGH hike but absolutely beautiful. Breathtaking is the right word. Awesome footage, thanks for the video!
You're welcome 👍👍 And yes, it's a really steep, tough one... but like you said, very beautiful...
This has to be one of my dream hikes. Living in the UK we don’t really have anything like Yosemite Park. One day I hope to visit and do the hikes there.
If you ever do. You have to apply lottery for the half dome trail. That's an insane one
You will. Keep the dream alive.
Greetings from California.
I live in CA, a 200 mile drive from Yosemite and used to hike there often, but haven't actually done so for about 40 years. Now, it is America's most visited park, so...if you can plan a mid-week visit before schools shut down for the summer, would be your best bet.
I now posses a "Senior Pass" which allows me free access to any national park and also gives me a price break on state and regional parks, so while I occasionally drive through Yosemite w/o charge, I've actually done very little hiking in the last 30 years.
In my lfietime , I have visited many national parks. Also, because I have chased total solar eclipses all around the world and have now seen 10, have also seen what six continents have to offer, but Yosemite, practially in my back yard, remains my all time favorite. BHE
VintageNat.....True, but you do have Stonehenge. Several years ago my wife and I spent 10 days in
England and for me, Stonehenge was a must.
Thanks so much... this video is very nostalgic as my father and I did this exact hike about 60 years ago when I was in my early teens. The same switchbacks and the same great views. We left more midmorning and in the summer when you combine the steepness, the switchbacks, the sun and the sun reflecting off the granite, it gets hot. As the commentator said, leave at first light. Thank you again.
Glad you got to enjoy it, it's such an epic hike. I believe the trail was built in the 1870s, it's a total engineering marvel.
In aug 1997 we camped at yosemite falls and 11th or 12th in august you will see the leonid meteor showers!! It's awesome !!
Wow those view's are stunning and no rain : )
Next on my list! I hiked this last year for the first time in 25 years or so. In about 3 weeks I'll be back, this time heading on up to Eagle Peak, which I've never done. Thanks for all the videos and guides that you produce, Cris!
That's a great vista point, hoping to get a guide all the way up there at some point soon. I'd just add on a few extra miles and bag the top of El Cap too. Once you're up there it's not too bad.
@@Hikingguy Yeah, that'd be fun. I haven't been up El Cap for decades. Looks like an additional 5 miles and ~1300 feet of climb to add that on. I'll see how it goes when I'm up there!
Excellent video! Brings back memories. Me and my wife hiked to the top 20 years ago. Probably a one and done now that we are older!
Did this walk on a Gadventures trip a few years ago. Great walk although it was December and there was sheet ice about 2/3 of the way up across the full width of the path and everyone struggled a bit.
Yea, I've done this in the winter before and encountered the same ice. Was a bit stressful and slow-going with the ice. My sweet spot here is late May and early Oct.
I just hiked this last week, it took me over 12 hours because i have gotten severely out of shape and couldn't make more than 2 switch backs at a time with out having to stop and let my hartrate slow down
Just did the hike yesterday! Beautiful!
I’m going tomorrow how hard was it?
Going to hike this in a few days. Thanks for the headsup.
Hi, It is Kathy. I love your videos. You really take time to plan. I am watching your Yosemite series now. I wish you went all over the US and cataloged your trips. You do a great job! Thank you for all you do!
thank you!
Wow gorgeous
Yea, it's def a bucket list one....
My wife and I are planning to visit Yosemite when we can get back on trail. We followed your advice from the Crystal Cove - El Moro Canyon Trail last year. Appreciate your insight on the trails. Cheers!
Thank you, they just re-opened, have fun up there!
HikingGuy.com awesome! Thanks. There is a ton of hiking videos on my channel that might interest you. Would love to hear your feedback. Cheers
This is awesome! Can’t wait to hike this spot again, it’s been about 6 years so…
So hope to visit next yea...will see what we are allowed traveling from Germany to USA 😁
Great Video! Very informative
Very well done...Thanks much!
Thank you and have fun!
Just did this hike yesterday after running a half marathon the day prior at Yosemite as well. If anyone takes anything from this comment is just be WELL rested before hand and take time to rest the day after because the hike is TOUGH!!!! I'm having a rough time walking today, so probably not one of my best ideas but worth every minute of it . Also keep an eye out on the weather because it started snowing for us when we got to the top and on the way down so it can get pretty slippery. Overall worth the 6-8 hour hike depending on how fast you can hike but be prepare to be sore the next day :)
In 1980, seven members of my immediate family, including my brother, two sisters and seven of our children, hiked to the top of Yosemite Falls, threw our sleeping bags on the ground (rocks) and spent the night. The next morning I hiked over the bridge, gained acces to the stream, and walked down into the mini canyon, through which the water flows through. I then walked beside the flowing water, right to the very ''knife edge" with the toes of my shoes right at the very edge of the cliff. The stream actually flows slightly downhill at that point, so gains quite a bit of speed before shooting out into the open air. I was standing with the roaring water right beside me shooting out ten feet into open space as it begins its 1800' plunge down to the rocks far below. After a few moments or so, the loud water rushing right beside me began to endizzy me, so I did step back a few feet. Noone else within my group did this except me. Seems so many places I see photos of Yosemite Falls, often in the waiting rooms of doctor's offices and whenever I do, seems I cannot help but think back to that moment, which has turned out to be the foremost iconic moment of my life.
Back then, I did a lot of other hiking within the park, including hiking to the top of Half Dome a total of six times and never bothered to take the time to obtain a permit.......just went. It has now been 42 years since I've done any serious hiking within the park....even though I have often driven and ridden my motorcycle many times through the park....and, introduced my AU wife to it over ten years ago. BHE
Thank you for sharing that. I can't imagine camping up there, it mush have been incredible.
@@Hikingguy I was the eldest of five in my family and my first wife was the eldest of her family of four, so I don't recall exactly how many of our kids went, but I know both of my sons did.
First we drove 200 miles to arrive at the park, then set off on the hike to the top of the falls. Although we couldn't see the falls from where we spent the night, we certainly heard them all night. The next morning we walked over the bridge which is about 200' back from the falls and everyone got closer. However, I was the ONLY one who worked my way down into the canyon and walked out to the very rim of the knife edge where the water shoots out a bit before it begins making its long plunge to the valley far below. I am now 'pushing' 82, but this still remains my most iconic moment.....
However, still do ride a motorcycle. In 2013, I rode it on a mission to 'bag' the 13 states I had never previously been in before.....ALL east of the MS River...and did. ...so I can now claim to have been in all 50 states....although obviously not Hawaii via motorcycle.....nor Alaska, which I did in 1980 via pick and camper (still have the pick up)
On that trip, I met a guy riding the same motorcycle as I (a Honda ST 1100) when we virtually came within inches of jointly colliding with a black bear on the Blueridge Parkway in VA....he invited me to his home for the night and I ended up spending three. He is, as I pen this, riding across to USA to meet me in CA, and, if he makes it, I'll treat him to a three day ride to exihibit some of the finest roads in CA, including highway 1...the Big Sur Highway.....which begins about 25 miles from where I live.
In my 'other' life, I am an amatuer astronomer and have been on six continents to observe total solar eclipses. However, the most stunning sight I have ever seen is Niagara Falls. I've been wanting to introduce my AU wife to them, but this co-vid thingie has put a lid on so many things. Hopefully, things are easing up a bit and we'll be able to do that before this summer is over.
If you think I must be rich, couldn't be farther from the truth and currently drive an 88 Pontiac Fiero.....V6 five-speed I bought seven years ago with 20K on it. Never bought a new car in my life, and as my wife's uncle often said, "Let someone else take the beating!" BHE
yeah, knees keep buckling, great vid
ha oh yea, this one is a knee-buckler, 100%!
Thanks!
Thank you!!!
Well done!!
I thought they shut down the Yosemite Park due to the Covid-19, I was planning a trip couple weeks ago and didn't succeed. Thanks for sharing the great hiking footage of the Yosemite
Just opened back up!
Did this hike a couple months ago it is not easy at all but soooooo amazing. atleast 12 hours
Just did this hike and it's an ass-kicker! Well worth it though, the views along the trail and from the top are amazing, Swam in a pool beyond the top to cool off. 2hrs 15 mins to the top and about an hour and a half back down for me. Highly recommended if you enjoy challenging yourself.
Ha nice, glad you got to enjoy it, and yea, no getting around the ass-kicking on this one. Even when I'm really fit this one is still tough.
@@Hikingguy the toughest ones are the ones I remember most fondly, strange how that works huh, happy trails!
@@natlovell122 I love the absolutely imcomparable hiking trails in Yosemite. However, I am fast closing in on 82, so even though I am again planning on doing the majestic hike to the top of Yosemite Falls, I plan on sneaking in my camel and starting the 'hike' well before sunup. BHE
@@blackholeentry3489 There are many amazing hiking trails in Yosemite. My wife and I backpacked from Glacier Point to Illilouette Basin last summer and that was amazing. Did Chilnualna Falls in southern Yosemite this spring which was breathtaking as well. My favorite hike I’ve done is the Mist Falls Trail at Roads End in Kings Canyon though. Absolutely stunningly beautiful and really not that difficult either. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone looking for a great hike in an amazing setting! Especially in the spring where the Falls are in peak form!
Thank you!
Those falls are insane. Really nice video man. Have you ever visited Colorado? I make mountaineering and hiking videos out here. Keep at it!
Nice, subbed to your channel. I hiked a bunch in CO years ago but haven't been lately. On my list for the post-COVID world...
@@Hikingguy Right on! I really hope you enjoy my content. I have studied videography so much lately and have so much I am improving on, I can't wait to share my future content. Check out some of the class 2 14ers to climb, you'd enjoy filming out on them and experiencing them!
Did this hike and it's pretty tough. Had to rest a full day the next day before going up Half Dome.
Oh yea, all the hikes out of the Yosemite Valley are challenging... no shortcuts on these... glad you got to enjoy tit though
A lot of people disappeared there and were never found .
Yup....Three years ago, David Paulides disappeared there on the Yosemite Falls trail...... then he found himself.
Thanks! Is it possible to backcountry camp on this trail?
some places - this is helpful - www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildfaq.htm
Notice you used the word 'tough' a few times! Have to agree with that sentiment... What year/time of year was this?
Ha yea, "tough" might be an understatement. This footage is late spring.
Thanks for all your guides, super helpful to get visuals for mental preparation! In your opinion, is the Upper Yosemite Falls hike or the Four Mile Trail hike more difficult?
Thank you! It's a good question, they're both very similar but the 4-Mile is probably a little harder, but not by much. I do think the Upper Yosemite Falls hike has some steeper sections though.
❤️❤️❤️❤️👍🏼
Was this in April or may?
July
definitely not for the faint of heart
Do you offer private hiking tours?
I do but unfortunately not now during the COVID / state of emergency in CA.
Can you hike this with a German shepherd?
No dogs on these trails, only on the paved trail in the Valley