Happy Isles to Merced Lake

Hike Name: Happy Isles to Merced Lake Location: east CA Length: 28 Submitted by: Justin Buchanan Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more California trail reviews California national parks California state parks
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Description
This is a pretty rough hike that runs from the popular Yosemite Valley to the top of Bridelvail Falls and continues on through little Yosemite Valley to Merced Lake. The hike begins at the happy Isle Trail Head and the first 4 miles is packed year round. The firt part of the trip is also one of the most popular day hikes in the park. It is a pretty tough hike to the top of the falls with a backpack on. Once at the top of the falls you can stop and have lunch over looking the valley. Bring your camera. You then continue on through little Yosemite Valley along th Merced River. If you go during the early summer more than half of the trail may be washed out depending on the snow pack that year. Bring water proof boots or prepare for either wet feet or lots of extra hiking. After four or five miles you cross over the river and begin a mile long very steep climb up the side of a mountain. If you are tired and it is getting late, camp past the cascades at the river crossing. It is 3 or 4 miles before you will have another chance to camp and you do not want to start climbing the mountain if you are not sure you are going to finish. I suggest taking two days to get there and one long day back. Merced Lake has bear lockers and you are allowed to burn. I was up there in June of 2003 and they seemed to be putting up tent cabins in the backpackers camp which may mean that it is going to become very crowded with horse packers. Be for warned that this location has one of highest densities of black bears in the west. The backpackers camp has a fence around part of it but do not think you are bear free. Use the bear lockers. This is a great trail. On the way back you can take the world famous Mist Trail from the top of the falls. Be careful though. If your legs are tired from the long hike back, you may not be safe walking down the very steep, mile long, stone steps. The rocks are very slipery and there are very few gaurd rails. If you slip and fall, it could easily cost you your life but most people will make it down just fine.

Directions to Hike
Highway 120/108 to 120. Through Yosemite to Yosemite Valley.

Contact Information
Yosemite National Park Public Information Office, P.O. Box 577, Yosemite National Park, CA 93589, (209) 372-0200

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