Trying to hike the Columbia Rock Path in Yosemite Nationwide Park?
You then’re in the suitable place!
The Columbia Rock Hike is a beautiful albeit strenuous path that rewards you after a straight vertical ascent with beautiful views out over the Yosemite Valley and of its surrounding mountains.
Curiously, it truly follows the Higher Yosemite Falls Path, although it’s an incredible possibility for many who could not wish to do the extraordinarily strenuous 7.2-mile round-trip trek to the highest of the waterfall.
This hike is an particularly nice possibility if you happen to’ve solely acquired a couple of hours to fill or if you happen to’ve performed the opposite scenic hikes within the Yosemite Valley and don’t wish to drive all the best way to Tuolumne Meadows or Tioga Highway.
We’ll go over extra causes so as to add this path to your Yosemite itinerary beneath — with photographs!
Desk of Contents
- What Kind Of Hiker Are You? [Free Quiz]
- Yosemite Nationwide Park Map
- Columbia Rock Hike Yosemite: Fast Information
- How To Hike The Columbia Rock Path In Yosemite Nationwide Park
- Yosemite Nationwide Park Climbing Suggestions
- Different Not-To-Miss Yosemite Nationwide Park Hikes
- Motels Close to Yosemite Nationwide Park
- Yosemite Park Excursions
- Renting A Automobile For Yosemite Nationwide Park
- Yosemite Nationwide Park Journey Insurance coverage
- Different High California Hikes
What Kind Of Hiker Are You? [Free Quiz]
However first, earlier than we dive into find out how to do among the best Yosemite climbing trails, I wish to share a free persona quiz I feel you’ll love:
Click on right here to take the free quiz!
Uncover your climbing persona on this enjoyable and quick hiker persona quiz, which additionally shares path options primarily based in your outcomes.
When you’ve grabbed the quiz, let’s focus on find out how to do the Columbia Rock Path Yosemite, one in all my favourite California journey experiences! By the top, it’ll be clear why you must add this hike to your itinerary for Yosemite Nationwide Park and on your bigger Southern California highway journey itinerary.
Yosemite Nationwide Park Map
Earlier than climbing the Higher Yosemite Falls Path to the Columbia Rock view level, it’s really helpful to print out a map of Yosemite Nationwide Park. You’ll be able to click on right here to try this.
You can even get a map for the Columbia Rock Path particularly right here (Google Map model).
Word: You’ll get a paper Yosemite Path Map when getting into the park (proven beneath) and there are maps posted all over the place so that you can simply take a photograph of together with your cellphone.
Yosemite Valley map. Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
Columbia Rock Hike Yosemite: Fast Information
Issue Stage: Strenuous
Trailhead: Camp 4 (the Sunnyside Campground). The deal with is Yosemite Falls Path, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389. That is additionally the Yosemite Falls Trailhead and in addition the place you can begin the Decrease Yosemite Falls Path.
*Word that until you’re tenting at Camp 4 you may’t park there, however you may park proper throughout the road within the Yosemite Valley Lodge parking zone or you may take the free inexperienced shuttle bus to cease #7.
Path Size: 2 miles round-trip; about 2-3 hours.
Elevation Achieve: A steep uphill 1,000-foot elevation acquire.
Path Kind: Out and again.
Nearest Park Entrance: South Entrance/Mariposa Grove.
Restrooms: There are restrooms on the trailhead.
Path Highlights: The principle spotlight of this path is the beautiful panoramic view from Columbia Rock, which is perched up excessive at 5,031 toes (1533 meters). As you make the ascent, there are additionally quite a few vistas alongside the best way.
Columbia Rock Hike trailhead. Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
How To Hike The Columbia Rock Path In Yosemite Nationwide Park
The unique plan was to do the 7.2-mile path to the Higher Yosemite Falls.
Whereas thought-about “very strenuous” the hike is meant to award lovely views from the highest of America’s tallest waterfall at 2,425 toes.
The issue?
The falls dry up in late summer season, which is when my husband Andy and I are visiting!
Fortunately, there may be nonetheless a means to soak up attractive views from the Higher Yosemite Falls Path by climbing it to Columbia Rock.
The 2-mile hike continues to be strenuous with a 1,000-mile elevation acquire, although is far shorter and completely well worth the problem for the views.
The hike begins from the Camp 4 parking zone, throughout from the Yosemite Valley Lodge.
The Columbia Rock Path in Yosemite Nationwide Park is tremendous steep! Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
Nearly instantly we’re heading uphill, uneven stone steps lined in sand making a slippery and difficult ascent.
Large rock formations and stone partitions encompass us, and I really feel like I’m in medieval instances.
Up, up — and up and up — we go over dozens of steep switchbacks, my calves wincing with every elevate of my leg.
Thankfully, there are a selection of viewpoints alongside the best way for resting with a view, like these:
One of many many viewpoints alongside the Columbia Rock Path in Yosemite Nationwide Park. Picture by way of Jessie Festa. One of many many viewpoints alongside the Columbia Rock Path in Yosemite Nationwide Park
Lastly, after what looks like perpetually, we emerge from the timber into the solar, taking in unobstructed valley and mountain views.
They get higher and higher the upper we go, and I nearly don’t discover how out of breath I’m.
Ultimately, the long-lasting Half Dome — a rock formation named for its distinctive form — comes into view. It’s one of the iconic visuals of the park, and one you’ll see on many postcards.
However, as I wish to say, landmarks and pure websites are at all times higher in particular person, and the scene earlier than me proves this.
After about an hour and 20 minutes of uphill climbing, together with time for photographs, we arrive to Columbia Rock.
There is no such thing as a signal, however we determine it out after we see a large rock with a viewing platform and numerous folks stopped for lunch who affirm that we’re in the suitable place.
For a visible, it appears like this:
We’ve formally made it to Columbia Rock Yosemite! Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
Oh, and the spectacular views additionally clue us in.
From Columbia Rock, there may be an expansive vista showcasing the Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Higher Yosemite Falls, Sentinel Rock, and Eagle Peak (which appears a bit much like El Capitan) from 5,031 toes.
You can even look all the way down to see Yosemite Village apparing like tiny LEGO items.
It’s the proper spot to take photographs and luxuriate in lunch with a phenomenal Yosemite Nationwide Park view.
Columbia Rock Path viewpoint in Yosemite Nationwide Park. Picture by way of Jessie Festa. Columbia Rock Path viewpoint in Yosemite Nationwide Park. Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
After consuming, we make our means again down — which is sort of more durable than going up because it’s very steep and slippery from the sandy rocks (so put on correct climbing clothes and sneakers and contemplate climbing poles!).
And whereas the trek will not be as thrilling as different Yosemite Valley hikes like Sentinel Dome to Glacier Level and the Mist Path, the problem is totally well worth the effort for these vistas.
Professional tip:
Need to lengthen your hike however don’t wish to do anything strenuous? You’ll discover the trailhead for the Valley Ground Loop on the trailhead.
The Valley Loop path will be performed as a half loop (6.5 miles) or a full loop (13 miles) and presents views wanting up towards lots of Yosemite Nationwide Park’s most iconic websites like Sentinel Rock, Cathedral Rocks, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, Three Brothers, and Yosemite Falls.
Yosemite Nationwide Park Climbing Suggestions
Climbing in Yosemite Nationwide Park? Listed below are a couple of necessary items of recommendation, whether or not you hike Columbia Rock or elsewhere.
-Know that you just’re on Indigenous land. The Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation had been the unique inhabitants of the land that Yosemite Nationwide Park resides on, however had been displaced and/or pressured to relocate.
Together with educating your self on the historical past and tradition of this Indigenous tribe, contemplate making a donation to causes and charities that immediately help them. Furthermore, the place potential rent Indigenous guides and buy from Indigenous-owned companies.
-Know which Yosemite Nationwide Park entrance is finest. When reserving your Yosemite Nationwide Park lodging, do your analysis to be sure you’re staying close to your required entrance gate. The park is very large and it might take you hours to drive to a selected trailhead if you happen to’re not staying in the suitable location.
-Hold wildlife wild. Don’t feed, pet, or get too near wildlife. In the event that they turn out to be too used to people they could turn out to be aggressive, and sadly could finally have to be put down.
-Drive slowly. Be sure you’re going at or beneath the velocity restrict to keep away from hitting animals. In keeping with Yosemite Nationwide Park’s web site, over 400 bears have been hit by automobiles since 1995. Don’t turn out to be part of that statistic.
–Know the very best time to go to Yosemite Nationwide Park. If potential, go to between Could and September — although observe that in summer season the waterfalls could also be dried up, so that you would possibly wish to keep away from July and August.
–Perceive what to put on once you go climbing. Gadgets like moisture-wicking clothes, sun shades, and a hat will help hold you secure and comfy.
-Keep on marked climbing trails. Going off-trail may cause path erosion.
One of many many viewpoints alongside the Columbia Rock Path in Yosemite Nationwide Park. Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
Different Not-To-Miss Yosemite Nationwide Park Hikes
For those who’re seeking to discover among the different unimaginable hikes past Columbia Rock, don’t miss:
Straightforward Yosemite Hikes
Decrease Yosemite Fall
Mirror Lake
Wawona Meadow Loop
Soda Springs/Parsons Lodge
John Muir Path by way of Lyell Canyon
Reasonable Yosemite Hikes
Sentinel Dome Path to Glacier Level
Vernal Fall Footbridge
Valley Ground Loop
Swining Bridge Loop
Taft Level
Elizabeth Lake
Lukens Lake
Troublesome Yosemite Hikes
High of Higher Yosemite Fall
High of Vernal Fall by way of the Mist Path
High of Nevada Fall by way of the Mist Path
4 Mile Path To Glacier Level
Lembert Dome
North Dome
Yosemite Level
Motels Close to Yosemite Nationwide Park
Click on right here for a full listing of accommodations close to Yosemite!
Choose self-contained stays?
Click on right here to view distinctive native leases!
You can even peruse the map beneath. It’s set to El Portal, one of many closest cities to Yosemite Nationwide Park, however you may simply change the vacation spot primarily based on the place you’d like to remain.
Yosemite Park Excursions
Trying to discover Yosemite and its environment with a information? Listed below are a couple of highly-rated experiences:
- Full-Day Small Group Yosemite & Glacier Level Tour Together with Lodge Pickup from Oakhurst
- 1 Day Yosemite and Large Sequoia Tour from Groveland
- 4 Day Yosemite Backpacking – Glacier Level to Half Dome from Yosemite Valley
- Personal Guided Climbing Tour in Yosemite
- Yosemite Valley Personal Winter Climbing Tour
- Yosemite Sundown & Champagne Tour from El Portal
- Personal Tuolumne Meadows Climbing Tour from Wawona
Click on right here for a full listing of Yosemite Nationwide Park excursions.
Renting A Automobile For Yosemite Nationwide Park
Yosemite Nationwide Park is big, and also you’ll undoubtedly desire a automobile to discover the various trails and websites.
If it is advisable to lease a automobile, I extremely advocate utilizing Uncover Automobiles to shortly examine your rental choices.
Their comparability instrument does the homework for you, so there’s no must have up 10+ tabs making an attempt to determine which firm is probably the most reasonably priced. Truly, it can save you as much as 70% utilizing their instrument!
Yosemite Nationwide Park Journey Insurance coverage
When visiting Yosemite — or anyplace else on the planet — it’s sensible to get journey insurance coverage.
One of many finest journey medical insurance coverage for vacationers is SafetyWing as they’ve acquired a big community and supply each short-term and long-term protection — together with protection if you happen to’re touring for months in addition to restricted protection in your house nation).
Moreover, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and presents $250,000 value of protection with only one low general deductible of $250.
Click on right here to cost out journey insurance coverage on your journey in just some clicks.
Trying to discover different California climbing trails? A couple of not-to-miss trails embrace:
1, 2, & 3 Day Itinerary For Yosemite Nationwide Park
Misplaced Horse Mine in Joshua Tree Nationwide Park
Hidden Valley Path in Joshua Tree Nationwide Park
Ryan Mountain in Joshua Tree Nationwide Park
Mount Whitney within the Sierra Nevadas
The Lakes Path in Sequoia Nationwide Park
James Irvine Path to Fern Canyon in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Sentinel Dome to Glacier Level in Yosemite Nationwide Park
How To Hike Vernal And Nevada Falls In Yosemite Nationwide Park (Mist Path)
Click on right here to take the free climbing persona quiz!
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