North Dome Trail Condition

[ScoutmasterBill]

Checking to see if anyone has any knowledge on the condition of the trail to North Dome via the Yosemite Falls Trail. I am planning to be there this weekend and I am considering doing this hike versus Half Dome being that the cables to Half Dome are not yet up. Any info, comments, suggestions are welcome.

[Wickett]

There is still lots of snow. It is pretty packed though, I only occasionally post holed without snow shoes. It was snowing up there last night so there is some new stuff...

[ScoutmasterBill]

At what point along the hike (starting at the bottom of the falls) do you begin to encounter a fair amount of snow? And at what point does the trail become difficult to follow? I am just trying to figure out how far we can get.
Thanks!

[hotrod4x5]

How far is it to ND from the Valley via the Yosemite Falls trail? I've done North Dome from Tioga, but never via the YF trail.

[ScoutmasterBill]

Based on the map I have, it's 7.9 mi from the Valley to ND. I have yet to hike it. I am trying to figure out if its possible for this coming weekend, based on the questions that I hope someone can answer, in my previous post.

[hotrod4x5]

Have you called the valley ranger station for trail conditions? Not sure if they keep up on that trail in winter, but its worth a call.

[ScoutmasterBill]

Good suggestion. Thanks!

[sierranomad]

ScoutMasterBill:

Just wondering if you've gotten any information on the trail condition? I'm going there tomorrow, and trying to decide between ND and the Panorama Trail.

[ScoutmasterBill]

No. I tried calling the ranger station. Not sure if I am calling the right number (209)372-0200. Can't seem to talk to a live person. Was hoping someone else out there has more info on the condition of the trail or a more reliable phone number. I leave tomorrow morning.

[hotrod4x5]

I'm still too new here to post links, but just fix this link to get most of the direct numbers:

yosemitefun dot com/Yosemite_National_Park_phone_numbers.htm

http://yosemitefun.com/Yosemite_Nationa ... umbers.htm

[bill-e-g]

Jon, just walk into the Wilderness Center before you go and ask
a Ranger in there. If you look a the pix I posted in another thread
from last Saturday ... Panorama still had quite a bit of snow.
Almost fully covered. It can melt fast... but from what I saw from
my trip I'd go the North Dome route. You'll get to Yosemite Pt.
from Yose Falls without any issue really... so it probably won't matter
anyway.

Have fun ... stuck at home this weekend...

[ScoutmasterBill]

Talked to a ranger that deals with Wilderness Permits & Wilderness Conditions (209)372-0308. He picked the phone right up and answered all my questions. The trail to North Dome, via the Yosemite Falls Trail, is covered with 1 - 2 feet of snow when you get to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls. Icy and hard pack in the morning, soft and slushy in the afternoon. Trail is covered with snow so you need to be able to navigate the route on your own. He suggested snowshoes for the afternoon trek if you plan to go there otherwise you'll be postholing. He has only seen a few small groups attempt the trail recently.

[sierranomad]

from last Saturday ... Panorama still had quite a bit of snow.
Almost fully covered.

Have fun ... stuck at home this weekend...

Wow! My "traditional" time to go Pan is Memorial Day weekend, and there is usually very little if any snow on the trail. Some patches at GP. I'm surprised that 3 weeks makes that big a difference....then again, it could just be the year.

Sorry that you're stuck at home

Talked to a ranger that deals with Wilderness Permits & Wilderness Conditions The trail to North Dome, via the Yosemite Falls Trail, is covered with 1 - 2 feet

Thanks scoutmaster. It's good to know. Looks like it's not going to be the high mileage day that I was planning on, so will just go as far as time/conditions allow.