Hiking From Tamarack Creek

[Bruce Deacon]

I will be visiting Yosemite for the first time with my two boys (9 &11). I have a permit confirmation for a couple of nights from the Tamarack Creek trailhead. The plan is to hike to El Capitan and then Yosemite Falls, but I am having a tough time finding info on this hike. All the online resources I have found have had either really lousy written instructions or itty bitty tiny maps. I am hoping someone can help.

a) When I get to Tamarack Flat, where do I park my car?

b) Can I camp at El Capitan or Yosemite Falls? If so, which is my best bet?

c) Is this appropriate for a 9 year old? Too hard? Too easy?

d)If I have picked a dud, what other trails might I take?

e) Are there any good URLs that I should visit to prepare?

Thanks for your help!

[bill-e-g]

I'll help you out a bit...

I have no idea if your boys can do it. But I wouldn't think it would matter too much.
The main kicker is the 2000 ft. climb in approx. 2.5 miles from Cascade Creek bridge
to knob before dropping into Ribbon Meadow. From there it's still approx 3 miles to top o El Cap.
with a bit more climb after Ribbon Creek.
I seriously suggest you nix the Yosemite Falls idea.
Instead I would highly suggest you TRY to get to top of El Cap. If you do... then hang out
there and hike to the edge and peer over. I would think kids would love this (I do).
Explore around. If you really have time... dayhike to Eagle Peak.
If it's too much... then camp at Ribbon Creek (you will have to get a lot of water for
a dry camp atop El Cap) or camp where I see a lot camp... Cascade Creek bridge.
Cascade Creek will be fun for the boys too.
Here is a map
click on the right hand side for topo/satt/etc.
This trip is a dud only if you make it one.
There are no bear boxes for backpackers at the TH.
There is limited parking.... when you reach the sign "Tamarack Creek Campground"
with the bathrooms behind it... stop... hang a right and park to the right a bit.
It's an open area with a few spots. If you keep going the road is closed
(you are on the original Big Oak Flat Road that went into the valley).

Hope this helps you
You're Welcome
Have fun

[Bruce Deacon]

Thanks!! This is great advice. Will there be bear boxes at Ribbon Meadows? If not, what do you recommend. I assume from your comments that I can get water there provided I treat it properly.

Looking at the topo map, I have no doubt my lads can handle it. How many hours do you think it would take to go from the trailhead to Ribbon Meadows? How fierce will the bugs be up there?

Much Appreciated!
Bruce

[bill-e-g]

I was in that area last Friday. The bugs are minimal. I didn't use a tent or any bug spray at all.
I did NOT go all the way to Ribbon Meadow though.. (as you hike up toward Ribbon Meadow... look
to your north at the dome... that is where I went)
Anyway, Ribbon CREEK will have water. Guaranteed.
There are not many places in the backcountry that have bear boxes. You have to carry and
use a bear canister. If you don't own one you can rent one where you pick up your permit.
They are required throughout the park. Check out the nps website for more info.
To Ribbon Creek is approx 8 miles. It will be hot and dry and possibly little gnats will
bug you in areas. Take your time and enjoy the journey. Take plenty of water
for the section from Cascade Creek to Ribbon Creek. It's steep and much is out in the open.
8 miles. 2 miles/hr max. with relax time. I dunno. 5 hrs?

Have fun

[Bruce Deacon]

Thanks...can hardly wait.