Yosemite: Tenaya Creek

Tony, does that creek run out of Tenaya Lake? I am just wondering where to locate this of Hwy 120. Also, does the creek run along where Clouds Rest would be or is the drop off before that. Just wondering, I want to go there. Looks like a real nice place to do some easy cross country and to hit some nice pools to swim!

Ken,

The Creek is following from the Tenaya Creek.

I spoke to my friend, who took us there.

He says that you are at the Trail Head to Sunrise Lakes…parking lot for Tenaya Lake.

You will not take the trail for Sunrise Lakes.

You travel part of the trail and then leave the trail, going around a meadow til you get to expanses of granite.

At that point, find the Creek and follow it down.

Which I had something more specific for you.

Hope that helps.

-Tony

actually Tony I have been on that trail and I think I know where you are talking about where you split to go cross country. Great photos! It totally inspired me to go there. Was on Clouds Rest a few years ago and looked down that same area that you guys were looking down towards Half Dome. Now it's time to get my map. Thank you!

Ken,

Enjoy your trip down there and bring a headnet.

I found that there was a lot of dry, termite eaten wood on the ground that was easy to light up.

Did not see any large animals at all, a few fat marmots. :)

The only part that you have to be careful about is crossing the water on the photo titled Sierra Water Slide.

The water was not deep, but it was slick there and falling could mean a long painful slide down.

At the bottom of the slide/bowl, where the kids were using it as a swimming hole, you may have to get your feet wet or wack your way around the brush to get around to the other side.

Bottom of that bowl you head to the right.

You probably want to stay on the right/West side of the Creek.

The West side had more land between the Creek and the Valley walls for you to hike and make camp.

Careful at the Cascade, it is very windy there.

Hold on to your hat and don't get blow off the edge!

When you get back, post up a trip report to let me know what it is like there.

I might take the family back there this year.

-Tony

Thanks for the info, I will be using it!!!

Just wanted to share.

Someone asked me what is the distance to the Cascade with the view of Half Dome.

The distance from trail head to the campsite you see is about 4 miles and was easy enough for my 4 year old to do.

From the campsite to the Cascade is between 1 to 2 miles.

The three of us set out late after lunch with only a little water and a energy bar.

It did not take long, but you might want to bring a wind shirt.

It got windy at the end.

-Tony