Yosemite National Park
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Carlon Falls Yosemite National Park |
May 23, 2018
On this one-day waterfall quest, I have not fared well thus far.
I missed the trail up to Three Chutes Falls in Tenaya Canyon, and I found no
good photo-ops of Cascade Falls from the vicinity of SR-140.
On my way out of the park, I'll give it one more try on a trail that is
relatively little-known except by locals.
A dozen big butterflies are hovering right at my parking space.
This Pale Swallowtail is shot while sitting in the car
Although the trailhead is outside the Yosemite Park boundary, it doesn't
take long to re-enter it.
South Fork of the Tuolumne River
Pacific Bleeding Heart
Pine Forest Larkspur
The trail is, as advertized, a maze of obstacles. Most are fallen
tress, some of which are low enough to require me to stoop or even crawl
under. In one place, the route is re-routed steeply uphill
around a big hole where the hillside used to be.
Not knowing just how far I would have to travel, I am relieved to hear the sounds of a waterfall after little more than a mile of travel. Around a corner to the left is the main attraction.
Approaching the falls
I take the first spur trail that leads down to the river. Two men are looking at something in a cup of water; it must be research of some kind.
This place makes a fine swimming hole in the summer, but at a substantially reduced water flow.
No fun in there right now
This river never dries up, I have read
Later on, a great swimming pool forms right at the base of the upper cascade.
Carlon Falls
Opting not to continue above the falls, I find the high trail that will take me out of here in the easiest manner.
Up and down and around
Reminder of the 2013 conflagration
Obstacles galore
Easy walking here
Back at the trailhead, little has changed
§: Well, I got my waterfall fix. A visit here in
mid-season would enable one to take a nice dip, but of course it
might also be intolerably hot on the trail at that time.
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