The movements of tourists should be governed to some extent by the time that they have to spend in and about the valley, and if they intend to remain a long time, by their ability to climb and their fondness of adventure. Nearly half of the visitors do not spend more than three days in the valley; those who remain more than two weeks are very few.

If the stay is to be three days, the party should spend the first day at the Yosemite Fall, going to the base and summit of the Lower Fall, and even to the base of the upper one. It requires two hours for a man of ordinary strength and endurance to reach the latter point. The ascent is made on the east side of the creek. After reaching the base of the Lower Fall, which is well worth a visit, it is necessary to come back and pass round a high bluff half a mile to the east, and pass over the talus to reach the summit of the bench from which the Lower Fall pitches down. The approach to the base of the upper cataract is over a wide, sloping, and slippery shelf, upon which people usually walk with confidence when going up, but when coming down, many of them sit down and use their hands as well as their feet to keep from slipping.

On the second day, the party can go to Mirror Lake, get excellent views of the North Dome, Half Dome and Washington Column on the way, cross over and ascend the talus about a mile south-east from Glacial Rock to a point commanding a beautiful view of Vernal Fall, the Cap of Liberty, Mt. Kahchoomah, and the Half Dome, and between the two last, near the horizon, the top of Cathedral Peak about twenty miles distant, and then ascend Toloolewack Cañon to see the fall and cave.

The third day would be spent in going to Vernal and Nevada Falls.

Next: Ten Days’ Programme • Contents • Previous: Surrounding Peaks

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