Snow Creek Trail

"This trail was the hardest hike I have ever been on and it isn’t even close.

It winds it’s way up to the sky starting just past Mirror lake and finishing on the opposite side of the valley from Half Dome. The views of the valley below and Half dome get better and better as you ascend skyward. I am not going to lie, my group contemplated quitting numerous times during the 2 hour and 40 minute climb. If it weren’t for some earlier hikers on their way back down informing us we were nearly there, we may have turned around and given up. My shoes fell victim to the rocks covering most of the trail. By the end of the day my old hiking kickers had almost completely lost the soul of both shoes.

This trail has been called the hardest of all Yosemite valley trails. I have not been on all of the other trails but I can tell you Snow Creek trail will get my vote. If you decide that you want to take a shot at the beast be ready for a true challenge. This hike is not for children, this hike is not for the timid. It will test your character, it will test your will. I know many people attempt this trail and never complete it.

Once you finally reach Snow Creek at the top, you have gone roughly 2,800ft in vertical elevation. Take a picture of Half Dome and slap your hiking partner a crisp high five.

Would not recommend, will never climb that again."

Eric Baird

"Very hard. Not for the out of shape or faint of heart. But probably one of the best views of half some on the way up. Over 100 switch backs with a big elevation change along with the steep and loose trails. I've done it twice. The first time was a nightmare but I wanted to do it again since I knew what I was getting into. First off it took us about 7 hours and we stayed at a steady speed. So be prepared for nightfall. Don't get caught on this trail at night!!! Second, no water from the Bott of the trail until you get to the top so if you're coming from mirror lake,be sure to hike up a little further past the trailhead and fill your water up from the creek before heading up. There is water at the top in snow creek year round so you can fill up there. Third we had about 40 lb backpacks. I highly advise not going back down this way. Have a different way out of your bags are heavy. The steepness mixes with loose rock is a recipe for falling off this cliff side trial. Plan another way out if you have heavy bags. Fourth, if you have any fear of heights, this trail is not for you, you get into some sketchy spots with views of 1,000 feet down fall. No climbing gear required but don't attempt if you have a strong fear of heights and I don't recommend taking the kids and family as this is one of Yosemite's hardest trails. All that being said. The hike is worth it. The views are simply breathe taking the way up and even better at the top. It's peaceful and gorgeous on this trail and the top common camp areas. So amazing"

Nicolas Weymouth

"One of the hardest and most beautiful hikes my wife and I have ever experienced. The close-up views of Cloud's Rest, Half-Dome, and Little Yosemite Valley were amazing. We were pleasantly surprised to see over a dozen people on the trail!"

Jeff Longfellow