The best months to hike it are anytime when there is water in Yosemite Falls, typically April-June, although with the right conditions it can also be very nice in late fall (October-November) or early spring (February March) depending on conditions. Size: 1.25 million acres Authorities announced on Jan. 24 that Xies body had been discovered at the base of Upper Yosemite Fall. Rescuers found her dead at the base of Upper Yosemite Falls on January 16, although they waited a week to announce her death. As I said, you get a full view of the falls, and the spray floats up to cool you off. There was no indication whether the communication was related to the delay in updating the search status. Start your hike early; this trail can become very hot mid-day in the summer. There was no immediate explanation from the park service why the. Difficulty: Strenuous. The water is lavano, seriously, stay on the bridge. . Surfing is not recommended in the Golden Gate area. Actually, that honor might go to Half Dome, or maybe El Capitan. It lies 150 miles (240 km) east of San Francisco. In winter, hiking in the colder early morning or late afternoon hours can be even more dangerous if the trail is icy. After spending literal months of my life, hiking, camping, and climbing all over Yosemite, I know what gear I always need to have with me, and what I can leave at home. Computers and mobile devices around the world were roaring with the beauty of waterfalls this week as officials at Yosemite National Park announced a new webcam at the park, giving users a view of the spectacular Upper Yosemite Falls the tallest waterfall in North America, rising 2,425 feet from the valley floor.The webcam updates every 30 seconds with live images of the falls, which are . Look for the ice cone at the base of the upper fall during winter and for roaring runoff April through June. Carry out all trash and food waste (fruit peels, shells, etc.). Some lost their lives after attempting to swim above the falls, others inadvertently ended up in the water or were posing for photographs when they fell. Unlike the Lower Falls, the Upper Falls are not easy to access. Even though Yosemite Falls flows from November to July, the best time to see the thundering water is from April to June when snowmelt accounts for the greatest volume of water flowing. Yosemite Falls drops in three major stages with a cumulative height of 2,425ft making it one of the highest waterfalls in the world. They also wanted to know what Xies mood was like, Horn says. Yosemite Falls is the biggest, baddest waterfall in North America. Steve Jeffe met the couple in San Francisco years ago and they grew very close after each relocated to the Mariposa area. If youre daring, go ahead a get that photo. Los Angeles, Elliott: Kings use their heads over hearts in trading Jonathan Quick, Sherman Oaks Notre Dame overcomes deficit to win Mission League opener, Snowboarder dies at South Lake Tahoe resort, California to alter COVID rules in healthcare settings: Masks and vaccinations not required, Welcome to the world, baby Winter, born amid a snowstorm in Lake Arrowhead, Gripped by grace: Thousands gather for Bishop OConnells funeral Mass, Civilian oversight commission calls for sheriff to outlaw deputy gangs, ban their rituals. I was a wreck. Yosemite Information Officer Scott Gediman did not respond to requests for an explanation for the delay. Climbing and highlining in this area is subject to seasonal closures. Getting to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls is challenging. Yosemite National Park & Giant Sequoias 3-Day Semi-guided Tour (no accom) 5 Bus Tours from $269.00 per adult 7-Day Tour to Yosemite, Las Vegas, Sedona, Monument Valley from San Francisco Bus Tours from $1,395.00 per adult (price varies by group size) The Legendary Loop: Southwest USA 11 Day Adventure Bus Tours from $1,577.60 per adult 3. I guess to experience that rush, that energy of the water going from a placid little stream to a raging, freefalling torrent, hydrologist Jim Roche says in the video. Mist Trail. I didnt continue to Yosemite Point because I thought it would be icy and because I wanted to make it down in time for sunset.. The tallest is on top, the spectacular 1,430-foot Upper Fall. [2] Located in the Sierra Nevada of California, it is a major attraction in the park, especially in late spring when the water flow is at its peak. The second stage is the Middle Cascades, which tumbles down a height of reportedly 675ft. Deaths: 150. Only the Grand Canyon had more. The guide fell coming down from an ascent of the Grand Teton. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Looking at Yosemite Falls from the Valley floor, youll see a large, rocky gully laying directly to the left. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Depending on the season, you may even feel the mist from the fall, which may be welcome respite after the tough climb. The elevation in this area is high enough that snow piles were persisting into early June. Xie is described as a Chinese national living in the United States. Here is all the information on the hike to the top of the falls and the extra add-on excursion to the top of Yosemite Point. Park officials could not be immediately reached for comment Saturday. A photo of Yosemite Falls on Jan. 14, the day "Alice" Yu Xie hiked to the top and fell from a cliff. I get both, because I have a pronounced gluttonous streak. They were amazing people, very generous, Jeffe told CNN. Deaths: 254. Due to extreme winter weather, Yosemite National Park is closed with no estimated date of reopening. Most of the trail is a steady, uphill climb with a relentless number of switchbacks. It goes on to explain the deaths are not because of the waterfall or the steep cliffs, but instead the current. Keep at it, because soon enough, you will round a corner into much cooler environs. It is switchback after switchback, and the climbing rarely relents. Upper Yosemite Falls Hike At a glance: This strenuous hike switchbacks up from the valley floor to the top of Yosemite Falls, featuring spectacular views of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome. Easily one of the most iconic Yosemite scenes, Tunnel View offers great perspectives of the valley regardless of what time of day you to choose to photograph it. If you keep an even pace, the hiking goes by quick. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Like Taft Point, Yosemite Point is another well known highlining area. Drink plenty and drink often; pace yourself; rest in the shade; eat salty snacks. Few other Yosemite trails top this one for sheer physical difficulty. Use them in commercial designs under lifetime, perpetual & worldwide rights. Lake Mead itself can present the most danger to visitorseven more so than desert high temperatures. Established: 1972 The other is made for day hikers pining for a tough challenge. Several trails are available to hikers. For lower crowds, we recommend you visit either in late-spring or early-fall, as the parks will be open at this time, the weather will be cooler, and the crowds will be thinner. Actually, that honor might go to Half Dome, or maybe El Capitan. Sign up today. more information on current conditions view a 10-minute podcast episode about Yosemite Falls, Keep your food within arm's reach at all times. You have entered an incorrect email address! , Yosemite Point is another well known highlining area. Before coming to The Times, she covered breaking news for the Mercury News and national politics and California courts for McClatchys publications, including the Sacramento Bee. Hiking down from Glacier Point on the Panorama Trail in Yosemite. FRESNO, Calif. - A woman who was declared missing while hiking in Yosemite National Park was found dead the same day, without a public update from the National Park Service. It was June 1st, 2019 that I was given another chance to hike the Upper Yosemite Falls trail. A Memorial Day hike ended in tragedy when a man lost his balance and plummeted 500 feet to his death off the summit ridge of a mountain and a woman who tried to grab him as . However, to reach the impressive Upper Yosemite Falls, you will need to hike for 6-8-hour round trip with 2700 feet of elevation gain.At the top, there will be a well-deserved reward of a natural pool sitting just before the falls for a refreshing bath. Whether it was environmental or man made, it was obviously something they encountered, Jeffe added, speculating about what may have led to their deaths. Be sure to start this hike early in the day as it is strenuous and can get really hot as the day goes on. Right to the dramatic point where Yosemite Creek makes the abrupt transition from an ambling, gentle stream, to apical, free falling speed demon. We pulled records from January 2006 to September 2016 on where, how, and why park visitors are dying. With a marked difference in difficulty, one is easy, and ideal for families looking for a genial afternoon. At least 22 people are known to have died in the parks scorching thermal springs. The Yosemite Falls Trail is one of Yosemite's oldest historic trails and was built between 1873 and 1877. Lower Yosemite Fall is easily accessible near the Yosemite Lodge in Yosemite Valley. Shhh we're cheating and putting three waterfalls into one so we could include them all on this list. November 24, 2012. He Has Lived and Traveled Throughout the Southwest, but Currently Makes His Home in Southern California. The Yosemite Falls Trail is open year-round; conditions vary depending on the season. Just off the path is Lost Arrow Spire a big, pointy rock that teeters near the falls. In July, a 35-year-old Florida woman fell to her death from a Grand Canyon trail when posting a photo from Ooh Aah Point. Last month, the US Forest Service warned that toxic algae had been discovered in the Merced River and urged people not to swim, wade or allow their pets to drink the water. A little closer to the edge of that mountain. As you descend Panorama Trail, drink in views of Illilouette Fall and Yosemite Valley, including Half Dome and Nevada and Vernal Falls. 1. The final, tail end of the Upper Falls Trail is flat, wide, and offers a good rest spot for looking over the valley below. There is no cell service in the area, so search and rescue crews had to rely on satellite phones for communication. Visitors to Yosemite commonly refer to it as the crown jewel of all national parks. Anna Horn who hiked up to Yosemite Falls alone says she passed Xie on the trail and the two exchanged hellos. This is never the outcome we want or the news we want to deliver, my heart breaks for their family. The familys nanny found no one home when she arrived Monday morning, and after Gerrish failed to show for work, alarm bells went off, Jeffe said. This is just a tragic, frustrating case for us, Mitchell said Thursday. An East Coast native, Lin moved to California after graduating from Boston College and Columbia Universitys Graduate School of Journalism. A woman was found dead in Yosemite. In the winter, access is limited in these parks due to snow. The two sections of Yosemite Falls pour over the cliffs for a total of 1850 feet, with a 675-foot cascade between the upper section - 1,430 feet - and the lower one - 320 feet. It was the greatest mass casualty incident in Yosemite National Parks history, the report noted. She said the two shared a mutual bond as solo woman hikers on a strenuous trail. There is plenty of free parking here and you can also take a shuttle to stop #7. Size: 444 miles Partway up the steep climb to the top of the tallest waterfall in North America, she encountered another solo hiker, a middle-aged Asian woman with a green backpack. While most people only make the short trip to visit lower falls, upper falls is definitely worthy of visiting due to its panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the opportunity to see this amazing waterfall up close. Description. Xie, a Chinese national living in the U.S., traveled to Yosemite from. Upper Yosemite Falls, Middle Cascades, and Lower Yosemite Falls), Yosemite Valley Yosemite Falls, Yosemite; Photo by Matt Cairns. The switchbacks begin immediately. Out of a total of about 1,200 deaths since the parks establishment in 1890, 53 have involved incidents with waterfalls, Ghiglieri says. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. The final 320-foot (98m) drop adjacent to an accessible viewing area, provides the most-used viewing point for the waterfalls. Outside's long reads email newsletter features our strongest writing, most ambitious reporting, and award-winning storytelling about the outdoors. He was one of three people to slip near. She was reported overdue Jan. 15 "after . These are often good places to rest under the guise of taking a photograph. Updated Park Police identified the latest victim at Yosemite as Alice Yu Xie, 41. If the Upper Yosemite Falls hike has you hooked on waterfalls, dont fret. Were an all-volunteer effort of dedicated staff and interns. Difficulty: Strenuous. All-inclusive trips, expert guides, Top-rated hiking company on Trip Advisor! By Ghiglieri's count, there have been 1,002 traumatic deaths with more than 300 attributed to falls at Yosemite since the 1800s. Conway is also responsible for building Glacier Point Road and for putting the holes into the granite of Half Dome used in the cables section. Katie Hobbs said the state does not intend to proceed with an execution scheduled in April for death row prisoners Aaron Gunches, she announced . In fact, only two of the 56 deaths recorded over the past decade were not related to non-motor vehicle, motorcycle, or bicycle incidents. Falls accounted for 45 deaths at Yosemite. Yosemite officials released details of the Chinese national's disappearance by website and social media Jan. 16. Horn lives close to the park and works as a bartender in the gateway town of Mariposa, allowing her to visit frequently. Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. If you want to push yourself and get some incredible views, this is the hike in the valley to head for. The body of Fred Zalokar, 61, was recovered Tuesday near the peak . The most popular and easily accessible trail begins at the bridge near the bottom of the lower fall. Sign up here. Yosemite Falls is the most spectacular waterfall at Yosemite. Its like a family photo, but Half Dome is hogging the camera. You can find the trailhead to Upper Yosemite Falls near Camp 4. Yacoub was a chemistry major at Cal-State Stanislaus with one semester left. I would recommend focusing on sunrise, though, for two different reasons. Stay on the trail; there are numerous steep drop-offs and ledges off-trail. Yosemite Falls is the centerpiece of Yosemite Valley. Those results are expected to take at least two to three weeks. The whole thing really messed with my head.. Yosemite Falls had started trickling again due to the recent snowfall, so it was the perfect time to go. The entire height from base to crest can be tackled via the very strenuous Upper Yosemite Falls Trail, one of the most challenging day hikes in the park. During winter, the lower portion of this trail gets direct sunlight, so hiking can be snow-free while other trails are icy. trail and should only be attempted with plenty of water. Visitors: 7.2 million annually Why the Pacific Ocean turned pink off an area of the Calif. coast, A trip down the most mysterious road in California. An experienced hiker a friend called a "bad ass rock climber" fell to his death in Yosemite National Park, just hours after proposing to his girlfriend during an earlier climb. Unfortunately, while the rugged mountain terrain of the countrys national parks is what makes them so spectacular and popular with visitors, it also contributes to the number one cause of deaths, the website states. They gave no reason for the delay, according to the Fresno Bee. No, the very end of the hike brings hikers to the lip of the Falls, where all that snow melt water finally takes the plunge into Yosemite Valley. In the summer, when temperatures are already high, however, a careful plan for dealing with the heat is essential. They describe "watching in horror" as the group fell to their presumed death. Though shaded, this section receives the most sun exposure of any part of the hike. As soon as I heard that, I knew they found her body, Horn says. Even if you can't get a permit for Half Dome, you should check out Mist Trail, which is the first portion of the hike on the way to Half Dome. Front-runner for Oscar. The Ahwahneechee people called the waterfall "Cholock" ("the fall") and believed that the plunge pool at its base was inhabited by the spirits of several witches, called the Poloti. Its just so tragic.. The USGS began studying the hazards of rockfalls at the park after a 1980 incident on the upper Yosemite Falls Trail killed three people and injured at least 19 others. Because of the narrow, constricted shape of the gorge in which these drops occur and the lack of public access, they are rarely noted. Yosemite Creek encompasses three sections: Upper Falls (1,430 feet or 435 m), Middle Cascades (675 feet or 205 m), and Lower Falls (320 feet or 100 m), which . Copyright 2021 Associated Press. The group was seen entering the water above Vernal Fall, approximately 25 feet from the precipice, according to Yosemite. Spots such as Taft Point, Nevada Fall and Half Dome have all seen deaths over the last few years, often when people were trying to capture the perfect photo without being fully aware of the dangers of their surroundings, the website reported. Lake Powell, a reservoir on the Colorado River in Glen Canyon, is home to outdoor activities such as boating and water-skiing, but park officials are quick to point out that at least 150 people not wearing life jackets have drowned here in the past decades. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Upper Yosemite Falls, North Dome, Indian Rock, Snow Creek Hard 4.8 (56) Yosemite National Park Photos (11,955) Directions Print/PDF map Length 16.8 miElevation gain 5,587 ftRoute type Point to point Get to know this 16.8-mile point-to-point trail near Yosemite Valley, California. But the land on either side of the bridge is within the park and law enforcement caution people visiting the urban metro area of 7 million from standing on edges of unstable cliffs and driving fast on the many narrow and windy roads. According to park's website, more people die on the Mist Trail than almost anywhere else in Yosemite. Here are some of the most notable recent deaths that have taken place at Yosemite, due to a wide range of accidents. Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet. Sprained ankles and knee injuries are common on this trail. In the initial conversation, authorities asked Horn about Xies appearance, clothing and location. Fellow hikers would see me strolling proudly up the switchbacks, perhaps distracted by my obnoxious green trail runners. By starting as early as possible, you will be able to hike during the cooler part of the day. For other waterfalls in Yosemite, see, Upper and lower cascades of Yosemite Falls, as seen from, Last edited on 21 February 2023, at 22:04, List of waterfalls in Yosemite National Park, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Yosemite_Falls&oldid=1140807515, This page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 22:04. In spring, when the waterfall is at its peak, this hike is stunning, and you may even get wet from the spray of the waterfall during a section of the hike. The upper fall is formed by the swift waters of Yosemite Creek, which, after meandering through Eagle Creek Meadow, drop over the edge of a hanging valley in a spectacular and deafening show of force. The trail starts near Camp 4 along the Valley Loop Trail and runs through oak woodland. That search resumed Wednesday morning. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed, First published on January 24, 2021 / 4:26 PM. The switchbacks begin immediately. Bring plenty of water and snacks and take many short breaks due to the steep ascent on the way up. She didnt. Natchez leads the park system with the highest number of suicides over the past decade, at 25. A ramp will take you down to the top-the culmination of all your hard work. a big, pointy rock that teeters near the falls. The falls consist of three sections comprising six total drops: The 1,430-foot (440m) plunge comprises over half the total drop. FRESNO (AP) -- A woman who was declared missing while hiking in Yosemite National Park was found dead the same day, without a public update from the National Park Service. In 1920, however, he was reworked and defused. Deaths: 93. Park officials identified the three as Hormiz David, a 22-year-old Modesto man; Ninos Yacoub, a27-year-old Turlock man; and Ramina Badal, a 21-year-old Modesto woman. But the ride through Eden can be dangerous. Reviews Distance: 7.6 miles (12 km) round trip from the Lower Yosemite Falls trailhead; 9.4 miles (15 km) including Yosemite Point Elevation at trailhead: 3,967 feet (1,347 meters) Elevation at top of Yosemite Falls: 6,526 feet (1,989 meters) 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. It leads to the top of North Americas tallest waterfall 2,425 feet (739 m) above the Valley floor. As you climb nearly 3,000 feet on this three-mile hike, you'll be close enough to feel the mist . Visitors: 5.5 million annually We love California's parks just as much as you do, so we have a newsletter that covers them from top to bottom. Also, this trail is a strenuous (yes, really!) Eight people died in the park this year, most due to cardiac arrests and falls off hiking points. There are many areas of loose sand mixed with rocky terrain, which makes for slippery footing. When youre ready to hit the trail for the better part of a day, its hard to beat the 7.6-mile (round-trip) Upper Yosemite Fall hike for top-notch views of breathtaking scenery, challenging climbs, and memories to last a lifetime. A 2014 report by the U.S. Geological Survey noted that rockfalls pose substantial hazard and risk to the approximately 4 million annual visitors to Yosemite National Park.. Since the Parks Service doesnt offer updated aggregated records on the official number of fatalities, we pulled records from January 2006 to September 2016 on where, how, and why park visitors are dying. In 1968, 19-year-old James William Gibson Jr. walked off the trail, away from his friends, and was later found at the base. They are rocky, slick, and full of tripping hazards. With a drop of 1,430 feet (436 m), it is one of the highest waterfalls in the world and is one of the park's most scenic attractions. Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. NBCreporter George Lewis reported from Yosemite for the Nightly News with Brian Williams: Not much is known about the personal life of the victims. People who want to hike from Happy Isles would need to use the longer John Muir Trail if they want to get to Vernal Fall. Most viewpoints in the valley miss them entirely. Gerrish worked for Google and had recently started a job at Snapchat, according to Jeffe, who was alerted by friends that the family had not returned home from a day hike on Sunday. Climbing and highlining in this area is subject to seasonal closures. Getting to the spire requires scrambling beyond the trail, so please be careful if you do choose to take a peek. Of the tens of thousands of visitors this year, seven people died: four were killed in motor vehicle accidents, two drowned, and one woman perished after falling eight feet off a rock wall. Deaths: 82. Sign up for NBC Bay Areas Housing Deconstructed newsletter. The missing-persons post states that Xie, a 41-year-old Chinese national living in the United States is believed to have gone on a day hike to the Upper Yosemite Fall overlook on Jan. 14 or the morning of Jan. 15, 2021 She traveled to Yosemite from Mariposa on the YARTS bus on Jan. 14. The post instructed anyone who had taken the trail to the top of Yosemite Falls on Jan. 14 or 15 to call the Yosemite Emergency Communications Center. According to the results of a Freedom of Information Act submitted by Outforia, an outdoors website based in Oslo, Norway, Yosemite is the second-deadliest national park in the United States, with 126 deaths recorded from 2010 to 2020. Elevation: 2,700 ft (823 m) elevation gain He had one of Yosemite's most unusual jobs. So tragic: Hiker may have been the last person to see Alice Yu Xie alive in Yosemite, Horoscope for Friday, 3/03/23 by Christopher Renstrom, No seriously, dont drive up to Tahoe this weekend, Wife of Jeffrey Vandergrift issues somber update, Snowboarder dies at Tahoe ski resort following historic blizzard, Scream publicity stunt floods Bay Area dispatch with 911 calls, The best fried chicken is at a San Francisco strip club, The Warriors broke Russell Westbrook, just like old times, Rain reenters Bay Area forecast: Have an umbrella near you, Mochi muffin bakery closes SF cafe after just 4 months, Oakland ransomware attackers leak 'confidential' data, Arrest in killing of woman seen running through Tahoe campground, photo on the National Park Services Instagram account, discovered at the base of Upper Yosemite Fall on Jan. 16, Michael Ghiglieri, co-author of "Off the Wall: Death in Yosemite,". She Was Just Found in Puerto Rico, Los Gatos Mom Accused of Hosting Alcohol-Fueled Teen Parties Attacked in Jail, Hospitalized, Actor Tom Sizemore, of Saving Private Ryan,' Dies at 61, Viral Kids' Star Ms. Rachel Is Taking a Break From Social Media After Backlash Over Co-Star Who Uses They/Them Pronouns. Ill stick to sucking down almond butter packets well behind the rail. appreciated. She was reported overdue Jan. 15 "after planning to hike to the top of Yosemite Falls," the park said in a Facebook post. Across the country, falls accounted for 245 deaths in national parks in the past decade. Sometimes, you get rewarded with a full frontal, uncensored view of the Upper Falls. Each summer there are numerous first aid response calls to this trail related to dehydration. Set in the Nevada desert, Lake Meads high temperatures are brutal and the rugged terrain claims an average 25 casualties each year. Even the most fit hikers might not make it off the trail without sore feet. I am pretty sure I was the last person to interact with her, Horn says. Size: 521,621 Park rangers also provide assistance to visitors and give explanations about safety measures and regulations. But on Jan. 16, Horn says her roommate hiked up Yosemite Falls and saw search-and-rescue flags along the side of the falls that Horn believes were likely evidence markers. 2. Is the Stanley Quencher tumbler worth its TikTok hype? A word of caution: do not stray off the marked path, as you will find steep drops adjacent to the trail. The cause of death was not immediately released. Begin by crossing the road to Camp 4. Xie is described as a Chinese national living in the United States. Get your ass back over here," Bibee said. . It is about .8 miles further, but it is totally worth it. The "Four Mile Trail", the original access to Glacier Point. : You Betcha-these falls plunge 2,425 feet. Heres what we found. During his research for the book, Ghiglieri came across six deaths involving Upper Yosemite Fall. You are almost near the top of the falls, and the payoff for all of your hard work is spectacular. Deaths: 60. They take you up and along a terraced cliff west of the falls. It took us 3 hours and 45 minutes to get to the top of Yosemite Falls, but the views were 100% worth it and I'd hike it again in a heartbeat. Though the Grand Canyon is familiar, it's still not the walk in the park it seems. Deaths: 56. Several vantage points for the cascades are found along the Yosemite Falls trail. Bibee gave the first graphic description of what happened. Authorities . Rip currents and sneaker waves are some of the risks tourists face when swimming in the beaches within Golden Gate. She's been linked to a cult and a serial killer. Pay attention to warning signs, stay off closed trails and, if unsure, keep away from the cliffs. Good sun exposure makes this hike a welcome option for hiking in the fall and winter when the temperatures are relatively cool. It was cold and misty down in the valley, so I started the hike with several layers. After seeing the post, Horn called right away. Deaths: 130. Download Yosemite Falls stock photos. Xie was found dead at the base of Upper Yosemite Fall the same day. Approaching the trail pre-dawn allows you to get a bunch of the steep uphill done in the cool of the morning, and youll have more of the trail to yourself too. If you make the one-mile, 1,000-foot climb (via dozens of switchbacks) to Columbia Rock, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and Sentinel Rock. Getting to the spire requires scrambling beyond the trail, so please be careful if you do choose to take a peek. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The park also has the highest number of homicides of any Park Service unit over the past decade at six.