Ridiculously scary Abandoned Ledge Trail in Yosemite

I found and hiked the ledge trail from Curry village in Yosemite valley up to glacier point. It’s scary as hell. There’s a reason it’s abandoned.

[@davidlovejoy1451]

I met you in the Curry Village dining pavilion on the day you did this. You were talking to someone about a wild hike that day and I asked if it was this trail. I had done it a couple years earlier and we compared notes. You collected a Pepsi can, among other trash from the trail. Great to see this video; it brought back memories. Happy trails.

[@TechMadic]

I remember very clearly. I was shocked anyone knew about that trail let alone the guy sitting next to us in the dining hall! Thanks for watching and reaching out. It was great comparing notes with you live and in person!!

[@liberationwasalie2982]

were you the guy eating the egg and cheese biscuit?

[@mrmysterious]

@@liberationwasalie2982 no that was me.

[@TechMadic]

I’ve been known to eat an egg and cheese biscuit however… I was enjoying a Curry Village deck pizza and beer that fine evening.

[@connorwenger602]

@@TechMadic I don't even remember what I had for breakfast

[@aeromodeller1]

My dad climbed that in the early 30's. He had an old topo map that showed it, modern maps didn't show it. He searched for the trailhead behind Curry Village and didn't find it. He asked a ranger and was told that the Park Service had obliterated the trail and strongly discouraged people from using it. Many people had died on it. Not only was it a difficult trail, but people would throw rocks off Glacier Point, killing hikers. My dad went back, found the ledge and climbed it. As he approached the top at Glacier Point he saw a little girl standing next to a bear. Her parents were a little off in the distance with a camera, urging her to get closer to the bear. My dad turned around and went back down. In its heyday, people rode horses up that trail.

[@TechMadic]

Wow! Thanks for sharing your story. I love it. I was told back in the day there was a $1 charge to go up and that would entitle you to a shot of whiskey. I really hope that can be confirmed!

[@deancj1]

That's confusing because the step stones were put in by the ccc in the 30s so I don't think it was closed at that point.

[@aeromodeller1]

@@deancj1 I could be wrong on the date.

[@starboard9551]

wtf

[@theflyingcrud]

Very interesting! There are a lot of forgotten spots like this, nice to know some historical context

[@michaelmariant5720]

Yeah, one of the most dangerous and notorious trails in Yosemite. The Oct 2008 rockfalls pretty much wiped out the middle section of the trail. That was all that bright white granite and shattered trees you saw. Same trail that 16-year-old Flo Hutchings died on, daughter of Yosemite pioneer James Hutchings, one of the first settlers and concessionaires in Yosemite. Really, really surprised they gave you that trail to go up.

[@TechMadic]

Thank you for sharing that history!

[@Cccoast]

Yeah…. Did they really?

[@MVisualsFilms]

I doubt it. They discourage anyone from going up that trail, along with a couple other “lost” trails.

[@csn583]

See the book "Death in Yosemite".

[@aeromodeller1]

She died in 1881.

[@wbehlen]

I did it by myself when I was 14 and came back via Nevada Falls. The Ledge trail is too steep to climb down. I did it again in March 1962 with college friends. We reached deep snow near the top and everything was closed. We had to walk back 10 miles through snow, stopping every two miles to build a fire to thaw out our feet. I got minor frostbite. I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in 1965 and later back home to climb Half Dome and the Yosemite Falls Trail in 1973. Today climbing into bed is enough.

[@TechMadic]

Wow! Very impressive! You win. Once is enough for me and it was a nice day. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@corkyvanderhaven3391]

wbehlen Very cool I remember those mistakes most

[@richardleetbluesharmonicac7192]

Im amazed that you could start a fire in wet conditions. There’s a trick to it it can be done

[@near--zero]

dude your calf muscles look like footballs

[@TechMadic]

Ha ha ha. I don’t usually see them. I’ve heard “bowling pins” but first time for “footballs”. I like it!

[@user-cz6ox6zw3x]

When does it show his calves?

[@coconut7213]

@@user-cz6ox6zw3x 3:19

[@TechMadic]

Thank you. 😁

[@scottchastek7214]

One of thee best valley scrambles. I learned about the ledge trail on a senior high school trip to Yosemite by a Yosemite institute dude named Gar in 1987. I had the old brooks chariots with the sticky icky Goodyear 500 soles.

[@TechMadic]

I love hearing about the legend and each experience with this “trail”. There is always “some dude” that is the key to the story. Ha ha.

[@brucejensen2693]

Hi. My son and I went up there once before. The scariest part by far was the unstable looking overhanging mass of 1,000,000 tons of rock overhead. You are a determined soul!

[@TechMadic]

Good job. I agree. You feel like a rock can come down anytime and the water is dripping down in you. It’s a strange feeling. Thanks for sharing!

[@brucejensen2693]

@@TechMadic I'm really glad you made it. Going to Yosemite tomorrow, and doing nothing nearly as adventurous (might go to Sierra Point, but that's it.) Cheers!

[@TechMadic]

Enjoy. I saw there are 2 camping spots available in Upper Pines for Thursday night.

[@warrenolmsted]

“Overall, about fourteen young men have died while traversing or shortcutting to or from this trail. They represent more than 10 percent of all fatal hiking/scrambling falls in Yosemite. Their deaths make the Ledge Trail route the third most fatal geographical “entity” in the Park after El Capitan and the Merced River.” -from “Off the Wall: Death in Yosemite”, by Ghiglieri and Farabee. Don’t think the Park will be reopening the trail any time soon.

[@TechMadic]

Holy smokes! I had no idea. Thanks for sharing that statistic.

[@GhostRanger5060]

Great book, highly recommended to all.

[@jackritcher2291]

Humans: we need to close this trail for the safety of the public ALSO humans: oh look a sign of danger let's see why

[@TechMadic]

Trust but verify.

[@johnhaugh2320]

If your concerned, stay home

[@johntuttle9544]

Curiosity killed the cat...

[@jonathanleonard1152]

I am so glad I have passed doing: “The hardest thing in my life”. I will watch.

[@TerrellWSmith]

Thanks for this video, it brought back memories. I hiked up this trail (The Ledge Trail is also called The One Mile Trail) in 1966 when I was 18 with my dad who was 54. My dad and I stopped at the ranger station to ask where the trail head was. The ranger told us the trail did not exist. My dad argued that he knew it did, because he had hiked it with his dad, and now he wanted to hike it with me. The ranger then reluctantly told us we had to fill out papers as climbers, which we did. The ranger looked over what we had filled out and scratched out our time of return. "We're not going to start looking for your dead bodies that early," he said, and changed the time to just before sunset. "OK, so now where is the trail head?" my dad asked. The ranger replied, "I won't tell you. If you can't find it, then we don't have to try to rescue you." Wow. But my dad had an idea of where it was from his climb up as a teenager. We found the trailhead and started up. It was very steep, and in some places it was straight up talus where one of us had to stand safely out of the way because the scramble sent so many loose rocks flying. The trail was marked by bright orange paint. But we also noticed bright orange paint on a few very large rocks which had fallen down. When we finally reached the top, it was a bit disheartening to see so many people there. Because by now it was late, we ran most of the way down the four mile trail in order to get back in time. We did, barely. I would never want to try going down the Ledge trail. Going up was scary enough!

[@TechMadic]

That is a great and crazy story! Thank you for sharing it with us. This trail seems to be magical. I like how you made it a generational right of passage. So cool.

[@TerrellWSmith]

@@TechMadic My dad made it a generational right of passage, but I did not try to go up it with my sons. Too dangerous. But I have been able to share a love for camping and hiking for our three children, and they for their kids. Yosemite was my favorite park and I visited it often. But now there are too many people there. So I have a new favorite park in the Rockies. :)

[@TechMadic]

Have you checked out Hetch Hetchy? It’s really beautiful like the valley but much fewer people.

[@dychui]

I really enjoyed reading your experience climbing this with your dad !

[@TerrellWSmith]

@@dychui, thanks.

[@beverly9885]

I thought the trail was pretty much obliterated by the last big rock fall that Closed a large portion of Curry Village. It must have been extra difficult! Thanks for taking us along for the ride!

[@TechMadic]

Exactly! That was like going across a field of marbles. That was the scariest for sure.

[@lostsoul1813]

Gotta check it out this year.

[@TechMadic]

Report back.

[@Lukionest]

I've hiked up the lost "2-mile trail to Glacier Point" twice. Once like you did from Curry Village to Moran Point and up and another time from behind Housekeeping Camp to Moran Point and up. Enjoyed the challenge both times, but you are definitely taking a risk going that way since you will be on your own. I remember thinking, "You know the trail is steep when you keep bumping your knees on the trail itself."

[@TechMadic]

Good tip about starting from Housekeeping!

[@geejunior]

Thank you for affirming I don't need to ever take that trail.

[@TechMadic]

Agree. You can get the same views in much more accessible places and get to the same spot by the 4-mile trail.

[@BillBird2111]

@@TechMadic Yes, I'm sure the views are the same on the 4-mile trail. But you did the old one. That is amazing and an accomplishment that you will never forget. It's akin to going up those Half Dome cables, which I did as a young teenager in 1977. NOBODY did the cables in 1977. I owned that rock back in the day. But today? Today it's like a super highway. Ruins the moment. The experience. The solitude. I would much rather take the route that you took just for that kind of solitude. But then, at my age now (61), I'd probably be dead.

[@TechMadic]

@BillBird2111 61 is not that old! Keep moving and exploring.

[@sandramorey2529]

The ledge trail has been closed for decades. It is very dangerous for others that do not have the "chops" you have. Glad you made it safely. We've come up from Oakland to help with the "facelift"& get some gear fixed. Thank you, Patagonia. We've come up last weekend in September.

[@TechMadic]

Are you joining this year? I read that camping requests will be available starting July 15th.

[@hiimgars]

Beautiful “trail”. I went up it during the summer of ‘07 and had the time of my life. Found it really quickly and the old granite steps were kind of spooky to hike on, just trodding upon history. Hope someday soon to give it another go. Great video my friend!

[@TechMadic]

Thank you for watching and for the nice comment!

[@archstanton_live]

Shirley Sargent told me that this was a shortcut used by James McCauley's kids to get back from school in the valley in the 1880's. The four-mile trail was too long for them. At that time the school was close to today's Yosemite Village. McCauley ran the Lodge at Glacier Point and is the originator of the original "Fire Falls".

[@Tendou-Gaming]

During my last trip to Yosemite, I noticed this trail but I couldn't find any information about it online. It is really interesting to discover it an old abandon trail

[@TechMadic]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@tomd1914]

I’m surprised your clean up leader sent you to that trail. It is considered one the parks most dangerous features. I’m glad you made it and thanks for posting it.

[@TechMadic]

Thank you! This was our third year and the same leader had been kind of testing our capability each time we clean an area and report back. This one is the limit of our ability I think. He said I might find old stuff “like a typewriter” since no one usually gets sent there. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@richardleetbluesharmonicac7192]

That trail was in great shape they didn’t maintain it at all

[@richardleetbluesharmonicac7192]

@@TechMadic try the hike out of hetch hetchy from the dam to the top of the pass. It’s about 8 miles of switchbacks. Had a hassle with a bear chasing me around camp with my food sack in hand. If you ever go to the marble mountains ( which I totally recommend) be careful with the bears. That’s where they dump bad bears by helicopter from Sequoia and Kings Canyon

[@TechMadic]

Great advice. We will look for it. Thanks!

[@paulgrogan8032]

Back in the day, that trail claimed dozens of life's. Glad you did well👏👏👏

[@TechMadic]

I can understand why it was abandoned! Thank you for your support.

[@richardleetbluesharmonicac7192]

Why ? We used to hike this trail from glacier point to The Valley to buy groceries and carried them back to glacier point. We did it about three times a week it’s about 6 miles of nasty switchbacks

[@paulgrogan8032]

@@richardleetbluesharmonicac7192 Hey Richard, I recently read "off the wall death in Yosemite" a great read documenting hundreds of drownings,falls,and lost adventures demise. I was just referring to the many documented falls there as to why the rangers closed it. I wasn't supporting or condeming the rangers choices.🙌

[@TechMadic]

Oh wow! I am definitely going to read that. Thanks for the info.

[@richardleetbluesharmonicac7192]

@@paulgrogan8032 yeah it’s a goat trail. It was in good shape in the 70’s. People nowadays do not seem to have much common sense in regards to taking pictures and falling off the cliff

[@rkatrails]

I remember my dad telling me that he and my uncle climbed that trail and how he barely made it because it was so demanding. That would have been back in the late 1950s. Apparently the trail was still open back then. I'm not sure when the trail was created and opened. Thank you for posting this video, otherwise I wouldn't have known what it actually looked like. I've always remembered my dad's story and think about it when I visit Yosemite and look up at Glacier Point. I'm glad someone knew you were up there in case something happened, which it easily could have!

[@TechMadic]

Thank you for sharing you family history. Have you considered trying it? Keep the legacy going?

[@rkatrails]

@@TechMadic Oh my, you must be joking! Even without the bushwhacking that trail looks way too hard. I admire your grit and commitment to find your way and make it to the top though. The Panorama Trail is more my speed.🙂

[@TechMadic]

My commitment was that I didn’t think I could make it back down. Ha ha. With Glacier Point road closed in 2022, 4 mile and Panorama will get a lot of traffic.

[@Austin-nv2cf]

@@TechMadic why is the road closing?

[@TechMadic]

The park service is repairing and rehabilitating it. Looks like it may be closed into 2023.

[@bookofkatherine]

My dad made us climb that thing when I was a kid- all the way around to half dome and then down through the falls. THANK YOU for confirming the hellish trail it was.

[@TechMadic]

Thank you for accepting me into the survivors group! Ha ha.

[@alexclark3575]

Did this trail last Thursday because the road to Glacier Point will be closed until 2023 and really wanted to go there without having to do Four Mile Trail. Wow is all I can really say, it's a very unique way to experience the park and understand why you weren't able to film most of the hike. I'm very fascinated with off map trails at Yosemite, I've done Sierra Point and hope to do Fern Ledge soon.

[@TechMadic]

Cool! Was the water flowing in the creek on the upper half? We’ve done about 80% of fern ledge. It wasn’t that bad actually. A few sketchy areas of loose gravel that is about 2 feet wide where you could plummet down into the valley but they are very short. Keep us updated!

[@prairiedan]

A nice contrast to Four Mile Trail and you certainly avoid the dozens of switchbacks.....I'm at home here in UK planning my next Yosemite visit....think I'll leave this one off the itinerary just for now, in case my wife finds it.....I just love the historical anecdotes -thanks to all for posting.

[@TechMadic]

Thank you for the feedback. Just in case... Yosemite moved to a reservation system to enter the park due to crowding. If you have a lodge reservation , campsite or back country permit that serves as your reservation to enter though. Good luck!

[@prairiedan]

@@TechMadic Wow, thanks. The last two occasions I've stayed at Tenaya Lodge just outside the park, beyond Wawona. I wonder is this still okay -or do have to be inside the park to use it in 2021?

[@TechMadic]

If you stay outside the park at Tenaya Lodge, you will need a entrance reservation to get into Yosemite by vehicle. www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/reservations.htm

[@prairiedan]

@@TechMadic Thanks so much for this.

[@isadormoti6977]

Looks like my kind of trail.

[@TechMadic]

Thanks for watching!

[@markiturzaeta1831]

I did the Ledge trail in the late 70's - followed painted dots leading to the top.

[@deere3321]

'Do not attempt to follow this abandoned trail' ...ya..right

[@TechMadic]

Thanks for watching!

[@BuddyLee23]

That ancient sign was clearly erected prior to the discovery of reverse psychology

[@TechMadic]

Ha ha ha

[@Hootyhoo-jq9vq]

You got sandbagged. Maybe you should check to see if your buddy has a life insurance policy on you? Haha. Super cool. Thanks for taking us along.

[@TechMadic]

Oh. Good point! Ha ha.

[@jasonlovern2322]

My wife and I climbed Mount Rainier last week. It was an epic climb.

[@TechMadic]

Wow. How long does that take? Is it continuously snow covered?

[@jasonlovern2322]

@@TechMadic Yes. Mt Rainier still had over 100” of snow. It takes 3 days to summit.

[@TechMadic]

Whoa. That’s epic. We took a mountaineering course but haven’t ventured out in our own yet.

[@csn583]

The overgrowth makes it super nasty up there this year. The whole upper gorge is a creek as well, which is sometimes easier to follow than trying to find the old trail. Way worse than you show here. Worst part is all the loose rock under the plants that can shift or hit someone below you if not solo. The Ledge (bottom half) is slick and loose in spots but mostly just an abstract risk of rockfall at any time. Glad to have done it, but never again! Curiosity satisfied!

[@TechMadic]

Congratulations! It must be extra heinous with all the rain we had last winter. One and done. I agree.

[@johnkraemer5505]

Looks like a great trail! The park should open it back up! Gorgeous view of the valley! 😎👍🏻

[@TechMadic]

Maybe we can volunteer to refresh the trail!

[@andybruce904]

@@TechMadic sounds amazing . with safety handles and stuff on the steep sketchy spots. and clearing of the bushy section.

[@T_Mo271]

@@andybruce904 That would ruin the experience entirely.

[@elwoodblues9613]

@@T_Mo271 - but making it a little safer would be worth it. From what I've read, the first priority should be clearing a trail through the brush near the top.

[@lostsoul1813]

Did this trail in 2019. By the time you reach the sign, it is safer to continue up the trail than going back - at some places the slope is lose and dangerous. There is a nice resting place at the switchback by the stream. (Staircase Falls?) And a good part of bushwhacking after you turn left.) Overall - very satisfying trip, especially if you continue on Panorama Trail after you reach Glacier Point and come back by the Mist Trail... and, of course, pizza & beer to make the day perfect.)

[@TechMadic]

Nailed it on the pizza and beer!

[@YnseSchaap]

The word abandoned works like a magnet 😁

[@TechMadic]

I was at attracted.

[@YnseSchaap]

@@TechMadic 😁

[@jaygreer7430]

Wow! Great video! While I wish you could have shared more video of your route and your experience, I’m pretty sure you had your hands full with that one! Congratulations and glad you made it up safely!

[@TechMadic]

Thank you! Correct. I was busy not falling instead of making more video. Maybe next time. Ha ha.

[@user-fw2dd2cy3c]

*Do not attempt to follow this abandoned trail.* "Hm, this looks like the right way."

[@TechMadic]

Hidden in plain sight! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@josephastier7421]

"We found the trail!"

[@vasocreta]

i love these types of videos. Gets my hiking stoke on.

[@TechMadic]

We’re backpacking this weekend and hope to have another one up soon. Thanks for watching and for the support! Glad you liked it.

[@YongsungKim]

Glad you made it. Thanks for sharing your adventure!

[@TechMadic]

Thank you! My pleasure.

[@zachsaunders3161]

my great uncle and grandpa used to hike this trail back in the day. going to try it next summer. any tips appreciated !!

[@TechMadic]

It’s not very easy to follow when the vegetation is high. Try to get a GPS file. Be careful and take your time.

[@captaintrechabomb982]

I'm glad you didn't have to go back down the same way.

[@TechMadic]

Me too!

[@DadBodDrumming]

That was awesome! Offroading for hikers. If they refreshed that trail, and opened it back up, I would certainly hike it.

[@TechMadic]

Good way to describe it!

[@julianmehnle]

I can say from experience, it is eminently hikeable. You just need good shoework and long pants, as @Tech Madic discovered. Can't avoid a little bush whacking. :D

[@TechMadic]

Long pants. Smart!

[@harveycasey1900]

I used to work in Yosemite back in the nineties and a buddy and I climbed that trail all way to the top of glacier point. We started our climb behind the old curry village snow sledding run. So where you have the thin red line drawn on the photo of the trail @ 10sec into the video we started on the right side of that & bouldered on up until we found the cables.

[@TechMadic]

Awesome. Thanks for sharing!

[@ColbertBills]

Holy yea I kept watching and where that wire is and where you said you were thinking about turning around but couldn’t is where it got dark for us we had to climb the wall with the wire it was truly a blessing we were okay

[@TechMadic]

Maybe it’s better if you can see. Ha ha. Good work!

[@thechad4485]

Most lethal trail in the valley. Hiked it once and never again. Smoked a bowl once I got to the top, and camped out for the night. Never did a bowl feel so earned or necessary to rid my mind of pure fear and anxiety.

[@TechMadic]

Hahaha! Good for you!

[@johntuttle9544]

Great, now a million noobs will go all lemming up there and die. Darwin.

[@TechMadic]

We’ve only had 20,000-ish views but I appreciate your optimism!

[@wokkawicca]

Thanks for this. It's the first report I can find online of anyone doing this trail since significant rockfalls in the area years ago (and I've looked pretty hard). I'd be interested to hear in more detail about your experience & the difficulties you encountered.

[@TechMadic]

Thanks for watching! There were 2 main difficulties. The rock slides were like marbles. They were not far across but it felt very tense going across because nothing was stable if you would start to slide down. A light touch and wide profile close to the ground helped. The other was the thickness of the vegetation and underlying wet rocks on the upper levels. You just need to brute force plow through and hold on for dear life if you slip on the hidden and strong rocks. This may be better at drier times of the year. It was well marked even if it was old. The scary parts were only 15% of the experience. Happy I’ve done it but not enough to try again.

[@TechMadic]

Did you need any traction devices like micro spikes?

[@TechMadic]

I totally relate to the Darwin Award thought! The upper slope was also a stream but filled with slippery moss covered rocks and hidden under the thick brush. I just wanted to get through it and took some risks. I can’t imagine snow and ice, at least you could self arrest if needed.

[@phila3884]

If you have any accident up there, it will be hard to justify to rescue crews what you were doing up there, hence the warning signs (2). If you are comfortable with potential deadly rockfalls, climbing over granite boulders with no visible trail, and sloping loose scree/dirt that you could easily lose control on, then I still wouldn't recommend it. That being said, the ledge itself is surprisingly wide all the way up.

[@TechMadic]

Thank you for your good comments. Technically I was volunteering for the Facelift cleanup (signed all my waivers and was at my own risk) so some justification. I also carry mountain rescue insurance and separate heli rescue insurance. For me as an intermediate hiker and ultra runner, this was at the edge of my comfort level. For an intermediate climber, it’s laughable that I was scared. If I did it over (no desire) I’d have a helmet and a partner anchored and a rope for the sketchy scree sections. Again, probably laughable for climbers.

[@phila3884]

@@TechMadic My comments weren't directed at you specifically, but more for someone contemplating the climb. Our experience level sounds similar. If did it again I would have a partner, a helmet and some protection. I did have a 2-way Garmin device. I wanted to just find the base of the trail, which turned into seeing how far up I could go comfortably. There are a couple of spots that I needed to hold onto roots and branches to get up. Without those available I would have stopped there.

[@TechMadic]

Thank you! Did I sound defensive. Haha! Thank you for sharing your experience. I think it helps others.

[@Catracks3]

Just read about this trail. Lots of people died on it when it was maintained.

[@wradford1]

That's crazy Well done Glad you made it. I did the Upper Falls trail and that was enough for me.

[@TechMadic]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@ColbertBills]

This is awesome me and my friend went up this way except from the toboggan rockfall to the right of ledge, they meet up at Moran point. We made it to glacier point but only by the graces of God, we came prepared for nothing with only like a bottle of water each and no warm clothes and it turned dark when we were about 3/4s of the way up. Definitely not even close to a trail it was like a mission

[@ColbertBills]

This was about 8 months ago

[@TechMadic]

We need to start a club or something. A secret handshake if you’ve done this.... Dark, little water and no warm clothes is really impossible. Congratulations.

[@jamespolucha6911]

Yosemite is my favorite place just beautiful

[@TechMadic]

Ours too!

[@TechMadic]

We agree! We are fortunate to be 3 hours away.

[@franktippin9150]

My foster brother from Taxco, Mexico( elev. 5800 ft) ran the trail in the 1950's, before it was abandoned, in one hour. He was 15 at the time and an active soccer player. I heard a rockslide closed the trail and then it was abandoned instead of repairing it.

[@TechMadic]

Oh wow! 1 hour is impressive!

[@Zyworski]

I never had any interest in hiking the Glacier Point Trail because it was straight up and the destination was a place I could just drive to. I prefer the Nevada Falls Trail, Snow Creek Trail, and Yosemite Falls Trail much more. The best parts of Yosemite are actually in the high country above the canyon rim.

[@TechMadic]

Snow creek is no joke. There is a great campsite right across the valley from Half Dome at the top we’ve stayed at. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@lsudx479]

This trail was awarded with the 2012 Men's Butts Discount.

[@darrengray1569]

Try doing that train in spring. I was super soaked as the trail becomes a serious of cascades. Then came down on panorama trail. Super long fun day

[@TechMadic]

It was tough with low water. Wow! Congratulations. Big day with coming back Panorama too.

[@paulk8121]

I always thought the ledge trail was literally a 'ledge'. This looks more like a drainage, with lots of trees and shrubs.

[@TechMadic]

It follows the narrow flat ledge between the rock wall of glacier point and the slides to the valley and then heads up the drainage from Moran point. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@MatterIsNotSolid]

One of those trail shots looks exactly like a trail in Red Dead Redemption 2.

[@TechMadic]

Thank you for watching!

[@zcvxs]

Just.. dont go missing.... Sucks there are soo many missing.

[@TechMadic]

I check in and let others know where and when I will be places. Thanks!

[@chuckpryorl2842]

.....The Ledge Trail has actually been ......S K I E D .......by a famous long term climbing local......winter 1981-1982.......a really huge winter in the Sierras......few people know this........the guy....who will remain nameless ....for now.........is a ...very compatant skier........

[@TechMadic]

Holy smokes!! Wish there was a video of that.

[@chuckpryorl2842]

@@TechMadic ......the guy was an incredible skier from Mammoth in the seventies, and one of the best known Valley climbers.....for a few decades.......that was also the same winter we skied Phantom Pinnacle Gully on tele gear.......but that's like.....N O T H I N G .......compared to that.....once in a lifetime deal on the Ledge Trail........I lived in Yosemite for 15 years, and never went up it, but looked down it several times.......a minor/major undertaking........I 'm also curious.....on your trip up.....did you encounter/''get'' any posion oak........the vid looked like I was seeing some........

[@TechMadic]

Great stories! Legends. I was lucky. Just some scrapes but no poison!

[@elwoodblues9613]

I discovered this trail on a 1941 map. I've done the 4 Mile Trail (actually 4.2 miles), it's a steady grind up for 3.6 miles. I thought I could finish in 1.5 hours, finished it in 2.5 hours. The Ledge Trail looks to be 2/3 the length of the 4 Mile Trail, which means that it's much, much steeper. Info I found in my research is that 14 people have died on the trail, it was designated for uphill traffic only in 1952, and due to continued deaths and rockslides, it was closed completely (maybe in the 1970s). I have no interest in doing it just to say that I can do it, I have nothing to prove to anyone, and I'm getting a little old for that kind of adventure anyway.

[@TechMadic]

Good idea! I wouldn’t do that again for sure.

[@jimhitchcock5837]

I hiked it 4 times in '74 & 75, and the bronze plaque warning that the trail was abandoned was in place, right at the end of the steps. and no, taking the trail back down would be all kinds of crazy. I think I read somewhere that the steps up past the little pool were built by the Civilian Conservation Core during the depression.

[@TechMadic]

Wow. The plaque was there already in ‘74? And 4 times???!! I need a couple years to forget before I try again. Ha ha. Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@jimhitchcock5837]

My cousins and me were sitting on Stoneman Bridge one Summer day and I wondered out loud how far up we could make it up the ledge following the treeline. My cousins said "Well, lets find out!" Got all the way to the top before seeing the plaque. I didn't spot the one in Camp Curry till later. And yeah, one more time that summer and two the next. I was 18, and it was quite an adventure, while recognizing the dangerous part at the beginning rockfall. I did overturn one rock while resting and dislodged a scorpion. When we got to the very top a tour bus had just unloaded quite a few Japanese, and they all started taking pictures of us, which was both funny and cool.

[@TechMadic]

What a great experience and story. I love that.

[@Dan_Birdman]

ya’ll forgetting the first rule of fight club...

[@TechMadic]

Ha ha. Good point! At least it’s not some hidden gem we want to keep to ourselves. It’s pretty miserable. But I get your point.

[@pat7785]

I feel like I can smell this guy

[@TechMadic]

Like pine tree mixed with adrenaline. They have that candle at Target I think.

[@pat7785]

@@TechMadic lol

[@Jacco_Prins]

There is another hidden trail called Sierra Point on the mist trail go left just before crossing Vernal Falls Bridge. And i think it's possible to hike to the Diving Board on the other side of Half Dome from where the cables are. It looks possible to hike/climb there

[@TechMadic]

Thank you for the recommendation! I’ve read a bit about that one. We’re going to try to find it!

[@lostsoul1813]

Isn't the Snake Dike the only relatively easy way to get to Half Dome from the other side?

[@phila3884]

@@lostsoul1813 Snake Dike is a popular climbing route that is on the way to Diving Board. There is no marked trail after a certain point and people take multiple routes through the trees to get there.

[@josephastier7421]

Snake Dike is on the west shoulder of half dome. The Diving Board is west of that, it is not on Half Dome at all, but very close. I found it just hiking around in that area, and for kicks crawled out to the very edge (did not venture ONTO the giant block itself), and when my fingers found the lip I laid flat, inched forward to get my head past the edge, and then opened my eyes. OMG..The feeling of suddenly seeing thousands of feet down to Mirror Lake was incredible, but freaky too because you could swear the cliff was tipping forward, and I didn't stick around long! You cross some long cracks in the granite as you get out to the edge, and it is very obvious that this feature is only temporary in geologic time.

[@austinthrowsstuff]

How long did it take you? I’m considering grabbing a helmet and doing it when I go this summer

[@TechMadic]

Good luck! It was about 2.5 hours I think. Report back about the conditions, please.

[@marcelozavala5066]

hey bud just came from a trip down there around glacier point and the little trails as well. Awesome vid, gives me some great info for my next trip up. Cheers

[@TechMadic]

Thanks for watching and commenting. We just got back from exploring the Hetch Hetchy area of Yosemite. That is beautiful as well and not as crowded.

[@danielkovalenko9377]

so actually when you keep going up there a cave and tide pool next to it. Camped in the cave ton of times before

[@TechMadic]

What?!? That’s amazing!

[@rickc2102]

For times when the Four Mile Trail feels insufficient.

[@TechMadic]

Makes you appreciate Four Mile for sure.

[@nickv3085]

Looks like I have a new trail to check out

[@vicaras1]

I've actually pissed in about that same area

[@TechMadic]

I almost did too. In my pants.

[@tjrokita1]

1:42 "this looks a little bit like a trail" >> *camera zooms to rockfall on Glacier Point apron

[@spelunkerd]

Routefinding is often the most dangerous part of trails like this. It may be safe if the exact path is chosen, but park admin need to consider what happens when somebody misses a turn and feels compelled to move ahead.

[@TechMadic]

To be fair to the park, the trail is closed and abandoned but in general you are absolutely right.

[@cappymccappy3017]

And this is why People go missing because of Ignoring Warnings!

[@TechMadic]

Good point. It’s good practice to share your entrance and exit times/date and expected path as well as to keep rescue insurance like that offered through the American alpine club when you do stupid things.

[@cappymccappy3017]

@@TechMadic Be Safe

[@cuz129]

If you aren't bleeding it's not a real hike!

[@TechMadic]

Truer words have not been spoken.

[@doyledonehoo9735]

Next, you can try the abandoned Grizzly Peak trail. Then you might try Indian Canyon, which the Native Americans and Muir used. I have done the Lost Arrow/Fern Ledge route which was also used by Muir and rock climbers.

[@TechMadic]

Excellent advice! Thank you.

[@phila3884]

There is footage on the web of Ansel Adams climbing past Grizzly Peak in 1937? with a couple friends and his heavy camera all the way to the Diving Board. He took his famous Monolith photo on that trip.

[@deadhead6869]

I tired this hike yesterday with the intention of getting to the look out point. I started right behind the amphitheater in curry village and man was it hard. Just cloning over all those rocks and boulders was intense. Going back down the same way was even harder. Should have just finished and gone the whole way up.

[@TechMadic]

Man, it must have been hot too! My brother was in the valley yesterday also. If you do go all the way up, you can always come down 4-mile. Good job with the bouldering!

[@TechMadic]

Yeah... I understand why it is abandoned.

[@Kahweekah2o2f]

3:49 Hawk the 70’s climber? Cool find

[@BeatlesCentricUniverse]

GREAT video, thank you!!!!!

[@TechMadic]

Thank you!

[@jdusheck]

Oh, that was fun! When I worked as a maid at Curry Village in the 70s, that was my favorite hike. Thanks for that! By the way, everyone: Do NOT throw rocks off of Glacier Pt. One of them hit me when I was pushing my cart full of sheets around. I got lucky, only minor injury.

[@TechMadic]

Thank you!! Also, good advice! I am surprised you weren’t hurt. I was told “you should probably wear a helmet for falling rocks but you’ll probably be ok”

[@jdusheck]

I hiked it about 5 times, first time in around 1969 with my brother in law and sister when I was 14. I always came back down the same way, except once with a boyfriend. He voted for the 4 mile trail.

[@TechMadic]

You came down it too? That looks impossible.

[@jdusheck]

@@TechMadic Yeah. I went up and down it by myself a few times. I expect it's a lot worse now. I remember the stairs being full of flowers. For me the scary part was jumping across the stream above the staircase falls. Anyone, love your video.

[@TechMadic]

Thank you again. The stream was completely overgrown. You hike it based on faith now. Ha ha.

[@GO-cz7cl]

You look like a videogame character.

[@TechMadic]

Thank you. I think…?

[@elizabethlee6077]

You should trying doing it in snow and ice. So sketchy on the narrow path. At the end we were going up the incline in knee deep snow. I was dead

[@TechMadic]

Oh wow!! You did that? For real?

[@elizabethlee6077]

Yeah it was nuts. At least we didn’t have as much brush to go through just snow

[@lostsoul8476]

They should reopen that route 💯 would love to take my 2 boys up threw there💯

[@TechMadic]

There’s always 4-mile trail.

[@diemman70]

Interesting trail. Looks fun!

[@TechMadic]

Thanks for watching!

[@richardleetbluesharmonicac7192]

I was camping at glacier point with an astronomy group. We hiked that trail twice a week to get food. It’s a bitch ofa hike we had to carry groceries

[@TechMadic]

That is insane. At least eating was your motivation. I’m impressed.

[@richardleetbluesharmonicac7192]

@@TechMadic i was camping with an astronomy group. We were allowed to camp in the parking lot in our old school bus because we were doing public star parties. We had no car. The funniest part I was about 12 and there was this guy about 65 our leader. He would do that hike daily. I once got sandbagged on a short day hike that led all the way to the top of half dome and back to glacier point all in one long day. That’s 22 miles. If I would have known beforehand I would have said you’ve got to be kidding.

[@TechMadic]

That is impressive!! 22 miles?!!

[@richardleetbluesharmonicac7192]

@@TechMadic I can make it twice around the block. I’m 58 now. I used to carry a pack full of caving gear that weighed 120#. I really went downhill losing the gym

[@Mike-Snoducky]

LOL, sounds like something a caver would do!

[@naiastra]

Thanks for posting! Amazing you could follow it at all based on those pics!

[@stevenhulbert7540]

Thanks for the view, thought you might one of the many Missing people in Yosemite

[@TechMadic]

Thank you. So far so good!

[@bobnoblesjr.465]

Awesome trail! Great video!

[@TechMadic]

Thank you and thanks for watching and commenting!

[@thomasmcginnis3783]

"Welcome to New England."

[@TechMadic]

I’m from Rocksylvania! I’ve hiked Mt Washington once and that was a different kind of hard. Thanks for watching.

[@thomasmcginnis3783]

@@TechMadic Yeah, but Yosemite (and so much of that trail you were on) has that rock that fractures, breaks off without warning... "Yipes!" That's some scary stuff. (Actually... that reminds me of some memories of Rocksylvania! Extra-sharp file-wielding trail maintainers.... )

[@wherestarget1607]

I remember when they used to grow pot up there

[@TechMadic]

Why did they quit?

[@wherestarget1607]

@@TechMadic probably started getting noticed. They did have a live news crew from Nightline come through with the rangers rousting us employees lol

[@bonefishboards]

Fantastic adventure!

[@TechMadic]

Thanks for watching!!

[@MurCurieux]

3:57 brown shorts has got a brown-brown itch

[@TechMadic]

Came on quick, too.

[@civmar1]

I should have asked before. Do you know of a place in the Park called Shangri-La? An employee told me about it in the 70s . It sounded interesting but I didn't get details as to its location. Anyone?

[@TechMadic]

I’ve not heard of that one! Thanks for the tip. I will ask around but hope someone in this thread can share any info! Please.

[@elwoodblues9613]

And I thought I knew a lot about Yo. I never heard of a Shangri-La within its boundaries. Frankly, nearly *any* place in Yo could be considered a Shangri-La -- that is, any place away from the developments in the eastern part of the Valley!

[@ronaldstarkey4336]

it's supposed to be just north of tra la la... lol

[@yardboy3955]

What did your cleanup leader want you to do, pick up trash on the trail?

[@TechMadic]

Correct. It was the annual Facelift event to clean the park. This area can be popular with climbers and in fact I found some old strapping, webbing and some micro trash.

[@yardboy3955]

good thing you are experienced in hiking + climbing, that job looked very dangerous, nice video you made@@TechMadic

[@TechMadic]

Thank you for watching and commenting. It was slightly above my slight above average ability. Ha!

[@richardyounkin1557]

Whaaaa? You're not going to show us dangerous parts of trail, you only turn camera on when you stop at a safe place and tell us it was dangerous? thats not why people watch your video, to see the safe stopping points!Go back and do it again!

[@TechMadic]

Rookie mistake. Heading to Hetch Hetchy for more adventures today.

[@michaelscot4816]

Really JUST wanna see the hike.

[@freddiemarquez9736]

3:57 smart guy in the background.. he wore his brown shorts.

[@TechMadic]

Reversible. Brown on the inside.

[@freddiemarquez9736]

Jeez...😄

[@davidkaplan2745]

Wow. I had no idea it was doable at all.

[@TechMadic]

So so. Ha ha!

[@thomasklugh4345]

"The end is near"? Hahaha...

[@homerthompson416]

Did you lick the granite like the sign said?

[@ramensaha]

What a hike! How is the initial scramble (you don't show that in the video) from the curry to, say, right above the tree line?

[@TechMadic]

The initial scramble is easy. The boulders go from being dispersed with dirt around to all boulder but it’s short and easy. I just started walking straight back from Curry (amphitheater) to the granite face. You bump into the trail eventually no matter where you start. I should have started taking video earlier but I wasn’t quite sure if I was even in the right place.

[@TechMadic]

I was advised to wear a helmet “but you’ll probably be ok”. It’s half good advice.

[@jdusheck]

@@TechMadic I'm really surprised you were sent up there by yourself. Fabulous hike though!

[@jackcole8348]

You should have gone back down the way you came up. Seriously though, that must have been exciting and scary.

[@TechMadic]

Ummm. Maybe next time. Ha ha. It was a rush for sure. I would have recorded more if I wasn’t so afraid of falling. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@elwoodblues9613]

Non-hikers do not understand it when I tell them that going up is easier than going down. This is even more the case on the Ledge Trail, with its gravelly and slippery parts.

[@TerrellWSmith]

When I went up the Ledge Trail in 1966, it was very challenging. When my Dad and I saw the first sign, to turn back, we laughed. At that point, it would have been suicide to go back down. Going up is far easier than going down. And going up was very difficult. Lots of loose rock. Not just small rocks, but some of the big rocks are also ready to move.

[@williamkim6506]

Very interesting video! I'm heading to Yosemite for the first time in about 10 years but it's the first time we are going in the winter. I'm planning to go this week Saturday but alot of the roads have been closed. How bad is the traffic for the 2 remaining roads into Yosemite in February? Thank you!

[@TechMadic]

It shouldn’t be too bad. Please note there is a reservation system in place now. You get a 7 day entry but can only be in the park 5a to 11p. (As of Feb 2021). That is how they control the volume of people.