Valley Floor Loop: This relatively gentle hike gains minimal elevation and can be done as a 7.2-mile half-loop or a full loop at 11.5 miles. The Middle Cascades account for a drop of only 675 ft (206m) and are visible only from the top of the Upper falls. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The striking Teton Range is one of the nations deadliest due to its steep forests and foothills. Description. An accomplished runner and mountain climber was found dead in Yosemite National Park days after he went missing, officials said. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. On Jan. 14, an unseasonably warm and clear Thursday in Yosemite National Park, Anna Horn went for a solo hike up Yosemite Falls. View of Upper Yosemite Fall and Half Dome from trail Trail Overview Columbia Rock Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip Elevation: 1,000 ft (328 m) elevation gain Difficulty: Moderate Time: 2-3 hours round trip Begin at: Camp 4 area (near shuttle stop #7) Top of Yosemite Falls Distance: 7.2 miles (11.6 km) round trip 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 gully also sports the best photo opportunities. One of Yosemite's oldest historic trails (built 1873 to 1877), the Yosemite Falls Trail leads to the top of North Americas tallest waterfall, which rises 2,425 feet (739 m) above the Valley floor. Denali has mountaineers in it's cross hairsbut watch out for bears too. She was not wearing a life jacket and was unresponsive when pulled out from the water. Check out this incredible live view via webcam, courtesy of Yosemite Conservancy donors. 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. It look more like Tuolomne-a region characterized by dozens of smooth, glacier molded granite domes. This is Yosemites Event Horizon-where gravity has ultimate dominion. Deaths: 130. Enjoy uncut GoPro Head Strap footage of the SCARY part for me of Yosemite Falls Trail, the six-minute descent to the Upper Fall Overlook (starts at 02:00). They were amazing people, very generous, Jeffe told CNN. Attributes of Yosemite Falls. The not-to-be-missed, arduous 7.2-mile Upper Yosemite Falls Trail, started by the master early trailbuilder John Conway (who also designed the Four Mile Trail) in 1873 and taking until 1877 to . A word of caution: do not stray off the marked path, as you will find steep drops adjacent to the trail. There was no indication whether the communication was related to the delay in updating the search status. Upper Yosemite Falls Trail is over 7.5 miles round-trip, has lots of switchbacks and has an elevation gain of about 2600-2700 (depending on which website you read). It's an iconic Yosemite Valley sight. 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. The only explanations that have been ruled out are causes like gunshot wounds or blunt force trauma, Mitchell said, due to lack of any physical indications. Drinking water is not available along the trail. Only the Grand Canyon had more. They take you up and along a terraced cliff west of the falls. The water is lavano, seriously, stay on the bridge. During his research for the book, Ghiglieri came across six deaths involving Upper Yosemite Fall. Established: 1890 The area has signs posted listing it as a danger area. She's been linked to a cult and a serial killer. More recent research has shown that changes in daily temperature and bouts of extreme heat can destabilize rock slabs. 2023 Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau, Yosemite Itineraries: What to Do in Yosemite. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Yosemite closed the Mist Trail at the park following the report. Size: 6 million acres I am pretty sure I was the last person to interact with her, Horn says. At that time, her death was the sixth drowning in the lake. The mother followed him into the water and held the boy above water until her brother reached them in a runabout boat. Start your hike early; this trail can become very hot mid-day in the summer. It is at least a conversation starter. The park had four deaths this year, including the loss of a 42-year-old mountain guide who died falling off the Grand Tetonwhen he unclipped his tether from an anchor while reaching for a rappel device. This article is about a specific waterfall known as "Yosemite Falls". The Camp 4 parking area is for campers only, but there is parking at the Yosemite Falls parking area across the street from, and just beyond the entrance to Camp 4. Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in Yosemite National Park, dropping a total of 2,425 feet (739m) from the top of the upper fall to the base of the lower fall. Yosemite officials released details of the Chinese national's disappearance by website and social media Jan. 16. Fellow hikers would see me strolling proudly up the switchbacks, perhaps distracted by my obnoxious green trail runners. In the winter, access is limited in these parks due to snow. 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. 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. Time: 6-8 hours round trip Do not swim or wade in the creek above the waterfall. In the initial conversation, authorities asked Horn about Xies appearance, clothing and location. Size: 82,000 acres Sometimes, you get rewarded with a full frontal, uncensored view of the Upper Falls. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. You can combine a series of hikes that include a short hike to the Vernal Fall Footbridge, followed by the Mist Trail, and beyond to Nevada Fall. Its just so tragic, she told SF Gate. Yosemite National Park Campground Reservation Dates For additional park information, call (209)372-0200 or visit www.nps.gov/yose Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Top of Yosemite Falls. Established: 1972 These are just a fewof over 1,000 deaths excluding known suicides that occurred over the past decade in the most deadly national parks in the country. You can access this route on any day that isn't exceptionally snowy, and Lower Yosemite Falls is almost always open and even occsionally the Upper Yosemite Falls is open. Deaths: 62. As you descend Panorama Trail, drink in views of Illilouette Fall and Yosemite Valley, including Half Dome and Nevada and Vernal Falls. Be sure to start this hike early in the day as it is strenuous and can get really hot as the day goes on. Did you encounter any technical issues? They offer these tips: Summer Lin is a reporter on the Fast Break Desk, the Los Angeles Times breaking news team. Upper Yosemite Fall may also be reached via the Yosemite Creek Trail from the Tioga Road to the north. Size: 747,956 acres Difficulty: Moderate 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,". Cathedral Rocks, near El Capitanscene of some of the first serious rock climbing in the Sierra's. Trails from the valley floor and down from other park areas outside the valley lead to both the top and base of Upper Yosemite Fall. Each summer there are numerous first aid response calls to this trail related to dehydration. Timothy started Hike The Planet! Pets, bicycles, and strollers are prohibited. Do not stray off of the maintained path, as you will find steep drops adjacent to the trail. It is about .8 miles further, but it is totally worth it. 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. In summer, conditions are hot and dry, and the loose decomposed granite along the trail can be slippery. 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. Visitors: 587,412 annually 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 I get both, because I have a pronounced gluttonous streak. Learn how your comment data is processed. From there, it is worth the time and energy to hike another 0.5 miles (0.8 km) (some of which is actually downhill!) She seemed happy that day to me, Horn wrote in a Facebook post. 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. It was only 6.9 kilometers (4.3 miles) long in the original, steeper course, from which the name is soives. Investigators are still considering an array of possible causes, from toxic algae reported in the nearby Merced River, to noxious gases from abandoned mines near the trail, sheriffs spokesperson Kristie Mitchell told CNN. Several trails are available to hikers. 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. By Ghiglieri's count, there have been 1,002 traumatic deaths with more than 300 attributed to falls at Yosemite since the 1800s. Time: 6-8 hours. Distance: 7.2 miles Elevation Gain: 2,700 feet Difficulty: Difficult Type of Hike: Out-and-Back Hike Yosemite Falls is the most spectacular waterfall at Yosemite. At 2,425 feet, Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America* and an iconic destination in California 's Yosemite National Park. 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 . Keep at it, because soon enough, you will round a corner into much cooler environs. 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 . 1 min read. Look no further than one of Yosemite oldest historic trails (built 1873 to 1877), the Upper Yosemite Fall Trail. Although the womans body was discovered at the base of Upper Yosemite Fall on Jan. 16, a week went by before the Park Service announced her death. Use extreme caution when near the creek and remember you are directly above a waterfall. 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.. Tip: Take Lots Of Water, Sunscreen, and a Hat On The Hike. Xie is described as a Chinese national living in the United States. Size: 521,621 trail and should only be attempted with plenty of water. All Rights Reserved. A hiking website dedicated to the park shows more than 20 people have died on Half Dome alone due to falls, lightning strikes, and heart attacks, and that number rises to more than 60 when adding deaths on linked trail systems. Yacoub was a chemistry major at Cal-State Stanislaus with one semester left. 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. Shuttle Stop: #7 at Yosemite Lodge. The thrill of trying to reach the top of Half Dome at Yosemite National Park turned fatal on Thursday for a hiker who fell 500 feet from the famed rock face as she was scaling the steepest part. My theory is she crossed over to Yosemite Point to get away from the crowd, says Horn, who remained at the top of the waterfall with about 10 other hikers. If youre not too tired from the hike, consider taking the extra leg to the Yosemite Point overlook. Visitors: 11.3 million annually Xie was found dead at the base of Upper Yosemite Fall the same day. In June, a 23-year-old Portland man walked away from a boardwalk and slipped and fell into the boiling, acidic spring in the Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone and never emerged. The familys bodies were found on the Savage-Lundy Trail, which is popular in the spring because of its colorful wildflower blooms. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Glen Canyon, which stretches the Utah and Arizona desert, endures temperatures ranging from highs of 110 degrees and lows of 0 degrees. Underneath, a caption read, Missing Person: Alice Yu Xie.. Then when I was about to leave at the top, I saw her come up. 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. First responders initially treated the area as a possible hazmat scene because of concerns over carbon monoxide from nearby mines. From Yosemite Point, you can get an amazing view of Half Domes northwest face, framed by views of jagged, High Sierra peaks just beyond. 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. The latest death was that of a 13-year-old boy, who suffered terrible burns when he fell into a nearby hot pool in the Norris Geyser Basin. The mystery surrounding the deaths of a couple, their baby daughter and the family dog found on a hiking trail near Yosemite National Park is deepening after autopsies yielded no immediate clues as to what caused their deaths. A very small number of rock climbers have taken the opportunity to climb the normally inaccessible rock face beneath the falls, although this is an extraordinarily dangerous undertaking; a single afternoon thunderstorm could restart the falls, sweeping the climbers off the face. 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 falls consist of three sections comprising six total drops: The 1,430-foot (440m) plunge comprises over half the total drop. Whether it was environmental or man made, it was obviously something they encountered, Jeffe added, speculating about what may have led to their deaths. The 13 deaths in Yellowstone this year included the highly-publicized demise of a man who fell into a hot spring in Norris Geyser Basin. More than 1,000 rockfalls have occurred over the last 150 years, according to the park, mostly in winter and early spring, during periods of intense rainfall, snow melt and/or subfreezing temperatures.. The final, tail end of the Upper Falls Trail is flat, wide, and offers a good rest spot for looking over the valley below. If you don't want to just see the waterfall from below, there is also a way to reach the top and enjoy the breathtaking view from the top of its 2424 ft. It's a double waterfall that descends the cliff face in sections: Upper Yosemite Fall (1,430 feet), the middle cascades (675 feet), and Lower Yosemite Fall (320 feet). Its a bewildering event. What did Disney actually lose from its Florida battle with DeSantis? Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Difficulty: Strenuous. Sign up here. There is plenty of free parking here and you can also take a shuttle to stop #7. Actually, that honor might go to Half Dome, or maybe El Capitan. As you hike along the cliff side, the Upper Falls trail follows the path of least resistance. 1. Officials have not released the names of the people killed. Now he's retiring. The drop from the top of the waterfall to the base is approximately 1,400 feet, according to a video on the parks website. Here you may be surprised by the small size of Yosemite Creek, which feeds this massive waterfall. It will probably be a long, tedious investigation.. Size: 1.2 million acres "Typically, a hiker slips into the water and finds the current too strong to overcome, then gets swept to a regrettable death somewhere downstream," according to park's website. Thats second only to the Grand Canyon. Yosemite Falls is split into three sections. 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. Trailhead Coordinates: 37.7331223,-119.5538239. They explode when they hit. Yosemite Falls Webcam . Established: 1972 The waterfalls at Yosemite are extremely strong this summer because of heavy snow pack. He had become disoriented, while hiking toward Powell Lake and was found sunburn and dehydrated. 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. Eagle Peak, part of the Three Brothers rock formation, is the highest point on the north rim of Yosemite Valley, which gives you a different perspective of the surrounding granite landscape. as a Fun Way to Scratch His Creative Itch. 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. Most, but not all, got wet, Ghiglieri says. Know your limits. In late August, a 72-year-old Utah hiker was rescued by helicopter after six days of wandering the barren land. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Look up: The 32 most spectacular ceilings in Los Angeles, This fabled orchid breeder loves to chat just not about Trader Joes orchids, Newsom, IRS give Californians until October to file tax returns, Best coffee city in the world? Stay on the trail; there are numerous steep drop-offs and ledges off-trail. 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. In the summer, when temperatures are already high, however, a careful plan for dealing with the heat is essential. Our Sheriffs Chaplains and staff are working with their family and will continue to support them during this heartbreaking time, Sheriff Jeremy Briese said in a statement. Begin by crossing the road to Camp 4. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Within Yosemite, visitors can gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, vast wilderness areas and much more. People come up for the day who dont hang out in the mountains. They were an amazingly loving and doting family, said Jeffe, describing the couple as beloved with a very large groups of friends. Right to the dramatic point where Yosemite Creek makes the abrupt transition from an ambling, gentle stream, to apical, free falling speed demon. That search resumed Wednesday morning. Steve Jeffe met the couple in San Francisco years ago and they grew very close after each relocated to the Mariposa area. It is at least a conversation starter. Established: 1964 Deaths: 60. I think one of the reasons Yosemite has a lot of rescues and a lot of people getting hurt is that its a really visited park, Torlano says. Many people will be resting atop this flat, comfy expanse. Only in Yosemite National Park can you find a hike that is so trying, visceral, and beautiful. Theres nothing romantic about it.. The upper half of the trail is steep and rocky, but the arduous climb is well worth the amazing views you will be rewarded with at the top. They take you up and along a terraced cliff west of the falls. NBCreporter George Lewis reported from Yosemite for the Nightly News with Brian Williams: Not much is known about the personal life of the victims. Both trails take you to the same waterfall, albeit entirely different parts. Horn lives close to the park and works as a bartender in the gateway town of Mariposa, allowing her to visit frequently. She kind of waved at me and I said hi again., The woman was all smiles, Horn says, and she felt a camaraderie with her, a moment of connection. She told them she had last seen Xie at the top, and seemingly headed toward the bridge over Yosemite Creek, which leads to Yosemite Point. Yosemite Valley Upper Yosemite Falls Water drops 1430ft at the Upper Falls, which means that even individually, it would place among the top 20 highest waterfalls in the world. Sunset views like this are what keeps Great Smoky full of visitors. 2. more information on current conditions view a 10-minute podcast episode about Yosemite Falls, Keep your food within arm's reach at all times. As soon as I heard that, I knew they found her body, Horn says. 2023 Cable News Network. A Warner Bros. Visiting Columbia Rock, located one mile up the trail, is a worthwhile trip at any time of year. Park rangers treat visitors to complementary lectures about the Yosemite Valley and Yosemite falls including descriptions of various hiking trails. Nearly five decades later, Alaskas most-visited park had four deaths this year, including that of a 45-year-old Czech mountaineer who fell 1,500 feet, while skiing the Messner Couloir and a 66-year-old Japanese climber who succumbed to a fatal cerebral edema, while climbing the summit and descending the 20,310-foot peaks West Buttress route. Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip A livestream of Upper Yosemite Fall is available to virtual visitors, though it's not hosted on the National Park Service website and is instead sponsored by the Yosemite . Make the climb up Yosemite Falls, and leave the park as a conqueror with sculpted legs. Unlike the Lower Falls, the Upper Falls are not easy to access. Xie was found dead at the base of Upper Yosemite Fall the same day. In 1968, 19-year-old James William Gibson Jr. walked off the trail, away from his friends, and was later found at the base. 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. There are many areas of loose sand mixed with rocky terrain, which makes for slippery footing. Sections [ edit] All three falls The switchbacks begin immediately. Emerald Mound, off the Natchez Parkway, is the second largest temple mound in the United States. Read on, and I will tell you all about it, and maybe give you some useful information to plan your hike. Horn suspects Xie tried to get away from the crowd and hiked deeper up the trail to get a better view. Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet. Visitors: 15.6 million annually The bodies of Jonathan Gerrish, Ellen Chung, their 1-year-old daughter, Miju, and the family dog, Oksi, were found by search and rescue workers Tuesday in a remote area of the Sierra National Forest near the south fork of the Merced River, according to the Mariposa County Sheriffs Office. Yosemite, Kings Canyon, Sequoia, and Lassen Volcanic National Park are great to visit in the summer season. What happened to Xie next isnt clear, and the Park Service has not revealed where her backpack was found. 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. Bring plenty of water, and adequate sun protection. Most of the trail is a steady, uphill climb with a relentless number of switchbacks. Even the most fit hikers might not make it off the trail without sore feet. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. At least eight people have died in the park this year and many have been linked to the spectacular runoff. Begin at: Camp 4 area. The Yosemite Falls Trail is open year-round; conditions vary depending on the season. Depending on the season, you may even feel the mist from the fall, which may be welcome respite after the tough climb. The park has the second highest number of suicides over the past decade, at 19. Deaths: 254. Park officials at Yosemite National Park said search-and-rescue crews were continuing their search for three people presumed dead after witnesses said they fell from Vernal Fall on Tuesday afternoon. 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. Authorities announced the death of 41-year-old "Alice" Yu Xie on Friday. Great Smoky draws more visitors than any other Park Service unit, boasting 800 miles of hiking trails and unmatched forests in its Appalachian setting. Brad Parker's . Deaths: 56. Mitchell said Wednesday it is very hot at this time of year and there is little shade. The upper portion of the trail is exposed, receiving no shade until late afternoon or early evening. The crown jewel of the Park Service, the Grand Canyon possesses an ancient geology difficult to traverse and the drastic swings in climate, from sub-zero to triple-digit temperatures, punish unprepared visitors. Yosemite Creek emerges from the base of the Lower Fall and flows into the Merced River nearby. Peregrine Falcons love to make their nest in these cliffs. As the only other woman alone up there, I feel like she focused on me and I focused on her., Two days later, Horn saw the womans face again, in a photo on the National Park Services Instagram account. You are almost near the top of the falls, and the payoff for all of your hard work is spectacular. Deaths: 85. Many find this section to be the most challenging, particularly if they did not save some energy during the initial sections. Yosemite officials released details of the Chinese national's disappearance by website and social media Jan. 16. But the ride through Eden can be dangerous. Deaths: 59. It is at least a conversation starter. Those results are expected to take at least two to three weeks. Do not shortcut switchbacks, which causes rapid trail erosion and results in injuries. Size: 309,993 acres The Upper Falls trail is the big sister to the Lower Falls trail . There was no immediate explanation from the park service why the announcement of her death was delayed nearly a week. 1. CNN The mystery surrounding the deaths of a couple, their baby daughter and the family dog found on a hiking trail near Yosemite National Park is deepening after autopsies yielded no. The Upper Yosemite Falls hike is one of the most popular in the park, which is surprising as it's also one of the most unforgiving and tiring! The most popular and easily accessible trail begins at the bridge near the bottom of the lower fall. They dont evaluate it and conclude, Id be better off riding a grizzly bear, he says. Instead, a convenient hiking trail has been carved up the cliff side. And, once youve conquered the Upper Yosemite Fall hike, be sure to check out the easy, one-mile Lower Yosemite Falls trail, which is perfect for pets and families with young children. Rescuers found her dead at the base of Upper Yosemite Falls on January 16, although they waited a week to announce her death. My own opinion is, a lot of people are not living in the reality of how dangerous it is when they go up the mountain.. This is a hard hike, make sure you are ready for it; Location: Yosemite Valley near Camp 4