Yosemite Valley,  May 22, 2004

Martha and Robin.

Starting from the final curve in the Old Oak Flat Road above the woodlot, it is possible to follow a faint climber’s trail to the west of  Ribbon Creek.  At the start the track is indistinct but becomes more apparent shortly.  The better (more adventurous) way is to cross the creek to the east and follow it up through flats and glades with a little scrambling interspersed until progress is barred by the valley wall itself. A taverse back across the creek to the west involving some careful route-finding allows entrance to the huge amphitheater at the base of the fall …one of the earth’s truly amazing places.

Martha

Entering the amphitheater

Photo by Robin Louden

Looking up nearly 1700′ from the entrance to the amphitheater.  Ribbon Falls is the highest in North America and probably the second-highest in the World.  For the full benefit, walk to the rear of the amphitheater and with your back to the wall, tilt your head back for a dizzying view straight up through a hole in the sky.

The base of the fall from the amphitheater entrance.  Amazingly this was only the second time I’d ever been up here, the first being in April 1980!

photo by Robin Louden

The base of the fall is deceivingly high above the valley floor, about 1500′.  But there’s a great view across to the Cathedral area of the south rim.

A hole in the sky.