Adventure Fist

Everyone knows that Yosemite is synonymous with rock climbing. Climbers from all over the world make the pilgrimage to this granite Mecca. They come to test their grit on the technical, acrobatic boulders of the valley, on the 3,000-foot vertical face of El Cap, or in the rugged peaks of the park’s high-country. The park’s smooth granite rock is good for more than just climbing. Lesser known to park visitors are the natural water slides of beautiful Tenaya Creek.

Thousands of years of flowing water has carved out Tenaya Canyon and polished smooth the granite slab it pours across. The slick, wet rock beneath Tenaya Creek has formed a remarkable adult-sized Slip ‘n Slide. With stunning views of the infamous Half Dome in the distance, visiting the Tenaya Creek waterslides can be an activity enjoyed by the entire family.

There is no formal trail to the natural water park. Hikers access the area by parking at the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead, between Olmsted Point and Tenaya Lake. The Sunrise Lakes trail takes you across Tenaya Creek; from there it’s simply a matter of following the creeks east bank downstream via a network of social trails. Within only a couple of miles the forest gives way to a vast granite slab bowl. Carefully picking your way down, the slides can be reached at the bottom of the bowl where the water flows into a serene pool.

A quick look at the slides and riders can see they have several options. By simply walking up or down the creek, one can choose the length of their ride. Riders can either drop vertically into the upper pool, or slide all the way down to the waist deep pool below.  Certain lines are bumpier than others, and it’s not uncommon to walk away with a bruise or two. Speed can be controlled, to some extent, by slowing oneself with hands and feet; shoes are recommended.  The slides are dangerous and are ridden at your own risk. As always, children should be watched carefully.

The hike in should be considered rugged for novice hikers.  This is Yosemite National Park, not to be confused with your developed family theme park. The polished granite is extremely slippery, and the swift waters of Tenaya Creek should not be underestimated. Frequent unexpected thunderstorms build in the high-country. Rains exacerbate the already slick granite,and lightning threatens those passing through the open bowl. An injury at the water slides makes for a long uncomfortable hike out.

The slides are best ridden during that variable time of year when the flow is just right. The window varies, being directly tied to the amount of winter snow pack and the rate at which it’s melting. To visit too early means high flow, cold water, and dangerous conditions. Visit too late, and you’ll find the slides too dry to ride. On your next visit to Yosemite visit this amazing natural resource. Make a day of it! This is a shared resource; respect others enjoying the beauty of the park. Feel free to pack in a picnic, but please, absolutely no glass. Remember, if you pack it in, pack it out.

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