Alder Creek Trail

Overview

If you want Yosemite’s sights without Yosemite’s crowds, Alder Creek delivers. This is a primitive, lightly traveled route through towering pines and wildflower meadows to a photogenic waterfall, with long stretches of true solitude. The classic loop is 15.4 miles total with about 2,253 feet of gain and typically takes around 6 hours 45 minutes. Expect a steeper opening climb before the grade eases, then rolling forest singletrack punctuated by creekside cascades and a waterfall that shines in spring.

Route Options

You’ve got three solid ways to tackle Alder Creek depending on time and appetite:

• Full Alder Creek Loop: 15.4 miles, ~2,253 feet gain, plan on a full day. Best for experienced hikers comfortable with sparse signage and occasional brush/obstacles.
• Falls Out-and-Back from Mosquito Creek: about 7.4–7.7 miles round-trip. Starts steep, then mellows; spring and early summer bring wildflowers. Some hikers report 2–3 hours, but give yourself extra time for exploration and navigation.
• Long Lollipop via Deer Camp Road + Alder Creek: roughly 16–17 miles with about 1,500–1,600 feet of gain. Long but not technical; expect narrow, overgrown stretches and occasional downed trees. GPS is very helpful.

What You’ll See

This corridor strings together shady forest, grassy openings, and seasonal cascades that build toward Alder Creek Falls—most photogenic in late spring/early summer snowmelt. Keep an eye out for spring wildflowers (including eye-catching snow plants) and listen for birdlife; Western Tanagers frequent the area. The primitive feel is the point here: it’s about quiet creek sounds, pine duff underfoot, and a waterfall you won’t share with a bus convoy.

Logistics

Trailheads sit off Wawona Road (Highway 41). A common start is the Mosquito Creek parking area—use care crossing the highway to pick up the trail. There are bear boxes at Mosquito Creek, and you shouldn’t leave food or liquids in your vehicle there. Another access point is the Alder Creek Trailhead on Chilnualna Falls Road. There’s no potable water on the route; carry what you need. Day hikers don’t need a wilderness permit, but backpackers do; backcountry camping is allowed with a permit. Pets aren’t allowed on this route.

Trail Character and Safety

Signage can be sparse and sections can be brushy or blocked by deadfall—download offline maps and bring a reliable GPS track. Cell service is spotty. Long pants are smart in peak summer when overgrowth is at its worst. Use bear boxes for food storage and keep scented items out of cars; bear spray is not allowed here. Start early, set a firm turnaround time, and carry a headlamp on the longer variations.

Best Time to Hike

May through October is the typical window, with late spring to early summer offering the best waterfall flow and wildflower display. By late summer, expect lower water and more brush. Aim for early morning starts for cooler temps, better light on the falls, and fewer bugs on warm days.