The Muir Gorge Introduction

Introduction:

The Muir Gorge is a fantastic semi-technical canyoneering adventure located in a remote and spectacular corner of Yosemite National Park. John Muir and Galen Clark first explored the Gorge in the early 20th century. In Muir’s The Yosemite he wrote about the adventure:

“In the morning of the second day out from Hetch Hetchy we name to what is now known as "Muir Gorge," and Mr. Clark without hesitation prepared to force a way through it, wading and jumping from one submerged boulder to another through the torrent, bracing and steadying himself with a long pole. Though the river was then rather low, the savage, roaring, surging song it was ringing was rather nerve-trying, especially to our inexperienced companion. With careful assistance, however, I managed to get him through, but this hard trial, naturally enough, proved too much and he informed us, pale and trembling, that he could go no farther. I gathered some wood at the upper throat of the gorge, made a fire for him and advised him to feel at home and make himself comfortable, hoped he would enjoy the grand scenery and the songs of the water-ouzels which haunted the gorge, and assured him that we would return some time in the night, though it might be late, as we wished to go on through the entire cañon if possible. We pushed our way through the dense chaparral and over the earthquake taluses with such speed that we reached the foot of the tipper cataract while we had still an hour or so of daylight for the return trip. It was long after dark when we reached our adventurous, but nerve-shaken companion who, of course, was anxious and lonely, not being accustomed to solitude, however kindly and flowery and full of sweet bird-song and stream-song. Being tired we simply lay down in restful comfort on the river bank beside a wood fire, instead of trying to go down the gorge in the dark or climb over its high shoulder to our blankets and provisions, which we had left in the morning in a tree at the foot of the gorge. I remember stir. Clark remarking that if he had his choice that night between provisions and blankets he would choose his blankets.”

Staring downsteam at the head of the Muir Gorge gives the canyoneer an ominous but excited feeling, The walls of the gorge are shear and tall as the mighty Tuolumne cuts through their ramparts. Within the gorge the canyoneer will find amazing waterfalls and blue green canyon wide pools as narrow in places as 20 feet across and bounded by granite cathedrals many hundreds of feet high.

Though the Muir Gorge is only semi-technical and can be descended by an experienced canyoneer without the need to rappel, the canyon should be given respect as the location is very remote, the downclimbing stiff and the penalties quite high for errors. Don’t let the rating fool you, do not enter this canyon with out previous class C technical canyoneering experience.

Since John Muir’s exploration in the early 20th centaury the Muir Gorge has only seen a handful of known descents. As such, it is in pristine condition and holds a surreal and magical beauty. It is of the utmost importance that all future descentionists work to preserve this character.

Full route descriptions with driving directions, canyon play-by-plays and more are available to Sierra Canyons members. Membership to the site is by invitation. Sierra Canyons members can invite new members or from time to time you may request an invitation from the site administrators. You may ask members for an invitation on the forums or check the sidebar for invitation requests.