Ride the shuttle to stop #7 and walk directly across the street to Camp 4 and follow trailhead signs. Its just so tragic.. Distance: 7.2 miles (11.6 km) Elevation: 2,700 ft (823 m) Difficulty: Difficult. Gerrish worked for Google and had recently started a job at Snapchat, according to Jeffe, who was alerted by friends that the family had not returned home from a day hike on Sunday. Learn how your comment data is processed. Make the climb up Yosemite Falls, and leave the park as a conqueror with sculpted legs. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Sometimes its hard to know where that limit is.. FRESNO, Calif. - A woman who was declared missing while hiking in Yosemite National Park was found dead the same day, without a public update from the National Park Service. As you descend Panorama Trail, drink in views of Illilouette Fall and Yosemite Valley, including Half Dome and Nevada and Vernal Falls. 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. Xie is described as a Chinese national living in the United States. At that time, her death was the sixth drowning in the lake. Its a bewildering event. At least eight people have died in the park this year and many have been linked to the spectacular runoff and dangerous conditions. Xie, a Chinese national living in the U.S., traveled to Yosemite from. By Ghiglieri's count, there have been 1,002 traumatic deaths with more than 300 attributed to falls at Yosemite since the 1800s. Look for the ice cone at the base of the upper fall during winter and for roaring runoff April through June. People tend to want to get as close as they can to the edges of waterfalls. Thats second only to the Grand Canyon. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Unfortunately, while the rugged mountain terrain of the countrys national parks is what makes them so spectacular and popular with visitors, it also contributes to the number one cause of deaths, the website states. Deaths: 56. Yosemite Falls drops in three major stages with a cumulative height of 2,425ft making it one of the highest waterfalls in the world. Free or royalty-free photos and images. I get both, because I have a pronounced gluttonous streak. The woman's family was notified. The Yosemite Falls trailhead is located along the Valley Loop Trail near Camp 4. Good sun exposure makes this hike a welcome option for hiking in the fall and winter when the temperatures are relatively cool. Begin by crossing the road to Camp 4. According to the Yosemite Hikes website, the strenuous hike to the top of the falls is the equivalent of taking the stairs up the Empire State Building, twice. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Your best hiking shoes, trekking poles, and a bottle of ibuprofen will prove essential. Shuttle Stop: #7 at Yosemite Lodge. Yosemite officials released details of the Chinese national's disappearance by website and social media Jan. 16. Xie was found dead at the base of Upper Yosemite Fall the same day. 1 min read. Deaths: 60. Across the country, falls accounted for 245 deaths in national parks in the past decade. But the land on either side of the bridge is within the park and law enforcement caution people visiting the urban metro area of 7 million from standing on edges of unstable cliffs and driving fast on the many narrow and windy roads. In July, a 35-year-old Florida woman fell to her death from a Grand Canyon trail when posting a photo from Ooh Aah Point. Top of Yosemite Falls Distance: 7.2 miles (11.6 km) round trip Elevation: 2,700 ft (823 m) elevation gain Difficulty: Strenuous Time: 6-8 hours round trip Begin at: Camp 4 area (near shuttle stop #7) Hours Year-round. No, the very end of the hike brings hikers to the lip of the Falls, where all that snow melt water finally takes the plunge into Yosemite Valley. Only the Grand Canyon had more. Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in Yosemite National Park, dropping a total of 2,425 feet (739 m) from the top of the upper fall to the base of the lower fall. They were an amazingly loving and doting family, said Jeffe, describing the couple as beloved with a very large groups of friends. At the top of the Yosemite Falls Trail, you can extend your hike east to Yosemite Point (follow signs for North Dome; adds 1.6 miles roundtrip (2.6 km) to this hike) or west to Eagle Peak (follow signs to El Capitan, adds 5.8 miles roundtrip (9.3 km) to this hike). Then another one tried to help and she falls in the water. Size: 2.2 million acres In the summer, when temperatures are already high, however, a careful plan for dealing with the heat is essential. Would You Like That With A Side of Grits Or An Egg Roll? 2. In her free time, she enjoys hikes, skiing and a good Brooklyn bagel. They had been reported missing on Monday night. 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 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. Eight people died in the park this year, most due to cardiac arrests and falls off hiking points. Shhh we're cheating and putting three waterfalls into one so we could include them all on this list. Another waist high handrail guards this section. You are almost near the top of the falls, and the payoff for all of your hard work is spectacular. This strenuous, calf burning trail takes you right up to the lip of the falls. . : You Betcha-these falls plunge 2,425 feet. Fellow hikers would see me strolling proudly up the switchbacks, perhaps distracted by my obnoxious green trail runners. Size: 1.2 million acres 7.2 miles round trip, 8.5 if you go to Yosemite Point; 3,000 feet of elevation gain, 3,300 for Yosemite Point. Unlike the Lower Falls, the Upper Falls are not easy to access. Right to the dramatic point where Yosemite Creek makes the abrupt transition from an ambling, gentle stream, to apical, free falling speed demon. Because of the narrow, constricted shape of the gorge in which these drops occur and the lack of public access, they are rarely noted. The area has signs posted listing it as a danger area. She seemed happy that day to me, Horn wrote in a Facebook post. Several hikers climbing down from the trail towards the cascades have required an expensive helicopter rescue due to steep and slippery terrain and features. Yosemite, Kings Canyon, Sequoia, and Lassen Volcanic National Park are great to visit in the summer season. 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.. Climbing and highlining in this area is subject to seasonal closures. 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. At least eight people have died in the park this year and many have been linked to the spectacular runoff. All-inclusive trips, expert guides, Top-rated hiking company on Trip Advisor! There was neither a suicide note nor anything that would lead investigators to believe the deaths were intentional. The trail to Upper Yosemite Falls is one of the park's oldest, having been built between 1873 and 1877. Heres what we found. AboutPressCopyrightContact. Anna Horn who hiked up to Yosemite Falls alone says she passed Xie on the trail and the two exchanged hellos. Difficulty: Strenuous. Pre-existing medical conditions can be easily exacerbated on the steep ascent. If you keep an even pace, the hiking goes by quick. Yosemite Falls above Lower Yosemite Fall Trail Check out this incredible live view via webcam, courtesy of Yosemite Conservancy donors. Keep at it, because soon enough, you will round a corner into much cooler environs. SF Gate reports that an outdoor website using data gathered through the Freedom of Information Act found 126 deaths at Yosemite between 2010 to 2020. Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet. 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. 2023 Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau, Yosemite Itineraries: What to Do in Yosemite. The Upper Falls trail is the big sister to the. Though the Grand Canyon is familiar, it's still not the walk in the park it seems. Bring 4 quarts/liters of water if hiking to the top of Yosemite Falls. Established: 1972 Authorities . The familys nanny found no one home when she arrived Monday morning, and after Gerrish failed to show for work, alarm bells went off, Jeffe said. Deaths: 62. #7 at Yosemite Lodge. The time stamps on her photos suggest she last saw Xie about 3 p.m., Horn says, and everyone was supposed to be out of the park by 5 p.m. It seemed like most people chose to stop where I was instead of taking more time to continue on, Horn says. Yosemite Falls-Americas most unrunnable rapid. The striking Teton Range is one of the nations deadliest due to its steep forests and foothills. 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 Established: 1872 These cliffs are a popular rock climbing area known as the Five Open Books . [2] Located in the Sierra Nevada of California, it is a major attraction in the park, especially in late spring when the water flow is at its peak. Do not stray off of the maintained path, as you will find steep drops adjacent to the trail. The river at the top of Vernal Falls has a stronger current than appears. 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. He loved his family and was very involved with his church," his brother said. Joining the hordes of hikers will be climbing parties, descending the trail on their way to enjoy a cold beer down at the Mountain Room bar. Difficulty: Strenuous. The mother followed him into the water and held the boy above water until her brother reached them in a runabout boat. 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. 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. The USGS began studying the hazards of rockfalls at the park after a 1980 incident on the upper Yosemite Falls Trail killed three people and injured at least 19 others. as a Fun Way to Scratch His Creative Itch. During winter, the lower portion of this trail gets direct sunlight, so hiking can be snow-free while other trails are icy. The entire height from base to crest can be tackled via the very strenuous Upper Yosemite Falls Trail, one of the most challenging day hikes in the park. The slide occurred between the town of El Portal and the parks Arch Rock Entrance, the Sheriffs Office said. It takes two to three hours to hike. "He is a great guy. The cause of death was not immediately released. She was not wearing a life jacket and was unresponsive when pulled out from the water. Then he actually fell. Deaths: 59. Yosemite Creek emerges from the base of the Lower Fall and flows into the Merced River nearby. If you make the one-mile, 1,000-foot climb (via dozens of switchbacks) to Columbia Rock, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and Sentinel Rock. Personally, I wouldnt do that unless I was harnessed in. Sign up for NBC Bay Areas Housing Deconstructed newsletter. You can find the trailhead to Upper Yosemite Falls near Camp 4. The drop is 317 feet at the waterfall's edge. Wawona Tunnel frames a view of Yosemite National Park. Established: 1988 The trail starts near Camp 4 along the Valley Loop Trail and runs through oak woodland. The USGS began studying the hazards of rockfalls at the park after a 1980 incident on the upper Yosemite Falls Trail killed three people and injured at least 19 others. Horn suspects Xie tried to get away from the crowd and hiked deeper up the trail to get a better view. Many photographers like to duck through a gap in the rail, and find a steady stance to snap a picture. Where can you go in Yosemite National Park for some of the best views afforded by nature? Also, its close to the city. Just off the path is Lost Arrow Spire a big, pointy rock that teeters near the falls. Horn lives close to the park and works as a bartender in the gateway town of Mariposa, allowing her to visit frequently. 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. This waterfall is the highest in North America, and its presence commands the attention of all valley visitors. Get your ass back over here," Bibee said. 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). Heres what we found. Established: 1929 They take you up and along a terraced cliff west of the falls. Rattlesnake bites are still being considered, although its likely there would have been evidence on the bodies, according to Mitchell. Size: 444 miles They were amazing people, very generous, Jeffe told CNN. 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. I ran out of water near the top, and taking from these trickling streams would have saved me from experiencing mild dehydation. NBCreporter George Lewis reported from Yosemite for the Nightly News with Brian Williams: Not much is known about the personal life of the victims. In 1970, a similar thing happened with 19-year-old Nichoals Michael Cordil, and in 1989, it happened to 20-year-old John Eric Ofner. The news was deeply troubling to Horn, who knew in her bones that the woman likely fell off the cliff. 2. A little closer to the edge of that mountain. Yosemite closed the Mist Trail at the park following the report. Yosemite Fallsis actually the collective name for three separate falls: Upper Yosemite Fall (1,430 feet), the middle cascades (675 feet), and Lower Yosemite Fall (320 feet). The park also has the highest number of homicides of any Park Service unit over the past decade at six. Theres nothing romantic about it.. Deaths: 85. Pay attention to warning signs, stay off closed trails and, if unsure, keep away from the cliffs. She said the two shared a mutual bond as solo woman hikers on a strenuous trail. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 1 January 2023. Actually, that honor might go to Half Dome, or maybe El Capitan. Hiking the Upper Yosemite Falls trail is a full value experience. Visiting Columbia Rock, located one mile up the trail, is a worthwhile trip at any time of year. The Upper Yosemite Falls trail provides some of the most spectacular intimate views of the falls. Time to Hike: With plenty of stops, it took me about 5 hours round trip, including the extra leg to Yosemite Point. 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. Elevation: 2,700 ft (823 m) elevation gain 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. Established: 1972 I guess to experience that rush, that energy of the water going from a placid little stream to a raging, freefalling torrent, hydrologist Jim Roche says in a video about the falls, according to SF Gate. The gully also sports the best photo opportunities. Established: 1890 Upper Yosemite Fall, cataract on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada in Yosemite National Park, east-central California, U.S. Just off the path is. Get Directions Launch Virtual Tour overview Discover Upper Yosemite Falls "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. And in 2005, a 21-year-old Irishman named Shane Michael Kinsella drank a considerable amount of wine, Ghiglieri says, and posed for a photo as if he were falling into the water. The switchbacks begin immediately. Read on, and I will tell you all about it, and maybe give you some useful information to plan your hike. Later that night, after the woman had trespassed into their territory, the spirits caused the woman's house to be sucked into the pool by a powerful wind, taking the woman and her newborn baby with it. The cause of . There was no immediate explanation from the park service why the. The switchbacks begin immediately. Authorities announced on Jan. 24 that Xies body had been discovered at the base of Upper Yosemite Fall. Missing woman found dead at base of Upper Yosemite Fall Katie Dowd , SFGATE Jan. 24, 2021 3 A woman reported missing on Jan. 15 was found dead the next day, Yosemite Park officials announced. We love California's parks just as much as you do, so we have a newsletter that covers them from top to bottom. A 2014 report by the U.S. Geological Survey noted that rockfalls pose substantial hazard and risk to the approximately 4 million annual visitors to Yosemite National Park.. It goes on to explain the deaths are not because of the waterfall or the steep cliffs, but instead the current. Sunset views like this are what keeps Great Smoky full of visitors. Yosemite Information Officer Scott Gediman did not respond to requests for an explanation for the delay. 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. A photo of Yosemite Falls on Jan. 14, the day "Alice" Yu Xie hiked to the top and fell from a cliff. Most, but not all, got wet, Ghiglieri says. 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 . Be sure to start this hike early in the day as it is strenuous and can get really hot as the day goes on. Look no further than one of Yosemite oldest historic trails (built 1873 to 1877), the Upper Yosemite Fall Trail. a big, pointy rock that teeters near the falls. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Desperate mountain residents trapped by snow beg for help; We are coming, sheriff says, Hidden, illegal casinos are booming in L.A., with organized crime reaping big profits. As you hike along the cliff side, the Upper Falls trail follows the path of least resistance. There are plenty more to check out, including Bridalveil Fall, another of the most famous falls in Yosemite Mariposa County. If you want to push yourself and get some incredible views, this is the hike in the valley to head for. Tip: Take Lots Of Water, Sunscreen, and a Hat On The Hike. He had become disoriented, while hiking toward Powell Lake and was found sunburn and dehydrated. 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. Steve Jeffe met the couple in San Francisco years ago and they grew very close after each relocated to the Mariposa area. Sometimes, you get rewarded with a full frontal, uncensored view of the Upper Falls. Discovery Company. Description. To reach the lip of the falls, follow a handrail past a few boulders. From there, it is worth the time and energy to hike another 0.5 miles (0.8 km) (some of which is actually downhill!) He was one of three people to slip near. They also wanted to know what Xies mood was like, Horn says. At least 22 people are known to have died in the parks scorching thermal springs. 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. 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. Details. Visitors: 3.2 million annually Size: 521,621 Here are some of the most notable recent deaths that have taken place at Yosemite, due to a wide range of accidents. In awe of the falls, views, etc. It is at least a conversation starter. It leads all the way to the top of the fall 2,425 feet above the Valley floor. In a wet year, snowmelt may still be trickling down the trail, creating little waterfalls here and there. "People became unglued on this guy. The waterfalls at Yosemite are extremely strong this summer because of heavy snow pack. . "People were praying. Only in Yosemite National Park can you find a hike that is so trying, visceral, and beautiful. Difficulty: Strenuous 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. Pay heed to these closure, lest you ruin the adventure for us all. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. 4:29 PM EDT, Fri August 20, 2021. Hiked the Upper Falls Trail (starting at campground 4) on Thanksgiving Day. The U.S. Park Police and law enforcement rangers, which serve the park alongside the San Francisco Fire Department, recommend against venturing into the surf here. "That's when the woman started to slip. You cant miss the trail. 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. 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. . It was only 6.9 kilometers (4.3 miles) long in the original, steeper course, from which the name is soives. Timothy is a Rock Climber, Thru Hiker, and Aspiring Trail Runner. Meet Todd Gloria the first AAPI Mayor for San Diego, Journey lead singer Arnel Pineda in a public feud with other band members, Taiwanese cheerleaders aim to distract Jeremy Lin, Michelle Yeoh wins SAG Award for best actress. Established: 1964 In fact, reaching the Upper Falls requires taking a 7.2 mile round trip, with 2700ft elevation gain. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. appreciated. 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. 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. You have entered an incorrect email address! That search resumed Wednesday morning. These cookies do not store any personal information. Several vantage points for the cascades are found along the Yosemite Falls trail. Next comes the Middle Cascades, a frothy stretch that drops another 675 feet. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The group came to the park for a day trip with a group of family and friends. Yosemite Point offers direct views of Half Dome that rival those found on the North Dome trail, gives you an opportunity to see Lost Arrow Spire up close, and provides panoramic views of many other peaks. Visitors: 7.2 million annually Also, this trail is a strenuous (yes, really!) Carry out all trash and food waste (fruit peels, shells, etc.). I wish I had packed along my water purifier. By starting as early as possible, you will be able to hike during the cooler part of the day. What these people have in common, Ghiglieri says, in addition to being relatively young and male, is a lack of recognition of the danger inherent in visiting the top of a waterfall. Yosemite National Park; Death Valley; Eastern Sierras; Lassen Volcanic Nat'l Park; The Lost Coast; Sequoia - Kings Canyon; Joshua Tree National Park; Some lost their lives after attempting to swim above the falls, others inadvertently ended up in the water or were posing for photographs when they fell. What I will take away with me forever is the look on that grown man's face as he was floating down that river knowing he was going to die and nobody could help them.". Join Outside+ to get Outside magazine, access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. Deaths: 254. A word of caution: do not stray off the marked path, as you will find steep drops adjacent to the trail. In the initial conversation, authorities asked Horn about Xies appearance, clothing and location. Yosemite Falls is the biggest, baddest waterfall in North America. Park officials could not be immediately reached for comment Saturday. 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. In 1991, Austrian rocket scientist Werner Beinstingl was trying to take a vertical photo down the cliff of the fall when he slipped. Distance: 3 miles, round trip. Time: 6-8 hours. He had one of Yosemite's most unusual jobs. 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. Download Yosemite Falls stock photos. Depending on the season, you may even feel the mist from the fall, which may be welcome respite after the tough climb. Lesser known, its also one of the most deadliest. November 24, 2012. Deaths: 82. They gave no reason for the delay, according to the Fresno Bee. El Portal Road, a continuation of Highway 140 into Yosemite Valley, was temporarily closed Tuesday due to the rockfall. They dont evaluate it and conclude, Id be better off riding a grizzly bear, he says. The Ahwahneechee people called the waterfall "Cholock" ("the fall") and believed that the plunge pool at its base was inhabited by the spirits of several witches, called the Poloti. In 1967, a snow storm roared across Mount McKinley and killed seven of 12 students attempting to summit Denali, the highest peak in North America. The Mariposa County Coroner is awaiting toxicology results as investigators continue to comb the scene for possible clues. Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. Be sure to bring enough drinking water with you for this hike. Bibee said one man was posing near the waterfall with a screaming young girl in his arms while a teenage girl snapped photographs. During their investigation of Xies death, investigators reached out to Horn a second time to ask whether she noticed the woman carrying a cellphone. They want to get a little closer to that river. There was no immediate explanation from the park service why the announcement of her death was delayed nearly a week. Upper Yosemite Fall may also be reached via the Yosemite Creek Trail from the Tioga Road to the north. Yosemite officials released details of the Chinese national's disappearance by website and social media Jan. 16. Do not shortcut switchbacks, which causes rapid trail erosion and results in injuries. With plenty of stops, it took me about 5 hours round trip, including the extra leg to Yosemite Point. Yosemite Falls is North America's highest waterfall at 2,425 feet high, and can be seen from many viewpoints . Begin at: Camp 4 area. Xie was found dead at the base of Upper Yosemite Fall the same day.