We hiked a loop route in Peterson Creek Canyon.     We followed the Mariposa Trail then crossed the creek and came back on the East Rim, a single track overlooking the canyon.    We then dropped down to the Bridalveil Falls Viewpoint and continued down to the bottom.   We crossed the creek again and wound our way back up.    Along the way, we enjoyed the views and a few trees modified by the elements.

All photos by the author.   Click an image for a lightbox view and a caption:

split the difference

on the East Rim

Peterson Creek rim

sidehill bend

bent by canyon gusts

three-in-one

over the falls

laddering up the hill

On north-facing slopes and sheltered spots there were a variety of mosses  – starmoss (Syntrichia ruralis), rough goose neck moss (Hylocomiadelphus triquetrus), Grimmia mosses (Grimmia sp.), and stairstep moss (Hylocomium splendens).

cushions of moss

rough goose neck moss?

starmoss

willow leaves

puzzle bark (ponderosa)

We moved along quickly and took a few quick photos.    This is a favorite route, one we will do again over the winter.