(4 miles--1-1/2 hours)
This is a cut-off trail widely used by the Park Rangers in their
winter patrols but seldom used by the public.
Starting from the ~Wawona Road~ one and a half miles northwest of
~Chinquapin~, the trail runs down the ridge on the north side of
~Indian Creek~. Swinging to the north, the trail passes just west of
~Lookout Point~, from which is a fine view down the canyon of the
Merced. Bearing to the right, it descends to ~Avalanche Creek~, where
it passes just below ~Cougar Falls~. The trail then zigzags down the
canyon wall to the midwinter ranger station and trail bridge across
the ~Merced River~, joining the ~El Portal Road~, about three miles
above El Portal.