Is that warning justified? Yes. Of the 13 recorded deaths along the Upper Falls Trail since 1927, all but one involved hikers taking shortcuts or scrambling off the marked trail. The other death was a 17-year-old in 1980 who was running down the trail out of control and somehow ended up falling 600 feet.

(One of the trail fatalities was Steven Leroy O'Neal from Salt Lake City, who scrambled off trail to his death on Feb. 23, 1980.)

Signs also warn of falling rocks along the trail. This too is justified, because one fateful day in November 1980, a slab of granite 200 feet high and 60 feet wide broke off above the central portion of the Upper Falls Trail, killing two hikers and injuring 20.

Notwithstanding such tragedy, thousands safely hike this trail each year by using common sense and remaining on the path. Extra caution should be exercised on the trail where it is wet and slippery.

Hikers on top need to watch the trail signs and avoid the longer segment that continues north along Yosemite Creek into the backcountry. Swimming in the creek topside is also not advised.

Many large rocks offer rest along the mountain skyline. From there, the trail continues downward several hundred feet to a fenced off observation area. A narrow path cut in the rock, complete with a metal railing to hold on to, leads there.

The views are indeed stupendous from the overlook.

This trail is usually only open halfway up the mountain in the winter and spring is the best time to hike the falls, when the water flow is at its greatest. In late summer and fall, the falls may just be a trickle or even dry altogether.

For more information, go to: www.nps.gov/yose

Lynn and Roger Arave and Ravell Call hiked the Upper Falls Trail in about five hours, including an hour stay at the top, on April 28, 2009.

E-MAIL: lynn@desnews.com