There is a place on Highway 140 almost half way between Mariposa and the Valley entrance that looks like this. Stop signs in the middle of nowhere. The sign reads expect 15 minutes wait...to the left is a bridge that crosses the Merced River, then the road curves around the towering cliff wall and exits on the Merced River on the other side. Drivers of vehicles must cross over the Merced River two times and then resume travel on 140 going into the Yosemite Valley.
The road does this for a very particular reason. Several years ago their was a mountain slide and a good portion of the mountain slide down the incline, spilling across the 140 highway and down into the Merced River. If you look closely into the image you can see the lower slide area as it crosses the road directly in front of you, that is, on the other side of the fence. The real view is rather traumatic and quite the eye opener for people with a keen respect for the greater powers of nature.
They believe no one was trapped beneath the mountain slide. But no one knows for certain since no agency has removed the earth. To do so might possibly bring down even more of the mountain so it is a standing tribute and reminding monument to a geological event. It is necessary for us to see as it is an event of extraordinary circumstances that we, on any normal given day might not encounter. And hopefully never be under.
Rockslides are a common occurance all along 140. If you keep your eyes looking toward the cliff side you will see rocks every so often in clumps that have recently slid or tumbled from above. If you notice the geological structure of the cliffs you can see the layers and the angle of the layers of these various types of rocks. All along the 140 the types of rocks and the qualities of their attachments vary. Some of these rock structures are firmly in place and others are unstable and some are totally unpredictable.
The Merced River Canyon road is by far more scenic than 41 for geologic features and rock variations, and in addition to the natural formations the plant life at this time of year can be noted for the flowering purple blossoms of natures plum trees...I believe that is what they are, if not write me a note on their exact biological name. The mosses are verdant green attaching themselves to the red rock like snow on the top of half dome...natures natural frosting.
Plenty of turnouts are sprinkled along the Canyon drive. And of course interesting places like Savages and Hite Cove Trail, places of extraordinary beauty and in this time of year, the spring, the mountains are alive with the beauty of the wild flowers. The area is also replete with brilliant orange California Poppies.
NPS Warehouse is also located along this drive, as well as El Portal, and two large motor hotels for tried travelers. Up near the Park Entrance is a famous rock formation that forms a roof over the road for thrill seeking motorists to observe as they pass beneath, hoping that it stays put for a whole lot longer. The road was tunneled under it so the natural rock roof has been in place for over a good 100 years to date.
On the right as you travel up 140 you can see exquisite river scenery, with river and rocks binding their timeless beauty together in every changing geometric patterns.
