Yosemite National Park
Travel | Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park has more goodness than I had time to explore. I think I could live in Yosemite for months and still walk away wanting more time in the park.
Truth be told, I have yet to go through all of my photographs from my trip. As I continue to travel and revisit parks, I will offer more detailed travel posts for specific hikes, sights and landmarks in areas and parks I have already covered previously. I think this will be great motivation to revisit and enjoy places I have already checked off my travel bucket list.
Recommended Hikes
Bridalveil Fall - an easy, half mile, round trip hike to the base of the waterfall. This waterfall flows year-round.
Cook's Meadow Loop - an easy one mile loop offering views of Half Dome, Glacier Point and Royal Arches.
Four Mile Trail - this trail is closed from December to May due to hazardous conditions. During the warmer months, this strenuous trail takes you from the base of Sentinel Rock and climbs to the top of Yosemite Valley at Glacier Point.
Half Dome - grab onto the cables and hike the 14 to 15.2 miles (depending on the trail chosen) to the top of Half Dome. A permit is required and rain/lightning will cancel your hike for safety reasons.
Lower Yosemite Fall - an easy one mile loop, with views of the upper and lower falls. This waterfall generally dries up in July or August (the fall was dry during my visit).
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias - depending on your level of interest, you may choose a 1.6 to 6.9 mile hike through the sequoias.
Mirror Lake/Meadow - this hike is two miles or five miles, round trip, depending on your decision to walk around the full lake (when at peak capacity).
Upper Yosemite Fall - one of the oldest trails in the park. A strenuous 7.2 miles to the top of North America's tallest waterfall.
Valley Floor Loop - a thirteen mile, round trip, hike through forests, meadows and along the Mercer River. The trail is difficult to follow at some points so be sure to have a map.
Wawona Meadow Loop - the 3.5 mile loop through this meadow while wildflowers are blooming is bound to be amazing.
Recommended Pullouts and Stops
Tioga Pass - driving from this entrance station to Yosemite Valley is breathtaking. You will, however, drive through the recent burn area, allowing the devastation of the fire to settle in.
Tuolumne Meadows - a lovely meadow view while driving to Yosemite Valley from Lee Vining.
Glacier Point - an awe inspiring view from above Yosemite Valley, allowing for a close look at Half Dome.
Tunnel View - a must stop on your way to Glacier Point from the Yosemite Valley.
Valley View - get close to the water and cliffs in Yosemite Valley.