Yosemite National Park
Spending two days taking in the sights of Yosemite National Park
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We spent two days exploring the great Yosemite Valley. This valley is a breathtaking destination that offers unparalleled natural beauty. Located in California, this iconic park is renowned for its magnificent granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, and lush meadows. As we explored the park, we were captivated by its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes.
The towering granite walls of El Capitan and Half Dome are a sight to behold. The park also boasts numerous hiking trails, allowing you to immerse yourself in the tranquility and serenity of nature. We found that it felt like every corner of this park was a feast for the eyes. We started our journey by exploring the Valley section of the park and stopping at the Tunnel view which appears after you exit the tunnel into the park.
Due to the shuttle delays after exploring the Yosemite Falls we decided to walk back to the visitor center and then drove ourselves to the Yosemite Valley Trailhead Parking Lot. As it was later in the day, a few parking spots had opened up, so we parked and made our way to the Mist Trail & John Muir Trail Trailhead.
This trail follows the Merced River and provides a good workout and great views as you head up the east section of the Yosemite Valley. On our way up the trail, we stopped at the Vernal Falls Footbridge, and had a snack at the Mist Trailhead.
On our second day in the Yosemite Valley, we made the drive up the Glacier Point Road. The road has just been upgraded and was a breathtaking experience. As you navigate the winding road, you are treated to stunning views of towering granite cliffs, lush green meadows, and the iconic Half Dome.
The road takes you higher and higher, allowing you to view Yosemite from different vantage points. Along the way we stopped at Washburn Point which is a must see in the park. At the end of road is the Glacier Point stop, which was equipped with a café, giftshop, washrooms and several platforms for viewing the surrounding natural beauty.
Next we made our way to the visitor center parking lot in order to hop onto the shuttle that takes us around the park. Unfortunately during our visit there was major roadworks around the visitor center slowing down the shuttle service. It took about 30 minutes for a shuttle to arrive and took us a short distance to the Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead.
On this trail we were surrounded by towering trees, vibrant wildflowers, and the soothing sounds of cascading water. The trail led us to the magnificent Lower Yosemite Fall. The trail was wide and mostly shaded, and provided unique views throughout.
After taking our first glimpses of half dome we continued down the road to Bridalveil Falls Trailhead where there was ample roadside parking to pull over and jump out to explore these towering falls. This stunning waterfall cascades down a granite cliff, creating a breathtaking display of nature's beauty.
The falls are named after the delicate mist that often resembles a bridal veil, floating in the air as the water gracefully descends. The surrounding landscape, with its towering granite walls and lush greenery, only adds to this natural wonder. Hiking the short trail to the base of the falls, allowed us to get a bit of the refreshing mist coming off the falls.
Whether you choose to hike, camp, or simply admire the awe-inspiring vistas, visiting Yosemite national park is a truly unforgettable experience. Happy exploring!
