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| View of Nevada Fall and Liberty Cap from John Muir Trail, Yosemite National Park |
We threw the kids into the car and road-tripped it up to
Yosemite last weekend to
get a look at the giant water flowing this year after an incredibly wet winter. Wow wow wow. After being so parched with the drought after so many years, it was pure joy getting to hike in the California Sierras with huge water everywhere.
This is what we found.
1 - Vernal Fall
The trail leads up from Happy Isles and is our first chance
to get soaked by the mist from the massive waterfall by simply hiking along the
trail – which becomes a giant staircase – as it winds its way next to the roar of
Vernal Falls. A hugely popular destination, the adrenaline of the elements and
slick, wet rock keeps us literally on our toes and clinging to the handrail at
the top of the falls as we skirt a cliff. 317 feet Vernal Fall Hike Trip Report
2 – Nevada Fall
Almost an oasis at the top, there are calmer pools of water
here with misleadingly tranquil pools, and at one point in the old days a hotel
was located at to top of Nevada Fall. To get there, The Mist Trail follows the
river up, straight up again and through some switchbacks as we find ourselves
hiking next to the giant plume of water spray. Water shoots straight out like a
thunder cloud as it crashes off the rocks alongside the trail. Powerful. 594 feet Nevada Fall via Panorama Trail Trip Report
3 - Bridalveil Fall
We’re Yosemite regulars these days, having raised our kids
with Yo as our local national park. So Bridalveil Falls is the star of the
tunnel view photo always, and this year is as spectacular as ever. Located
very close to parking off the main drag, this is easy access for all, no massive
hike required. 620 feet
4 – Yosemite Falls
With the distinguished title, Highest Waterfall in North
America, Yosemite Falls has easy viewing from the bottom close to civilization where, amongst the
giant trees, we can crane our necks and look up up up. Or, we can head out on
the trail that skirts the valley for a while and then switch-backs-and-forths from each section
of the three falls which make up the entire 2,400+ feet. Today we see the falls from our truck's window. No time this quick trip but we do get to be wowed by the massive volume dropping from the top of the valley to the bottom. Just wow. 2,425 feet Hiking to the Summit of North America's Highest Waterfall
There are more. So many more. But here’s a starter kit, a
highlight reel.
As always, be aware of hiking conditions and stay on the
trail. The pools at the top are so inviting, but they’re also incredibly strong
and are not to be messed with, especially during high-runoff.
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