Yosemite National Park Things to Do Tips by zrim

Yosemite Valley: the people's paradise Merced River Review

Looking at the Merced wind its way upstream, past El Capitan and past the Cathedral Rocks, it is not hard to understand why Yosemite is the beloved park of the people. You hear the phrase: loved to death. Yes the countless visitors the park receives each year take their toll, but a century ago it faced a far bigger threat.

It is hard to imagine that at one time this beautiful valley was threatened by a very serious proposal to dam the Merced and make a large reservoir for the use of the San Francisco Bay area.

It was only through the heroic actions of people like John Muir and the infant Sierra Club that Yosemite Valley was spared. Yet, we saw a bumper sticker while driving in the mountains which said: "Sierra Club go hike in hell."

Sad. Very sad. And very ignorant.

The Merced River under the shadow of Half Dome Merced River Review

Half Dome is such a stunning formation that you cannot help but photograph it from every possible elevation, angle and vantage point. There is nothing wrong with this approach--we purchased a Yosemite coffee table book by famed photographer Galen Rowell and fully one third of the pictures therein are of the Half Dome. It always draws your attention when it is within view.

North Dome and Basket Dome Glacier Point Review

Looking north across Yosemite Valley from Glacier Point you can see North Dome and Basket Dome. They are absolutely beautiful symetrical domes--but they get only a nod as supporting cast when viewed alongside Half Dome or El Capitan.

The summit of North Dome is a strenuous overnight hike from the Yosemite Valley (a 3600 foot climb) or a moderate dayhike from the Porcupine Creek Trailhead off the Tioga Road (an 8.8 mile roundtrip with an 800 foot descent).

Tenaya Mountain and Cathedral Peak Glacier Point Review

This photo is taken from Glacier Point and zoomed to 300 mm or so. Tenaya Mountain and Cathedral Peak are in the high Sierra in Yosemite's less visited backcountry. It is possible to drive the Tioga Road to get much closer to these peaks, but if you wish to climb to their summit expect long hikes and overnight camping.

Liberty Cap as seen from Emerald Pool Park Views Review

At the top of Vernal Falls there is a pool of snow melt called Emerald Pool. There are plenty of warning signs telling hikers to keep out. Apparently some people have taken a dip in the Emerald Pool and been sucked into the drainage and over the cliff down Vernal Falls. Liberty Cap makes its first appearance behind the Emerald Pool. The Nevada Falls cannot be seen in this photo, blocked by trees, but the falls are just off the right flank of Liberty Cap.

Vernal Falls begins Vernal Falls Review

The water collected in the pools behind the falls is calm, silent, almost still--but in just another few feet or even inches the water will plummet 317 feet to the rocks below and eventually form the Merced River that meanders through Yosemite Valley.

Looking down on the Mist Trail Vernal Falls Review

When you reach the top of Vernal Falls you can look over the edge and see the snaking trail that you just climbed for the past hour or so. The elevation gain from the trailhead at Happy Isles to the top of Vernal Falls is about 1200 feet. A moderately strenous exercise.

(If you enlarge the photo you should be able to see people on the trail.)

Vernal Falls and the Mist Trail Vernal Falls Review

One of the most popular trails in Yosemite is the Mist Trail which takes the hiker to the top of Vernal Falls. In the springtime the falls is a torrent and the spray of the falls easily reaches the trail making it moist and slippery--hence the name Mist Trail. By October, however, the falls has slowed to a trickle and the Mist Trail is dry as a bone. Vernal Falls itself is 317 feet tall--a respectable waterfall and the star attraction of any park other than Yosemite.

Always seeking a great reflection (Lembert Dome) Tuolumne Review

Lembert Dome is a neat rock formation and stands out up in the Tuolumne Meadow. But it turns into something extra special when the photographer (me) risks life and lim to climb down to the banks of a pool of water to get that great reflection shot. I'll do anything to please my audience.

Tuolumne Meadow Tuolumne Review

Millions of years ago this alpine meadow was covered by a sheet of ice 2000 feet thick. That is the same depth of some of the deepest icefields on earth in places such as Greenland. To this day the Tuolumne Meadow is covered by ice and snow six months of the year. In the summer when the snow has melted (around the end of June beginning of July) this meadow is covered with wildflowers--a sight that I do intend to see one day. But for now, I will take solace in the muted russet colored views of autumn. Very beautiful in its own right.