Yosemite National Park
Trip Start
Nov 12, 2007
1
34
40
Trip End
Aug 01, 2008
Yosemite,
California,
United States
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Anyhow, back to Yosemite
Yosemite with Half Dome in the distance
. Our accommodation was only 10 minutes from the Park entrance so we congrtulated ourselves on getting out by 9am to avoid the crowds. The road in was quiet, but that was because the crowds were already in the Park valley where the visitor centre and most of the shops / facilities are. Despite the heat and the crowds, we could already begin to appreciate the grandeur of the valley. It's distinction being the huge, almost vertical granite cliffs which dominate the roadsides. There are several waterfalls that can be visited easily from viewpoints along the road or by short walks. At this time of year the waterfalls aren't so impressive but still worth seeing.The Park is very well organised and one of the best features was the free, air conditioned, eco - friendly shuttle bus that go round the main sites. We made use of it to travel to Mirror lake. This is in fact a seasonal pool and was at a low level so we did not get the anticipated views of the famous Half Dome rock in the water but it ws a good spot to paddle and cool down. The other famous granite rock in the park is El Capitain, which is the tallest sheer granite rock in the world and very impressive.
On our second day, we headed away from the Valley area and down to the Mariposa Grove. This area is known for its very tall and wide Sequoina trees. If I say they are like the Redwoods you will understand what they look like. they have the same reddy bark. At the Grove you can do a 4 mile trail and take in some of the more impressive trees. They are huge and are also known for their longevity: they can live for two thousands years. There used to be one tree in the Park that had such a large diameter that cars could drive through it. It was another very hot day and despite all the tourists, you could still get some tranquility in the Grove. We decided to brave it and head back to the valley to stop at a few more more viewpoints. Some of the best spots were in the meadows which are now filling with the sumer flowers and look great with the backdrop of trees and huge rocks.
On our final day in the Park we did one of the best viewpoints, Glacier Point. It did not disappoint. The drive there was scenic enough but at the viewpoint you literally look down on Yosemite valley but the giant Half Dome rock still towers above you. People climb and walk to the top of the half Dome but we couldn't see anyone doing this while we were there. The views were exceptional and also included views of Nevada and Vernal Falls. We decided to head to the falls and walk half way up but it was just too hot for climbing and the path was like Oxford Street on Christmas Eve, just no fun so we found a shady rock by the Merced river and just cooled down for a while.
On leaving the Park the next day, to travel to Death Valley, we stopped at another good view point, Olstead point, with views down the valley at an alternative angle and saw several pretty lakes. The highlight of the drive out of the park was Soda Springs which involved a short walk through the meadows along the riverside to a natural spring.
Yosemite caught us unawares because we did not have any idea of how beautiful it would be. Even though it was manic with people and far too hot to do any of the hiking we would have liked, it was still possible to appreciate it and the the sheer size of the granite cliffs and the beauty of the meadows was quite a humbling experience.
