Visit to Yosemite Valley to See the Falls
I have been to Yosemite Valley a number of times but always at late summer or late fall. While there are lots of great things to do and see during those times the falls in Yosemite are usually not at their best. This year the Yosemite area has had above average precipitation so we set out to check out the falls there in all their glory.
Since we were late in planning the trip we were not able to stay in Yosemite Valley and instead camped in a campground just outside of Yosemite National Park. We left very early in the morning in order to obtain parking in Yosemite Valley. We made a quick stop at the Bridalveil waterfall with this view from the parking area.
A short walk allowed us to see all 620 feet of the falls and its spray which enveloped those nearby.
The water flowing from the falls more than filled the stream bed.
A little more driving gave us our first view of Yosemite Falls.
A deer was meandering through the meadow.
We decided to hike the trail to Upper Yosemite Falls. The views of the falls are close to 2 miles from the trailhead. With many switchbacks the trail rises 1000 feet in about a mile so is fairly strenuous. Along the way we had good views of Yosemite Valley as this panorama shows.
A closer view of the valley floor shows how much water there still is.
This valley view has Half Dome as a backdrop.
A large clump of Indian Paintbrush in bloom.
Our first view of Upper Yosemite Falls from the trail was partially framed by trees and shrubs.
Upper Yosemite Falls plunges for 1430 feet to the rocks below. The wind makes the water wider as it falls to the cloud of mist at its base.
The falls showing more of the surrounding rock.
For comparison this picture was taken in November 2005. Though hard to see in the picture there was a trickle of water flowing.
Returning to our hike some of the Yosemite Village buildings can be seen in this valley view.
The younger members of our group continued on the trail to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls which is another 1800 feet of elevation gain and 1.5 miles. The rest of us returned and along the way saw some pretty clouds.
Back in the valley we, along with lots of other people, enjoyed views of both the Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls. A little of the middle cascade can be seen.
This deer did not seem to mind the crowds.
The Lower Yosemite Falls completes the last 320 feet of the water’s journey to the valley floor. Plenty of spray here with a strong wind blowing it.
The water from the falls rushing to join the Merced River.
Half Dome viewed in the late afternoon sun. Time to go get some pizza before returning to our campsite.
More Information:
National Park Service Yosemite Falls Trail information
National Park Service Yosemite National Park information
