Explore one of the most famous valleys in the United States.
Yosemite is one of the most famous national parks that the United States has to offer. It’s famous for its mountains, waterfalls, sheer cliffs and valley. I only had a chance to explore Yosemite Valley due to some nasty, stormy weather that moved in. Luckily, that weather held off until the afternoon.
I arrived very early, just a bit after sunrise (which is the perfect time to visit any national park). Very few people were around at that time, quite unusual for this often-overcrowded park. It was a foggy morning which led to some amazing and unique views.
This fog was awesome.
Starting to see some cliffs.
Yosemite Falls flows where the notch is on the right side of the cliffs. It is usually dried up by late summer. The best time to see it is in the spring and early summer. I also love the fog here as well.
Fog rainbow! A fogbow, perhaps? And it’s reflected in the water! I stopped here just for a couple of pictures and ended up seeing a rainbow. So cool.
I’m a little obsessed with the awesomeness of this fog.
The weather held off enough for me to get a short hike in to Vernal Falls. I’m really not so sure you could call this a hike because the path was paved. Kind of felt like cheating to me.
The only non-paved section was the shortcut to the trail from the parking lot.
Fog and Merced River views. So pretty.
Sorry, not sorry for all the fog pictures.
The Merced River during the fall is mostly small, little waterfalls. I really enjoyed it because it sounded like you were constantly next to a waterfall along the trail.
Some cliffs peeking out from behind the trees.
The Merced River is located in a small canyon. It’s like a mini-Yosemite Valley.
Finally made it to Vernal Falls, one of the few year-round waterfalls, although it is much wider earlier in the year.
On the way back I took a photo from Vernal Falls Bridge. You can barely make out Vernal Falls with Half Dome behind it.
I saw one more waterfall before I left Yosemite Valley, Bridalveil Falls. By the time I reached my car after seeing the falls, it had started to pour.
Bridalveil Falls from a distance, which is also much fuller earlier in the year.
A closer peak at Bridalveil Falls. It was getting pretty windy from the incoming storm, so the waterfall was blowing all over the place.
Even though the rain hampered my visit, I did really enjoy Yosemite National Park. It was simply beautiful. I can really see why so many people visit a year. I will have to go back again to see the rest. What a shame.
I did at least get this neat view of the valley as I was leaving the park.
Check out my next update where I explore the infamous prison of Alcatraz.
