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Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls towers over 2500' above the floor of Yosemite Valley. Most visitors only visit the Lower Yosemite Falls from the parking lot across from Yosemite Lodge. The more adventurous hike a strenuous 3.5 miles to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls. Those that make it are rewarded with a close-up view of these magnificent falls. Join me on my recent adventure to the top of the falls…
In April of 2001, I had attempted this hike with my father-in-law, but the electric fuel pump quit working on my car, leading us on a different adventure. As part of my training for Mt Whitney, I'm here with my friend Richard and his step son Mike, to finally go to the falls.
On the morning of April 27, 2002, we left the car at the Sunnyside Walk-In Campground (Camp 4) and took off on the Yosemite Falls Trail.
The weather wasn't very inviting as we started our journey. There was a heavy mist in the air and the sky was blanketed with fog. We had made it without incident and we were in Yosemite, the weather didn't matter.
As we make our way up the trail, we hear rumbling, thunderous noises in the distance. Rock slides. A reminder that we are not in control.
It is disappointing that the fog is obscuring our view of Yosemite Valley as we climb above it. But, we are rewarded with views of a different kind that would have gone unnoticed in clear weather.
Richard leads the way up the trail. It is great to finally have a chance to hike with him after sharing many trail adventure stories at work. I don't think there are too many places in the park that he hasn't seen! I'm working hard to catch up to him.
The weather invites closer observation to the small things.
This boulder on the trail is an ever-present reminder of what could happen at any time. Are you ready?
These two hikers are living proof of what else could happen out here. They were on a day hike the day before when a snow storm came in and left them stranded at the top of the falls. Be prepared.
As we near the top, the fog is lifting, revealing blue skies and forested hills.
When looking up at the falls from Yosemite Valley, I never would have imagined such beauty up here. From below it just looks like rocks.
Richard stops to take a photo of Ansel Adams about to take another breath-taking photograph. Wait a minute…that's me!
While not breath-taking, this is what I was shooting. I told Mike this was Yosemite Falls. He didn't buy it.
We don't have too much further to travel now
Before we explore the falls we decide it's time for lunch.
After lunch we are off to see the falls, but not without stopping to photograph other things first.
Thankful the skies have cleared long enough to give us a view of Yosemite Valley from the top of Upper Yosemite Falls.
A few lone trees call Yosemite Falls their home. If they could see, I wonder if they would grow tired of the view?
This is what not to do for a picture! One slip and it's a frightful 1430' fall to the rocks below.
Walking the narrow ledge down to the viewing platform. It was a little hairy here. The hand rail wasn't too convincing and the ledge had loose rocks on it. This was training for Whitney after all. I'm sure this is doesn't begin to compare to Whitney.
From up here you can see how far you have come. Can you see the trail behind me?
This is what we were here to see! This time of year the snow melt produces lots of water. By August the falls will be dry.
Crossing the bridge above the falls I pause to look up-stream. It is very peaceful out there.
That is the end of the river. This is as close to the falls as I care to get!
After our stay, we start the 3.5 mile journey to Yosemite Valley. This time with clear weather.
Turning around to see where we have been. Those rock faces have been calling Richard the whole day. I didn't hear a thing.
<em>"Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth."</em> ~Genesis 9:16
We made it back and paused for a group picture, (L-R) Me, Mike and Richard. Thanks guys!
Before exiting the park, I had to join the windshield tourists and get my picture of Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls too. I finally got up there! Until next time…
Posted
February 25, 2022
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“Hikin Mike”
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