“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine into trees.” - John
In our short stint in the USA. We wanted to explore the National Parks, as they are the oasis of nature’s benevolent.
This time we planned to explore one of the Iconic National Park.
This National Park was at a distance of 650 miles from the place we stayed Phoenix, AZ. It was a long drive, and we were all set for our exploration..
We drove for about 9 hours with two pit stops. We stayed overnight in the city of “Selma”. As we had planned to cover the last stretch of the scenic forest drive in the morning. Yes, me and this little town both share the same name. Just that it is a notch upper in fame being the Raisin capital of the world. After enjoying the languorous breakfast overlooking the fountains. We bid adieu to the place
I had read so much before visiting the place, but the moment I saw it was surreal. With an area of 1,200 square miles. It is like a melting pot with Waterfalls, huge granite cliffs, giant Sequoias and the silence of the wilderness. It looks like nature sprinkled its best-kept secret ingredient.
We spent 3 days exploring the beauty of this place but It feels like we could cover a tiny speck of this park. It blowed us over by its vibrancy and variety of the place.
Our stay @ Yosemite view lodge by the Merced River was breathtaking. The view of the Merced River, up against the mountains from our balcony was dramatic. Roaring sound of the stream, gleaming night sky… phew. We were in our own little paradise.
There are hikes of different levels. The most amazing hikes comes with some strenuous trek.
The trails we took to explore Yosemite -
MIST TRAIL TO VERNA FALLS – what a mesmerizing trail this one is. Every step of this trail offers so much beauty. It has everything rainbows, waterfalls, valley, misty aura. Looking down from top of the falls is overwhelming.
LOWER YOSEMITE FALLS HIKE - chilling around and up and close with this Lower falls.
BRIDALVEIL FALL HIKE–a quick walk to a splendid waterfall.
some facts- when there is enough wind, the mist looks like the veil a bride might wear. believed to be the home to the protector of Yosemite Valley.
Distance: 1.2 miles, round trip
EL Capitan - a vertical rock formation. Popular among rock climbers.
GLACIER POINT SHORT HIKE - Up and close with Half Dome.
Distance: 1.0 miles, round trip
MIRROR LAKE HIKE - when Dil mange more….
Distance: 2.3 miles, loop
SENTINEL DOME TRAIL - I loved this trail Miles and miles, views of granite cliffs.
Distance: 2.2 miles, round trip
There is something about the mountains and sunsets, the whole atmosphere changes. on our way we encountered a fiery sunset in the wilderness. The way the sky lit up itself to treat the mankind with its views. The best
Meeting the GIANT SEQUOIAS - larger-than-life trees and tiny us. Nature has its own ways of showing its pride.
Big Trees Loop: 0.3 miles - Fallen Monarch
Grizzly Giant Loop: 2.0 miles
Fallen Monarch, Bachelor & Three Graces, Grizzly Giant, California Tunnel Tree
TUNNEL VIEW - When we reached this spot. There was no one around just us, right time right place. It was that moment when you can hear the silence. We sat there in awe, soaking the moment.
A stop at "Ansel Adams" a gallery is a must, for some exceptional interpretation of Yosemite.
We could not do the famous "HALF DOME HIKE". It is on the cards until we meet again.
We did not realize how time flew. The whole experience was exceptional. As I write this post, I can feel I am right there.
Where to stay in Yosemite - Yosemite being so popular. The stays get filled fast. You can stay within National Park lodges. There are camping grounds. Also, explore Mariposa County for the rentals.