When it comes to our National Parks here in the U.S. there is little argument as to which ones are the most spectacular. In every survey, the two that come out on top are Yellowstone and Yosemite. We've been to both and loved them both and plan to return to both but if we had to rate them there is in our minds a clear #1 and that is Yosemite. In our travels around the globe we've yet to find a place that offers up so many wow! moments as does Yosemite. When you are hiking through the park just about the time you get bored with the view you turn a corner and WOW! a vista is laid out in front of you that takes your breath away.
Yosemite and it's beauty can be seen somewhat from your car via a drive into Yosemite Valley but to truly experience it's beauty you need to get out of your vehicle and out on the trail.
In our visits to the park we've covered a good amount of ground with different traveling partners. To sum it up anyone in decent shape can experience the 'real' Yosemite if they are willing to expend a little bit of energy. On my first visit to the park I brought along my father who at the time was 70 years old. Due to the severe flooding that had occured that spring many of the usual hiking options were unavailable leaving us with the option of hiking to the top of Yosemite Falls. Since we were planning on staying several days that meant hauling 40%2Blb packs up a 3,000' elevation gain in only 4.5 miles! When we scouted out the route the night before starting our trip we couldn't believe there was actually a trail - it looked like a sheer rock wall. The next day we learned a bit about how deceiving things can be in the vastness of the American West. That sheer rock wall actually did yield to some areas where the trail snaked upwards. The hike up Yosemite Falls actually has two steep sections, one at the start that lasts perhaps a mile and a half or so. This section takes you up a notch in the wall where there is even some vegation growing. The climb isn't technically difficult but the impact of the weight from our packs coupled with the steady uphill makes this a strenuous rated hike. After about 1 1/2 miles the trail levels out and turns right heading towards the falls. For those unfamiliar with Yosemite Falls, the falls actually have two breaks in the flow. This 'level' stretch takes you right beside the spot where the falls breaks from the upper run down into the lower run. The force of the water was unbelievable, and the noise deafening, mother natures power in full display.
After the break the trail starts a series of switchbacks towards the top of the falls. This is a long, hard stretch of the trail and again rates as strenuous. It took us several hours to finally get to the crest of the falls. The views from on top were amazing and with Yosemite creek rushing over the falls we enjoyed several days of solitude exploring the area around the top of the Falls.
Hiking to the top of the falls without packs in a day is certainly doable however water is a must. There is a water source at the top of the Falls - carry a water purifier or tables. The combination of the high altitude and temps that can get very warm during the day make dehydration a very real concern. We saw many people suffering for lack of water who only made it 2/3 of the way up the falls. Another key to a comfortable experience is to wear proper footwear, we saw people wearing flip flops! This isn't flip flop territory with lots of jagged loose rocks to negotiate on the way to the top.
Climbing to the top of Yosemite Falls is a rewarding experience and within the reach of everyone in decent physical condition. Take the precautions of enough water, food, and footwear so you can enjoy as opposed to endure the experience.
Yosemite - A Magical Place