5 Things You Have To Do When You Visit Yosemite #70DayRoadTrip #Travel
6:00 AM
Yosemite
National Park was one of the stops that I was looking forward to the
most on our 70 day road trip. This was our ninth stop of the trip,
and on our three days here we did not even begin to scratch the
surface of what Yosemite has to offer, I was able to make a list of 5
things you should consider doing if you ever visit though. My
recommendation, camp outside of the Valley, and spend as much time
away from there as possible. It is filled with people, and highly
commercialized. Riding in the Yosemite buses, we felt a bit like we
were at Disney World instead of exploring nature.
1. See Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls
1. See Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls
I
know I just said that you should stay out of the Valley, but
sometimes it is necessary to go there. Upper and Lower Yosemite
Falls is one reason you would want to visit the Valley. Go early in
the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds that are on this
trail. You can get on a bus from the visitor's parking lot and take
it to stop number 6 to walk the trail out to see these falls.
Some
times of the year they dry up and are not able to be seen, so if they
are still flowing, be sure to take the trail and catch a peek. Views
of the falls can also be seen from the meadow in the valley as well.
2.
Challenge Yourself on the Vernal Falls Trail
Most
average visitors to Yosemite are not going to scale half dome, so
instead, try a challenging hike, like the one up to Vernal Falls. The
Vernal Falls Footbridge trail is listed as a moderate hike, but the
entire first mile is all vertical, and I do mean vertical. Going down
is not bad unless you have bad knees like myself, then you'll wish
you were still going uphill instead. It is a gorgeous hike with a
rewarding view, so if you are up to it, take this hike when you
visit.
3.
Stroll Through Mariposa Grove
This
grove of giant sequoia trees is located just South of Wawona at the
southernmost end of the park. We were staying in Wawona so it was a
short drive for us, but if you are staying elsewhere in the park, it
is worth the trek. You can park at the Wawona store and take a
Yosemite bus to the grove if parking in that area is full.
This is my 10 year old laying on the stump of a giant sequoia, it gives you an idea of their size!
At
the grove, you can walk a trail to see trees that are hundreds of
years old and towering up to 19 stories in the air, like the famed
Grizzly, that is taller than the Statue of Liberty. Kids will love
the sheer size of the trees, and if you walk past the Grizzly, crowds
significantly clear out, and it appears you have the forest to
yourself.
4.
Drive to Glacier Point
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If
you leave Yosemite Valley headed to the South end of the park, you
will see the turnoff for Glacier Point. If you have some time to
spare, take the drive through this twisting turning pass all the way
to Glacier Point. There are plenty of pull-offs and meadow trails
along the way that are worth a stop too, but Glacier Point provides
an exceptional view of Yosemite Valley, half dome, thundering water
falls and so much more!
5.
Explore Nature
Not
all of the best things in Yosemite are huge attractions. One of our
best memories of our visit there was when we took a detour to a small
creek that runs along the Bridal Veil Falls trail. The kids played in
that creek for at least an hour while I let my feet dangle in the
cold crystal clear water. Peaceful and enjoyable places like that
lurk all over Yosemite.
The
meadows strewn throughout the park are a great place to catch a
glimpse of wildlife, enjoy a peaceful stroll or even catch a
different angle of a popular attraction in the park. If you dare to
brave the chilly water, there are different spots where you can take
a dip too.
Yosemite
is a beautiful and historic national park. Since it was dedicated by
Abraham Lincoln in 1864, people have been coming from near and far to
explore and enjoy its natural wonders. While the Valley is very
touristy, there is plenty to see, explore and enjoy when you venture
to other areas of this vast park. I would plan at least a week to
truly enjoy what this park has to offer when you plan your visit.
Have
you been to Yosemite? What was your favorite sight?
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