CALIFORNIA

Half Dome, Little Yosemite Valley, Liberty Cap, Vernal and Nevada Falls from Washburn Point

Entering Yosemite National Park from the South, my first glimpse of Yosemite Valley was at Washburn Point, which required very little walking from the parking lot. Standing at Washburn Point, I was at awe looking at how the single stretch of uplifted granite that runs from North to South about 400 miles long of the Sierra Nevada ( Spanish for Snowy Range ) had been marvelously sculpted. Perhaps, I had been so overwhelmed by the sight in front of me that my mind went blank at that time. I was at a loss how and where to take pictures. After several minutes of taking the magnificent vista in front of me, slowly I followed the crowd who seemed to be enjoying their time clicking away.

Vernal and Nevada Falls from Washburn Point

The two waterfalls I featured in my earlier posts, Vernal and Nevada, could be viewed from Washburn Point. I think this is the best viewpoint for the two waterfalls without hiking.

Vernal Fall from Washburn Point

It is too far though to even hear the power of this two waterfalls and to really experience them. Three quarters of a mile from Washburn Point is the Glacier Point. 

Half Dome from Glacier Point

Here at Glacier Point, one can see how the granites of the Sierra were sculpted by water and glaciers forming scenic wonders such as Yosemite Valley. Hard to believe that this scenic wonder lay underneath the sea 500 million years ago. Perhaps, the most famous landmark in Yosemite is Half Dome.

Half Dome

Is there another half dome in the other side of the valley? The answer is no, since the other landmark facing Half Dome is North Dome, which is a full dome, not another half dome.

North Dome and Half Dome Facing Each Other

Half Dome is an example of exfoliation, a type of weathering that peels off in sheets rather than grain by grain. Another popular feature at Glacier Point not to be missed is the Overhanging Cliff.

Overhanging Cliff with Yosemite Falls from Glacier Point

You can find this looking Northwest from Glacier Point, kind of facing the Yosemite Falls.

Overhanging Cliff with Yosemite Falls from Glacier Point

The Overhanging Cliff was a popular photo ops before (people stood right at the edge of the cliff or even did stunts while taking photos) , but thankfully, it is now off limits for the safety of everyone.

Nevada Fall

Distance: 7 miles

Elevation Gain: 2000 ft

Trail: Mist Trail

Trailhead: at Happy Isles, Shuttle Stop 16.

Difficulty: Moderate Bordering Strenuous

The first part of the Mist Trail is to Vernal Fall. From the top of Vernal Fall, you can continue upstream for 1.5 miles to reach the top of Nevada Fall.

Liberty Cap and Emerald Pool

A few yards from the top of Vernal Fall is Emerald Pool and your first sight of Liberty Cap. The water at Emerald Pool looks very inviting, but getting into the water is not allowed since this is still a fast moving section of river and the danger of being swept over Vernal Fall. Sadly, a few hikers who felt hot and tired after reaching the top of Vernal Fall cooled off and swam in the river were plunged to their deaths over Vernal Falls. Nature can look calm at times, but its forces can be unforgiving if we under-estimate them, so heed the warning signs carefully to always stay safe.

Silver Apron

A short distance beyond Emerald Pool is a pretty cascade called the Silver Apron. There were several people resting and picnicking in the river bank of this area, but again, entering the water is strictly prohibited due to the submerged rocks in Emerald Pool and the danger of being swept to your death over Vernal Fall. The trail then crosses a footbridge to the north side of the valley and moves away from the river. It passes through a cool forested area which climbs steadily. Then, the sight of Nevada Fall comes into view through a gap in the trees.

Nevada Falls

Soon after, the forested trail disappears and you will climb steadily on a steep and exposed rocky slope. Some parts of the trail meanders on exposed ridges of the cliff, but wide and safe enough to maneuver.

Nevada Falls

The exposed cliff ridges on the trail can look intimidating for some, but again, there were no reported deaths along the trail at Yosemite, but there are in the river! Rivers may not show their heights, but we don’t under-estimate its forces and the submerged rocks in it.

Power of Nevada Fall

After reaching the top of the zigzagging trail, you cross the John Muir Trail. There are restrooms at the top on the left, but to the top of Nevada Fall, you will turn right. Heading right from the top will lead you to a river,

River @ the top of the Trail

and the trail goes a little bit downhill. A welcome relief from all the uphill climb. The view from the top of Nevada Fall is really gorgeous, worth your every sweat! There are massive granite cliffs,

from the top of Nevada Fall, with my cousin in the picture

the Merced River and the Nevada Fall itself,

Nevada Fall from the Top

Half Dome, Liberty Cap and Nevada Fall from John Muir trail

and the glacial features of Liberty Cap and Half Dome. What made staying at the top more special was listening at the roaring thunder produced by the falling water of Nevada Fall and looking at the waterfall from the top. Thankfully, they have rails to allow people to look down on the waterfall, watching the waterfall from the top was scary yet amazing. The last picture above was taken from John Muir trail, which was the trail we took on our way back to the trailhead at Happy Isles.

For more hiking choices in Yosemite:

http://www.yosemitehikes.com

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/valleyhikes.htm

http://blog.burnerphotography.com/2008/03/trail-recomendation-young-and-dog-lakes.html