Oct. 6 – Yosemite National Park

Curry Village

"Travel as much as you can. As far as you can. As long as you can. Life’s not meant to be lived in one place." – Unknown

One of the most popular hikes in Yosemite takes you up to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall where the Merced River "stairsteps" toward the valley floor (Mist Trail). The two falls flow all year with peak flows in May and June. The trail to Vernal Fall isn't that long, only 2.4 miles around trip, but it climbs 1000 feet from the trailhead at Happy Isles to the top of The fall. The last few hundred meters are 600 stairs cut into the cliffside. We didn’t do the hike all the way to Nevada Fall, but did follow the river about ½ mile up the canyon before making our way to the trailhead. We had lunch near the river with a wonderful view of Liberty Cap. 

This is Yosemite's signature hike. While many of Yosemite's trails are popular due to having a single spectacular destination, the Mist Trail has fabulous views scattered all along the way, beginning at the bridge overlook, progressing to two unforgettable waterfalls that fall a combined total of more than 900 feet, and incredible views of Liberty Cap, Mt. Broderick and Grizzly Peak. 

The trail started out nice and easy

View on the way up

These pictures were taken yesterday from Glacier Point

Nice bathrooms at the base of the falls...before the real climb began

Going up!

Views of the fall about half way up

The last climb to the top

Views of the trail from the top

We made it

Lunch view

Emerald Pond above Vernal Fall

Mt. Broderick and Liberty Cap

On the trail to Nevada Fall - Liberty Cap

On our way down