Oct. 7 - Last Day in Yosemite

"We must take adventures, in order to know where we truly belong." – Unknown

Today was our last day in Yosemite. We had a nice breakfast at the Dining Pavilion and then packed up and spent our last morning taking in the wonderful views of the park from the north road. We had two great days of hiking and saw the highlights that Yosemite has to offer. We’d like to come back, maybe next time we can come in the spring when there is water in the falls.

In 1864 President Abraham Lincoln declared Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias a public trust of California. This marked the first time the U.S. government protected land for public enjoyment and it laid the foundation for the establishment of the national and state park systems. It became a national park in 1890. The park became a World Heritage Site in 1984.

The spectacular scenery was largely created from glacial activity 2 to 3 million years ago. The scraping of ice over the landscape produced the many waterfalls, U-shaped canyons and the iconic mountain. Rock falls, some triggered by earthquakes, others perhaps by water seepage turning into ice have also helped shape the area. The winding path of the Merced River has helped to carve out the valley floor.

Yosemite Facts:

• Yosemite Falls at 2,425 feet, nearly half a mile, is the tallest waterfall in North America. When it peaks in May, Yosemite Falls shakes the ground. 
• Bridalveil Fall, while thundering in May, grows gentle later in the year, waving in the breeze like a veil.
• Yosemite Valley is seven miles long and a half-mile wide.  
• Yosemite covers 747,956 acres and is known for its waterfalls, giant granite cliffs and stunning sequoias.
• There are 840 miles of trails to hike in Yosemite National Park.
• The mountains located in Yosemite still grow about one foot every 1,000 years. 
• Half Dome is 8,842 feet high. It is the youngest peak in Yosemite.
• El Capitan, which has a 3,300-foot rock face, is the largest visible block of granite in the world.
• Highest peak is Mt. Lyell at 13,114 feet.
• 20% of California's 7,000 plant species are found within Yosemite.
• There are 500 giant sequoias in Yosemite, which can live up to 3,000 years. 

Cathedral Rock

Yosemite Falls - The dark line on the cliff (middle of the photo) is where the water should be running.

El Capitan at 3000 feet above the Valley floor is the largest monolith of granite in the world.

Cathedral Rock and the Merced River

Valley View of El Capitan and Merced River from Northside Drive

Valley View of El Capitan, Cathedral Rock, Merced River on our way out of the park

Yosemite Valley and Bridalveil Fall from Big Oak Road with the Merced River trickling down the middle