The last time we were here the kids were pretty young. The girls were both getting the royal ride in hiker kid carriers which was awesome for them but distance-limiting for the adults who had to haul them like pack mules. Needless to say, there are a few classic Yosemite hikes we could not manage. The Mist Trail was one of them.
This time around is different so we are tackling the tougher climbs and the trail to see these falls is considered one of those Yosemite experiences everyone should place at the top of their list. The Mist Trail goes to Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls, but even if you only make it to the first big bridge viewpoint it's impressive. And steep. It is paved for a long way but this deal is not ADA approved. In fact, coming back down it was so hard I wished for legs with engine braking.
Even now, which is technically off-season, this trail is crowded. This time around is different so we are tackling the tougher climbs and the trail to see these falls is considered one of those Yosemite experiences everyone should place at the top of their list. The Mist Trail goes to Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls, but even if you only make it to the first big bridge viewpoint it's impressive. And steep. It is paved for a long way but this deal is not ADA approved. In fact, coming back down it was so hard I wished for legs with engine braking.
On the second half of the hike you realize how this trail got its name. We somehow missed the warning in our guide book that said a poncho or rain jacket might be in order. We kept seeing people coming down all wet. The only way to stay dry is to just stay on the valley floor. I might have better photos had I thought it was worth sacrificing my camera.
Looking down from Vernal Falls.
The view from the top was incredible, but due to time we did not continue all the way to the top of Nevada Falls. Yosemite is home to a lot of really great falls. If you are really into waterfalls and cascades you could stay busy here for a couple of weeks.
Bridalveil Fall, my personal favorite
Bridalveil after sunset
Yosemite Falls (and it can't get up)
Yosemite Falls, a view of the Upper Falls and the Lower.
In a few days we head up to Tioga Pass and the Tuolumne Meadows area. From atop Sentinel Dome this afternoon I looked east and glimpsed a few other cascades and waterfalls that await us. This park is so full of amazing things to stare at. I can turn in any direction and find something that could hold my rapt attention for hours.
-Jenni
-Jenni