Yosemite Valley view from look out point.
Yosemite National Park, is referred to as "the incomparable valley" and with over 1200 square miles of wilderness and 800 miles worth of hiking trails you can imagine the solitude and immensity of this preserved natural wonder.
There are really two ways to see Yosemite, by car in the happy valley and meadows and the villages of Curry and Yosemite, or the involved process of climbing and hiking the trails. Most people are content with the first mode of sight seeing, which I recommend to families with small children and elderly family members- but here I will focus on hiking half dome.
Like any trip, I suggest a certain degree of preparation. Plan a weekend retreat. There is a park entrance fee, but by purchasing a National Park pass, will allow access to all National parks in the US. Plan to avoid critical weekends- Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Memorial Day- ideally your weekend visit should be before or after these weekends which is still during peak season- May to September.
Also plan for California weather, I personally prefer visiting after Labor day weekend, where the weather is slightly cool yet warm, the snow has largely melted- which might make the falls less spectacular possibly dry, but in my opinion, it does not take away from the beauty of the park.
A simple itinerary I suggest is to arrive early Friday evening, get situated and well rested. Saturday should be the physically intensive day of the trip. Sunday, should be a late start with a short visit or stop to a part of the park for “drive by” sight seeing, with departure depending on the drive back. There are various variations of activities; the following is what I suggest for those visiting the park for the first time.
Accommodations range, but I suggest the cheapest and most efficient is to set up a tent at one of the numerous camp sites. Make sure you reserve your camping spot in advance. Also if camping, I advise arriving early enough to set up your tents while there is light out, so plan your drive to the park accordingly on Friday.
Looking for more comfort then a tent can offer? Then there are alternatives which include lodging in the park as well as several outside lodges, bed and breakfasts, hotels and motels on the outskirts of the park- but remember that entrance fee. Peak seasons require you to have a two day minimum stay and advance booking.
Call for quotes before finalizing a place but remember to something based on minimum requirements of your family and an idea of the planned activities, because there is one gas station at the entrance of the park with miles of one way highways and steep inclines. After settling down, visit Yosemite Valley and enjoy the sunset and stars but head back to get your rest since Saturday will be a physically challenging day.
Being the main day of the trip, I suggest the hike to Half Dome. This hike is strenuous, and I suggest people who are physically fit should attempt the full climb. I have seen kids as young as eight years climb to the top and people who are elderly also. The hike is long (17 miles roundtrip), steep (close to 5000 foot elevation gain from where you begin to the top), and high in altitude (8842 feet from sea level).
Fit hikers take 8 hours to make the round trip; less fit and experienced hikers can take up to 12 hours. The trip is ideally a day trip goal should be to make the downhill trip before sunset, and your goal should be to make it to the peak no later then 3 PM.
Sign Posts ENCOURAGE or Discourage you along the way.
The first starts off as a very innocent walk in the park especially as you go up to Vernal Falls on Happy Isles trail along the east bank of the Merced River. You will get an inkling of what lies ahead- ie, the distance the water is tumbling down is only half the distance to the top of where you have to. At this point you will find water and restrooms. You will find many casual walking for this first mile of the trail. The second part are the staircases, a series of switchbacks scaling the majority of the first elevation rise close to a four mile hike taking you up 2000 feet in elevation, on the John Muir and Mist Trails. This will take you up to Vernal Falls and provide you a breath taking view of the shear canyon rock walls and Nevada Falls.
Nevada Falls and Half Dome in view from trail.
The top of the second part of the trail is a break where you have a spectacular view of half dome, the Nevada falls and a beautiful rest area Take your shoes off, soak them in the river, sun bath and eat some trail mix and if time- pray. If there is a large crowd at the top of Nevada falls, you can proceed to the next part which is a short hike past the rest rooms. There are several spots along the river where you can rest and enjoy the water.
Meadows along the Merced River line the path circling around the back of Half Dome.
The fourth part of the trip will be behind half dome, which is not spectacular but the last two miles will be rocky switchbacks through a forested spiraling route taking you up to half dome. At this point the altitude starts to bother people- shortness of breath, feeling dizzy- take your time and rest in order to acclimate to the altitude. When you are in view of half dome, you have made it to the final, fifth part of the accent to half dome, and from this point on I can not speak from experience because I did not make it past this point- being physically fit is crucial but when you have muscle cramps it is a painful struggle.
There is half a mile more of hiking, of which the last quarter is more of a climb. I highly recommend making it up to this point no later then 230pm, and in fact you should try to make it to the top of half dome by 1pm. After a series of small switchbacks, you will reach the base of half dome, where you will wait for your turn to use the cables. These infamous cables are used to the 45 degree steep granite dome.
Half Dome and the infamous CABLES....
I found it easy to park at Curry village and take the bus to the Happy Isle Trail head where the Half Dome hike begins. Remember that the free shuttle service ends at 10PM, so you don’t want to arrive no later then that from the top. For gear, I suggest bringing plenty of water- a camelback pack is a good investment- trail mix and Gatorade. Also have good sturdy hiking boots, but worn in protective sneakers will do for the one time hike up- however your downhill trip will be painful for your ankles. Bring a pair of sturdy gloves, because the last quarter mile requires that you hold onto a cable. People have left gloves at the base of the dome to use, but brining your own might be more sanitary. Finally, bring a flashlight just incase your decent is after sunset.
Finally, after hiking all day, you might want to take advantage of eating out. For twelve dollars you can enjoy a variety of food at the Buffet Cafeteria at Curry Village, or a pizza. There is a grocery store located at Yosemite village, but the cafeteria is a good way to wind down after a hard day of hiking in the sun. Also for campers, there are shared showers you can use at Curry Village located at the rear of the Cafeteria, but use at your risk- bring a LARGE towel, slippers, and your own soap, and try not to touch anything you don’t need to touch.
For Sunday, I suggest visiting some of the sight seeing spots or leisurely hikes or the Ansel Adams Museum, most of which you can drive to. There are numerous places you can visit. Also to get an idea of the beauty of the park, the Gene Autry Museum is holding an exhibit Yosemite: Art of an American Icon from September 2006 to January 2007.
For links, more inside information and other places of interest at Yosemite, or to get general questions addressed please visit my blog at http://muslimtravelguide.blogspot.com/.
Camping ground reservations:
http://reservations.nps.gov
Park lodges:
http://www.yosemitepark.com/Accommodations.aspx
Park info:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/
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