One of my goals is to visit all national parks in America while studying and working here. Last year I went to Joshua tree national park (Blog post about the trip: http://tasteofthebear.com/photo-journal-joshua-tree-national-park/ ) This spring, my friends and I had an epic trip to Yosemite.
As usual, I was appointed to be the planner of the trip. I booked House Keeping Camp (more like a tent) for 2 nights. I was a bit down since I couldn’t book the real camp site. If you plan on camping at Yosemite, you should book the camp site 6 months in advance to secure your spot.
The first morning in Yosemite, we were so disappointed when it was showering early in the morning, then decided to head to the strenuous Mist trail and hike all the way up to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall despite the slippery footing and steep rocky stairway. The towering granite, the majestic pine forest, and the rushing Merced river had a completely different look all covered in mist and waterfall spray.
Mist trail – Vernal Fall – Nevada Fall
Normally, the trail is closed in winter due to heavy snow. We was so lucky the trail has just re-opened several weeks before we had arrived. As you may know, California falls have been drought for so long, but this spring, the water is back thanks to the high volume rainfall and precipitation this year.
Merced River was rushing along over the rocks
It started raining so hard as we hiked closer to Vernal fall
My friend can pose whenever I point my phone at her
The steam from waterfall and the cloud (as we went higher) made me feel like I was walking on the clouds
The ice is melting slowly, flowing toward the rocks as a tiny stream falling down from the mountain top
unique and breathtaking view
This reminds me of Twilight
Tips:
- Bring raincoat when hiking on Mist trail
- Pack snacks and protein bars
- Go early in the morning to avoid tourist crowds
- Bring some trash bags as there is no trash cans on the trail
- Never let bad weather daunt you from exploring
See more pictures on my Instagram:
