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Yosemite Falls (lower level)

Address: Yosemite Village, CA 95389 (near Yosemite Valley Lodge)

The Yosemite Falls is the most popular and most visited falls at Yosemite National Park. It is formed by creeks tumbling into the Yosemite Valley into the Merced River down below. The water comes from the snow that is above 6,000 feet during winter, creating a reservoir of water. Yosemite Falls is 2,435 feet from the top to the base and the highest falls at Yosemite National Park. The Yosemite Falls is composed of three waterfalls or drops which are the top, middle and bottom falls. The waterfall is at its peak flow in May and the water flowing through the falls usually stops in late summer and fall.

We drove for about 5 hours from San Francisco via US-140 El Portal to Yosemite National Park entrance. We stayed for two days at Yosemite Valley Lodge which is inside the park and about a 10-15 minutes walk to the base of Yosemite Falls. There were a lot of visual signs leading to the upper and lower falls. There is a public restroom available onsite and a shuttle bus stop #6 situated in front of the park. But the Yosemite National Park shuttle bus is currently not in service due to Covid-19 safety restrictions. There were a lot of people wearing masks but it is challenging to practice social distancing due to a large crowd.

When we arrived at the entrance we immediately took a picture of the beautiful Yosemite Falls with the three waterfalls or drops which are visible from a far. When we got to the base or viewing point area of the Yosemite Falls we were mesmerized by the Majestic beauty and the very loud roar from the waterfalls. The view area was crowded with lots of people wearing masks, posing, and taking pictures but it was very challenging to practice social distancing due to large crowds. We took a family picture on the bridge with the Yosemite Falls as our background. Some people were considerate, taking turns in taking a picture.

After the bridge, we merged to the left and proceeded towards the base of the waterfalls to get a closer look and feel the water mist from the bottom of the falls. We had to go through a lot of huge, wet, and slippery granite rocks. We were just wearing regular running shoes which made us slipped through some rocks. We forgot to change into our hiking boots which is highly recommended when going through the slippery rocks to prevent slips and falls. As we got closer to the falls we heard the deafening loud noise from the falls, saw a beautiful rainbow, and was soaked from the water mist coming from the waterfalls. We took lots of pictures and videos closer to the Majestic and beautiful Yosemite Falls.

Overall it was a great experience for us to experience again. It is my daughter’s first experience of visiting Yosemite Falls with all the waterfalls flowing. We also saw a lot of people with their smaller/younger kids on a stroller as the trail is paved and easy.

Tips: Ensure that you pack lots of bottled water to stay hydrated, wear hiking shoes especially when you want to get closer to the bottom of the falls to prevent slips and falls. Wear a waterproof jacket to minimize getting soak and to keep you warm as the weather is unpredictable. Bring a sanitizer to clean your hands after holding on to the slippery rocks, and a small cloth to wipe yourself from the strong mist. Always remember safety first and don’t do anything unsafe or beyond your comfort level. We even pack a first aid kit just in case of an emergency.

Let me know if you have any questions, comments or what you think about Yosemite Falls (lower falls) after your visit in the comments below. And kindly share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.

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Mist Trail in Yosemite (Vernal Falls)

Address: Yosemite Valley, Ca. 95389 (Trailhead starts near Curry Village)

The hike to the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls is the signature hike at Yosemite National Park. The hike from the entrance to the first bridge overlook of Vernal falls is about 0.8 miles one way (400 ft. gain) with a combination of a paved and dirt trail but a very steep and challenging trail. The hike to Vernal falls via the mist trail is about 2.4 miles roundtrip with a gain of 1,000 ft and to Nevada falls is 5.4 miles roundtrip with a gain of 2,000 ft. You have to go through 600 slippery, wet, narrow granite rocky steps to the top of the Falls. The best time to visit is during the waterfall peak season from April -June to experience the effect of the mist from the waterfalls. President Barack Obama visited the bridge with the first glimpse of the Vernal Falls in 2016.

We arrived at the dirt and rocky parking area near the entrance to the Mist Trail at around 9 a.m. We changed into our hiking shoes as the trail will be rocky, steep, and slippery. We packed bottled water, ponchos, energy bars, and a hiking pole. The parking area is near Curry Village and the Happy Isle shuttle bus stop #16. We had to pass through a bridge and made a right to the entrance of the Mist Trail. From the entrance, we hiked on a 0.8 miles very steep paved and dirt trail that leads to the first bridge with the first site or glimpse of the Vernal Falls. We had to stop consistently and rested through our ascend as we gasped for air and water break. We took a few family pictures along the way through the trail with a gorgeous view of the mountains and the rivers below. The view from the bridge of Vernal Falls is very fascinating and beautiful. There is also a water fountain refill station at the bridge that wasn’t available that day but the public restrooms were open.

From the bridge, we then proceeded to hike another 0.5 miles on a very steep trail to the beginning of the Mist Trail. After a few minutes, we arrived on a split trail, the left side will lead to the Mist Trail and the right side will lead to the John Muir Trail Loop via the Clark Pointcut off which is a few miles longer than the Mist Trail and it will also lead to the top of Vernal Falls. We proceeded to take the famous Mist Trail which was a very steep and narrow path. When we arrived at the Mist trail, there were a lot of people climbing through the granite steps. The view of the beautiful Vernal Falls, the loud roaring sound of the falls, the wet and slippery granite steps was picturesque and intimidating. We already felt the strong water mist coming from the falls at the bottom of the granite steps. We slowly ascended up through the narrow, wet, and rocky granite steps with our hearts beating quickly as we are very cautious. We took some great pictures and a short break on some areas on the stairs. We only made it to about 30% of the climb (600 steps total up to the top) and we decided to descend back as the steps are so slippery, too many people going on both ways, too much water mist and we were scared of the height. It took us about 3 1/2 hours roundtrip since we have to stop a lot to take pictures, rest to drink water, and eat snacks.

Overall, it was one memorable challenging hiking experience. The struggle, challenge, uphill descent, sore muscles, and fear of heights were all worth it. The view of the Vernal Falls, the loud roar of the falls, and the scary wet, narrow granite steps is one experience that we will never forget. There were a lot of families with little kids also climbing through the Mist Trail. We will come back again in the future to go all the way on top of Vernal falls and be well prepared for the challenge.

Tips: Make sure that you bring lots of water, snacks such as energy bars, poncho as you will get soaking wet, wear good reliable hiking boots to prevent ankle sprains or slips, a First Aid Kit, and hiking poles. Don’t do anything unsafe and out of your comfort level. There were a few deaths relating to people slipping or falling in the river and ending up getting carried over by the strong current. Safety first in mind and wear your masks, social distancing is hard to implement on the granite steps as they are very narrow and people go up and down on both ways. And not all steps have guard rails on the side so all you would see is the bottom of the cliff.

Let me know if you have any questions or comment on what you think about the Mist Trail after your visit in the comments below. And kindly share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.