We stared, speechless, as the waterfall sliced down the layered rock, choppy like fine-grained powdered sugar. As the water crashed into the rocks below, a cool mist nibbled at our bare arms.

This past weekend, fifty or so of my dorm-mates and I ventured to Yosemite to learn about water conservation. Prior to departing campus, we attended an educational lecture about the Hetch-Hetchy dam, and once we arrived at the campsite we were encouraged to hike and to explore. A few friends and I eventually settled on hiking to upper Yosemite Falls, a 6-8 hour hike with over 100 steep switchbacks.

As someone who would definitely not call myself an experienced hiker, I was mildly concerned about my wavering fitness and my slippery tennis shoes. Fortunately, the group I was with did not care as much about quickly reaching the top of the waterfall as they did about taking the time to rest on obscure rocks by the trail, dip heads in streams, examine foreign tree species, and pose for photo shoots. In short, we took the time to enjoy nature and each other.

I was a bit antsy initially; I didn’t want us to be trapped on the mountain after dark with no light. For better or for worse, a few people had cell phone service and determined the sunset would be at 7:20 PM, giving us plenty of time to get back.

But, only on the downhill trek of the hike was I able to fully appreciate the nature around me. I stepped down rocks as I listened to the soothing waterfall, and submerged my hands in the cold streams to relieve my bloated fingers (the others did the same; the change in altitude trapped fluid in our hands because of constricting blood vessels).

And it was simply magical. I focused, thought clearly and appreciated alone time. I felt invigorated by the sound and mist of the waterfall, and I rekindled a nature-adoring streak I didn’t even know I possessed. And now, I know I need to spend more time basking in the beauty of the outdoors, because nature truly is incredible.