“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity” – John Muir
This month, I got to go home for spring break, which meant 10 days of sunshine and hiking for this trippy hippie in beautiful California. During my visit, I was able to experience the most iconic National Park in the country, Yosemite. Let me tell you that two days and a night was not enough, and I long to go back already. The park is awe-inspiring and soul enriching, from Half Dome to Bridalveil fall every crevice is enchanting. There are tons of trails to explore as well as back country camping, museums and millions of places to enjoy a good book or paint a masterpiece.
While I was there I explored two of trails available: Mirror Lake and Upper Yosemite Falls. Mirror Lake is a year-round trail with its peak hiking in spring. This past year has been exceptional in terms of precipitation, finally dragging California out of their five year drought and showcased the magnificence of the temporary deep green lake.
The trail is two miles hiking to the lake and five miles around the perimeter through the surrounding forest. This is a mild trail, and I would highly recommend it to those seeking a chance to stretch before taking on some of the more strenuous hikes offered. The surrounding scenery on the route is stunning, dotted with miniature rapids and dappled shade from the giant trees above. Mirror Lake offers a spectacular photo opt of the surrounding granite cliffs in the open field halfway through your hike.
After hiking the perimeter of the seasonal lake, I would recommend a trip to the visitors center and beyond that the lower Yosemite Falls trail. From here you can stand and glimpse up at the base of the tallest waterfall in the United States. There is a significant temperature drop so wear an extra layer and be prepared to get misted!
After spending the night in the Upper Pines campground and a morning trip to the museum, I repacked and hit the Upper Yosemite Falls trail with my lovely aunt and uncle.
This is listed as a strenuous hike, and it was true to the name. Hiking to the top of the falls takes eight hours and is a continuous gain in elevation with a series of switch backs, water crossings and steep inclines. In the summer there is little shade to provide protection so be sure to wear and reapply sunscreen in addition to sunglasses, hats and proper clothing. Dehydration is common on the trail, and there have been fatalities so pack plenty of water! Personally, I would recommend bringing at least two liters (this usually fills up the water pouch hiker packs), and bring protein-enriched snacks or fruit to keep you going.
Because of the excessive levels of precipitation the park received during the winter, we were only able to hike to Yosemite Point (as continuing meant potentially sliding off the mountain altogether, and I was wearing running shoes at the time). Still, the views along this hike are phenomenal.
After being totally exhausted from the five hours we spend on the trail, it was time to pack up the car and hit the road. We had a day of recuperation, repacked and immediately headed for Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Park the following morning.
If you have the means to get yourself to Yosemite, please take me with you. It truly was the best hike of my life and should be experienced by every hiker, even if it's just once. As always, take only photos, leave only memories, practice safe hiking and take in all nature has to offer.