A Day with Yosemite's Falls

California

Yosemite National Park - Day 4

Seeing Bridalveil Fall Through John Muir's Eyes

We were early birds again in Yosemite National Park and became two of around four to five million people who travel to Yosemite National Park each year to see the majestic Bridalveil Fall plunging 620 feet down the south wall of Yosemite Valley. We were there at the right time, early in the morning, with hardly another visitor.

However, we might not have been in the right season because Bridalveil Fall is at its most powerful in spring and early summer, its water covering parts of the trail. We did not have that experience in October. Apparently, John Muir must have visited Bridalveil Fall later in the season because he eloquently described the movement of the falling water as we observed it.

Entering the Valley, gazing overwhelmed with the multitude of grand objects about us, perhaps the first to fix our attention will be the Bridal Veil, a beautiful waterfall on our right. Its brow, where it first leaps free from the cliff, is about 900 feet above us; and as it sways and sings in the wind, clad in gauzy, sun-sifted spray, half falling, half floating, it seems infinitely gentle and fine; but the hymns it sings tell the solemn fateful power hidden beneath its soft clothing. ― John Muir

Pushed to My Limits Up @ Yosemite Falls Trail

We also hiked the famous Yosemite Falls Trail, the trail that leads to the top of the highest falls in North America. I am fit and in good shape; I walk and hike about 140 miles per month on average. However, this hike pushed me almost over my limit.

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First, the climb was steep! In about 4 miles, I climbed 2700 feet! Second, there was hardly a moment of relief for my legs and calves while hiking; the trail was an uneven, stepping-stone staircase with many switchbacks to the top. Third, as I went down, I still had to watch every step because the rocks with loose gravel made the trail slippery. It made the track even more challenging.

However, during our breaks and at the top, I was rewarded with magnificent views of Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and a curious squirrel with camouflage fur colors perfectly adapted to its rocky environment.

Captivating Tunnel View, Crowded Chaos

Tunnel View, A Grand Finale, But Not Our Favorite View Our long day at Yosemite ended with a final stop at Tunnel View on our way home. It’s the spot for that ideal Yosemite Valley panorama picture, with El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall all in one frame. Yet, despite the beautiful scene, the chaotic parking lot and crowds reminded me that I prefer to learn about Yosemite’s beauty on the quiet, empty hiking trails.