Yosemite: Where the Rainbows are

Breathtaking, serene, awe-inspiring, are just a few ways to describe the astonishing beauty of Yosemite Valley. Rivers, lakes, mountain views and and of course waterfalls, Yosemite has it all. Which is why I am deeming this The Best Trip I Have Ever Taken.

Dates Visited: June 2nd - June 8th, 2024

Where to stay:

Reservations:

If you plan to camp in Yosemite Valley, you will need a campsite reservation well in Advance.

I stayed at Housekeeping Camp, which requires a reservation 1 year in advance.

Luckily there are plenty of other campsites in the valley , however, most are completely full so be sure to plan ahead.

Have a little extra to spend? Then stay at the Ahwahnee Hotel for an luxurious stay.

You will need a reservation to enter Yosemite Valley. Parking reservations are $35 and can be purchased here.

How to get around:

Biking:

The best (and in my opinion the most fun) way to get around the valley is by bicycle! Every major sites is just a short bike ride away. I spent all of my evenings just biking around the many trails Yosemite has to offer. Taking in the views from the bottom was just as beautiful from the top.

Shuttle:

Yosemite Valley offer a free shuttle that stops at each of the major stops, including Lower Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Village and Bridalveil Falls.

Car:

The less recommend route as parking can be pain, however there is some parking available if you are patient or early.

Hiking:

My personal favorite: Vernal and Nevada Fall Via Mist Trail

Length: 6.8mi Elevation Gain: 2,208ft Average time: 4hr 10min Difficulty: Hard

Overview: This trail features two incredible waterfalls Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls. This trail is not nearly as hard the the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail. It will take you longer than 4hrs because you will be taking so many pictures. If you are in shape, personally I would say this is a moderate trail. I would definitely do this hike again! 10/10

This trail can be divided in 3 parts.

1st part: Is on black top at a steep incline.

2nd part: Is on wet granite stairs (featured above).

Tip: I got completely SOAKED. Depending on what time of the year you visit be sure to bring a rain jacket. I would also recommend putting your phone in a Ziplock baggies or waterproof case so you can take pictures without worry! The granite is more slippery than it looks so wear good shoes!

Hiking to Vernal Falls was the highlight of my trip. Everywhere you look there are rainbows formed in the mist. Everything is green and lush. If you start early enough the sun will be behind the mountain and creates a different view then in the middle of the day. Both are beautiful!

After you climb the stairs with help of a hand rail, you reach Vernal Falls which is the widest fall in Yosemite. A little further down is Emerald pool where in the drier months you can swim but when I visited it was flowing too much to get in! This is a great place to stop for a snack and dry off.

3rd Part: leads you to the top of Nevada Falls. This part is steps but it is dry. Once you reach the top you are literally on the edge of the mountain! Thank goodness there's a handrail. You'll be up close and personal with the Liberty Cap. We stopped to have lunch and enjoy the views.

Note: We did not do the Mist trail loop due to a rockslide on the other side. So from Nevada Falls we headed back down the way we came. But normally you would continue the loop.

Most Scenic: Illilouette Falls via Panorama Trail

Length: 5.2mi Elevation Gain: 1,430ft Average time: 3hr     Difficulty: Moderate

Overview: Walk on top of the world on the Panorama Trail. The trail starts at Glacier point which is about an hour drive from Yosemite Valley. Parking can be a pain so get there early. You will have unobstructed views of the entire valley for the whole hike.

The entire Panorama trail continues to the top of Nevada Falls but I only did to Illilouette Falls and back. This trail is all downhill first, then all uphill on the way back. Even though this is rated as moderate hike, remember that this hike is 4,000 feet above the valley which can make it much harder! This hike is in the sun most of the way but there were plenty of streams to soak my shirt in and take rest stops.

If you still want to take in some of the views but don't have time to do this hike?

See Glacier Point Trail below.

Most Iconic: Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

Length: 6.6mi Elevation Gain: 3,254ft Average time: 5hr 21min     Difficulty: Hard

Overview: Climbing the top of the tallest waterfall in North America is no small feat! I would rate this trail VERY hard. Bring more water than you think you need! We began this hike at 9:30am and did not get back to camp until 4:00pm with an hour lunch at the top.

This beautiful hike begins with switchbacks uphill. Then it will be pretty straight for a while. About halfway through the hike you will reach Oh my Gosh Point. I think the last 1/4 of of the trail after this point is the hardest part of the hike. You are no longer in the shade and climbing still. Which is why Oh My Gosh Point can be great point to reach and turn back. This is where you will get the best views of the waterfall anyway!

If you choose to continue, you will face more switch backs with steps, but once you make it to the top you will need to sit and rest for a while! We took an hour and ate lunch at the top with views of the valley feeling accomplished.

Tip: I would recommend bringing hiking poles for the way down, I did not have any and my hips were sore from coming back down the trail due to the many steps.

Easy Trails:

A must do: Lower Yosemite Falls Trail

Length: 1.2mi Elevation Gain: 55ft Average time: 24min     Difficulty: Easy

Overview: This trail is a leisurely walk. We rode our bikes from the campsite.

This trail leads you the bottom of Yosemite Falls. You might get a little wet depending on the time of year you visit. There is nothing like being so close to such a powerful force of nature. It truly is amazing. When you first experience don't be surprised if you get teary-eyed at the site.

This is a great option for families as it is paved the entire way. (But knowing me you know I had to scale some rocks to get a little closer to the falls!) My family told me that sometimes there is a pool of water at the bottom, but when I visited you couldn't get that close due to sheer force of the fall.

We visited these falls twice, the second time we just rode my bike right up to the falls.

Best Views: Glacier Point Trail

Length: 0.5mi Elevation Gain: 49ft Average time: 12min     Difficulty: Easy

Overview: This trail is about an hour drive from the Valley. On your way up, be sure to stop at Washburn Point. I had less trouble parking here than at Glacier point.

This is best place to see views of the entire valley. This is just a walk on top of the world. A few different hikes connect here including, 4 mile Trail, Panorama trail. Be sure to bring your patience when it comes to parking. This is a very popular spot. There are bathrooms and a gift store here where many were enjoying some ice cream.

Another Waterfall: Bridalveil Fall Trail

Length: 0.8mi Elevation Gain: 114ft Average time: 21min     Difficulty: Easy

Overview: Another family friendly option!

These falls were tricky to get a photo of because of all the mist falling on me! The picture featured above is far away, but you will get right up to the bottom of this on a wood walkway. This is a paved trail with many flowing streams and shade. Another gorgeous fall, it is magical to feel the mist on your skin. I even saw a proposal here!

I would recommend biking to this fall if you as it can take a while to get a parking spot.

Hike or Chill: Mirror Lake Loop

Length: 5mi Elevation Gain: 301ft Average time: 1hr 44min     Difficulty: Easy

Overview: Walk the trail or sit on the beach.

Personally I choose to chill on the beach at Mirror Lake. The cold water makes you feel alive! This is a perfect spot for a picnic. If the water is high enough you can even jump of the rock featured in the photo above. Caution: the current was pushing me even here! Although, sometimes the water level is so low you can walk out to the rock.

Bonus Hike: Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Trail

Length: 6.7mi Elevation Gain: 1,217ft Average time: 3hr 12min    Difficulty: Moderate

Overview: Home of the 24th largest tree in the world!

Mariposa grove is about an hour drive from Yosemite valley. Be sure to visit either on your way in or out the valley. I only walked to Grizzley Giant. A 2,690 year old sequoia. You will take a shuttle from the parking lot into the grove. Inside the grove is so peaceful and quiet. To share in the marvel over the size of these giant trees with other visitors is a special experience. Being in this place makes you feel so small.

Other Hikes:

Here's a few other hikes I wanted to do but did have time to do!

Of course: Half Dome

Length: 16.5mi Elevation Gain: 5,305ft Average time:  ?   Difficulty: HARD

Permits Required: You will need a permit to do the part of the hike on the cables of half dome. You can however, hike up to the base without a permit. This would start as the mist trail and take you past vernal and Nevada falls. They only give a certain amount of permits and there is a lottery system for permits.

On the Way: Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop

Length: 5.1mi Elevation Gain: 1,105ft Average time: 2hr 38min    Difficulty: Moderate

I so wanted to do this one! It was between this one or Panorama as they are both on Glacier point road. It is a moderate hike with incredible views similar to the Panorama trial.

Extra: Union Point via Four Mile Trail

Length: 6.4mi Elevation Gain: 2,388ft Average time: 4hr 21min    Difficulty: Hard

Listen, I don't know where they got the "4 mile" from but I started this hike from the bottom heading toward Union Point but decided to turn back because it was all uphill switchbacks with no end in sight and I was getting blisters. Don't get wrong it was beautiful with views of Yosemite falls since your on the opposite canyon wall. But since I didn't have my handy dandy moleskin with me, and it was the first day I decided to turn back. You can take four mile all the way to Glacier point if your feeling ambitious.

Closing: I hope everyone gets the opportunity to experience the beauty of Yosemite. I left a part of my heart there. I have not been able to stop dreaming of going back.

The valley calls to me. A place where the falls are never ending and the mountains are tall. The place where the Rainbows are.