Logbook: One Day in Yosemite
A heavy weather high!
Continuing on our national park weekend after paying a visit to the sequoias, it was time for Kirk and I to see Yosemite— for me, for the first time.
In the wee hours of the morning, we woke to the sound of heavy rain pounding against the car. Don’t get me wrong— we are sun-chasers through and through. But luckily our inner Seattleites come in clutch sometimes; a little rain and cold weren’t going to stop us.
We had left Sequoia with another storm on our tail, and it being March, seasonal closures were still in effect. So our expectations were a little different for Yosemite. We’d have to get there and see what we could make of it. And if all else failed? We were in for a cozy, scenic drive through one of the most beautiful parks in the country.
So, with a tempered but undeniable stoke, we continued on, unknowingly into what would become one of our favorite days.
Getting There
After much debate between Highway 140 and the 41 the night before, we decided on taking the southern entrance in and riding Wawona Road all the way to the Valley. It wasn’t long before this deep forested road lead us to Tunnel View— our gateway to Yosemite.
What We Did
Fog at Tunnel View
So it wasn’t the jaw dropping, crisp outlined peaks that its known for. Rather on this day, we exited Tunnel View to a totally fogged valley. A slight outline of El Capitan occasionally broke through, as did Bridalveil Fall. Though it was misty, I could still feel the vastness that lay before me. I’m only more excited for what I get to see next time on a clear day!
Bridalveil Fall
Bridalveil Fall— an elegant, sweeping 620 foot waterfall— appears after Tunnel View. It’s a short, wet walk to the viewpoint. I can confirm the NPS website description that Bridalveil indeed “thunders” in the spring. Standing there, umbrella and all, getting drenched in rain and mist, was invigorating! It was a pleasant walk to stretch our legs before the Valley.
Breakfast at Cook’s Meadow
It was soon time for breakfast, so we pulled off of Sentinel Drive at the intersection of Cook’s Meadow Loop and Valley Footpath. Looking across the muted, fog-laden cliffsides and falls— it was something mystical. There was the meadow, the trees, and then there were the mountains— simply levitating off the earth, with the Lower and Upper falls pouring out of them. It was truly one of the most serene views I’ve witnessed. Honestly, I think my yogurt and blueberries even tasted better here.
Coffee at Curry Village
We continued our drive through the beautiful winding roads of the parkWhen big powdery snowflakes began to fall, we took a pitstop at the historic Curry Village. Over warm coffee we chatted a bit with the baristas for trail recommendations in this weather. While limited, there seemed to be pretty good access to boardwalks, and partial trails. Mirror Lake was open, as was part of Vernal Falls!
The Great Search for the Welcome Center
I have one bone to pick with this park and one bone only— the signage. Or maybe it’s just us… no it’s definitely the signs.
Somewhere along Northside Drive, the signage for the Welcome Center disappears. Turning onto Village Drive, we found the— very closed— Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. Turns out Village Drive also winds around to the Yosemite Valley Welcome Center! We started to feel a little crazy going around and around trying to find the right location. The good news is we pretty much belly-laughed our way through at how poorly our navigating was going. Hopefully you all have had an easier time!
Anyways, once we finally landed on it, we made up for lost time waiting out the snow and filing through the bookshelves. From John Muir, to Native American history, female pioneers of Yosemite, to climbing guides, and junior ranger wildlife guides.
Without realizing, we had successfully waiting out the snow! At least, for the time being.
A quick note: Don’t sleep on the visitor/welcome center of a national park! It’s such a fun part of the experience and learning about where you are. Not to mention the souvenirs are pretty dope. We love browsing patches, post cards, and enamel pins. This is a great resource to chat with rangers and gain insight on park conditions, history, and what-not.
Lower Yosemite Falls
Now that we had a weather-window, it was time to get back outside! We wanted a view of the Lower Falls that we had seen from a distance at breakfast. It’s a quick walk from the lot to the bridge and viewing section. Yet again, we were doused in mist and an amazing sight.
Vernal Falls
The waterfall craving didn’t end there! We had time before dark for one more excursion. This time, we wanted to hit the trail. Because of closures, we had limited options, obviously. But part of Vernal Falls was open!
Our lively and musical shuttle driver, Anthony, drove us to the trailhead for Vernal Falls, where we had one of the most magical hikes.
Through deep snow we trekked the uphill trail. The way was wooded and partially paved, with cliffside views. The final stretch is slightly more treacherous— requiring steady, careful steps. There’s a railing to the side as the trail narrows and steps become steep. At the top we were met with an incredible view of the falls pouring over a sheer, smooth cliff. The snow began to fall softly, and we built a couple little snowmen there.
Weather Watch
By the end time we were back from Vernal and stuffed with pizza from the cafeteria, we were in the midst of yet another snow-front. Now it was after dark, and time to head home.
Checking the road conditions we discovered that over the course of our dinner the road we came in on— Wawona— had already closed. Kirk debated putting chains on the car, but after a while decided against it, as no other closures were reported and we were heading out via El Portal Road. I’m so thankful we left when we did, because the next morning I awoke to see we had apparently missed a major rockslide that shut down part of Highway 140 by just an hour!
This was a true “go with the flow” day, and I’m so happy we did it! We could have easily looked at the forecast, decided there wouldn’t be enough for us to do, and turned around. But we went in the rain and snow, saw the most incredible views, had some of the best laughs, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Yosemite traced in snow is a wonderland. It only makes me more excited to see the park in other seasons!
If you’re thinking of visiting Yosemite in the spring, know that you’re in for some shifty weather. But for the most part, roads are very well maintained and there is so much to see and do other than major hikes. Between our trip to Sequoia and Yosemite, it felt amazing to slow down the pace and focus on the scenery and experience of being in these beautiful places. It wasn’t about conquering the craziest hikes and views. Just being together and appreciating what nature had for us was enough!
That being said, we did decide we just couldn’t stay away. Stay tuned for one more day in Yosemite!