Starting my vacation from San Francisco, I finally made it to Point Reyes National Seashore and then stopped in Columbia, California before reaching Yosemite.  Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountain range and only four hours from downtown San Francisco, I was excited to see for myself the beauty of Yosemite so eloquently described by John Muir.

Entering the park from the west, I couldn’t help but notice fire damage to the trees, leaving them wrangled and charred.  I was surprised to learn from the park ranger that the fire was actually healthy for the forest to allow for growth of new vegetation.  While it can take a few years for this to happen, there are so many positive effects of contained fires in the park.

Traveling further into the forest, the hues of green grew stronger and the views more spectacular from the outlooks.  Soon I would be facing massive sequoias, expansive granite cliffs and towering waterfalls within the park.

Looking closely at the granite cliffs, I noticed a stratification of fractures on the face of the spectacular bluffs.  It amazed me to think that people from all over the world would come here to climb these rocks and I could only imagine the high they must feel to reach the top.  With its scenic beauty and challenging physical activities, It is no surprise that approximately 3.5 million visitors visit Yosemite each year.

Yosemite Valley is the most visited area of the park and is open all year around.  Measuring 7 miles long and only 1 mile in width, it is home to Bridleveil Falls, Yosemite Falls and Half Dome, the parks most distinctive rock formation.

While Yosemite is famous for its dramatic waterfalls and granite peaks, I was hoping for  a little trickle of water during the mid-October fall.  I was pleasantly surprised as I parked the car and started my trek towards Bridalveil Falls, to see the water coming down as waterfalls run strong during the spring and summer months.  Usually dried up by the fall season, I was thrilled with the 620 foot trickle as well as the tranquility of this amazing place.

The fall season brings cooler weather and in some cases snow.  Fortunately, the days were sunny and warm, and with the help of a below freezing sleeping bag, I was  able to sleep comfortably during the cold nights.

The park was quite easy to navigate and there are seven designated areas:  Yosemite Valley, Wawona, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Glacier Point, Tioga Road, Toulumne Meadows and Hetch Hetchy.  The park covers approximately 750,000 acres and is about the size of the state of Rhode Island.  With over 800 miles of hiking trails, it is the perfect location for backpackers and birdwatchers. An abundance of wildlife make their home in the park and I was so happy to see a buck along the side of the road.

In the distance, the view of El Capitan was breathtaking as it stands close to 3,500 feet tall.  With a permit, visitors can climb up to the top of this gargantuan mound of granite.  The beauty of this place inspired famed photographer Ansel Adams, capturing spectacular photos of the area.  I was so happy to be experiencing the majesty of this beautiful space first hand.

Half Dome, looming in the distance is a hiker’s paradise at 8, 842 feet and requires a permit to hike.  There are a limited number of passes that are distributed and can be collected at the visitor’s center.

The sun was beginning to set and I would be staying the night in a canvas tent in Curry Village.  The sunset seemed so much more brilliant here in Yosemite with colors of orange and pink illuminating from the clouds.

And as I humbly reflected on the sights I had seen on my first day at Yosemite, I could not have said it as brilliantly as John Muir.  “As long as I live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing.  I’ll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm and the avalanche.  I’ll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens and get as near the heart of the world as I can.”

Have you had the opportunity to explore Yosemite National Park?  What fascinated you most about your visit?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message about your visit in the comments section below.

Yosemite is located in northern California in the Sierra Nevada.  For more information about Yosemite National Park, you can visit their website at https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm.