Yosemite was as beautiful as we had heard! Giant granite cliffs, lush meadows, and tumbling waterfalls! We found out this was the best time of the year to visit, since the falls are at their fullest due to the melting snow. Later in the season the falls slow down quite a bit, sometimes to a trickle. We spent 3 days in the park, and it was a challenge to see everything because of the winding, narrow roads, construction, and "crowds", which seemed to be the main obstacle! It is estimated Yosemite receives 3 1/2 million visitors a year, 2 million more than Sequoia/King's Canyon! We discovered you had to get there early to find parking, use the park shuttle system (especially at Yosemite Valley), and leave early afternoon when the roads become really congested! Despite the inconvenience, Yosemite was truly breath-taking to see!
Our first day, we drove up to the north entrance of the park and traveled Tioga Road. This road is closed during the winter, because of heavy snows, and there was still snow on the ground during our visit. The scenery was fantastic, and at one point we were at an elevation of 8000 ft! At the end of the road was Tuolumme Meadows, the largest Alpine meadow in the park. Along the way we saw a few bears which is always thrilling! After that, we headed for Yosemite Valley in the central area of the park, but couldn't find parking, so we could only glimpse at some of the wonders while we were driving!
The second day, we decided to explore the southern area of the park. We got there early, and found a parking space at the Wawona Visitor Center and hopped a shuttle to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Once there, we took an open-air tram ride, which went around the entire grove. The grove was so beautiful and peaceful. We never got tired of looking at those huge trees! Lunch was at the Wawona Hotel, which has been in operation since the 1850's. We sat on the huge veranda, enjoyed our meal, and thought about all the people who had preceded us there. Next to the hotel, was a historical village, where original buildings, cabins, and wagons in the park had been moved for preservation. A wet- glass photography set-up was portrayed. Looked like that would have been a really labor intensive way to take pictures. Think we will stick with our digital camera!
Our third day in the park, we devised a game plan to see Yosemite Valley, including Yosemite Village. We went on a Sunday, since there was no road construction that day, and we were in the park by 7am! On our way we drove to Glacier Point, which probably was our favorite place in the park! We were at an elevation of over 7700 ft and had an incredible view of "El Capitan", a steep granite cliff, "Half-Dome", a huge cleved rounded- top granite rock, and the upper and lower Yosemite Falls! You could look down into Yosemite Valley, and the people and cars looked like ants! Our extra bonus at Glacier Point, was we were able to witness a few brave people hang-gliding right in front of us into the Valley! Wow!! We never were sure where they landed! Upon entering Yosemite Valley is "Tunnel View", a beautiful meadow, with El Capitan, Half-Dome, and Bridal Veil Falls as a backdrop. Another spectacular view! After exploring the Valley, we ended our day with a walk to Lower Yosemite Falls. What a sight up close!!!!!
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