Just A Day Trip So Far.
Hiking and enjoying Yosemite deserves more than one day, all I could manage was a day trip. I still loved it hands down though. Yosemite has been my favorite National Park since my parents started visiting when I was a kid. It is still my favorite today and I try to go as much as I can, which hasn’t been as much as I’ve wanted yet. With how busy and time consuming my life is, I still try to find time for me and my joy. I was so excited to be able to squeeze in a day trip (3 hours away) to Yosemite with one of my good friends. We drove out there, and by we, I drove out there! The weather was perfect, not terribly hot with a slight breeze. There were however a bunch of tourists! I forgot that it was one of the last weekends that school was out, none the less we still enjoyed Yosemite. But beware, traffic and parking can definitely test your patience a bit. When we pulled up to the park entrance I asked about the military annual pass and I ended up receiving one right on the spot! If you want to learn more about it, look no further! Click Here! Driving through the park I had forgotten just how massive and beautiful it was. Mountains everywhere, the Merced river that runs through, just the sheer magnitude of nature’s beauty that it took my breath away. Along the way to Yosemite Village we stopped in the many turnoffs for all the pictures. We finally found a parking spot way down the ways but it was ok because everything was still beautiful to look at. Since we were just doing a short day trip we decided the best option was to hike Lower Yosemite Falls. It is a short loop about 1 mile give or take that gets you right up and personal with the falls.
Trail markers help lead the way!
This is one of my favorite spots because you are literally right there with the falls. After we spent some time taking all the pictures, having a water break and eating some snacks we decided to go to Yosemite Village. There we found a table in the shade and ate our lunch, kind of relaxing before we would set off for the store and Ansel Adam’s Gallery. The store is pretty cool. You can find all your groceries and supplies there along with your souvenirs you would want to take back with you. Below are just a few photos that I took over the day. (Sharpening my photography skills). We ended the day with the relaxing walk back to the truck, before it started getting dark. I can not wait to go again and either camp or stay at one of the lodges there! Stay tuned for more adventures in the future! Happy hiking my nature lovers!
The Ansel Adam’s Gallery
Ansel Adams was a photographer and environmentalist he was born in San Francisco, California in 1902. He was a true protector of Yosemite and became famous for his amazing work. In Yosemite Village he has his own gallery there. The Ansel Adam’s Gallery is a must visit if you have a love for nature and photography.
Camping and Lodging
If you want to make more than just a day trip out of Yosemite, have no fear there are some options to choose from! From tent camping, to fixed tent camping, cabins and lodges there are options for every adventurer out there! Make sure to book in advance and which season you want to visit in. The seasons definitely vary there especially from Spring and Winter. All seasons are a must visit. For me, winter is probably my favorite though! Down below I have a list of a few known camping and lodging for Yosemite.
“In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration.”
― Ansel Adams
Katie Writes 