The other weekend sort of on the spur of the moment I decided to drive up to Yosemite from LA where I live for a quick getaway. A bit crazy you might say to do a 5 hour drive one way for such a short trip, but in the end it was all worth it. I have been wanting to see some more snow before spring gets warmer and looking at my calendar I thought I should just go or else I might have to wait till winter to be in the snow again.
So Friday night, after work I headed up there, spending the night in El Portal, the next best choice to Yosemite Village which is already fully booked for the warm season. El Portal is only about 10 miles from Yosemite Village and much more affordable, plus the drive into the national park is gorgeous, especially now in spring with the wildflowers in full bloom and the pastures bright green.
The plan was to do some serious hiking on Saturday, but in the end I found myself too tired and spent my time walking around the valley floor and to the waterfalls which are close by, Bridalveil and Yosemite Falls.
It’s important to listen to our bodies and be flexible I think, otherwise what’s supposed to be fun and relaxing turns into a painful ordeal. Those hikes will have to wait.
Here’s what you can do on the valley floor if you want to get away to Yosemite but you are too tired for long, strenuous hikes or they’re simply not your thing:
• Walk or bike the loop trail around the Merced River
• Stop by Sentinel Bridge for a great view of Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls
• Picnic on the great lawn west of the visitor center, you’ll have an unbeatable 360 view of the famous peaks, Half Dome, Sentinel Peak, El Capitan.
• Walk to Lower Yosemite Falls
• Walk, bike or drive to Bridalveil Falls
• If you are up for a slightly longer walk, but easy since it’s flat, go to Mirror Lake
• Drive to Tunnel View, if you’ve never been before it’s a must stop.
The above is a light itinerary for a couple of days, doable by any healthy person no matter what age; strollers are ok too since the trails on the valley floor are either paved or in very good condition.
The National Park system celebrates its centennial this year so there are special programs at various times; if you are interested in attending those you should look into it at www.nps.gov, at the park of your choice.
Yosemite it great to visit right now, I’d say it’s probably at its prettiest, so head on out there before the summer heat and crowds arrive!
