If you’re looking to marvel at some awe-inspiring nature and take the most picture-worthy shots in all of California (and arguably in all of the United States), your cheatsheet is undoubtedly, Yosemite. Not only will you be greeted with scenes that will take your breath away, but you’ll also have the chance to walk away with some of the most beautiful photos you have ever taken.
Yosemite is not your stop-and-go destination. First off, there’s no way you will be ready to leave within just a few hours or one day. Entering the park is already a journey in itself, so if you go to Yosemite, make sure to go with the full intent of staying for a bit. At least for a couple days. Secondly, you’ll have to make reservations. Especially during the summer when the campsites at Yosemite are normally booked.
My Favorite Waterfall Spots
Yosemite is so big and has an endless amount of beauty to offer. However, I am a huge fan of moving water. And if you don’t exactly have the time or energy to try to make a 16 hour hike up to the top of Half Dome, here are my top recommended waterfalls that are perfect for the wanderlust-seeking adventurist in you:
1. Bridalveil Falls
Bridalveil Falls is possibly the most magical waterfall you’ll visit in Yosemite. There will be a short concrete path that will lead up a few-minute walk before it ends. At this point, you can either enjoy the falls from a distance, or start climbing up the boulders to get as close as you can. The following picture was taken much further up the treck, just a little distance from the falls. At this point, the droplets of cool water that kiss you as you make your way up is nothing short of heaven.
The closer you get, the stronger you feel the wind of it’s power. The light drizzles become a magnificent forceful rain that will bring a smile to your face as you dare to get closer and closer to this great force of nature. The picture shown below is only a small portion of the waterfall, and those rocks in the distance are actually massive boulders.
If you decide to make it all the way up to the wall, you will be dwarfed by its massive cliff. The following picture was taken adjacent to the waterfall that was further over to the left. Here I am, as I feel a heavenly stream of water run through my fingers.
2. Lower Yosemeti Falls
Lower Yosemite Falls is another majestic wonder. The first glimpse of this fall will captivate you. Again, you will be lead to a bridge where you can either enjoy its beauty from afar, or make a treck up to the real deal. As with Bridalveil, you’ll have to maneuver through massive rocks to get to the ultimate prize.
3. The Base of Upper Yosemite Falls
Unlike Bridalveil and Lower Yosemite Falls, it is a little harder to get to the base of Upper Yosemite Falls. The trail is very much well known and offers views of the falls, but it does not actually lead you to the base of the waterfall. This is what makes it so special and offers a chance for you to find your own secluded piece of heaven. About an hour up the trail, keep a look out for this secret little entrance (note the red arrow).
It will be on your right hand side towards the direction of the waterfall as the hike takes you through a series of switchbacks (when the trail switches back and forth in a zig zag motion). The entrance is where the log is shown. However, I don’t know whether someone has moved the log since my visit, so I would suggest referencing the surrounding trees and rocks.
After you make your way through the shrubbery, you will get to a magnificent clearing where the waterfall comes into view, along with half dome in the distance towards the other direction. Most likely, there will be no one in site. Just you and the beautiful spectacle that lies ahead of you.
From there, it will be a treck once again to get past the multitude of boulders if you want to make it to the very base of the falls. Make sure to go carefully and at your own discretion, as it is more dangerous than the norm. Don’t forget to look for visual markings that help you get back onto the trail!
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