Vernal & Nevada Falls

At the Vernal Falls trailhead we survey the many options.

We decide to skip the two-hundred eleven mile hike to Mount Whitney for today, but set our modest sights on
Nevada Falls with a stop at Vernal along the way. The hike up to Nevada is apparently 2,900 feet elevation gain.

It isn't long before we get a nice peek at Vernal Falls from a distance.

On the approach clouds of mist begin to swirl in the air.


Watch your step!

Into the mist they disappear.

After rounding the corner, we're greeted by some vivid rainbows!

Double Rainbow all the way!!

It was pretty sweet to watch Gretchen hike through the rainbow.

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With sights like this one, it's clear why the Mist Trail up to Vernal Falls is popular.

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View from atop Vernal Falls.

I spy on the procession of fellow hikers making their way up the Mist Trail.

Nevada Falls

Most hikers double-back after reaching the top of Vernal Falls, but we were
happy to continue on ahead to Nevada Falls.

Occasional glimpses like this one foreshadow the presence of a great waterfall up ahead.

We power through a slew of switchbacks as Nevada rages on overhead.

Finally atop Nevada Falls, a breathtaking view straight down as water endlessly tumbles into the valley.

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A view from a bridge looking straight ahead over the top of Nevada Falls.

I enjoy watching countless gallons of water furiously rush below my feet and disappear off the cliff side.

Looking back at Nevada Falls.

That is A LOT of water.

The John Muir trail back down offered plenty of great views of Nevada Falls and the valley below.


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Playtime!!


Half Dome from behind.

Sentinel Dome

Although the hike up to this point wasn't anything special, the view at the top certainly was.

A spectacular 360-degree view of Yosemite.

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This is also where Ansel Adams' famous Jeffrey Pine tree can be seen.

Half Dome in profile

That thing is just freaking huge.

A look back down at Vernal and Nevada Falls, a pretty sweet sight
knowing we hiked that very stretch earlier in the day.

Close-up of the two falls.

As the sun begins to set the valley's shadow engulfs the Mist Trail.

Sunset at Glacier Point

I mix up some tasty cocktails for the sunset.

Cheers to awesome!

The valley falls under shadow.

All eyes are on Half Dome as it slips below the day's last rays of sunlight.


The view from here might actually be nicer at dusk.

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Yep, there's still plenty of water pouring
down Yosemite falls.

A nice sweeping view at dusk down into Yosemite Valley.

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