Yosemite - Nevada Falls (more of a hike report)

My dad was only able to get three days off and that is definitely not enough to fully enjoy Yosemite, but three days is better than none. Also, I notice a lot of people bringing their bikes. Sure you can't ride most of the trails, but there was a good trail system through the valley and much easier to get around than a car. If we camp here next time, I'll bringing a bike.









This was just the beginning of the steps. Past the first falls were a million more. The quads were hurting.













I would have loved to go to Half Dome, but Pops has bad feet/knees. Nevada Falls was about the limit. I also want to come back and take the tram to Glacier Point and hike back down to the valley.









We got up to the top of Nevada Falls and there was a trio of goddesses sunbathing in their sports bras next to the lagoon here. Didn't want to be obvious and take a pic, but it sure was a nice reward for the long climb.





We took the back way down to avoid the steep steps. It seemed like forever going down and might have even hurt more.





Finally, if you are in Oakhurst stop by Todd's BBQ. Great grub.

 

Looks like a gorgeous summer up there. Been far too long since I spent any time in the valley.

Thanks for the TR!

 

Half Dome requires a permit now - gotta get it months in advance.
As far as the missing scenery shot, I'm sure if you worked at it, you coulda made it happen.
"Oh, let me get a pic of that rock over there"

 

We did the same route as you, up vernal falls then the back way on the way down, when we did half dome a few years ago. There are a quite a few more rock carved steps up half dome, some of the tallest steps are on half dome. My knee went out right before the cables. Had to use my walking poles like a cane and wrapped my knee up tight with a hackerchief to get back down. I thought I was going to need help to get out, but I just limped all the way back.


Thanks for bringing back some great memories. I love Yosemite, would like to hike from Yosemite to Mammoth via John Muir Trail someday.

 

You should of had your dad stand near the "scenery" and pretended you were snapping a few photos of him.

 

Bikes are not allowed on dirt trails in Yo-semite. The valley has a nice loop for roadies, the traffic is slow and you are king. It is a funtastic loop. Normally I bring me Kayak, and me mtn bike. We float the Merced and then I ride back to the truck, drive the valley drop bike, pick up boat, off-again, again, and sometimes again. It takes 2 hours if you paddle the entire time. Slow river, incredible setting.

 

We're going in August. I've only done Vernal up and down the granite steps. They're pretty gnar. When we went last year, they had posters up of the people who had gone over and were missing. At the time, they couldn't say they were dead as they had no bodies. They were found about a month after were were there. Even so, stupid types were posing for pics over the rails and on the edges of sheer drops. This year might attempt the whole Vernal/Nevada loop. Thanks for your post.

 

Thanks for photos and memories. I've been to the top of Half dome twice and the first time I spent the night on top (they used to allow it). That was an incredible experience.

 

Technically you only need a permit to get up the cables; not to be on Half Dome per se. This is a fairly pointless distinction for most, but has at least meant limited impact for rock climbers.

 

Great photos, HtP!

 

nice pics, thanks a great place to get away

 

I just got back from there 3 hours ago and did the same hike. It's all well worth it. It is surprising to see how many people were hiking the trail unprepared.