Yosemite National Park, one of the finest places in America.
Located in central California on the western edge of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. In 1984 it was designated as a World Heritage Site. Yosemite is internationally recognized for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, giant sequoia groves, lakes, mountains, meadows and glaciers.
Yosemite has one of the highest concentrations of waterfalls in the country. Numerous sheer drops, glacial steps and hanging valleys in the park provide many places for waterfalls to exist, especially during the summer months. Yosemite Falls, in the Yosemite Valley is the highest waterfall in North America, at 2425 feet (739 meters). Ribbon Falls and Bridalveil Falls are also must see’s while visiting the park.
Hikers paradise!
Yosemite National Park has over 800 miles of trails, suitable for all fitness levels! One of the most prestigious being the summit of Half Dome. A strenuous 16 mile round trip hike with nearly 5000 feet of elevation gain. If thats not enough, the most famous section is the last 400 feet ascending the cables! Two permanent lines allowing hikers to summit without climbing equipment! If you’re up for the challenge be sure to plan ahead and enter your name into the lottery beforehand, only 300 permits are issued daily.
The main reason I was drawn to Yosemite, El Cap!
Formerly known as El Capitan
A massive granite monolith rising roughly 3000 ft from the bottom of Yosemite Valley. The vertical granite face is popular amongst climbers and there are many routes to the summit. However all of them require ropes and the proper climbing equipment.
Unless, you’re Alex Honnold!
On June 3rd, 2017 Alex successfully Free Soloed, El Capitan! Meaning, he climbed the entire granite face from top to bottom using absolutely no equipment! No ropes! No harness! Nothing but his body and mind! One mistake equals certain death! It took him 3 hours 56 minutes to make the summit. To put that into perspective, climbers using ropes and harnesses often spend two days climbing to the top (using those scary tents hanging off the side of the granite).
I would argue Alex’s performance on El Cap is of the most incredible athletic achievements ever made. In my books he is right up there with Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, and their first ascent of Mount Everest in 1953.
I cant think of many other athletes who have risked such drastic consequences to accomplish something so seemingly impossible.
El Capitan towering about the Yosemite Valley!
If you haven’t seen Free Solo, the documentary about his journey. Go watch it now!
I was at a loss of words gazing up at the giant formation. Completely unable to fathom how he pulled it off as I took a few last pictures of the sun lighting up the indistinguishable granite face.
What else does Yosemite have to offer?
More than you can imagine! Glacier point is a noteworthy look out point, accessible by car, if you are short on time like we were. Tunnel View can also be reached by car and is a must see! For those who have more time, Yosemite National Park also offers white water rafting, mountain biking, nature tours and much more!
Being that the park is only a few hours from San Fransisco and Los Angeles it can get crowded during the summer months. Especially on weekends and holidays. If you’re there on Forth of July, expect full campgrounds, traffic jams, and lots of people on the trails. On the bright side, this is probably the least likely time you will be attacked by a bear. Unless, of course, you’re the slowest person on the trail, if you’re worried about that head over to the fitness page : )
Yosemite had a record breaking 5 million visitors in 2016! This isn’t necessarily a bad thing though, the park definitely offers a much wider variety of activities than most of the others. The guide book they gave us at the entrance was filled with heaps of things to do. Unlike at North Cascades National Park, where there wasn’t a guide book to be found.
If you’re ever in California…
You’d be crazy not to at least spend the day exploring Yosemite. Regardless of the crowds the pristine beauty of this place is astounding.
“Yosemite changed my perception of human limits”
As we drove out of the park I realized I had changed. After staring up at El Cap, thinking about Alex’s accomplishment, my perception of human limits was completely flipped upside down. I left the park, with the realization that we as humans have few, if any limitations! The ones we do are often imaginary limits we place on ourselves.
People like Alex, have made it clear that anything is possible, if you’re crazy enough to take on the challenge!
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I haven’t checked in here for a while because I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are good quality so I guess I’ll add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
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