Yosemite National Park, CA
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On December 29, 2014, my mother and I visited Yosemite National Park on our way to San Diego, California. This was the first time either one of us had been to Yosemite and I am glad we had the opportunity to experience this beautiful place together.
My mother is originally from southern California and moved to Washington state in 1980. Shortly after moving there the state celebrated her arrival with the eruption of Mount St. Helens. A few years later I was born and graced the state of Washington with my presence up until the year 2000. |
Growing up, my mother and I took several road trips from Washington to California, Oregon, and Idaho to visit family. Those were tips I did with her from a young age to my late teens and they would happen somewhat frequently. Following me moving away shortly after Y2K until this trip to Yosemite, it had been over 14 years since we had taken a road trip together, so it was nice to get back on the road again.
We had both driven near Yosemite several times in the past, but never stopped. We did not want another trip to happen where we just passed it up. Neither one of us knew when we would have the opportunity to see it again. I was also excited to see this area during the winter. Most of the pictures I had seen of Yosemite before this were during the summer, so it was neat to see it in a different light.
We had both driven near Yosemite several times in the past, but never stopped. We did not want another trip to happen where we just passed it up. Neither one of us knew when we would have the opportunity to see it again. I was also excited to see this area during the winter. Most of the pictures I had seen of Yosemite before this were during the summer, so it was neat to see it in a different light.
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Before even entering the park, we both were amazed at the beauty of the area leading in. The weather that day was cool and clear, which allowed us to see far past the valley and into the surrounding hills.
We were traveling east on New Priest Grade Rd (120) near the Moccasin Reservoir. As we climbed in elevation and cut through the landscape, the views became even more breathtaking. It seemed like every few turns I was pulling off the road to take pictures. The scenery was amazingly distracting. I think I only looked at the road four times during that drive. How we did not fall off of a cliff is a miracle. I think at one point I might have even yelled YOLO! |
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We took our time driving to Yosemite, stopping for fuel and snacks along the way. After several hours on the road, we finally made it to our destination. As we approached the Yosemite National Park gate, our eagerness to see Half Dome and the rest of the park set in. We were screaming profanities and high-fiving! Ok, maybe not profanities, but you get the point, we were freaking excited!
A brief detour down the road of history. Yellowstone National Park is considered the first U.S. National Park upon it being signed into law in 1872. However, the Yosemite area was the first time land was set aside with the intent of preservation. This was known as the Yosemite Grant which was signed by President Abraham Lincoln on June 30, 1864. Although the Yosemite Grant predates Yellowstone by almost a decade, it did not officially receive the National Park designation until October 1, 1890. Therefore, Yellowstone holds that distinguished title while Yosemite technically is the third oldest National Park in the United States.
A brief detour down the road of history. Yellowstone National Park is considered the first U.S. National Park upon it being signed into law in 1872. However, the Yosemite area was the first time land was set aside with the intent of preservation. This was known as the Yosemite Grant which was signed by President Abraham Lincoln on June 30, 1864. Although the Yosemite Grant predates Yellowstone by almost a decade, it did not officially receive the National Park designation until October 1, 1890. Therefore, Yellowstone holds that distinguished title while Yosemite technically is the third oldest National Park in the United States.
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Yosemite falls in the top twenty largest national parks by size within the United States. On average, Yosemite has approximately 4 million visitors a year. Due to that number, Yosemite typically holds a top five spot on the list of most visited National Parks in the nation.
Year round, there is always something to see and do here. One of the most iconic parts of Yosemite is known as Half Dome. The majority of pictures you see from here have Half Dome in them along with the surround granite cliffs. This picturesque scene normally uses the Yosemite Valley as the backdrop. It is an impressive site to see on film, but much better in person. |
As majestic as Half Dome is, there is much more to Yosemite than just that. Of course the best time to take advantage of all the outdoor activities is spring to autumn. Naturally, that time period also has an increase in visitors, thus making the park a little more crowded. Luckily, Yosemite is approximately 761,266 acres so the possibility of having certain places to yourself is still there, even during peak tourist times.
Here is a list of other sites to see around the area.
This is just a short list. If you are an experienced climber or an avid hiker with plenty of time, you could spend days exploring this area.
Here is a list of other sites to see around the area.
- Glacier Point
- El Capitan
- Yosemite Falls
- Mariposa Grove
- Tunnel View
- Bridalveil Falls
- Cathedral Peak
This is just a short list. If you are an experienced climber or an avid hiker with plenty of time, you could spend days exploring this area.
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While my mom and I were there we decided to stop off and see Bridalveil Falls, which has a hight of approximately 617 feet (188 meters). Unfortunately, it was more of a walk than my mom felt like doing, so I continued on and did the exploring for both of us.
When I reached the base of the falls I observed it was almost completely frozen over. There was a small amount of water flowing down, but for the most part it was all ice which was a neat sight to see. |
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The sounds of masive sections of heavy ice falling from Bridalveil Falls echoed loudly throughout the valley. It was a somewhat eerie noise. You would hear the slow crack of ice and depending on the hight, a faint whistle as it fell to the earth followed by a thunderous boom as it crashed onto the large rocks below.
We spent all day in the park. If you're an outdoors kind of person, this is the place for you. Because of the time of year, the crowds were small and the traffic within the park was light, but one of the biggest befits was the fact that the outhouses did not stink as bad! It was a little cold, but not too bad in my opinion. I would like to go back again during the summer and do some hiking and camping.
We spent all day in the park. If you're an outdoors kind of person, this is the place for you. Because of the time of year, the crowds were small and the traffic within the park was light, but one of the biggest befits was the fact that the outhouses did not stink as bad! It was a little cold, but not too bad in my opinion. I would like to go back again during the summer and do some hiking and camping.
On our way out of the park, we stopped off at a gift shop where I ran into a couple that had a very nicely built FJ. We talked for several minutes about the park and of course, our rigs. My mother and I both had a great time there and I am very thankful she was able to make the trip with me. I think the best part of the day for me is when Mommy Baker and I had our picture taken together with Half Dome in the background.
If you have never seen Yosemite, but have wanted to, please do yourself a favor and go. You won't regret it.
A piece of advice though, bring extra batteries and memory cards for your camera. I ran out of batteries and was at the point where I was sketching everything I saw. #imnoartist
If you have never seen Yosemite, but have wanted to, please do yourself a favor and go. You won't regret it.
A piece of advice though, bring extra batteries and memory cards for your camera. I ran out of batteries and was at the point where I was sketching everything I saw. #imnoartist
- For more information on the U.S. National Park System and its history, read our article by clicking here: United States National Parks.
- To learn more about Yosemite, visit the National Park Services website by click here: Yosemite National Park
Just because this story is finished, does not mean the adventure is. We have additional content down below, along with an interactive comment section at the bottom of the page. Feel free to stay with us a little longer and continue your journey through Yosemite National Park!
Sources: NPS.gov | Wikipedia.org | Budgettravel.com | ilovenationalparks.org | Worldatlas.com
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*Papa.Bravo.Fourteen Road Trip, 2014*
