Yosemite Valley

It is hard to put in to words the beauty and grandeur of this place. The ascending granite walls etched by powerful waterfalls and dotted with towering pines, is just inspiring. I love this place, and I really do believe that nature helps us think outside of ourselves. Especially in a place that's constantly reminding you to look up and around you. I am very grateful there were so many people who fought to protect this area. 

We were able to spend a week in Yosemite. We got lucky and we were able to secure a campsite at Camp 4 (its a first come first serve, the only one in the park). We biked and hiked around exploring quite a bit the first couple of days. We didn't do any crazy hikes the first couple of days because we wanted to rest up for our half dome hike! Unfortunately for two of the days we were there we spent most of the day just trying to stay warm and dry because it rained, hailed, and snowed! So we didn't get to do as much exploring past the yosemite valley as we wanted to since they closed most of the roads. If you want to explore more of the park you really need to get a back country permit and go back packing. There are lots of educational opportunities and activities to do there as well, some are free and others are not expensive. There are free showers at Curry village (at least they were every time we went). There are also showers ($5) and laundry facilities at housekeeping camp.

They warn you a lot about bears in this area too. You need to take everything that is food or could smell like food to a bear out of your car and put it in to the bear boxes they provide. We had a bear sighting one night, he was right by our tent! I heard the bear and the commotion that followed but I was too scared to catch a look at him. I also didn't wake Matt up which I now know I need to do next time... he really wanted to see a bear. We did see a coyote and lots of deer though. So if you come here really do take the bear warnings seriously and don't speed. 

Half dome, we hiked that!

America, you're really beautiful

Our campsite 

What camping looks like

Sometimes I think the bear boxes are really to protect your food from squirrels

Good morning half dome!

On our hike to bridal veil falls. We didn't exactly make it there because I had a low blood sugar break down. Morale of the story always bring snacks even if you think it is a "short" hike.

Just hanging out with John Muir (he helped this place become a national park)

Got to have mallows to roast

Yosemite Falls

These pines are just amazing

On our hike to mirror lake

Half dome

We made it to Mirror lake. Lots of horses take this trail so watch where you step!

The fog came in the day after we hiked half dome, and there is even a little bit of snow up there too

Camp 4

Just trying to stay warm and dry in our tent. He was very happy to have the day to rest after hiking half dome.

Top Tips:

1. Get there on a week day in order to get a spot at camp 4 or just reserve a site in advance to guarantee a spot. Camp 4 is just $6 per person per night, other places are more pricey.

2. You can camp outside the park but it is quite a drive in to the park

3. There are two free movies playing at the theater

4. The wilderness center can help you figure out what kind of adventure you want to have

5. Things are a bit pricey at the store there so be sure to stock up before you go in

6. Bring your own wood for campfires

7. Free showers at curry village

8. You can hang out in the Lodge or at Curry village's cafeteria area if you need to get warm.

9. Bring your own bikes, it's a fun way to see the park and a lot cheaper than renting them.

10. They do have a free shuttle but their hours are strange, we never rode one so I can't tell ya much,