Yosemite Falls

We climbed the 3.5 mile (one way) trail to the Upper Yosemite Falls today, but only to the halfway point, where you get a spectacular view of the upper falls. Along the way we climbed through pine and oak forest along a series of switchbacks, sometimes through creeks bubbling down the cliff side. We stepped aside regularly to let younger hikers bound up the trail, including a couple of groups of junior high students. Part way up we were rewarded with panoramic views of the Valley from Columbia Rock, from Half Dome to Cathedral Spires.

The start of the trail to North Yosemite Falls.

Lee checks out the view from Columbia Rock, a mile along the trail.

Continuing on the "easy half mile" beyond Columbia Rock, we came to a view of the upper falls cascading down. Nearby we found a couple of rocks to sit on to eat our lunch before starting the return trip. We started up the trail about 11 a.m. and got back to the bottom around 3:30, tired and sore but awed by the beauty and majesty of Yosemite.

Things on the floor of the valley looked awfully small from Columbia Rock.

When we passed beyond the Rock to a view of the upper falls, Lee sat and contemplated for a while.

The trail let us see the upper falls on the level.

This is how the falls first looked to us--from the valley floor.

On the way home we stopped at Chukchansi Resort and Casino for the dinner buffet. We enjoyed the meal and the chance to sit and talk.