Drove to Yosemite, a park so iconic it seems to embody the whole of the American National Park Service, with such greats as 'Half Dome', perhaps the most recognised symbol of America's parklands; 'El Capitan', the largest granite monolith in the World, 'Cathedral Rocks and Spires' - exactly that; 'Sentinel Rock', overlooking Yosemite Valley, from, and not forgetting Yosemite Falls, the highest waterfalls in America, and the 5th highest in the world at 2425 ft! (The tallest are the Angel Falls in Venezuela, at 3,212ft, which along with the twinned park of Torres del Paine National Park, in Chile, are already forming the framework of my next big trip!!
Yosemite NP
Anyway, driving north along CA-41 into the park, we took a detour right towards Glacier Point. Nothing prepared us for the breathtaking vista presented to us as we rose to over 6000ft. Before us and to the right was a view of almost one-quarter of the entire Yosemite expanse, including 'Half Dome', 'North Dome', 'Clouds Rest', 'Echo Peaks' 'Vernal' and 'Nevada Falls', but not 'El Capitan'.
Continuing along this twisty 10-15mph track, we arrived at Glacier Point proper - what a view, one which will live with me for a very long time indeed.
We returned to the main CA-41 highway to descend into Yosemite Valley to travel along both sides of the Merced River, capturing 'El Capitan, 'Sentinel Dome' Half Dome' Yosemite Falls and Brideveil Falls from underneath.
I felt that if all I could see on this day's trip was from the first stop-off point - I would have been content, but to have seen all of this and more, was simply astounding - I'm coming back, but next time' I'll stay in or nearer the park and spend dawn and dusk there, capturing the play of light on these natural marvels.
Road Trip & Notes
North from FRESNO along CA-41 to YOSEMITE, pretty much all the way,a d of course, returning!
237Mi
10Hrs
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