Experiencing Yosemite National Park was truly magical. Best of all, I was able to do it with 3 of my favorite pals.
Here's how it all went down- we decided on our drive from San Francisco to Yosemite Valley that we needed this to be more of a glamping trip. This partially was due to the fact that our car rental was upgraded to a sleek, brand new, black 2016 BMW. We weren't too mad about it. So we made our first stop at good ole, tried and true Trader Joe's. This is where the trouble started when we started filling up our shopping cart with smoked salmon and rosé. I told you, glamping.
We set up shop our first night on the fringe of Yosemite National Park at this little campsite/working farm. We drove along the windy roads (shout out to Hannah) and found ourselves at the Wondernut Farm. (Thanks, HipCamp). Now let's take a moment to let this visual sink in- four girly gals decked out in their workout gear, pulling up in the BMW to this total hippie farm. It was a sight to see.
Nevertheless, we made fast friends with the people that lived and worked on the farm. We received a tour of the animal pens where we met baby pigs, goats, sheep and a few lively sheep dogs. The crowned jewel of the farm was definitely the area beyond the garden, overlooking a stunning scene of Yosemite Valley, which was affectionatley named "Pootopia". Yep, you can probably guess what went down in Pootopia. It was a glorified outdoor port a potty. But hey, at least the views didn't disappoint!
The purpose of not driving straight into the national park on our first day was because we were planning on nabbing a first-come, first-serve campsite in the park. In order for that to happen, we were estimating about a 5AM arrival at our desired campsite. After our day driving from San Fran to the Wondernut Farm, exploring the farm, visiting nearby Rainbow Pools and sleeping outside underneath the stars, we wearily arose at a chilling 3AM to begin our campsite pursuit.
Cold brew in hand (glamping alert), we set out on the last leg of our drive into the park. Our jaws were dropping to the floor mats as we watched the sun rise over the valley. It was truuuuuly magical. Although I must say that it was also magical that we drove into the park way before the normal hour when park rangers arrive, so we slyly skirted past the $30 entrance fee to the park. Air five.
We were shocked to roll up to Camp 4 to see a long line of eager campers already in line for a campsite. We jumped in the back of the line and waited....and waited until it was finally time for the park ranger to arrive. Around 8AM she began passing out numbered cards for the exact number of people that were going to be able to camp at Camp 4 that night. After declaring that there were exactly 86 spots to assign, we held our breath that we would make the cut. Lo and behold....we landed spots 81, 82, 83, and 84. PHEWF.
After sighing a huge breath of relief and setting up camp at our precious campsite, we set out for our first hike to Mirror Lake. From Mirror Lake, you are standing right at the base of Half Dome, which is quite an incredible sight to see.
After warming up a bit, we were feeling up to the challenge of hiking the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls. And challenge it was. Entirely uphill, ending with 600 soaking wet steps from the mist of the falls, we persevered to the top of the 317 foot Vernal Falls. It was pretty spectacular. And also very rewarding to pass out by Emerald Lake for about an hour once we got to the top.
The next day we took it easy by hiking along the Valley Loop Trail, which was actually quite nice because it provided us some solitude away from the big crowds of Mirror Lake and Vernal Falls. We strolled along, stopped for a picnic lunch at Sentinel Beach and took some time to marvel at the rock-climbers attempting El Captain.
That evening we drove the Beemer up to Glacier Point to enjoy the sunset over the valley. Cannot even describe the magnitude of beauty that is visible from that spot. We stayed until it was pitch black because we just could not rip ourselves away.
Our very last morning we hiked out to Taft Point to catch some views and enjoy one last hike in the High Sierras.
Yosemite, thank you for letting us experience your beauty!
In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. // Psalm 95:4-5
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