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All tagged Waterfall
Just outside of Anchorage, AK in town called Girdwood there is a local waterfall hike called Chutes and Ladders. This incredible waterfall hike is tricky to find, as it is unmarked on any map and there are no trail signs to get there. However, once you find the first rope, leading down into the canyon, the fun begins.
For the thrill-seekers, outdoor lovers, photographers, and overall rad humans, California unveils a realm of exhilarating adventures and breathtaking landscapes that go far beyond the typical tourist trail. Fake cough... fake cough... I'm talking about the thought of California as a big long sandy beach. There is a ton more! From the tallest peak in the lower 48 to capturing the perfect shot of a cascading waterfall, California can be a dream destination for anyone. Here are five iconic California vacations that will satisfy your craving for both adrenaline and awe-inspiring scenery.
There are a lot of great reasons to hike to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls. From the trail, the views of Yosemite Falls are breath taking and the sound of the thundering flow humbles the soul. Halfway up the climb you get an amazing view of Yosemite Valley, with Half Dome in the distance.
Nestled within the awe-inspiring landscapes of Yosemite National Park lies a mesmerizing natural phenomenon that captivates the hearts of all who witness it - the legendary Firefalls. Every year, as winter bids farewell and spring heralds its arrival, a cascade of fiery molten lava appears to flow down the granite cliffs of El Capitan, creating an ethereal spectacle that seems almost magical. For nature enthusiasts, photographers, and adventurers alike, experiencing this phenomenon is a bucket-list-worthy endeavor.
During the spring time in Yosemite National Park, the water-levels are at their highest, as the sun warms the granite and melts the winter snow. As this magical landscape sheds its winter coat, the rushing water flows down waterfalls and cascades. One of those is the Royal Arch Cascade located near the iconic granite arches of Royal Arches. This cascade can only be seen during the springtime as the snow is melting because there is little soil to retain the groundwater. So, what does this mean? Well, imagine the warming sun comes out and the water has no place to go but down! Yup, that is right, Royal Arch Cascade becomes an epic waterslide!
Bridalveil Falls in Yosemite Valley is the second most popular waterfall in Yosemite National Park. Before plummeting the 620 feet, the water travels 10 miles from Ostrander Lake located in the high country. Many recognize Bridalveil Falls from photographs of Tunnel View.
When you arrive in Yosemite Valley, one thing you will immediately notice are the waterfalls. In every direction, you will find waterfalls that can, and will, take your breath away as you stare at their beauty. Many of them have names and one of my favorites is Ribbon Fall near El Capitan. This waterfall is often “hidden” in plain sight as Ribbon Fall is often in the shadow of El Capitan. However, once you start to spend some time in Yosemite National Park, you will realize this delicate waterfall dances with the wind and shimmers in the sunset light, unlike any other waterfall in Yosemite.
Vernal Fall is an awe inspiring waterfall to watch upclose, or from afar. If you would like to get intimate with Vernal Fall, I suggest hiking the Mist Trail to get up close and personal with this misty falls. If you would like to see Vernal Fall from afar and understand how it is woven into the landscape, I suggest checking Vernal Fall out from Glacier Point or the John Muir Trail.
Bridalveil and Yosemite Falls are two of the most famous Yosemite waterfalls, but there are several others you’ll want to check out when you visit Yosemite National Park. Plunging hundreds of feet into rivers and creeks below, the waterfalls at Yosemite National Park thunder past a smooth granite backdrop.
If you want to hike the entirety of Yosemite Valley, the Yosemite Valley Loop is your ideal trail. Fully paved, the Valley Loop Trail was created to allow visitors a path to explore the entire valley by foot, or bike. While on this hike, you will find hidden gems along the Merced River, wildlife, and be able to soak in the gorgeous granite views Yosemite offers.
The best time of day to hike Cook’s Meadow Loop is late morning into the afternoon. During sunrise and sunset, Yosemite Falls is in the shade, so to have the best view of Yosemite Falls in full light, hike the Cook’s Meadow Loop around 9 or 10am.
The natural beauty of Yosemite is so incredible that it inspired an entire 19th-century conservation movement, which resulted in the valley’s protection as a national park in 1890. Naturalists led by John Muir (1838–1914) and artists like photographer Ansel Adams (1902–1984) found inspiration for their life’s work here. When planning your trip to Yosemite National Park, checking out the best views of Yosemite Valley ahead of time are critical to the Yosemite experience.
Yosemite Falls can be seen throughout a large portion of Yosemite Valley including from the Yosemite Chapel, Merced River Bank Yosemite Valley Lodge and even high above the valley from Glacier Point. You might think it’s visibility is why this waterfall gets its namesake, however that is not the case. Yosemite Falls get’s it namesake because it is the tallest and strongest flowing waterfall in all of Yosemite Valley. This makes it the centerpiece of Yosemite.
