Trends Traveler

When asked if I would like to contribute to Valley Trends magazine on the subject of travel and photography, my response was an immediate, “Yes!” I live in California Hot Springs and practice Dentistry by trade. I love our Central Valley and marvel at the huge supply of awesome sights and places to visit, most an easy day trip from where we all live. Recently, I found myself in Yosemite Park, standing high atop one of the world’s most famous granite monoliths-Yosemite’s Half Dome. The Dome towers above the Valley like a huge father lion watching over its pride. What an amazing site!

I have to admit to being a little apprehensive about the idea of such a hike, but with a little prodding from friends, the planning began. Curry Village was the meeting place, near Half Dome’s trail head where nine of us met and prepared for the day.

Saturday morning found us up, fed, hydrated, packed and on the trail by 6am. The trail started off as a nicely groomed path leading up to what is known as the Rainbow Bridge. This is where the grandeur begins. Vernal Falls can be viewed for the first time from this point. The Mist Trail winds its way up to and above the falls; earning its name by the perpetual rain storm coming from the mist created from this massive 317 foot waterfall pounding the rocks at its base.

Beyond Vernal Falls, the Massive Nevada falls rivals its partner. Nevada falls, a full 594 feet high, is an unbelievable sight to see. Even further above lays Little Yosemite Valley. Threaded through its depths is the most beautiful, lazy, clear and cool chapter of the Merced River that one can imagine. What follows for approximately three more miles of hiking is a quiet forested trail, which takes you to the base of Half Dome.

The Half Dome cables are famous. Set on the back side of the Dome, attached permanently to the rock are two strands of ¾ inch steel cable set just far enough apart they can both be gripped as one ascends the final 400 ft. pitch up the massive wall.

From the summit, the vistas are world class. Where else can you stand and look at a Valley such as this? Yosemite Valley is 4,500 ft. beneath you. Its walls are lined by some of the most majestic stands of granite that the world has to offer. Yosemite and its view from above is an experience not to be missed. A perfect ending to a perfect climb is the walk back to the Valley…broken up by an unbelievably refreshing swim in the river back down in Little Yosemite Valley.

All in all, the trip was an 11 hour adventure. Our group chose to stay the night before and the night after our hike in Curry Village, Yosemite. Curry Village is a wonderful place to visit as it offers an excellent place for families to camp and play. The beginning of the trail to Half Dome is within walking distance.

Even if you’ve been there before, consider treating yourself to another look at Yosemite. Half Dome is only one of many, many things to see and experience in our very own back yard. I’d like to challenge you to have a look for yourself.

Interests and questions can be satisfied by visiting the web at www.yosemitepark.com.

Reservations can be made by visiting the web site or calling the Campground Reservation Line at (877) 444-6777.