Yosemite is one of my favorite places that I have ever visited. Every time I go I am with my family, which is awesome. But, I do have to balance taking photos and not ignoring the ones I love! One of these days I plan on doing a solo trip where I can really focus on the landscape and capturing the beauty. But, then again, it’s pretty hard to take a bad photo in the valley. It truly is one of God’s most incredible creations and I never get tired of staring at the granite peaks, waterfalls, and beautiful meadows.
Half Dome seen from Glacier Point
El Capitan
This is the face of El Capitan. If you look real close, you will see a tiny yellow dot about dead center of the photo, which is the yellow equipment bag of a climber.
The Merced River with upper Yosemite Falls in the background
Half Dome with a obscured view of Royal Arches and North Dome
On the left, Royal Arches, Washington Column and North Dome. On the left is looking downstream from Cascade Falls.
Yosemite Falls
We hiked the John Muir Trail to the top of Nevada Falls, then descended the Mist trail to Vernal Falls and back to Curry Village. There was so much water that along the trail you had small waterfalls from the granite cliffs above. Fortunately, it was pretty warm so the showers were refreshing!
Almost there! The first view of Nevada Falls with Liberty Cap to the left.
Still plenty of wildflowers along the trail
Taken from the foot bridge that crosses over the Merced River, just before Nevada Falls. The person walking on the left gives you some perspective as to how big the falls are.
The opposite view looking up the Merced River.
Close up of the Merced
From the top railing, looking over the side of Nevada Falls. This picture doesn’t even remotely capture how breathtaking this view is. The water is thundering over the edge and plummets 594 feet to the rocks below.
Savannah and my nephew Jack taking in the view
The family with the falls behind
This is where the hike got interesting…
Starting the descent towards Vernal Falls
A few moments after the picture on the left was taken, my daughter slipped and rolled her ankle so bad she couldn’t stand….with about 3 miles to go! Happy Father’s Day!! That’s me pretending that she’s not that heavy.
My son Ian standing where you can see why they call it the Mist Trail. Savannah let me take a break once in a while so I could still snap a few photos 
First glimpse of Vernal Falls
And here’s the view that makes the whole hike worth it…
The Awahnee hotel with Yosemite Falls in the background
Probably the most famous view of Yosemite Valley, known as the Tunnel View, right off Hwy 41 coming from Glacier Point. El Capitan is on the left, Bridal Veil falls is on the right and you can see half dome in the middle of the photo.
The Valley from Glacier Point
I shot this through the viewing telescope at the top of Glacier Point. This the outlook above Vernal Falls. When I turned around I was getting a very dirty look from some old lady. Apparently she wasn’t nearly as amused with this as I was.
Thank you to the nice lady from Texas for taking this photo.
