Yosemite National Park, CA.

                                   Tuesday 4/24/2012

The drive from Bass Lake Resort to the south gate into Yosemite National Park is 30 minutes.

Yosemite National Park is located in central eastern California.

More scary drives.

After another 20 minutes we came to this pull out in the park.

I didn't know what to expect, because I had not done any research on Yosemite, so I was impressed.

Above us was this boulder sitting on a mountain. I wonder how long it has been there.

The park cover 761,268 acres of land.

The road below is where we went after this stop. You can see the Merced River below.

Across the canyon, we could see where a fire had taken some of the trees.

We had been told to make sure to stop for the veiw after you exit the tunnel.

The Wawona Tunnel.

The tunnel is 4,233 feet long and is the longest highway tunnel in California.

Your view as you exit the tunnel.

The U shaped valley was carved by glaciers years ago.

It is a really spectacular view!

The Bridalveil Fall in the distance.

Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite.

On the valley floor.

3.7 million people visit Yosemite National Park annually

Next stop Bridalveil Fall for a up close and personal.

There is a very short path to the fall.

It is a beautiful day when you can wear jeans and a T-shirt!

This stream had fast moving water.

Bridalveil Fall is 188 meters and flows year round.

Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite National Park

This was the closest we could get to the fall without getting the camera wet. You can get much closer if you do not mind getting your hair wet. It was the beginning of the day, so I opted out on the adventure.

The best time to see the falls is April, May, and June.

Ribbon Fall flows off a west side cliff of El Capitan.

El Capitan

El Capitan is granite cliff that looms above the Yosemite Valley and is one of the most popular rock climbing destinations in the world.

El Capitan is a granite clift that looms over Yosemite Valley, and is one of the most popular rock climbing destinations in the world.

Ribbon Fall is the largest single drop waterfall in America. It has a drop of 1,612 feet.

                                                                      

Bridalveil Falls viewed from El Capitan through moss spotted tree.

The Merced River in Yosemite Valley.

I am sure glad those trees stopped that boulder from hitting us!

The park has an elevation range from 2,127 to 13,114 feet, and contains five major vegetation zones:

Joe and I decided not to do this trail!

We go for the more challenging ones!

Sentinel Falls

Sentinel Falls with multiple cascades, that range in height from 50-500 feet.

Close up of Sentinel Falls

A close up view of Ribbon Fall.

To be continued: