I’ve been to several National Parks — growing up, we went on many family road trips — so, it is hard to believe I had never been to Yosemite National Park until yesterday… as it’s one of the closest to home.
This weekend I visited the boy, and we took a day trip to the infamous park; we’ve done a lot of hiking together, but nothing tops yesterday’s exploration.
We decided to do the Vernal Falls trail loop, which he has done a time or two before. It’s only three miles round-trip, but it is steep. Holy glute workout!
We took our time, as I stopped every 50 feet to snap a dozen photos… and catch my breath!
The scenery was breath-taking; I can’t imagine a prettier day of the year — 75F and bright sunshine (hindering better photos); yet, it was cool under the shadows of the granite peaks and golden leaves.
At the top of the falls, we ate our PB and honey sandwiches, carrot sticks, and satsuma mandarins before we descended down the dangerously steep rock stairs.
I didn’t want to leave Yosemite without getting a good view of the iconic Half Dome, so we headed to Sentinel Bridge/Cook’s Meadow for a peek.
We picked up a couple of kombuchas for our drive home… to a home-cooked meal and soothing jaccuzzi. Yes, best date ever… or at least it’s in the top five.
My happy hiking (and rock climbing) partner.
I couldn’t resist snapping a photo of this adorable, old couple helping each other with their iPad (and who also climbed to the top of the trail!).
Vernal Falls
Tell me this isn’t the cutest scene!?
Snack time at the top of the Vernal Falls Trail.
Squirrel!
Yes, I wore the same top last weekend. #loveLulu
Two weeks ago, I was eating lobster ravioli and dancing the night away at a New York City wedding. Yesterday, I was hiking in California, engulfed by the beauty of one of our nation’s gemstones. #SOgrateful
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Have you ever been to Yosemite or any other national park(s)?
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Looks so amazing! Hiking works wonders for me, when I’m stressed out there’s something about just being outside that relaxes me. Also, you captured some great pictures!
Wow – gorgeous pictures!! I would love to have trails like this around me! Absolutely beautiful! Looks like you guys had a great time.
Beautiful trail photos!
Amazing pictures! This looks like heaven. The old couple is the cutest! It’s so amazing to see older people being active and still enjoying life.
Inspiring!
Absolutely gorgeous! We live a few hours north and have never been to Yosemite. It’s definitely on our travel bucket list and have always talked about going in the summer. However, the Fall looks beautiful and much less crowded, no?
Yes, it’s a lot less crowded this time of year (so I hear).
So gorgeous! I’ve driven though Yosemite, but never hiked there. I’d really love to check it out. I don’t think they allow dogs though, which is always a damper for me.
Absolutely breath-taking. You’re SO lucky to have a place like this close to you! And I don’t know if I should be baffled or in awe of the older couple using an iPad, LOL.
Beautiful pictures! The only national park I’ve ever been to was Acadia National Park in Maine. The main attraction there is Cadillac Mountain, and at the top you can see for miles. When we were there, tons of fog obstructed our view as we drove up the mountain, but when we reached the top, it lifted and the sun came out. It was gorgeous. Funnily enough, when we were done looking around, the clouds rolled back. It was almost on cue.
Love all your photos! I’ve heard great things about Yosemite NP! It’s definitely on the bucket list.
This looks so beautiful, I’m adding this to my list of dream trips!
I am so jealous! We had been scheduled to go to Yosemite for months when we were visiting Cali earlier this month, but it happened to fall right when the government shutdown occurred and we could not get in because it’s a national park. I was so bummed. Your photos are so gorgeous! Looks like an amazing hike!
Gorgeous photos! That old couple is so sweet. I’ve never been to Yosemite despite the fact that I’m from the Bay Area – so sad. I had camping reservations in September, but then the fire happened!
I live in Mammoth!!! :) You were right by me!
Wow, beautiful photos. Looks like it was a fantastic day! I also love catching those little moments between two people that are just precious, like the older couple and the father & son. Great shots!
My parents took my sister & I on a month-long camping trip out west (we lived in Michigan) when I was young and we visited many state and national parks, it was a lot of fun and I keep thinking about those times now that I’m living in Denver. So glad we went on that trip. Those parks are real national treasures, I wish more people took time to visit them and see how beautiful our country is!
My parents hiked Half Dome this past spring. They absolutely loved it, but said it was quite the challenge. I think that area is so pretty. Looks like a fun date weekend!
I hear the Half Dome (18-mile!) hike is intense. I’d rather run a marathon ;)
Those pictures are absolutely beautiful. I am planning a trip to the US in 2015 and this is definitely going on the list, it looks stunning – by then I might be fit enough that the climb wouldn’t kill me ;)
How adorable are the two groups you got pics of – father and son and the old couple, so sweet both of them!
You two are totally cute :) What a great date day!
Wow. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! My boyfriend and I are hopefully going to make it out to Yosemite within the next year – it looks so beautiful!
How gorgeous! I went to Half Dome a few years ago, and it was stunning. I would love to go back to Yosemite!
seriously gorgeous photos — makes me want to go for a hike asap!
Beautiful!! Love all the photos!
Gorgeous pics! Yosemite is definitely one of my favorite trips, it’s so so pretty, the hiking was amazing, so jealous of you right now!
Looks like a great weekend! I love your running tights – can you share a link for them? Thanks!
Thanks – they are super comfortable. They are the My New Obsession Legging by Ellie; unfortunately, they’re sold out =/
http://www.ellie.com/collection/Feb-2013
Looks AMAZING!! I love hiking in gorgeous parks, but haven’t made it to Yosemite yet. Definitely have it on my list though!
Wow, I can’t believe how beautiful Yosemite is! You did a great job capturing it; amazing photos! I love the pictures of the couple, the father and son, and the squirrel! All of them left me saying, aawwwww.
Oh, and you two are the cutest couple ever. I love that you enjoy hiking together. Brandon and I need to get our butts to Yosemite sometime. It looks like a great way to spend the day.
You totally should — you’re not too far away!