We just came back from a 6 day hiking trip in Yosemite National Park. We convinced some of our friends from Texas to come with us and ended up hiking a little more than 61 miles. The trip was so fun and everyone did really well even though it was their first time on a multi-day hiking trip.
Here is a brief recount of the trip:
The first day we visited the Mariposa Grove which has lots of Giant Sequoias. Arves’ favorite trees just in case you can’t tell from the picture.
This picture helps a bit with perspective on the massive size of these trees.
We also walked through Yosemite Valley and got to appreciate how crowded this area of the park is.
Now for the hike, we started and ended at Mono Meadows and had two major highlights: Red Peak Pass on day 2 and Half Dome on day 5.
Map overview
Day 1 – 14 miles through dusty and sandy trails
Still fresh at the starting point.
The first river crossing - Nice cold water on the feet
This was one of our longer days and we were all ready to be done. We camped at Upper Merced Pass Lake. Nothing like a nice ice cold bath after long day of hiking. This was our every day ritual.
Day 2 – Up to Red Peak Pass
Our climb started at 8900ft going up to Lower Ottoway Lake. Beautiful place for a rest
The climb went up to 11,180ft to Red Peak Pass with several glacier lakes along the way which made the climb all that more enjoyable.
The climb approaching the pass was very very steep.
We started to walk through some patches of snow but had no idea what was coming after the pass. Just like it was steep on the way up it was super steep on the way down and covered in snow. We had to go straight down!
The pass was beautiful and the frozen streams made it look even better. I loved it!
Camp #2 at Red Devil Lake.
Day 3 – Todo lo que sube tiene que caer
This day was mostly down with pretty green meadows and clear water lakes and streams
View from the camp that morning at Washburn Lake
Day 4 – Approaching the Valley
This was an easy day with amazing views of Yosemite Valley from the top of the mountains. We camped at the junction with the John Muir Trail and Clouds Rest Trail. It wasn’t our favorite campsite but it was still really pretty and gave us a great start for Half Dome.
Day 5 – Half Dome summit
Early rise to beat the crowds at the top of Half Dome. The views of the Dome were spectacular and we kept wondering if it was as steep as it looked. Little did we know…
Here is the easy part of the climb. The little hump to the right of the top.
Still smiling after the easy part was over
It took me some time to believe I could do it but here is the proof, We made it!!
We all made it up
This was no camera trick; it was straight up and down.
The last night’s feast.
