Yosemite: 4 Mile Trail Views

There were many views of the valley along the trail. It was from this vantage point that I could really grasp the full height of Yosemite Falls.

The Majestic Yosemite Hotel (Ahwanee Lodge) is to the right of the meadow. To the left is Indian Canyon and to the right, Royal Arches. North Dome is at the upper right. North Dome is 7525 feet, about the same height as we were.

Yosemite: 4 Mile Trail

The 4 Mile Trail from Glacier Point is a beautiful one. The half mile we went on the trail was relatively level. We did run into a bit of snow, however.

Yosemite: 4 Mile Trail Views

The views of Tenaya Canyon to the east were frequent along the trail and amazing.

Yosemite: 4 Mile Trail Views

One of the books I read on photographing Yosemite suggested we hike down about a half mile on the 4 Mile Trail. I'll be posting the views along the way but this is what we found at the end of that half mile. The view to the west shows Leidig Meadow and El Capitan on the right, Sentinel Dome, Taft Point and Cathedral Rocks on the left. 

Yosemite: Glacier Point Views

The northern view from Glacier Point shows the east end of Yosemite Valley. Yosemite Falls at center, the Merced River at the bottom, and the Majestic Yosemite Hotel (Ahwahnee Lodge) at the lower right. 

The early morning view to the east shows Tenaya Canyon with North Dome and Basket Dome on the left and Half Dome on the right. Quarter Domes are in the distance. Mirror Lake is about at the center of the photo.

Yosemite: Washburn Point

Washburn Point is around 7,000 feet and has views to the south and east. The valley floor could not be seen from here.

There was still snow, as we would find when we started doing some hiking.

To the east we could see North Dome and Basket Dome.

The early morning light was not the best for views of Half Dome, Liberty Cap, Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. It was interesting to get a view of the back side of Half Dome.

Yosemite: Views from the Valley Floor

This is a view of Glacier Point from the meadow near The Majestic Yosemite Hotel (formerly the Ahwahnee Lodge). This would have been a great place to watch the fire fall, hence the benches. We would be going up to the point in the morning.

There was also a great view of Half Dome from that meadow. I would come back later in the evening to catch the setting sun's rays on the formation.

Yosemite: Base of Yosemite Falls Trail

We took an early evening hike along the loop that goes to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls. It was great to get close to the falls, and get wet too. This is the only place, I think, where one can see the upper and lower parts of the falls with such a dramatic view.

The noise at the base of the falls was amazing.

Yosemite: Bridalveil Falls

This is another example of the thundering falls after a good winter snowfall. This view of Bridalveil Falls is from Northside Drive.

Yosemite: Yosemite Falls

Part of the allure of the valley for photographers is that it is so photogenic. Every meadow, like this one across Southside Drive from the Chapel, offers amazing views. The thunder from the falls could be heard all over the valley.

Yosemite: Three Brothers

Yosemite: Mirror Lake Trail

Our first hike was to Mirror Lake. We initially went on the south side of Tenaya Creek to the lake. We then went back to the Tenaya Bridge, crossed over to the north side and took the paved trail to the north edge of the lake.

The lake lived up to its name in this view from the south edge.

At the north edge of the lake, there was supposed to be a classic view of Half Dome reflected in the lake. Other hikers said the lake was to high, because of the winter snowfall, for the classic view.

There were other great reflections, however.

Yosemite: Horsetail Falls

Yosemite: Yosemite Falls

Our next view of the falls was from Sentinel Meadows, our first glimpse of the lower falls. I was beginning to realize that the valley had many great scenes for photographers.

Yosemite: Yosemite Falls

We had out first view of Yosemite Falls from the Cathedral Beach area. The Sierras had a good snowfall in the winter, 86% of normal, so the falls were roaring. There was much ground water making for nice reflections.

Yosemite: Cathedral Rocks

Cathedral Rocks from the Cathedral Beach Picnic Area on the Southside Drive.

Another view from a meadow a little farther east in the valley.

Yosemite: El Capitan

We caught some early morning views of El Capitan reflected in the Merced River at the Cathedral Beach Picnic Area on our first morning in the park.

A view from a little west of Cathedral Beach.

Yosemite: Bridalveil Falls

This was our first view of Bridalveil Falls as we entered Yosemite National Park a little after sunrise.

Mt. Pilchuck

Mt. Pilchuck from a rural area near Granite Falls in mid-April.

Arizona Desert Hiking: Gateway Loop Trail

My last desert hike near Scottsdale was the Gateway Loop. It is only a four mile loop with 625 foot elevation gain, but at 85 degrees, it was a challenge.

Arizona Desert Hiking: Markus Landslide

Our last morning of desert hiking in February took us to the east side of the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve and the Markus Landslide Trail.

There were many weathered granite mushrooms along the trail.

The view to the east and the Verde River Valley.

The bottom photo shows the Weaver's Needle and to the right, the Superstitions.