Day Two started with glorious sunshine and blue skies stretching across the foothills outside the hotel window. Standing on the balcony welcoming the day, I couldn’t help but feel excited for today’s adventure. Today we were tackling a hike up to the top of the iconic Yosemite Falls, a hike described as strenuous at the Visitor Centre and one we expected to take around 8 hours from setting off. After yesterday’s walk we were feeling pumped and ready to go.

After another stunning drive into the National Park (the Park admission ticket covered us for a week), we composed ourselves, checked our rations and water supply (particularly after having set off with nowhere near enough water the day before) and off we strode. The first part of the hike is easy; from the carpark to the start of the trail! Along the way we were treated to fantastic views of today’s mission. Yosemite Falls in Spring is an inspiring sight. Plunging 740m (2,425ft), the highest waterfall in the United States is fed entirely by snow melt and drains an area of nearly 50 square miles. From what we could see, it was a long way up!

Having passed multiple groups practicing their  bouldering, we reached the start of the uphill section ready and roaring to go. Our freshness didn’t last long. The path twists and turns upwards immediately, with the path winding along switchback after switchback through the forest. The climb was seriously strenuous and even though it was early and we were in the shade, it was hot and tiring work. This was a little bit ominous for the path ahead! After about half an hour of upwards trudging, we got our first reward with gaps in the trees presenting gorgeous valley views to us. The upwards journey of the path seemed endless and the shelter provided by the trees from the baking sunshine was ever diminishing. But we were keen, motivated and not yet a quarter of the way up! It seemed endless. But we could still muster a smile.

Moving ever upwards, the scenery remained stunning. Everywhere we could see, mountains encircled us, trapping us in and encouraging us ever upwards. We passed and were passed by other hikers, but the trail was much quieter than the day before which was pleasant. The weather though seemed even hotter and we knew that we were in for a seriously hot day. 

The Yosemite Falls themselves are not visible from the start of the trail, being hidden by the first cliff face we had to work our way up. Imagine our relief then when we rounded the corner and the Upper Falls appeared into view. We could now see where we headed! And after such a hard hike, what a motivation seeing them provided. 

There’s not a lot to say about the next hour of our climb, other than the going got a little easier as we headed to base of the Upper Falls to begin our next climb. The path undulated along, provided a blessed relief from heading uphill.  The fantastic views out into the valley continued, giving pause for photos and gazing in wonderment. Away in the distance we could see snow capped peaks, a sight that seemed incongruous with the scorching day. 

As might be expected, the closer to the Upper Falls we got, the better the views became. 

After drawing level with the bottom of the Upper Falls, the path moves away again so it can beginning climbing. In the photo above, the path moves away to left and then climbs from the left to right. This allowed for brilliant views of the waterfall in front of the valley. 

We had thought that the climb thus far must have been the hardest part. How wrong we were. Now the path really climbed, with tight switchback after switchback. To make it harder, we had now reached such a height that the tree cover has disappeared and opportunities for shade were scarce. But we’d come this far and the end seemed to be in sight! 

Trudging ever upwards, spirits were surprisingly high given how hard we were working. I suspect the presence of other groups also struggling uphill helped, and it was particularly motivational seeing a lady who appeared old enough to be our Nan making the climb. It also helped that at every rest, all we had to do was turn around and views out across the valley were right there!

Eventually, after more twisting and turning, we made it to the top of Yosemite Falls!! Now, you may be thinking that we haven’t made it to the top. I assure you we did, the Falls drop away between our shoulders.  See!

We had made it. We had climbed the Yosemite Falls in four hours from leaving the car park. Not bad going!

However, in my mind, we hadn’t reached the top. As was visible in the earlier photos, the mountain continued up and above the Falls. And I was going to climb it. This meant following the river feeding the Falls inland shortly (after a good rest) to find the bridge which would give me access to the new target summit. 

Climbing the new summit meant wandering across the rock face without a path to follow. This made for a rather nice change from following the well trodden route that had taken us to the top of the Falls. It also meant walking through snowdrifts; the last of the remaining snow from the winter that provides the meltwater for the Falls.

Reaching the top provided the best views of the day!

Eventually it was time to head down again, particularly as we expected the journey down to take two hours and we were close to running out of water. 

Heading downhill provided all of the views out into the valley, with a fraction of the effort exerted on the way up. This acted as a perfect reward for a hard day’s walking. 

Having reached the bottom, looking back at where we had been was superb.

Eventually we staggered back to the car, collapsing into the seats before heading back to the hotel for dinner and a well earnt sleep. Today was absolutely phenomenal. The hike was hard but the scenery was outstanding and made it well worthwhile. I can’t recommend it enough!