Trail Thursday: Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is my top-two favorite National Parks. I love the shear beauty of the valley, the crisp air that surrounds you, the amount of trails that you can explore with (or without) a dog, and the variety in their campgrounds. We visited Yosemite on our roadtrip out west a few years ago in the beginning of October and stayed at two of the campgrounds there. The first night, we stayed at the Crane Flat Campground (we had planned to stay there two nights). The second night (after our sleeping bag zipper broke) we ended up booking a hotel because we were so.cold.! It dropped down to the upper 20s at night and with no properly working sleeping bag, it was just too chilly.

Driving into the Park!

Stella vs. Deer

First night camping in Yosemite. It.Was.Freezing (hence the giant mittens)

Even Stella was cold....

I had managed to book just one night at the Lower Pines Campground (I booked it back in June and there was only one night available!). It was the perfect temperature there (maybe 40s at night?) and we loved this campground. I cannot say enough good things about it! It was in a great location (right next to the river), we could see Half Dome right from our tent. I'd recommend planning your trip 6 months in advance and bookmarking when your reservation date will be available (~5 months in advance). 

Stella leading the way!

There were several paved trails along the park that we could walk Stella (one of the most dog-friendly National Parks we've been to!) and I also got to run in the park once (highly recommend)! Because the speed limits are slower, you can feel safer than you would running on a backcountry road (or at least I did). I also ran during the mid-afternoon where there were ample people around (to be safer). 

Hi Stella!

We did a few shorter hikes (where Stella had to stay in the car), which we started by ~6am so it would be cool enough in the car for her. I'd definitely recommend planning ahead if you want to do a lot of hiking and research places to board your furry pets for a day or two (it's worth it!). 

I'd also recommend doing the drive up to Glacier Point at sunset. We brought our dinner up there and enjoyed it with a view (cannot recommend this enough). It was so beautiful and we got so many great photos as the sun was setting among the valley. 

Ever been to Yosemite? 

Favorite part of the park? --> We REALLY want to go back, so let me know if you have any recommendations!

Mountain TUESDAY- Vernal & Nevada Falls

Mountain Monday, but on a TUESDAY?!? I know...I know...what am I thinking?! But I knew you were waiting in suspense for what I would choose for my Mountain Monday topic and even though I've been crazy busy, I couldn't leave you hanging! So today is a DOUBLE POST! That's right, two for the price of one day. So make sure to check back tonight to get some great tips for how to get out the door for your run when its freezing out. 

I wanted to share with you about my hike to Vernal & Nevada Falls that we did in Fall 2016 in Yosemite National Park. First off, everything about this national park is absolutely stunning and this hike did NOT disappoint. It was definitely a bummer that they do not allow pets on this trail (but most of the park is really very dog-friendly), so make sure to keep that in mind as you're planning your hike. It is also a part of  both the PCT and John Muir Trail, which I think is really amazing! It is 5.4 miles round-trip to the top of Nevada Falls and while we didn't get to see it when the water was rushing, there was still a small stream coming down. 

I know I've said it before, but I love to repeat myself so...if you haven't visited Yosemite you MUST do it! It is so stunning and magical there. Anytime I am feeling stressed, I just imagine myself inside the park and a total *zen* moment comes to me. 

The hike itself is definitely a bit strenuous and it can get really busy, as it is the gateway to hiking to the top of Half Dome, so I'd recommend getting up extra early to do it. There are also a few slightly steep stairway sections so if you are afraid of heights or hanging onto ropes, then this might not be the best hike for you. The views from both the top and bottom of the waterfalls are absolutely stunning tough!!

Ever been to Yosemite? Ever done this hike?

Favorite National Park?