Yosemite hike to Nevada Falls

After not taking advantage of nearby Yosemite National Park all summer, we decided to try to get in a hike before the weather changes for the winter.  After scouring through our Yosemite book, we decided on the Mist trail to Nevada Falls.  The hike was listed as strenuous at 6.8 miles and a 2600 feet elevation climb.

We entered the park at about 7:45am on Saturday morning, and by the time we got to curry village and got ready it was already 9am, a little later than I wanted to leave.  There were a fair number of hikers headed up the hill with us in the beginning, but we powered by them, and ended up by ourselves for much of the hike.  We did under estimate the incline though, as we were both feeling pretty breathless after our speed walk up the trail.  Another note about Yosemite in late October; the morning was very cold, and I was not prepared so for the first 2 hours of the hike, I was freezing and dreaming of a nice warm beanie to cover my frozen ears.  Note to self: please be prepared next time.

Vernal Falls

the granite staircase up the Mist trail were most definitely intense. A great workout and challenge with very rewarding views of Yosemite Valley and the falls.

 

Once the intense climb was over, the rest of the trail (we took the John Muir trail to loop back to our starting point) was a nice steady downhill walk through peaceful woods.  Yosemite was beautiful this time of year with all the leaves changing for Autumn, and the park was relatively empty compared to summer months. Fall is always a great time to miss the heavy summer crowds, and beat the cold winter snow.