But we really didn't want to experience that lightning again, so we were determined to hike quickly. Weather was going to be nice with a slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Right from the get go we passed by Merced Lake's shore in the gentle morning rays. After learning from the day before, we chose to avoid the storm and make a much earlier start. Half Dome as seen from Yosemite Valley (late-afternoon) Half Dome is one of the most renowned and iconic Yosemite photo spots. Day 4: Merced Lake to Sunrise High Sierra CampÄay 4 was going to be a 10.4 mile day, all uphill, but our packs were lighter now and we had a great night sleep. We laughed our butts off for the entire duration of his talk. He gathered everyone around, and while casually attending the fire, told several stories about the history of Yosemite, how the park came to be and about its most beloved inhabitant - the black bear. It was a camp fire organized by ranger Dave, one of the funniest people I have ever met. We had a wonderful day, with some unexpected surprises, but who would have guessed that another one would arise soon, one that would become a highlight of the trip. It took a while, but it was very pleasant to ride public transportation and enjoy the view. The reflections of trees, mountains and half dome is what gives it the name. Starting at the Cathedral Lakes Trailhead near the Tuolumne Meadows parking lot (if parking is full at the TH), this trail wanders through the classic High Sierra forest with large white. Explore lush green meadow surrounding a high alpine lake with amazing solitude for Yosemite. Mirror lake itself is a misnomer - the creek just widens and settles into a largish area. Take in views of the 10,900 foot Cathedral Peak. The following morning, since we didn't want to rent a car just to leave it parked at the trailhead for a week while we were in the backcountry, we took Amtrak to Merced, then boarded the Yarts bus to Yosemite Valley. Few people along the trail itself - day trippers generally stick to the yosemite falls. We decided to fly into Fresno, a direct flight from Seattle, and spend the first night there. Our friend Sheri recommended Wildland Trekking, a company that she's traveled with before. I'm glad we chose them, because we had a fantastic experience, based on which, we asked to join their Yosemite trip too! Getting to Yosemite Valley The summer before, we went to see Zion and Brice National Parks and the Escalante National Monument in Utah. We took a friend's advice and hired a guiding company to handle logistics for us, since we did't know much about Utah, and we also wanted to avoid researching the trip ourselves at the time. Backpacking Yosemite with a Guiding Company It's surreal, and we were so lucky to have been able to do it, so I'm going to try to tell our story and I hope I'll convince you that you need to go see it for yourself. It's hard to describe in words and photos what it feels like to be there, to spend a whole week deep into the mountains and valleys of Yosemite National Park. This post follows our 7 day backpacking trip though the heart of Yosemite National Park, starting from Tuolumne Meadows and ending, a little over 50 miles later, down in Yosemite Valley.
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