Sierra Nevada - Yosemite National Park 1957

This was my first Sierra Nevada trek. While I was in the Navy I took a month's leave and did this two week 57 mile backpack trip June 28-July 11, 1957 in Yosemite National Park first. I spent several days in Yosemite Valley riding around on a bicycle, floating on the Merced River and a day hike to the top of Yosemite Falls. This was followed by two weeks in Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park.

I rode the Greyhound bus from San Diego to Visalia where I transferred to the Yosemite Park & Curry Co. bus which took me to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias near the South Entrance to Yosemite National Park.

After touring the Mariposa Grove I backpacked down a mostly paved trail - from Civilian Conservation Corps days - to the campground at Wawona.

The next day I backpacked up the road through Wawona Village and picked up the trail past Chilnualna Falls. I made camp along a creek before arriving at Bridalveil Campground which I passed through the next day.

I picked up the Pohono Trail and made my next camp at the bridge crossing Bridalveil Creek. The trail soon brought me to Taft Point where I got my first views of Yosemite Valley - much as the first white men did. It was awe inspiring and I spent much time photographing the valley before continuing to Glacier Point. The views include El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and, of course, the deep valley itself.

I camped at Glacier Point - after seeing my first bears on the trail and in the campground. More views of Half Dome, Tenaya Canyon, Nevada and Vernal Falls. That night I enjoyed the "Firefall".

The next day's trail took me past Illilouette Falls, Panorama Cliff, Nevada and Vernal Falls into the valley at Happy Isles - which at this time was still operated as a fish hatchery. I found a campsite without much trouble and headed for the showers at Camp Curry. I also indulged in some fresh cooked food.

Nevada Falls is a 594-foot high waterfall on the Merced River. Like Vernal Valls, its downstream neighbor, Nevada Falls is clearly visible at a distance, from Glacier Point, as well as close up, along the Mist Trail.

It is located below the granite dome, Liberty Cap, at the west end of Little Yosemite Valley.

From the top of Nevada Falls you can hike to Yosemite Valley via either the Mist Trail or the John Muir Trail or a combination of both .. see the map.

Continuing along the Mist Trail, you’ll experience 1.5 miles of steep, rocky switchbacks as you descend to Vernal Falls. The alternative John Muir Trail is much gentler but longer.

Crashing down 594 feet, the thunderous Nevada Falls is fullest in spring and early summer, and you will find terrific photographic opportunities along this stretch of trail.

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Vernal Falls is a 317-foot waterfall on the Merced River just downstream of Nevada Falls in Yosemite National Park.

Like its upstream neighbor, Nevada Falls, Vernal Falls is clearly visible at a distance, from Glacier Point, as well as close up, along the Mist Trail. The waterfall flows all year long, although by the end of summer it is substantially reduced in volume and can split into multiple strands, rather than a single curtain of water.

At the top of Vernal Falls, you can experience jaw-dropping views straight down the length of the 317-foot waterfall (please don't cross the railings and use extreme caution while you're near any flowing water or wet rock in this area).

Once atop Vernal Falls there is a pool of water called the Emerald Pool around which hikers lounge and rest. There is also a 20 degree slope of rock with water flowing into the pool called the Silver Apron.

To proceed directly from the top of Vernal Falls, follow the Mist Trail down a steep granite stairway of over 600 steps.

Prepare for slippery footing and a tremendous amount of waterfall spray in spring and early summer (hence the name for this trail!).

You will delight in views of Vernal Falls all along this stretch of trail and may even be able to see a rainbow in the spray of the fall.

Upon reaching the footbridge, you will find an excellent view of Vernal Falls.

From the base of Vernal Falls the Mist Trail is mostly shaded and the slope becomes more gentle.

From the Vernal Falls Footbridge the trail is paved for the final mile to the trailhead at Happy Isles.

You can appreciate views along the way, and during spring, when the water levels are at their peak, you can also glimpse Illillouette Fall from this section of trail.

Click Here For More Vernal Falls

The next several days were spent riding rented bicycles all around the valley to the various points of interest including the Wawona Tunnel, Yosemite Village, Old Village, Bridalveil Falls, etc. I saw the "Firefall" and enjoyed many evening programs on the Camp Curry Stage.

I had originally planned to spend only a short time in the valley and then backpack up Tenaya Canyon to the north rim and along it to Yosemite Falls - however, I soon abandoned that idea and spent some time floating down the Merced River on my air mattress when not out sightseeing.

One afternoon I hiked up the Yosemite Falls trail and after a cold supper watched the "Firefall" from the top of the falls before a night hike back to camp in the valley.

I was having a tremendous time on my first visit to the Sierra as I took the Yosemite Park and Curry Co. Bus to Merced at the end of the second week. I was on my way to Sequoia National Park and the High Sierra Trail.