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Hike with Brothers to Vernal Falls Yosemite

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Camping at Curry Village and Day Hike to top of Vernal Falls in the Summer of 2006 late July. You will love this hike, but must be in shape! and remember to take plenty of water and some snacks to enjoy while at the top of the falls

We camped at curry village on friday night. We arrived in the park about 9:30 pm and registered for our tent cabin. Be sure to have a reservation. There was a line but the wait was not too bad. The resturants close at 10:00pm there at Curry Village and so does the Bar, But we were able to get to the food court and order a pizza just in time. It was a nice attmosphere at the food court and we had large glasses of beer and ate the surprisingly good pizza. Curry village is very busy in the summer, so dont expect it to be quiet very early. We had breakfast at 8:00am and were on the trail by 8:30am. The hike to the trailhead was level and for those that wanted to there is a free shuttle to all trailheads. The next part of the hike was up and down gradualy gaining altatude. This will take the breath out of some hikers. After a short hike you will come to the bottom of Vernal Falls. This is a spectacular waterfall. Here they have water to fill your bottles, but this next part is streanuous and I would suggest that you have at least 2 liters of water for each person in the group. I found that a hydration pack like Camel Baks is great for these kinds of hikes. From the bottom of Vernal Falls you make your way up the Mist Trail. This is a set of stairs that are cut into the cliffside. They are quite formadable and are not for the out of shape. Part of the way up you can take a longer less difficult route to the top by takeing John Muir Trail. We took the straight up route and stayed on the Mist Trail. It was quite a ways up and the stairs seemed neverending but we made it to the top and the view from there was impressive and worth the hike up the stairs. There is an area at the top were many hikers stop and enjoy the senery. From the massive Rock Mountains riseing skywards thousands of feet, too the river cascadeing down the rock in its unrelenting pace toward the falls. You will be glad you came.

Favourite spots:
Along the Mist Trail there are numerous spots to stop and rest and enjoy a spectacular view of the Waterfall and surounding area.

What's really great:
View from just about the top of Mist Trail at about 12:00pm on our way back. Most beautiful waterfall I have ever seen. Had three bright Rainbows over the rocks at base of falls.

Sights:
One of the most Beautifull places on earth. So many sights you will not run out of things to do or see.

Accommodations:
If you like camping in a tent there are lots of sites, If you want a cabin there are many types to choose from. From lodge rooms (not cheap) to tent cabins and regular cabins. We stayed in a three person tent cabin with heat. It has a double and single bed. a table chair and its own bear box with lock and keys. It came with two sheets and a blaket for each person and one pellow each. There are showers and working bathrooms. And they supply the towels.

Restaurants:
Great Food all price ranges, but eat early if you can becuase resturants close early in the park

Published on Monday July 31th, 2006 by twstdrob


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