Yosemite National Park: Yosemite Upper and Lower Falls

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Driving into Yosemite Valley, we’re greeted with views of El Capitan (7,569’).

8:45AM - We arrive to free parking near Village Drive & Northside Drive. A short stroll for breakfast at Degnan’s Kitchen which had a nice dining area with a fireplace to sit by.

We planned a day of exploring by biking some of the paved 12 miles around Yosemite Valley. On the path to the visitor center, you already get a glimpse of Yosemite Falls.

10:20AM - With a full belly and some coffee, we’re ready to take in the scenery.

Time to park the bikes and stretch our legs to take a closer look at Lower Yosemite Falls. Coming from breakfast, we saw both the bike racks and sign for the paved loop Lower Yosemite Falls Trailhead. So we investigate on this easy, short trail.

View from Lower Yosemite Fall Vista Point (footbridge). Part of North America’s tallest waterfall, Lower Yosemite Fall is the final 320-foot drop.

Catching the falls in its big roar, I personally wanted to get sprayed by its mist. Having a steady foot and using both hands to carefully scramble over the slippery rocks and boulders, we were able to gain a much closer look. It felt so refreshing!

11:30AM - Worked up an appetite, good time as any for lunch. We found a perfect, quiet area just downstream of the falls.

Happy, happy, happy. What a day of gorgeous views. But we continue on our bike ride to see what else we will discover.

Little did we know earlier that the “better” way to take on the trailhead would be by going further West where you get the entire Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls view. Wow!!!

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