A springtime thaw adds drama to the already majestic at Yosemite National Park. Massive angular peaks and endless green valleys easily absorb your entire focus. You are fully impressed. Until you hear the roar of a waterfall and find there is even more.
At first it’s merely a distant sound. As you make your approach, it grows into a throbbing beneath your feet as air and ground vibrate the steady staccato of falling water. When sight finally meets sound, the water flow seems endless. Gushing torrents jet skyward upon impact into a dense billowing mist.
At 317 feet Vernal Falls is rather short compared to towering Yosmite Falls (2420 feet) and Bridalveil (670 feet), but it packs the power of a heavy lifter, tossing down a river of water that explodes over boulders in its race to the Merced River below.
The trail to Vernal Falls begins as an uphill walk that feels more and more
like a climb. The steady upward grade works the leg muscles well and will provide a good cardio workout if you push your speed even moderately. The viewing bridge provides both a tantalizing glimpse of the thundering fall and perspective as one views the tumbling water spilling away toward the valley below.
From here, it becomes a wet walk and a
strenuous hike. Sheer drop-offs near the Fall make it best to leave one’s imagination paused and the mind fully focused. We waded through icy puddles of water as the drenching mist engulfed us. The climb up was slippery over uneven boulders and big block steps. The soaking drizzle was frigid enough to add some speed to our ascent.
The rampant power of Vernal Fall’s surging waters endowed it with a seeming permanence, making it hard to picture the upcoming dry season. Yet another paradox was the utter stillness that awaited us at the top.
Updated from March 22, 2010.
Next: The Emerald Pool
The roaring water is gorgeous. Yosemite National Park has well been registered in my mind.
wow!! awesome place.you should have had a wonderful time.
Spring melt makes some of the best waterfalls. I’d love to hear the thundering sounds from these waterfalls, and you’re right there is a paradox in the silence met at the top of the falls. Like slience before a storm, something to beware of if you are on the river.
Rainfield: It’s well registered in mine as well and marked for a return trip!
Riyan: I did. Yosemite is a magical place with such a variety of adventures!
Cate: The current is relentless. Sadly, people have lost their lives swimming in unsafe areas above the falls or by walking too close. It’s wise to stick to the marked trail.
Very, very beautiful pictures and a great post!
Susanne
I have a pastor by the name of Vernon Falls and I was curious to know what he was doing there. Ooh! this falls is beautiful, Heather. Thanks for the sight!
Thanks Susanne. It is always so inspiring to frame images like these through a camera lens.
Ronald: Ha! Vernal Fall is a very lovely spot to almost share a name with. Glad you enjoyed the photos.