Yosemite: Towering Cliffs and Waterfalls
My first view of Yosemite was breathtaking. The Tioga Pass over the Sierra Nevada had been closed for several days because of an early snowstorm. Fortunately, the sun came out for three days, and the road reopened. Everywhere above 6,000 feet (1,828 m) was blanketed in snow, and the sun sparkled on the surface of the lakes.
Half Dome seen from Olmstead Point
As I came down from the pass, I caught my first glimpse of Half Dome from Olmstead Point . Half Dome is a majestic granite rock rising to 8,836 feet (2,693 m). It dominates many vistas in Yosemite, and stands at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley. The valley itself is surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls, including two of the world's tallest falls.
The Bridalveil Fall is only 620 feet (189 m) tall, but it has a special beauty. When the winter snows melt, the water thunders in a giant cascade. But throughout the rest of the year, the flow is much lighter. As the wind swirls about the cliff, it often lifts the falling water and blows it from side to side, giving the fall its name.
The base of the fall is easily reached. It’s a short walk up a steep slope at the entrance to Yosemite Valley.
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Yosemite certainly is something special, and well worth a visit. The only drawback is that it is so popular. Yosemite Valley attracts such large numbers that visitors are encouraged to leave their cars in massive car parks and to use the free shuttle buses that go to all the main points of interest.