In honor of Yosemite National Park’s 150th anniversary, I want to share my favorite, most peaceful spot in the tourist-run valley for anyone visiting this summer.
As many times as I’ve been to Yosemite valley to hike trials and gawk at the massive water falls (when they had water in them), one of my favorite places is a non-discrete bank right off one of the most popular places in the entire park. Near the base of iconic Half Dome and right across the intersection from the ice rink in Curry Village, there’s a small dirt path that veres behind the meadow and into a small thicket of trees. The trees hide the bank of a peaceful spot yards from the bustle of the valley floor.
The creek weaves through the whole valley, but for some reason, this particular bank strikes my fancy. You can see the bridge from Northside Dr. crossing over the water, the green foliage with the red tree trunks, the massive granite walls encompassing the valley– it’s serenity.
“As I looked, a peculiar exalted sensation seemed to fill my whole being, and I found my eyes in tears with emotion.” Lafayette Bunnell on first glace of Yosemite.
Fin.
Bonjour Brooke 