Indian Arch

indian_arch01, originally uploaded by LynetteM.

Indian Arch is a quick detour from the North Dome trail that everyone immediately fell in love with. The short climb was steep and a little dangerous with loose gravel and rocks. Everyone forgot about that, though, once we reached this amazing natural formation. The distant view of Half Dome framed within the arch was picture-perfect.

Mist Trail

vernal_falls02, originally uploaded by LynetteM.

The path snaking along the side of the mountain is the Mist Trail, so named because the spray from Vernal Falls drenches hikers in the spring and early summer. The Mist Trail is the first of two trails to Half Dome with intimidating, steep, stone steps.

Vernal Falls in Autumn

vernal_falls03, originally uploaded by LynetteM.

Your first stunning view on your way to Half Dome are the mighty Vernal Falls. In the spring Vernal is torrential; the spray covers you as you traverse up the Mist Trail (hence the name) to the top of the falls. In the autumn, most of the falls in Yosemite dry up but Vernal still has flow.

Vernal Falls - The Top

vernal_falls01, originally uploaded by LynetteM.

Just a view of the canyon, you know, ho hum, just a bunch of rocks and trees.