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Yosemite Falls are the seventh highest in the world, or part of the third highest if
the lower falls if one considers both the upper and lower falls as one. The
upper falls are visible for several miles up
and down the valley - part of a two-stage drop of 2,425 feet. The falls are
part of the Yosemite
Creek a collection of waters originating in the high Alpine region
of the north of Yosemite valley and tumbles nearly half a mile to join up
with the Merced
River. Because of the tremendous distance of it's fall the water
often times is more of a spray than a torrent. This is due to the effect of
the wind on the water on it's way down.
The base of the falls is afar as most people go but
there is a path to the top of the falls that physically fit a explorers
take. The path starts at the parking area close to the walk-in
campground known as Sunnyside . This is a steep half mile path that
requires making many switchbacks resulting in a gain of 1000 feet of
elevetion. After this the path levels out and opens up to give you a
great view of the valley. The best view is from Columbia rock. After this
the path once again becomes steep and rises another 1300 feet. You will
pass along the falls and feel the temperature drop. Approaching the fall
is difficult and not recommended from the enviromental stand point not to
mention the danger of slipping on the mist soaked boulders. This isn't the
end of it you still have farther to go but at least the walking is easier
from here on out. At the top, after a walk of 3.6
miles in total, the land flattens out quite abruptly and a stark landscape
of scattered trees with much exposed rock stretches out ahead. A short
spur path that ends with a series of steps cut into a rockface leads to a
viewpoint directly above the falls, while the main trail divides - one
branch follows the creek and eventually joins the Tioga Pass Road
while the other crosses the fast-flowing water on a sturdy footbridge and
leads through meadows and woodlands to the east.
To see the National
Park Service page on the Upper Yosemite falls you can follow this link
an return here when you close it out the page.
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Base of the Upper Falls
Upper falls
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