Mist Trail (8)

The storm clouds moved in.

Snow was supposed to hit Yosemite National Park in the late afternoon.

I gambled taking the Mist Trail all the way to Nevada Falls.



It was worthwhile.


A seldom seen perspective.


A third bridge over the Merced.


The top of Nevada Falls.


No guardrails.


Nothing to obstruct the majesty of nature.


Looking left:


Looking right:


Looking behind:


The wind was powerful...


Blowing the mist back up the cliff!



I headed back down to Vernal Falls.



To quote Sol Rosenberg:
"It makes me very scary! I get very very ah scared..."



Are you paying attention?



One last look at Vernal Falls.

Yosemite National Park -- The Mist Trail.

Mist Trail (7)

I crossed the second bridge over the Merced River.

I could see Nevada Falls in the distance.

As I continued up in elevation it got very windy and cold.



The trees offered some protection.



Nevada Falls looked so close but yet so far.



Listening to too much NPR messes with your head.



Smaller steps up the side of Nevada Falls.



I think it's easier to walk on tumbled rocks.



Than the huge steps earlier on the Mist Trail.

Mist Trail (6)

The Mist Trail became hard to follow.

The majority turn back after reaching the top of Vernal Falls.

Few go on to Nevada Falls.



I went back to the water and followed the Merced.


The trail was hard to miss.



I was getting tired.

Mist Trail (5)

After much climbing, I reached the top of Vernal Falls.

Before cascading off the cliff the water gathers at Emerald Pool.

It's about a mile from here to the top of Nevada Falls.



Vacationers used to swim in Emerald Pool.


It's closed for safety reasons and habitat restoration.



The rocks are so finely polished they glare intensely.



The majority turn back at the top of Vernal Falls.



The Mist Trail became hard to follow.

Mist Trail (4)

The Mist Trail is known for being wet.

The rocks are slick towards the top of Vernal Falls.

But the spray didn't soak me at all.

Good thing given my track record with iPhones and Sierra waterfalls...



This was the scariest part of the hike.



The guardrails keep things pretty safe.



But it's still pretty scary.

Mist Trail (3)

Steep

Stairs

And

Steps.









Rocky Balboa ain't got shit on me!


I saw this in a movie:



When I see steps like this, I hear that Rocky theme in my head.



Getting strong now...



Getting irksome...



What's with all the steps? A Shaolin Monastery?



I began to expect a Kung Fu master might be up top.



Probably delirious.



Shouldn't have gotten overzealous!

Mist Trail (2)

The leisurely stroll was over.

I crossed the Merced River.

From here on, the Mist Trail becomes a real hike.

Distances are deceiving. Worry more about elevation gain...



Here, it's also possible to connect with the Glacier Point trail.



Vernal Falls comes into view as the trail steepens.



Steps are hewn into the rock.



The climb is worthwhile.

Tahoe Meadows

I asked around Incline Village about good hiking.

Tahoe Meadows and Mt. Rose was suggested.

The vista point on Rt. 431 is worth a stop.



I parked off the highway just past the Mount Rose summit.


Next, found the Tahoe Rim Trailhead.


Right away I had a wildlife sighting. Strange for a Great Horned Owl to be out in daylight:



A young sapling basked in the morning light:



There was a mysterious set of tracks. Later determined to be a hare.

The Tahoe Rim Trail passes through a meadow:

Followed by switchbacks up a hillside of Manzanita:















It was a clear day.

The view from the summit was clear across Lake Tahoe.

I could see all the way to California.



I relaxed on the boulders and took in the view.


This was a good spot for a picnic.


And posing for panoramic photos.