Yosemite Falls

This was perhaps, my most favorite hike this Summer! Hiking to the top was an arduous task indeed, but the views were nothing short of spectacular; I cannot describe the intense, magical beauty of the vast mountain ranges, nor the insurmountable euphoria of looking over the top of the tallest waterfall in North America. 

Overview:
Distance: 7.2mi round-trip
Elevation: 2,700ft
Difficulty level: strenuous (only avid hikers advised)
Approximate time: 6-8 hours depending upon your skill-level
Pet Friendly: no
Crowd levels: high, especially in the Summer
Best season to go: Spring or beginning of Summer
Cost: $30- to enter Yosemite National Park

What to bring in your pack:
1. Lot's of water: the elevation gain is very taxing and you will need to hydrate yourself along the way.
2. Hiking snacks: power bars, trail mix, dried fruit, and a sandwich are perfect for this long, all-day hike. 
3. Camera or Phone: The views are beyond beautiful and you will want to capture every moment along the way!
4. Sunscreen and a hat: long segments of the trail offer no relief from the beating sun. Especially in the Summer you will need sunscreen, a hat, or both.
5. Good hiking shoes: this is not a hike to wear your Birkenstocks on.. upon reaching the summit, you will have the chance to look down over the top of the waterfall and will need good shoes to ensure your footing is secure on the mountain-side.
6. Your motivation: getting to the top is a very difficult feat, but I promise you will be so proud of your accomplishment once you get to the top and that makes the view that much better! 

What you will see:
The majority of the hike you will get the pleasure of seeing beautiful mountain ranges, a glorious view of Half Dome, and a birds eye view of Yosemite Valley. 
Once you reach the summit, you can look down over the top of the waterfall!

How to get there:
Follow the roads on the map given to you upon entering until you arrive in Yosemite Valley; park near the Yosemite Falls trail-head in the daily parking just ahead of "Camp 4" or across the street in the overflow parking area. Finding a parking spot can be difficult, so be sure to get there early.