10 Images from Our Fall Adventure in Magical Yosemite
Two friends, five days, one perfect park, and an adventure that is near and dear to my heart.
This was my second backpacking trip in Yosemite, with one of my favorite ladies, Meredith, to one of my favorite parks and most breathtaking landscape that one could dream up. We both have busy lives at home, and days are easily filled with errands, work, and just life. These trips are a chance for both of us to reconnect, both with each other and the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds us, for a few blissful days.
With the first snow of the season rolling in, we had to delay our Clouds Rest plans for a few days, and took the wilderness ranger's suggestion to camp at North Dome for the night. After climbing 81 switchbacks (yes, we counted) and 6 miles on our fist half day, the type 2 fun was in full swing right out of the gate. Yep, it was going to be a good trip for sure.
Day two brought the snow, and the Type 2 fun continued on. Lucky for us, we got our first dose of Yosemite magic, and the weather cleared at Lower Cathedral right in time for sunset. The night was clear, calm, and we were able to snag some serious zzz's for our big push to Clouds Rest the next day.
The next day, we pushed on to the spot that I had been dreaming of for almost a year, Clouds Rest. The last time we were in Yosemite, we winter camped at Glacier Point, staring at all the peaks and lookouts that we now found ourselves right in the heart of. As is typical for us outdoorsy people, we vowed that we would get there soon, already dreaming of exploring what was still unknown to us. When we miscalculated mileage and elevation gain around mile 11, with 60+ lb packs on, as they usually do, the dreams faded into, "what are we doing, seriously, never ever doing this ever again if I make it through!" And because the best outdoors people have the worst memories, as soon as we set our sights on our destination, the joy and gratitude became so intense, we didn't even have to speak to know we were both already plotting our return.
The sunset and sunrise on Clouds Rest was more than I could have ever imagined. As cheesy as it sounds, we were literally jumping for joy. This adventure, with this human, in this place, is one for the books. See you real soon, Yosemite!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Do you love the outdoors?
Yep, us too. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox.
