Clouds Rest 9/28/2017 - Yosemite NP, CA

 

9-28-2017

Clouds Rest offers one of the most breathtaking 360 panoramic views in Yosemite Valley as it gives the best vantage point of the valley.  The hike also provides quite an impressive and thrilling experience as you traverse the narrow ridge with sheer drop-offs on both sides to reach the summit. The fastest and shortest way to scale Cloud's Rest is from the Sunrise Lakes trailhead on Tioga Road near Tenaya Lake. 

From the trailhead, follow the trail sign for Sunrise H.S.C. After the first 1.5 mile, the trail starts to climb steeply in switchbacks. The switchbacks will get your heart rate going no doubt as you gain 1,000' in just one mile. No pain, no gain! Go easy and be careful as you cross the narrow ridge to the top...both sides of the sharp ridge are sheer drop-offs.

Take in amazing vistas from the summit...many of Yosemite landmarks such as Half Dome, Mt. Hoffman, Mt. Dana, Sentinel Dome, North Dome, Tenaya Lake, Cathedral Rock and El Capitan...and many peaks of High Sierras.

There were rockfalls at El Capitan two days in a row. The second rockfall at El Cap was seen in this hike from the top of Clouds Rest.

Video by Lifeisamt

El Capitan's Second Rockfall Seen From Clouds Rest 9/28/2017 - Yosemite NP, CA

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9-28-2017

El Capitan's massive rockfall occurred for second straight day, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, in Yosemite National Park. A gigantic granite slab fell from the east wall of El Capitan. I was hiking up Clouds Rest on Thursday and happened to see the rockfall covering the valley with a cloud of dust.  

It's a sobering reminder that the landscape is constantly changing even though it may not seem like that.

Video by Lifeisamt

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North Table Mountain Wildflowers and Phantom Falls - North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, CA

April 29, 2017

Wildflowers galore! This is a beautiful pastoral hike with wildflowers, streams and waterfalls everywhere. Beautiful landscape and terrains are easy to navigate so that kids and families can enjoy.

This is an elevated basalt mesa, relatively flat and broad, with canyons dropping straight in sheer cliffs. The ancient lava flows have created a harsh environment that many different wildflowers take advantage of. Vernal pools form because the rain can’t easily penetrate the hard surface. Cattle graze on the Reserve, which helps the native plants by keeping out invasive grasses and nurtures soils. This is where the land and nature are ecologically balanced....and then there are those cattle.

Follow the trails and wander off, enjoying flowers and streams. There's a large oak tree by the parking lot. It's the landmark for your return. You find Ravine Falls and Phantom Falls by hiking towards the northwest from the parking lot in about 1.5 - 2 miles. There are other waterfalls you come across as you wander.

Video by Lifeisamt