Yosemite Firefall 2016

Natural Firefall in Yosemite Valley on February 24, 2016. About two weeks in late February, when the right conditions come together, the sunset light hits El Capitan’s Horsetail Fall at perfect angle. As a result, the waterfall is illuminated glowing like a fire-fall.

2016 February presented a perfect condition for the firefall, with enough snow and water for Horsetail fall, thanks to El Nino, and the weather was favorable for the firefall to occur.

2019 February may bring another great opportunity for Firefall due to the significant amount of the rainfall and snow received this winter.

Video by Lifeisamt

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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Lembert Dome and Dog Lake 9/17/2017 - Yosemite NP, CA

 

 

 

9/17/2017


This short hike to the top of Lembert Dome offers a spectacular view of Tuolumne Meadows and some of the notable peaks of Yosemite's high country.  It's less crowded and breathtaking views from the top are worth the trip. Also, Dog Lake is just a short distance from Lembert Dome.

Every time when I passed by this big granite rock rising near Toulumne Meadows along Tioga road, it always caught my attention and made me wonder....what it would be like to stand on the top of it. Don't be surprised as you trek up to the top....it's gigantic!....even though it looks much smaller than Half Dome or El Capitan. The views from the top are spectacular! Sweeping vistas in all directions....Toulumne Meadows, Cathedral Peak, Mt. Hoffman, Mt. Dana and more.
 

Use caution as you ascend the face of the dome. There is no obvious trail on the granite slabs, so choose a safe route aiming to the top.

Video by Lifeisamt