Jun 23, 2015 Yosemite rocks
Just got back from a family trip to Yosemite. I’m not going to pretend to be a real outdoorsman, rock climber, or even a camper. We stayed at the Wawona Hotel, which looks more like something from a Wes Anderson movie than Harry and the Hendersons. But it was still a huge change of scenery and chance to reset for us city folk. (Above: Tunnel View of Half Dome welcomes emerging motorists.)
One of the nice things about Yosemite is that it can be enjoyed by hardcore nature enthusiasts who want to go on multi-day hikes and bury their poop or glampers who prefer four-star hotels. My family leaned toward the latter, and our hikes were more like strolls since we had a gang of children and even an infant with us. But even sticking to the most basic paths, we were rewarded with plenty of solitude and iconic views that inspired the likes of Thomas Ayres, Albert Bierstadt, Thomas Hill, and Ansel Adams. (Above, clockwise from top left: Mirror Lake Hike, Tenaya Creek, Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls, Mirror Lake).
It’s so easy to be mesmerized by the sweeping landscapes, painterly vistas, and dramatic upward views in the valley that one can forget to look at the details. But even the most common items, like trees, have natural textures and camouflage that leave streetwear versions in the dust. (Above: Ponderosa Pine on the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail.)
I’ll admit that many of my favorite aspects of Yosemite are made by humans. Taking the free shuttles around the valley is super convenient, but riding bikes is faster and way more fun. Even for us bike novices, cycling through fields and forests is dreamlike and well-worth lugging up all your gear. The Ahwahnee Hotel is also a must-visit for followers of the Arts & Crafts style and fans of The Shining alike. I appreciate old-school, non-ironic touristy stuff like the Indian Village of the Ahwahnee, too. (Above, clockwise from top left: Bike trail to the Ahwahnee Hotel, Ahwahnee Dining Room, Indian Village of the Ahwahnee, Ahwahnee Great Lounge.)
But, of course, it’s nature that makes Yosemite sublime: killer views of Half Dome from pretty much anywhere, seeing deer hanging out unafraid and oblivious to us humans who are respectfully freaking out, morning walks on fire roads just 100 yards away from the hotel, and massive trees at the Mariposa Grove–which we got to stroll through just before the area is shut off to the public for refurbishing. (Above, clockwise from top left: Half Dome from Yosemite Village, deer by Yosemite Village, Three Graces at Mariposa Grove, fire road by the Wawona Hotel.)
Our final stop was Glacier Point, which provided a literal overview of our trip to Yosemite and made us want to return. Maybe we’ll actually camp, hike, or go rafting next time but this visit was pretty great already. Seeya there sometime after our mosquito bites heal up and we’re ready to go three or four days without Asian food again. (Above: View of Half Dome, Vernal Falls, and Nevada Falls from Glacier Point.)
Wi-Fi is super hard to come by in Yosemite Valley, and you’ll learn to get by without it. However, if you’re in civilization you should follow Imprint on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, too.