The Magurans: June 2019

Sunday, June 30, 2019

California Trip - Day 7: Yosemite Valley

On Sunday we went into the Valley one last time. We parked near Half Dome Village and walked almost the entire way around Yosemite Valley. We walked about 12 miles in total. The highlight of the hike was stopping at the base of El Capitan which is one of the world's largest granite monoliths. A few months ago, we watched "Free Solo" which was about Alex Honnold who climbed El Cap without ropes. Using the binoculars, we were able to see some climbers (with ropes) on the face. We also saw two bears cross the trail in front of us!

We were actually able to climb over some rocks and boulders to get to the base to touch El Cap. Alex even did his own "free solo" climb. After our hike, we did a little souvenir shopping and then went back to the hotel for the pool, pizza, and s'mores.

El Capitan

Merced River

Boulders Along the Merced River

El Cap

At the Base of El Cap

Free Solo!

A Little Higher Up on El Cap

Pool Time

S'mores at Tenaya Lodge

Saturday, June 29, 2019

California Trip - Day 6: Sequoia National Park

On Saturday, we decided to avoid the weekend crowds at Yosemite and drove down to Sequoia National Park. It was probably our least active day - we only hiked around 5 miles. We got to see the General Sherman which is the world's largest tree (by volume - it isn't the tallest). The boys were also able to climb into a few of the Sequoias which was a lot of fun. After exploring for a few hours, we drove into Kings Canyon as saw the General Grant which is the world's third largest tree. We also were able to walk through the Fallen Monarch which had a hollow interior.

Mono Rock as we Drove into the Mountains

General Sherman

Snack Break

The President

Fallen Monarch in Kings Canyon

General Grant

Friday, June 28, 2019

California Trip - Day 5: Taft Point, Pohono Trail, & Sentinel Dome

On our fifth day in Yosemite, we drove towards Glacier Point instead of the Valley. We parked at the Sentinel Dome/Taft Point trailhead and hiked the 1.1 miles to Taft Point and the fissures. On the way, we ran into two deer that were not afraid of us at all. Taft Point has an overlook at the edge of a 3000 foot cliff. We took all our photos a good distance from the edge. On the way back up the trail, we veered off onto the Pohono Trail which took us in the direction of Sentinel Dome and Glacier Point. We took that trail for about 2 miles along the Valley rim. We had some great views of Yosemite falls. Then we picked up a trail to Sentinel Dome and hiked to the top for some amazing 360 degree views of the valley (elevation of 8122 feet). We could see El Cap, Cathedral Rocks, Yosemite Falls, both Vernal and Nevada Falls, and a stunning view of Half Dome. From Sentinel Dome, we hiked back along a 1.1 mile trail to the parking lot. Once we got back to the lodge, the boys enjoyed some pool time despite the chilly air temperature.