By Sally Walton
The Yosemite brochure quotes a park ranger as saying [If I had only one day
in Yosemite] "I would go sit by the Merced River and cry."
I decided to have a more positive attitude.
At the Shilo Inn in Oakhurst, Pete, a longtime resident of the area gave
some suggestions while I sipped morning coffee.
I parked my car in the Mariposa Grove at 8: 07 AM. As I hiked up the trail
to the Grizzly Giant Tree, I realized that I had the majesty of these
sequoia trees to myself. If you would like to experience this miracle of
solitude in one of our most visited National Parks:
* go early in the morning
* on a weekday
* in the off-season
After contemplating the Grizzly Giant, a 2,800 year old tree, walk another
50 yds to the California Tree which was cut in the 19th century so that
carriages could drive through the tree. Here you can touch the tree. All the
other major sequoia in the grove have fences around them to prevent the
trampling on their shallow root structure.
>From the California Tree, you can continue on to the Upper Grove for a
longer hike. For me, the 2 mile round-trip was a nice warm-up hike for the
rest of the day. On your return you have a choice of the trail or the road
which gives another view of the grove, and allows those who love walking to
get into a brisk stride. The road and the trail intersect at the Fallen
Monarch Tree.
At the parking lot, other cars were arriving. I drove on past the Wawona
Hotel, which was closed, to the turn-off for Chilnaulna Falls, a walk
recommended by Pete. When I had asked him if that choice was as good as
Vernal Falls, he replied, "Same idea." And here again, it's a choice fewer
make.
Drive along Chilnaulna Falls Road, past the Redwood Cottages, to the parking
area at the trail head. (By the size of the small parking area, I knew I
would not be encountering crowds.) Walk a short distance up the hill, and
follow the trail that goes off to the right, not the narrow road which leads
to more cottages. A very short hike up takes you to the falls.
Again I was alone. As you watch the falling water, you have the choice of
continuing on the much longer hike up the mountain. I returned to my car to
drive back to the main road, toward the Badger Pass/ Glacier Point turnoff.
Hiking around the Glacier Point area gives an overview of the valley and the
majestic peaks beyond.
This one-day adventure is only a taste of Yosemite, but one that will last a
long time. Enjoy!