Yosemite Trip Report

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Podcast Episode Overview

Yosemite National Park never fails to surprise! This summer, we came for waterfalls and ended up with falling trees, surprise bear encounters, and a lot of laughs along the way. From Yosemite Valley to the High Sierra, every turn revealed the beauty of Yosemite and the persistence of life thriving in every corner of the park.

In this episode, we cover:

• The highs and lows of our 2025 trip to Yosemite National Park!
• Timing your visit and the best time to explore Yosemite
• Iconic sights like Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, and El Capitan
• Six lessons we learned from unexpected events, including weather and wildlife encounters

Your task for today: Head over to the @DirtinMyShoes Facebook or Instagram pages and share your Yosemite plans for 2026! Are you chasing waterfalls, hiking near Half Dome, or exploring the High Sierra? Tell us your dream spots and what you’re most excited to see.

Planning your own Yosemite adventure?

• Yosemite Itineraries: https://shop.dirtinmyshoes.com/products/yosemite-itinerary
• Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/
• National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/ 
• Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/

Our trip to Yosemite

Timing is everything in Yosemite National Park. We visited in late June, just as Tioga Road opened and the warmer months were rolling in. The waterfalls were still flowing, including Bridalveil Fall, which reminded us why planning around the best time to visit matters. Hiking the Yosemite Falls Trail and catching glimpses of Half Dome gave a taste of the challenge and awe that define the park.

Even a short research trip can turn into a valuable lesson in flexibility! During this trip, we learned six big things:

• Lesson 1: Timing your visit matters, but Mist Trail is hard no matter when you visit!
• Lesson 2: Sudden weather, like windstorms, reminds you of the park’s unpredictability.
• Lesson 3: Wildlife encounters, such as spotting a black bear in Yosemite Valley, show how alive the park is.
• Lesson 4: Experiencing El Capitan up close gave a new appreciation for human courage and foresight.
• Lesson 5: Life happens, and you need to be prepared to embrace where the journey takes you!
• Lesson 6: Running into podcast listeners enjoying Yosemite was a highlight!

We explored not only the iconic sights of Yosemite Valley but also ventured toward the High Sierra, where each step felt like a true escape. Standing beneath cascading waterfalls, listening to the roar of rushing water, and watching sunlight hit granite cliffs brought the beauty of Yosemite to life.

By the end, our original itinerary looked nothing like the path we followed, and that was part of the magic! Yosemite National Park teaches you to slow down, soak in the valley views, marvel at the granite, and witness both the persistence of life and the power of glaciers. Whether chasing waterfalls, hiking near Half Dome, or exploring the meadows, every adventure reinforced why Yosemite remains one of the most breathtaking spots in the United States.

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Links mentioned in this podcast episode:

• Yosemite National Park Official Website
• Yosemite Road Status Updates
• Yosemite Park Maps
• Yosemite Wilderness Permits
• Yosemite Falls Trail
• Mist Trail
• Half Dome Permits for Day Hikers
• Bridalveil Fall
• El Capitan
• Free Solo
• Campgrounds in Yosemite
• Wildlife in Yosemite

Are you hoping to visit all of the national parks? Sign up for your FREE NATIONAL PARKS CHECKLIST so you can easily see where you’ve been and where you still need to go!