Day Fourteen: Yosemite and Turning Homeward
I woke up six miles outside of Yosemite National Park at the RV campground and headed in early, excited for the day ahead. I was meeting some friends at the visitor center — an unexpected but beautiful gift. As it turned out, an old neighbor, Jocelyn, along with her husband and three kids, happened to be in the park that same day. We managed to catch up for about thirty minutes, sharing stories and updates from our lives. It was a sweet and grounding encounter before I set off into the park on my own.
After they left, I spoke with a park ranger who suggested the Upper Falls Trail, a challenging but rewarding hike. The out-and-back was about seven miles, but the real kicker was the 3,000 feet of elevation gain packed into the first 3.5 miles.
The trail did not disappoint.
At several points, I would make a turn on a switchback and suddenly be met with the thunderous roar of Yosemite Falls, echoing through the valley. I was breathing hard, sweating, but the anticipation pushed me forward. At the summit, I found a sunny rock, sat quietly, and ate my lunch at the very top of the waterfall.
It felt magnificent—one of those rare moments when exhaustion, beauty, and peace blend into something unforgettable.
Afterward, I explored some smaller trails, including a bridge crossing the very top of the falls, before heading back down. I briefly considered another hike, but fatigue won out, and instead, I decided to start making my way back east.
I skipped my reserved campsite and drove toward Placerville, winding through Sierra Nevada backroads as the sun set behind the hills.
140 miles took nearly three hours, but the quiet beauty of the drive and a much-needed peaceful night’s sleep capped off the day perfectly.
