Wednesday, October 30th, 2024
I began my morning at Taylor Creek near Lake Tahoe, as I had heard it was an ideal spot to see bears. When I arrived, I saw a group of photographers, already set up and ready for the action. I joined the most active photographer, and we made our way along the river, hoping to spot a bear. After about 30 minutes, we finally saw one—a majestic creature slowly making its way along the river. The photographer, without hesitation, approached within 3 meters of the bear, showing no fear. He radioed his friends to inform them of the sighting, coordinating their positions to capture the perfect shots, and it all felt surprisingly similar to herding cattle.
The bear seemed largely unbothered by our presence. Me and the photographer who I was with managed to move the bear downstream for better shots, and eventually, I found myself just a few meters from the animal. Although it was nerve-wracking, the bear seemed almost docile—more like a cow than a dangerous wild animal. It was an extraordinary experience, one that left me in awe of the wildlife in this area.
With that unforgettable encounter behind me, I headed south towards Yosemite National Park. Without a reservation, I wasn’t quite sure where I would stay, but after speaking with a helpful ranger, he suggested I set up camp at Camp 4 and visit the camping office the next day to secure a spot. Following his advice, I managed to secure a spot at Camp 4 for just $10 a night, and I was ready to take on some of Yosemite’s most iconic trails.
Thursday, October 31st, 2024
The next day, my first stop in Yosemite was Glacier Point. It was a crisp and clear day, and the road to Glacier Point had finally reopened after being closed due to earlier snow. The timing couldn’t have been better. The view into Yosemite Valley and across to El Capitan was nothing short of spectacular. Looking over the sheer drop of exactly 1,000 meters was humbling. For all the photographs and documentaries I’d seen, nothing could have prepared me for the grandeur of this place in real life.
After taking in the scenery, I drove to the nearby Sentinel Dome trailhead. The hike to Sentinel Dome took about 30 minutes—an easy walk that culminated in a fantastic 360-degree view of the entire park. From the top, I could see for miles in every direction, and it felt as though I was truly on top of the world. At the summit, I met a mountain rescue guide who recommended I tackle the Clouds Rest hike the next day, telling me it offered the best view in all of Yosemite, even better than Half Dome.
In the afternoon, I took some time to relax by the river in Yosemite Valley. There’s something very calming about watching the water flow while surrounded by massive granite walls. Camp 4 had an interesting vibe—it felt like a close-knit community, with mostly climbers, all of whom seemed to trust each other implicitly. People left their gear in their tents and food in the communal bear boxes without a second thought.
Later in the day, feeling a bit restless, I decided to go for one more hike before nightfall. I made my way to the end of Yosemite Valley, where I found a trail leading to two beautiful waterfalls. It turned out to be longer than I expected, and I ended up hiking back in the dark. Thankfully, I had my tent ready at Camp 4, and I slipped into my sleeping bag, feeling satisfied after an active day.
Friday, November 1st, 2024
On Friday, November 1st, 2024, I set out to tackle the hike to Clouds Rest. A young Danish traveler I had met at the campground the previous day decided to join me. We started early, knowing it would be a long hike, but the anticipation made the early start worthwhile. The climb was gradual, and we passed through incredible scenery—forests, meadows, and ridges that seemed to stretch forever.
The summit of Clouds Rest was everything I had hoped for and more. The panoramic view offered a breathtaking 360-degree perspective of Yosemite’s peaks, valleys, and granite domes. From up there, you could see Half Dome in the distance, and many hikers we met at the top agreed that the view was even better than that from Half Dome itself. The vastness of Yosemite spread out beneath us, with crisp mountain air and endless blue skies—it was truly unforgettable.
The Danish traveler decided to continue down into Yosemite Valley after we descended from Clouds Rest, opting for the extended adventure. I returned to my car, feeling a sense of fulfillment after another day spent in such an awe-inspiring place.
As the sun began to set, I started my drive out of Yosemite. The winding roads were peaceful, with only a few cars making their way through the park. It felt bittersweet to leave such a majestic place, but I knew that the memories made here would stay with me forever. By the time I exited the park, it was already dark, and I found a spot to sleep in the car, grateful for one last quiet moment in the mountains.
