Yosemite Valley Floor Loop Hike

Kids Enjoying the Meadow, Yosemite Valley Floor

Yosemite National Park abounds with more than 800 miles of trails, from very easy to extremely strenuous. Though most hikers would usually recommend staying away from the valley because for them it is too crowded, but actually, the Yosemite Valley Floor Hike is one of the more peaceful and silent hike in Yosemite. There may be some sections where it is overly crowded to experience a oneness with nature, such as at the trail to the base of Yosemite Falls, 

Yosemite Falls from the trail

and in Bridalveil Falls.

Bridalveil Falls

But after these two places, the other parts of the Yosemite Valley Floor becomes too quiet, you wonder where all the people went. Most people make a pilgrimage to the base of Yosemite Falls, but after that they go somewhere else, or they leave the park. Other hikers avoid the valley floor thinking this is where tourists who do not hike flock and thus too crowded for them to enjoy the serenity of nature. As a result, leaving the other parts of the Yosemite Valley Floor quiet, peaceful, and really inspiring. We were glad we took this trail, as this may be one of Yosemite's best kept secret. 

Cook's Meadow

Only very few people would take a walk to enjoy the lush meadows, woods, 

wildflowers,

 birds, 

Blue Jay

butterflies, bees

 

and deers. 

The route of this hike is through alternating meadows and woodlands, with frequent views of the towering granite cliffs and the alluring Merced River. 

Yosemite Fall and Merced River

The water here was so clear that we can actually even see some fishes swimming in the river. The total distance of the hike is 13 miles loop, with only about 200 ft change in elevation. We were so glad we took this trail and did not follow the popular notion that this is a crowded hike. Except at Bridalveil and Yosemite Falls, the trail is mostly quiet and serene, and maybe, one of the less traveled path in Yosemite.

Yosemite Falls from the Valley Floor

If I were to add, though we did saw this endorsement only after the trip, the National Geographic describe the Yosemite Valley Floor hike as a must do secret in Yosemite, and it further added that this trail  has not seen much foot traffic since the 1950s! No wonder why when we took the trail, it was so tranquil and inspiring, so contrary to the popular advises I got to avoid the valley floor. I am glad we took this trail, I am glad we listened to the park ranger when we asked him what is his favorite trail in Yosemite that he would recommend us to take.  

This trail is like walking in a garden, so beautifully adorned with green grasses and wildflowers, surrounded by lush green trees, naturally adorned by majestic granite rocks, 

El Capitan, the largest granite monolith standing at 3000 ft

with North America's tallest waterfall and the crystal clear water of Merced River running through it. 

Yosemite Falls

♥♥