Oh, National Parks how much we love you !!!!
Did you know that Mongolia has the oldest national park in the world? Yep, in 1778 the Mongolian government established the area surrounding Bogd Khah Uul Mountain as a national park. We are so glad that there are 58 national parks in the United Sates for everyone to explore.
We have been to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Pinnacles National Park, Olympic National Park, Arches National Park , Canyonlands, and many other but Yosemite is by far one of the most celebrated National Parks that we have enjoyed. People travel from all over the world to see what the fuss is all about. We are very blessed to live only 3 hours away from this extraordinary place so we have been here multiple times and we still have many trails to explore.
Most people when they hear Yosemite their mind automatically goes to Half Dome and the beautiful Yosemite Valley with all its beautiful waterfalls and amazing scenery. On this day trip we decided to take Tioga Road through Yosemite all the way to Mono Lake.
Olmsted Point
Here you get a view towards the Yosemite Valley and you can clearly see the half Dome so even on this road you know you are in Yosemite. However, when you get to the end of the parking lot it opens up a whole new view of Yosemite with its view of Tenaya Canyon.
Tenaya Lake
It is no wonder that Tenaya Lake is referred to “Jewel of the High Country.” This lake has clear water that you can see all the way to the bottom and with the reflection of the clouds and mountains. Bringing our canoe here would be a great idea.
Pothole Dome
This is definitely not like hiking up half dome but for an easy hike it is hard to image a better payoff. This hike is only 1 miles long (round trip). Here you hike through the meadow for a bit and then you start going up to the top of the Dome. It is only 239 feet elevation gain but it gets you way above the tree line and opens up an amazing 360 degrees view of the meadows, cathedral peak, and the surrounding mountains. If your not able to do a long hike, due to time, then this is one hike you will not want to miss.
The best time to visit is June until September.
Tuolume Meadows
This is a beautiful meadow through which Tuolume River runs through with all its tributaries. Most of this area is off limits due to the meadow restoration so you’ll want to stay on the trail. The river is so pretty because the water is clear enough for you to see fish swimming in it. What got us the most was the color of the rocks and the way they look when water runs through it. The water is so cold that it makes us wonder that if it is this cold in September, how cold is it in May?
The road from Yosemite to Mono Lake is an adventure in itself. As you start descending from Yosemite National Park to Mono Basin the first thought that might pop into your mind is, ” I wonder why this is not part of a National Park. ” It is that spectacular.
Mono Lake
Once you get to Mono Lake you feel like you are in a whole different world. It is warmer, you see no longer granite but tufas and your surrounded by sage bush and not a forest. We were given a small container to take some water out and see what we were able to see in the water. Brine shrimp and black flies thrive in this salt water. In this water there are brine shrimp species that are not found anywhere else in the world. I wish we could spend all day observing the brine shrimp. Did you know that the lake’s alkalinity is pH 10. It is incredible how much hydroxide ions Mono Lake contains.
I also wish that we had brought our pH paper with us as well as our microscope. This is our third visit to Mono Lake and I can’t wait to come here again and swim here because it is said that you can’t sink in this water but instead you’ll float without putting any effort. Now we just have to get past the idea of getting in water that is 2 and a 1/2 times saltier than the ocean and is covered with flies and shrimp. We will just have to make sure we will be able to take a shower right after it but I’m so up for the challenge.
Hands on Learning
We decided to hatch brine shrimp ourselves. They hatch within 24 hours and all you need is a glass container, bottled water, sea salt, and brine shrimp eggs which we ordered from Home Science Tools. They are extremely small. We were able to see them but my camera had a hard time capturing them. We learned about their life cycle and all about the effects of pH and environmental changes. We used a pH paper and I’d have to say that my younger daughter Eve thought it was magic.
Thank you for reading our post. We share a new post every Thursday at 8 pm. Have you ever been to Yosemite or Mono Lake? Would you dare swim in Mono Lake?
Kristina
This is beautiful! I’ve never been to a national park before but I know my kids would love it as a fun family trip! The lake and mountains are stunning.
Akim R.
I’ve been following your trips for how many months and I’ve observed one thing: Your adventure goes with learning (especially for your kids), that’s a great idea!
Melissa Chapman
Your pictures from Yosemite are nothing short of amazing. You are so lucky to get to go there, I love hiking and that one looks so worthwhile. Good luck hatching the shrimp.
StylishGeek
Absolutely stunning photographs of your family adventure! We have been to Yosemite before and I regret now that we didn’t capture as much pictures as you did. Thanks for sharing!
Terri Steffes
Such a peaceful place. I want to go there. I want to sit on that big rock! I would love to be able to drink that water!!
robin rue
I am so jealous! I have always wanted to go there. I loooooved looking at all your photos. Looks like you had fun!
Marcie
Oh how awesome! I’ve only been to Yosemite for about 48 hours and it was for a wedding. My husband and I are itching to bring our boys there for a family trip!
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh
Wow, your photos are breathtaking! So beautiful. I too love national parks, and Yosemite looks amazing. It’s on my bucket list!
Rachel
These pictures are so beautiful. I just wish I lived somewhere where the scenery was more beautiful.
Blythe Alpern
I remember hatching brine shrimp as a kid. I did so to feed the seahorse I had. I’ve never been to Yosemite but I’ve always wanted to go. Most of the time I’ve spent in California has been in the southern region or along the coast. It would definitely be worth making a trip just to see the beautiful valley, mountains, and lake.
Jessica Joachim
I love going to the parks as well. I have never been to Yosemite, but would love to go. We live in Florida though and really enjoy exploring out home state quite a bit.
reesa
What a beautiful view! We have always wanted to visit Yosemite! Maybe one day!
roxy
Yosemite looks amazing! I’ve gotten close — Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park, both of which we did this year. Yosemite is next on the list! I also love the shrimp brine you got for your kids. What a fun project idea!!
Hey Sharonoox
Amazing photos! I have never been to Mono Lake or Yosemite but it looks like a beautiful place to visit. I’m adding this to my travel list. I hope to visit someday.
Ayana Pitterson
These photos are breathtaking. I’ll be honest, I have never done a hike before. I am from NYC and city life doesn’t always lend to a hiking life. However, after seeing your photos and reading this amazing and detailed post, I really want to give it a try. Thank you for opening my eyes on this.
Thrifting Diva
http://www.thriftingdiva.com
Heather
You always have the most stunning family getaway photos. This looks like a great adventure that my family would enjoy too.
Jeannette
I loved your photos! I have never been to either but my older cousin was married at Yosemite.
Kaity | With Kids and Coffee
Oooh my goodness, now I miss living in California. There’s really nothing like Yosemite! Tenaya Lake is our absolute favorite place in the park. So much quieter than the busy areas near the pass, and Pothole is a great hike with GORGEOUS views. These pictures are absolutely beautiful—so glad you had a great time!
Melissa Vera
I have yet to visit Yosemite. But your pictures are breathtaking, I am going to add it to my bucket list.
Mark G.
I’m sure your kids had so much fun! Nice family bonding – adventures can teach you a lot of things!