April 12

Spring is actually the perfect time to visit YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK — the waterfalls are at their most spectacular, and the weather brings sunny, relatively warm days. That said, it is still worth checking conditions beforehand, as occasional winter storms can occur and roads may be closed due to snow.

Waterfalls, granite peaks and giant sequoias await you in Yosemite National Park. We enter through the South Entrance via Fishcamp (where there is the option of taking a historic train ride) and head toward Yosemite Valley.

Our first breathtaking view of the valley comes after the tunnel at Tunnel View. From there we make our way to Bridalveil Falls. A short trail leads quickly to this first waterfall. We stop at one viewpoint after another, taking in El Capitan (a rock formation rising 2,307 m), Cathedral Beach and Sentinel Beach along the Merced River, as well as the Swinging Bridge spanning the river. We park the car and stop at the Visitor Center to find out about the best hikes, then take advantage of the free shuttle bus service within the park. From the bus we spot our wildlife highlight of the day: a coyote.

Our hike today takes us to Mirror Lake — a short walk of about 1.5 km that is absolutely not to be missed. Rather than taking the paved path, we recommend the Loop Trail (to the right of the river — involving a "cold wet" river crossing if you do not want to walk the full 6 km loop), the same route taken by the mules on guided tours. The reflection of Half Dome in the lake is truly spectacular, and our photo session takes accordingly long. As dusk approaches, we head back to the car. We make a few more brief stops at viewpoints — including one overlooking Yosemite Falls — before finally reaching our hotel.