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Saturday, May 19, 2018

Views from Southside Drive - Yosemite National Park


For 5.5 miles beyond the Arch Rock Entrance Station, the two lane road follows the right bank of the Merced River. At this point, the road splits into two one-way roads with eastbound visitors crossing the river on the Pohono Bridge onto Southside Drive. There are numerous pullouts along the drive that offer some spectacular views of Yosemite Valley and the granite monoliths that surround the valley. We visited in March 2018 when the roads were clear, but snow and ice covered much of the ground.

El Capitan (~3000' high) behind the trees

Cathedral Rocks and Leaning Tower

Another view of El Capitan

Frozen Ribbon Fall above the scree

Approximately 3000 vertical feet from the valley to the top of the rocks

A dusting of snow covers the cliffs

Typical road conditions

Another view of El Capitan

Closeup of El Capitan

Bridalveil Fall (617') and Leaning Tower


Ice formations at Bridalveil Fall

El Capitan

Upper Yosemite Falls (1430')

A closer view of Upper Yosemite Falls

Royal Arches and North Dome

Another view of Upper Yosemite Falls


Ice cone at the base of Upper Yosemite Falls

Entrance to Yosemite National Park requires an entry fee of $30 per passenger vehicle for a 7-day pass. The price increases to $35 per vehicle on June 1, 2018. Any of the America the Beautiful passes may be used instead.

The park website is https://www.nps.gov/yose.

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