We have visited Yosemite National Park many times during the past and each subsequent visit is as inspiring as the very first time. It is hard to imagine an area blessed with so much scenic and natural beauty. Here in Yosemite , you are surrounded by immense granite domes and cliffs carved out by ancient glaciers and the relentless Merced River. Huge waterfalls plummet thousands of feet to the valley floor and their thunderous sounds can be heard for miles. Giant Sequoias, the largest of all living things, stand a silent vigil across the high country. Birds and animals of every description make their home here creating an enchanting environment that attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year.

We time our afternoon arrival during the always impressive spring season, when the waterfalls are at their peak. The melting snow from the high Sierras provide the water for this incredible spectacle. One of the world’s highest waterfalls is Yosemite Falls (2,425 ft.), which pours over sheer cliffs in three drops. Other falls include Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, Bridalveil Fall and Waterwheel Falls. We load our recording equipment in backpacks and take the Mist Trail up to Vernal Falls. Along the way we record the falls and by the end of the hike we appreciate how the trail got its namesake. As the sun sets over the valley, we make our way back to camp and prepare for some night recording.

Due to the high volume of traffic and visitor noise in Yosemite, we record many of our nature sounds at night when quiet settles over the park. Tonight we take our flashlights and hike the Upper Yosemite Trail that traverses its way up to Upper Yosemite Fall. There is a gentle breeze blowing through the pine trees and we stop to record it as we take in the countless stars painted across the heavens. The soft hoot of an owl adds the perfect atmosphere to this already magical evening. As we head back to camp, we observe a smattering of camp fires dotting the valley floor far below.

We are awakened the following morning by an early chorus of birds and crawl from our sleeping bags to record their songs. After breakfast we head south to Mariposa Grove to marvel at the Giant Sequoias, some growing to heights of over 300 feet! The forest is quiet and peaceful as we hike and record small water sounds. Later, as we head back to Yosemite Valley, we stop to admire the panorama of Tunnel View. We can  imagine how the first Native Americans felt when they came upon this pristine valley for the first time. Many historians credit William Abrahms as the first white man to discover the valley back in 1849, while hunting for Grizzly Bear. Others believe it was Joseph Walker, during his 1833 expedition, who was the first.

Evening beckons as we make our way to Mirror Lake Meadow. The twilight provides a dramatic backdrop to this beautiful lake nestled in the northeast end of the valley. We set up beside the water and are rewarded with a feeling of solitude and contentment. The natural ambience is wonderful and we spend a great deal of time here recording the various sounds. As Half Dome looms in the distance, we are again reminded of the awesome grandeur and natural splendor of this wonderful park.

Our remaining days are spent exploring the different areas inside and around the park. The expansive vistas around Tuolumne Meadows should not be missed and the northern portions of wilderness beyond Hetch Hetchy are worth the effort. From the breathtaking vantage points of the high country to the mystical solace of its silent forests, Yosemite National Park is unrivaled as nature’s greatest masterpiece.

Until we meet again....  

Randy Petersen  &  Robb Klein