Best Day Hikes In Yosemite National Park

Physical Health

09/02/16

As we just celebrated the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, I feel it necessary to share some insight on my favorite national park, Yosemite. Yes, you can just drive into the valley, marvel at the granite towering above you in all directions, and have your fill. Or, you can go a little deeper, embrace your inner John Muir, and spend your days hiking through Yosemite. Here’s a list of the best day hikes in Yosemite National Park to spark your wanderlust. Half Dome It’s no surprise Half Dome wins the popularity contest for best day hike in Yosemite. The infamous 14-16 mile hike delivers incredible views, exciting adventure, and hard-earned bragging rights. It’s long, difficult, and worth the exhaustion. Come prepared with plenty of water and snacks to keep you nourished. Don’t be intimidated, just prepare accordingly. For those of you with bad knees, The Muir Trail (1.5 mi longer) is a less steep alternative (especially on the way down). Also, check out these knee braces for those with bad knees. Permits are required so plan ahead. Cathedral Lakes The hike to Cathedral Lakes is a wonderful way to experience a stretch of the famed John Muir trail. This 7-8 mile hike through Yosemite’s stunning high country is only moderately difficult despite its high altitude. Bring lunch, take your time, and enjoy the serenity of the pristine High Sierra lakes. Don’t fret if you come unprepared, Tuolomne Meadows Grill/Store has you covered for food (and beer). Just remember, pack it in, pack it out. Clouds Rest Clouds Rest has all the glory of Half Dome without the crowds. I mean, you came to Yosemite to explore postcard worthy views, and be in the presence of arresting beauty, not compete with your fellow hiker for a photograph. So, if you want the physical challenge, the mind-blowing views, and the exhilaration of hiking along a narrow ridge, conquer the 14.5 mile roundtrip hike to Clouds Rest. Bring binoculars and you can watch people ascending Half Dome’s cables. Hetch Hetchy Located in the northwestern part of Yosemite National Park lies the often overlooked beauty of Hetch Hetchy Valley. If you need convincing, the grandeur of Hetch Hetchy is said to have rivaled Yosemite Valley before the construction of the dam. Currently, it remains an oasis for recreational activities, a pristine water source for San Francisco, an engineering masterpiece, and the epicenter of an ongoing environmental battle. The 5.5 mile hike to Wapama Falls (ideally in Spring) is rather scenic, less crowded, and substantially easier than all the others, making it one of the best day hikes in Yosemite. Mt. Hoffmann/May Lake Mt. Hoffmann stands at an elevation of 10,845 ft, offering 360 degree views of Yosemite National Park, including Half Dome and Clouds Restbelow. Considering no permit is required, the hike is 6 miles round trip, and the view is nothing short of breathtaking, I believe it is a must for anyone visiting Yosemite capable of breathing high altitude air. For those of you with a little extra time, consider camping. May Lake is an incredibly idyllic place to wake up or stargaze. “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” John Muir, Our National Parks

How To Stay Safe As A Solo Female Traveler

09/01/16

Jillian Palucis

I feel compelled to share a bit of my knowledge regarding solo female travel. Despite our modern times many women are still intimidated by the idea of traveling alone. Anything new in life is intimidating, regardless of gender, but nothing has empowered me more than traveling alone. Here are a few tips on how to stay safe on the road. Follow Your Intuition The more you travel, the better your intuition becomes. When you get a bad feeling regarding a stranger’s integrity, a guesthouse, or a dark alley, honor it. It may be fear of the unknown, but it may be your instinct telling you to avoid an undesirable situation. Listen to your gut, it usually knows when danger is present. Dress Conservatively Be observant of what local women are wearing and blend in. You will already draw attention by looking different, you don’t want to invite more attention by being the girl wearing short shorts in a conservative country. Aside from safety, it is also a matter of respect. Save your scandalous outfit for a night in New York City, not Nepal. Take Registered Taxis When Available Registered taxis add another level of security to your journey. Aside from the fact that your journey is registered, the drivers are as well. In major cities this is the best and safest way to travel. I also learned to lock the doors of a taxi while traveling. This prevents anyone from getting in while you are stopped. Arrive In A New Place During The Day This will not only give you a chance to get your bearings, it will make you feel more comfortable in your new surroundings. Also, if you are looking for a place to stay, it is much safer walking around during the day. More light, less opportunists. Ask Locals About Safe/Non-Safe Areas Whether you inquire with a tourist information booth, guesthouse owner, or a local cafe, most locals are in the know and happy to share this information with you. With this knowledge you are free to wander about without feeling anxious or getting lost in a bad neighborhood. You may even make a friend or receive a recommendation on where to go in the process. Have A “Story” Having a story about meeting your “husband/boyfriend/fake man of your choosing” helps. Yes, I am strongly encouraging lying. I hate to admit that this the reality of the world we live in, but lying will deter interested parties. I recently had a man follow me around a museum attempting to make conversation and asking me where I was staying. I told him I was meeting my husband after the museum and went into a cascade of details(lies) about our fake love story. He stopped following me as a result. Inform Someone Of Your Whereabouts Whether it is the guesthouse owner, your fellow backpackers, or your family at home, it is good to have somebody know where you are. I once had a situation at a guesthouse where I felt very uncomfortable in the presence of the owner. I felt compelled to message friends and fellow travel buddies to inform them exactly where I was staying. Nothing happened but I felt better knowing someone was aware just in case. Don’t Be Afraid To Say NO! Sometimes we sacrifice what we really want in favor of being polite or pleasing people. It is not rude to say no or be assertive. Being assertive is an art that when cultivated will allow you to avoid unfavorable situations. This rule applies to getting in a taxi with a driver who smells like alcohol, denying drink/food from a stranger on the train, a hand attempting to grope you, or telling a new acquaintance you are uncomfortable walking down a dark alley. Use your intuition and your NO as much as necessary. Be Observant Of How Many Women Are Around This applies to many different situations from having dinner in a restaurant, to riding in a train car, to being in a nightclub. If there aren’t any women around it is a sign you shouldn’t be either. When you are alone and only surrounded by men you become the only glass of water in the desert. Congregate with other women if they are around. While traveling alone I have encountered many women who go out of their way to ensure my safety. Don’t be afraid to connect with them.