A contrail aligns with Bridalveil Falls, one of the most prominent waterfalls in Yosemite National Park, California. The waterfall is 617 ft in height and flows year round. In a brisk wind, the falling water is often blown sideways, and when the flow is light, it may not reach the ground directly below. Because of this, the Ahwahneechee Native Americans called this waterfall "Pohono", which means "Spirit of the Puffing Wind."
Valley View offers views of El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls in the classic juxtaposition. The lovely and serene Merced River graces the foreground between these two icons providing some beautiful texture to otherwise cold granite vistas. The view is particularly nice in fall when the grasses in the Merced River change color.
After disappearing during a sudden storm, Half Dome reappears lit with a rainbow behind the Merced River. Half Dome is a granite dome at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, California. It is a well-known rock formation in the park, named for its distinct shape. One side is a sheer face while the other three sides are smooth and round, making it appear like a dome cut in half.
