Three Reasons Why You Should Visit Yosemite in 2011

It's August and summer is nearly over. What is unusual in California right now is that the state had a late, wet year. So, this makes for some pretty interesting results in Yosemite National Park. If you have not yet visited the park or would like to return, here are three reasons why this is the year:

Snowcapped mountains -- hard to believe that in August the mountains would still be snowcapped, but they are. The Sierra Mountain Range at the higher elevations is shockingly still generously covered in snow. So not only do you get to see the majesty of El Capitan or Half Dome, but the surrounding mountains still have late snow glaciers covering the shaded and northern exposures. It adds a little extra beauty to the region at an unusual time of year.

High-Flow Waterfalls -- while most of the time in late summer the famous Bridal Veil falls slows to sometime a dull roar, this year not so. The falls are still blasting at full release due to the late snow melt. So you can hike up to the falls, but like you might be prepared in spring time when the snow melt first begins, you should bring protection from the water pouring onto the trail. You don't want to hike soaked to the bone. You will only feel uncomfortable and chafe.

Lots of Water in the Rivers and Streams -- the snow melt has once again affected the volume of cubic feet of water flowing through the rivers and streams. In a typical month of August, many streams begin to dry up and rivers water recede. Not this year, the rivers and streams are flowing at full bore. These make beautiful sights to behold. You can take endless pictures and explore and swim, but also be careful. High river flows create sometimes deadly currents that can cause drownings. Don't underestimate the power of the water current if you're swimming or rafting.