Vernal Fall, Yosemite National Park, was called Yanopah (Yan-o-pah), believed to mean “Little Mist” or “Little Cloud”, by the Ahwahneechees, who were the original people living in Yosemite Valley. The Native American Historical Fiction, Great Spirit of Yosemite: The Story of Chief Tenaya, tells the story of their lives at the time of the Mariposa Indian War of 1850/51. This photograph, complete with a rainbow, appears in this California adventure.
https://www.mappit.net/bookmap/usa-counties/1857/mariposa/
VERNAL FALL, YOSEMITE – Background
The Fall can be found along the “mist trail”, southeast of “Grizzly Peak”. At 317 feet, (97 m), it is one of the smaller falls in Yosemite NP. It is the lower step of the Giant Stairway (Nevada Fall being the upper step). It was subsequently renamed Vernal (meaning Spring) by Lafayette Bunnel, a member of the Mariposa Battalion. This Battalion invaded Yosemite Valley (Ahwahnee) during the Mariposa Indian War of 1850/51.
The Merced River enters the Emerald Pool at the lower end of Silver Apron. From there it hurdles over some smaller rapids before flowing spectacularly out over Vernal Fall. When it reaches the granite base, it is enveloped in billows of swirling mist and spray. Without a doubt, when the sun is behind the viewer, all this mist gives rise to extraordinary rainbows.
Following from the base of the fall, the river rapidly runs through boulders. After about 600 feet (180 m), a large flat rock can be found, extending into the river. Indeed, this is a great place for photographing rainbows that occur in front of the fall. This rock is known as Lady Franklin Rock, in honor of the wife of Sir John Franklin, the Arctic explorer. This is owing to her visit here in the fall of 1860.
Yosemite National Park Book – Native American Fiction Literature
🏹 The Ahwahneechees were the indigenous people who lived in Yosemite Valley for many millennia. But they were forced to leave their homelands during the Mariposa War of 1850/51. All this happened at the time of the California Gold Rush when militias were authorized to protect prospectors and new settlers. The true and epic story of the Ahwahneechees and their Chief Tenaya is re-told in the 5-star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐reviewed novel. Great Spirit of Yosemite: The Story of Chief Tenaya, is available in all major online booksellers from $2.99.
Hi, I am Paul, photographer, and author of the historical novel “Great Spirit of Yosemite: The Story of Chief Tenaya”. This ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ illustrated book is available in eBook and paperback formats through all major online booksellers from $2.99 (e.g. Amazon, Bookshop.org, IndieBound, Apple Books, etc) - details can be found in "Purchasing Options" in the "About the Book" drop-down.
Great shot. What time of day is it most likely to have a rainbow in front of the falls?
Hi Jim, Great to receive your comment. To catch a rainbow the sun needs to be at your back, as you face the fall with an abundance of spray Spring is the best time when the falls are full. A good time to arrive at Vernal Fall would be late afternoon, 2-3 hours before sunset.May/June are the best months. A good place is after the bridge on the John Muir trail, you come to a junction where you go up the Mist Trail. After about 100 yards, a trail down to the left leads to some flat rocks in the river. It has excellent views of the fall, where I took this photo. Hope this helps. Paul