For over five years, I've nurtured a dream of witnessing the wildflowers of the Sierra Nevada in full bloom and experiencing the ethereal moonbows in Yosemite National Park. Each spring, I imagine the meadows bursting with color, the air thick with the sweet scent of lupines, poppies, and Indian paintbrushes. The photos and stories from fellow travelers have only intensified my yearning, making me feel a deep connection to sights I've yet to experience. I’ve spent countless hours planning itineraries, marking the best trails for wildflower viewing, and researching the perfect time of year to catch the lunar rainbows over Yosemite Falls.
Despite my meticulous plans, life’s unexpected twists have kept me from embarking on this long-awaited journey. Work commitments, family responsibilities, and unforeseen obstacles have conspired to delay my trip year after year. Yet, the desire remains undiminished. Each passing season, I tell myself that next year will be the year I finally stand among those vibrant blooms and gaze at the mystical moonbows. Well, the time has come and this coming April is when my dreams and my plans finally align!
WildflowEr HIke
Moonbow & Wildflowers Fun Facts:
The wildflower hike we will be embarking on is known for being home to between 40-60 different wildflowers, including our state flower! The colors are just breathtaking and the views where the river forks are absolutely sublime!
There are several places where moonbows can be viewed but only about 4 places in the world where they can be seen consistently, Yosemite is one of the 4. The other 3 are Cumberland Falls in Kentucky, Victoria Falls on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe & Iguazu falls on the border of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.
Moonbows have been a source of wonder for centuries. Native American legends often featured moonbows, and early explorers of Yosemite, such as John Muir, wrote about their enchanting beauty. They actually appear white to the naked eye but I will teach you how to see capture them with your Iphone cameras.
Moonbows in the Park
Who will join me?
WHO? YOU & your canine and/or feline companions. Please be sure your furry best friends are well socialized and friendly. We will also always be practicing the “leave no trace” principles throughout our adventures together. :)
WHERE? We will meet at out Airbnb which will be disclosed about 2 months before our adventure. Our hikes will be in Mariposa County, one in Yosemite National Park and one just outside the park.
WHAT? Hiking with the intention of viewing moonbows and wildflowers. The moonbow hike is 1.2 miles with 55 feet elevation gain and the wildflowers 6.9 miles with 1069 feet elevation gain.
WHEN? Saturday April 12th - Sunday April 13th 2025. We will meet at the Airbnb at 8pm on Saturday, please arrive with a full belly.
COST: $233/per person in a quad twin room (3 of 4 available), $335/per person in a double queen room (2 of 2 available) & $395/per person in a single queen room (FULL). This price includes overnight accommodations for 1 based upon your room selection, hike organization/planning, iphone photography tips if you’d like them for the moonbow portion of this experience and beautiful candid & posed photos during our time together. The 1st person to sign up will also be gifted a fun & useful piece of hiking apparel! 😃
REGISTRATION CLOSES ON October 15th.
WHAT TO BRING:
Drinking water
Whatever apparel/clothing you would bring for an overnight hiking trip. There is lots of poison oak so pants are recommended.
Comfortable hiking shoes are a must
A swimsuit, in case you want to take a dip in the city river!
A raincoat or Poncho for the moonbow viewing
Snacks for the hikes & food for breakfast on Sunday. The Airbnb has a fridge and full kitchen.
A headlamp (red-light settings are preferable)
Sunblock for the wildflower hike, it is an exposed trail (full sun)
First aid kit (maybe I’m “extra”, but I don’t leave home without one)
A positive attitude
Your fur baby & everything to care for them properly. This is optional of course.
BONUS:
I will also generously be providing FREE professional photos of you from our adventures as keepsakes. I mostly capture candid shots but also include some curated photos as well. Be sure to let me know ahead of time if you have something in particular in mind. Imagine a photo of you and “Fido” in front of a moonbow or surrounded by a rainbow of vibrant wildflowers?!?!😍
oUR STUNNING RIVERSIDE ACCOMMODATIONS?
NOTES:
You are responsible for you own health and safety. As well as the health and safety of your fur baby (cat or dog) should you decide to bring them. By participating, you are taking full responsibility for your own actions and safety - as well as the health and safety of your canine/feline companion(s).
I will only be bringing 7 people with me on this adventure.
DO NOT forget to apply for your Yosemite day pass. Reservation are REQUIRED to enter the park and there is nothing I can do about it if you forget to do this. Visit recreation.gov to make your reservation.
To reserve your spot, email me at Hilda.intothewild@gmail.com and title it “April Hikes”. Please also be sure to let me know if you are coming alone or bringing a cat/dog or friend. :) If you are choosing to book overnight accommodations, I suggest you do it asap because although accommodations are very inexpensive, I’ve learned the hard way that availability is limited in this part of the world.
Nature is unpredictable. Although I have set everything up for prime viewing opportunities, nothing is ever guaranteed in the wild.
Please put this event in your planner/calendar as soon as your spot is confirmed - so you don’t forget that you signed up for it and double booked yourself doing something else too (yes, people have done this in the past). If you are bringing your fur baby, please make sure they get along with humans and other animals. Don’t forget to bring water, treats and eco friendly poop bags for them as well!
For LOTS more tips on venturing into the outdoors with your furry best friend, check out my blog post dedicated to this very topic. Click ———> HERE
I plan on stopping at my favorite little locals joint on the way home after our hike for lunch if you’d like to join me. The invitation is open!😀
SEE YOU ON THE TRAIL! :D
