What's better than a glamping birthday celebration complete with bike rides, hiking to waterfalls along a misted trail and close friends gathering in a iconic national park to celebrate among redwoods? Cheers, Yosemite.
Our very own photo editor Nathan Mueller not only creates stunning visual editorials for The Venue Report, he also writes for his travel journal Long Live Sundays that celebrates allll the things we love; traveling and gathering with the best people, places and vibes.
About three miles east of U.S. Highway 395, down a dirt road and across Mammoth's volcanic valley floor is scattered a number of natural hot springs. The springs can be accessed by white sun-washed wood walkways and you can freely bathe in the springs all year round with a mountain range backdrop.
September is a dry month for the big waterfalls in Yosemite, but the one that can always be counted on running is Vernal Falls, along The Mist Trail. Dubbed as such from it's constant misting from Vernal Falls, The Mist Trail will keep you cool in the summer months as you hike to Half Dome or spend a afternoon hiking to Nevada Falls. 
Half Dome Village
Definitely don't miss Half Dome Village! It's a village of canvas white tent cabins, with a pizza patio and porch deck with wooden rocking chairs. Maybe you'll watch an afternoon storm roll by or simply enjoy the peace and quiet being in the shadow of a giant mountain range brings. Bonus: Half Dome Village has daily bike rentals so you can cruise around the park along miles of tree lined bike paths.
We Do Decor... Everywhere
Every birthday calls for decorations of some sort! Here at The Venue Report we take celebrations seriously, so what is glamping without gorgeous birthday camp decor?
White balloons were tethered to canvas tent cabins, rocks, trees and bikes as we did a birthday bike ride through the park.
Dinner at The Majestic Yosemite Hotel, elegance was just the start. Built in the 1920s, the The Majestic Yosemite Hotel has been the architectural gem of Yosemite National Park with views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and Glacier Point all from the surrounding desks of the hotel.
A Peak Picnic
The absoulute peak of our trip was gathering around a picnic dinner and celebrating each other at the top of Glacier Point. Our camping stove in tow, a basket full of snacks and a picnic blanket to spread out over the most majestic sunset lookout of all Yosemite Valley was absolutely breathtaking. To me, this was the most epic and unforgettable gathering of the entire trip.
From volcanic desert valley floors to redwood treelined roads and overlooks of California's most majestic national park, Yosemite should be a mandatory getaway for all road trip lovers. Visit Yosemite now, as The U.S. National Park Service celebrate 100 years of engaging communities through recreation, conservation, and historic preservation programs.
