Yosemite's Vernal Falls Highline, Finally Established!
Epic new highline, and comes with a presidential story!
Vernal Falls in Yosemite has finally been established! After 2 years of dreaming, multiple scouting trips, and a failed rigging attempt, Ryan Jenks, Scott Hong, Michael Melner, and I finally rigged this 420 ft line, the second longest in Yosemite, and the only waterfall line in Yosemite that is actually IN FRONT of the water, instead of over it. After all that work, we didn't even have it up for 24 hours before the Secret Service shut us down. Turns out Obama was in the Valley and wanted to hike the Mist Trail. We were told we had to get this de-rigged NOW before the President comes up, or the Secret Service would cut our line, take our gear, and escort us out. You can bet that was the fastest de-rig in history. On the up side, we got to see and meet Obama and the first family because, ironically, we didn't get out of there fast enough :)
No one sent, but we all sessioned the crap out of that line. Being that close to the water is one hell of an experience. Vernal is currently flowing at ~860,000 gallons per minute.
Line specs: 420 ft long, ~150 ft high, all natural anchors (cams in a crack on one side and a tree, 20 ft around, on the other), on double moonwalk.
To see more pictures of this line, check out my instagram @_kimw_ or search me on Facebook: Kimberly Weglin.
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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