Hetch Hetchy Moonrise

Discover Yosemite’s best-kept secret, Hetch Hetchy Valley.

John Muir once described Hetch Hetchy as “a wonderfully exact counterpart” of Yosemite Valley. It is a funny twist of nature to create a valley this close to Yosemite Valley that looks so much alike. Today the infamous O’Shaughnessy Dam blocks the flow of the Tuolumne River, flooding the entire valley with 300 feet of water. The San Francisco Bay Area needs the dam to satisfy its insatiable hunger for power and water. A lot of controversy surrounds the dam and the accompanied destruction of a pristine valley within the borders of Yosemite National Park.

Despite the controversy, Hetch Hetchy is a fantastic destination for day hikes, backpacking and of course, photography. One of the easiest and by far the most popular day hike is the 5 mile round trip to Wapama Falls. The falls plummet 1400 ft from the northern cliffs of the valley, an impressive sight, although not easy to capture in photographs. The easy and pleasant round trip hike offers good views of the dam, the reservoir and the falls.

The reservoir leads to fantastic opportunities for photography. Imagine an entire Yosemite Valley standing on a mirror surface.

I cannot help admiring the remarkable engineering accomplishments of such an immense undertaking and the determination people showed at the turn of the century to accomplish such mammoth projects like O-Shaughnessy Dam. Comparing it to the quibbles of modern day projects and the projected costs of necessary repairs on the Bay Bridge, I must bow to the people constructing the dam.

Only a tiny fraction of visitors to Yosemite come here, although I believe that number will increase rapidly in the near future as crowds simply spill over into this fantastic place. There is also a slight chance that one day the reservoir may be drained to restore the valley.

Visit this little known corner of Yosemite today and claim your photographs.

How to get there

The Hetch Hetchy turnoff (Evergreen Road) from Highway 120 is at  37°48’54.02″N 119°52’31.16″W just outside Yosemite, west of the Big Oak Flat Entrance Station (Hwy 120). The exit is clearly marked, but you need to pay attention since there is only a single sign.

Hetch Hetchy Parking Area(click to enlarge)

On this first map, I have marked some good spots for photography near the main parking lot.

Hetch Hetchy Wapama Falls Hike (click to enlarge)

On this second map, you can see the trail destination of Wapama Falls in relation to the parking lot. The distance from the dam to the falls is approx. 2.5 miles.

GPS position

• 37°56’47.18″N 119°47’15.13″W

How to photograph Hetch Hetchy and Wapama Falls

Hetch Hetchy O'Shaughnessy Dam

The drive into the valley is just as exciting as the drive into Yosemite Valley from Highway 120. The narrow winding road suddenly reveals a view of immense beauty.  I immediately was awestruck by the beauty of this sight and had mixed feelings about the dam. Although this man-made lake destroys the valley floor beneath it, the water provides a unique opportunity to photograph this magnificent valley presented on a mirror. The reservoir is beautiful in its own right. In the photograph at the start of this page, I was even able to capture the reflection of the moon as it rose above Kolana Rock. I took this photograph from the dam, which doubles as the main viewpoint into the valley and the spot where you can watch the sun set (obey the closing hours listed below).

Wapama Falls

You can photograph the dam either from the parking lot west of the dam or from the trail to Wapama Falls and Rancheria Falls. Both views give you a unique perspective. The side light, illuminating the trees, drew my attention during the late afternoon, as I returned from my hike. I stopped briefly, set up my tripod and took the photograph above. The lighting in the canyon at this time of the day is dim, requiring a tripod or a lens with image stabilization (IS,VR,VC,OS).

A tripod is a good idea for other reasons. In fact, I took all images on this page with the help of a tripod. This allowed me to shoot in relative darkness (first two images), slow the flow of the water in the third image and compose the high dynamic range photograph shown below. I struggled to get a decent composition of Wapama Falls. I ended up climbing underneath the footbridge and almost fell down a crevasse, but I was not too happy with the results. The waterfall is too large for any useful composition from this close distance. I found the compositions from the opposite shore more interesting.

Wapama Falls Footbridges HDR

Fortunately, Dani pointed out a pleasing composition looking back towards the footbridge. With the low winter sun forcing me to shoot against the light, I decided on a wide-angle composition to take advantage of the star streaks they create. Deliberately including the sun, I took three photographs and combined them in Photomatix.

Best Time of the Day and Best Season

Currently the entrance gate hours are:

• 7am to 8pm for April
• 7am to 9pm May to Labor Day
• 8am to 7pm Day after Labor day to October 31
• 8am to 5pm November to March 31

You need to obtain a wilderness permit for overnight backpacking trips. Plan sufficient time to return to the entrance gate, the punishment for tardiness is severe. Upon your entry, the ranger will hand you a numbered parking permit and will note your license plate and the number of people in your party to ensure everyone returns safely from their trip and leaves in time.

Time required

We hiked to Wapama Falls in under one hour, passing other hikers. You are on the safe side if you schedule 3 hours hiking time (90 minutes each way) and about 1 hour for photography at the falls and on the trail.

Equipment

• Tripod
• Cable Release
• Split ND filter
• Bear Spray (find it at the Bass Pro Shop in Manteca or other outdoor stores)
• Bear Bells
• Mosquito Spray
• Sun Lotion
• Water (it gets hot on the trail as the water reflects most of the sunlight back at you)
• Picnic  (don’t store smelly food in your car, which attract bears, use the bear safe containers at the backpackers parking)

Fees

The entrance fee is the same as at other Yosemite NP entrances, $20.

Difficulty Getting There

Bears, rattle snakes and Poison Oak are among the most obvious hazards.

Close Locations

• Yosemite Firefall   Horsetail Fall
• Views of Yosemite Valley
• Yosemite Valley in Fall
• Merced Grove
• Wildlife of Yosemite
• Mirror Lake
• Yosemite Falls, Sentinel Bridge and Swinging Bridge
• Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Trail
• Glacier Point, Sentinel Dome, Taft Point
• Tioga Pass Road
• Tuolumne Meadows
• Mariposa Grove
• Columbia SHP
• Locke Historic Town

Useful Resources

• Day Hikes in HH (NPS.GOV)
• Hetch Hetchy Brochure (this is how it could look after moving the dam)

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Glacier Point Panorama (click to enlarge)

I consider Glacier Point the most magnificent view in Yosemite, a bold statement for a park famous for its superb views. Glacier Point presents views of the west side of Yosemite Valley from Yosemite Falls to Half Dome and Nevada and Vernal Falls.

How to get there

Full Parking Lot in Yosemite Valley

During the summer months I try to avoid Yosemite Valley which is overrun by tourists. Somebody accurately referred to Yosemite Valley as the “longest traffic jam in California”. Although that title belongs to L.A., it is no pleasure to drive in the valley at this time of the year. If you arrive from the south (Fresno or L.A.) you will most likely enter the Park on Highway 41 which leads to Glacier Point Road without ever touching on the Valley. The map that you get at the entrance station can accurately guide you.

If you arrive from the west (San Francisco, Sacramento) along Highway 120 or Highway 140 you have to go through a small section of the valley where you can get a taste of an overcrowded park.

GPS position

Glacier Point:

• N37 43.844 W119 34.415

Glacier Point Road Turnoff:

• N37 39.142 W119 42.175

How to photograph Glacier Point

Half Dome and Tourists

At Glacier Point you can use all your lenses. Wide-angle lenses are necessary to shoot grand scenic landscapes with foreground elements such as trees, boulders and people while no telephoto lens is ever long enough for distant vistas.  Since the viewpoints are close to the parking lot you can bring all your gear and even go back to the car in case you forgot something.

The grandeur of the views and the mass tourism are a dangerous combination. Many people seem to lose their self control in the face of such beauty, pushing and shoving next to the guardrails. Some people are a trial to a photographer’s patience. Stay calm and do not get irritated by the pushing and shoving. Fortunately, most impatient types try to see the entire park in one day and will be gone as fast as they show up.

From Glacier Point you can see Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Nevada and Vernal Falls but I have found only one spot where all three are visible and where you can put all of them in one panoramic shot. The small protrusion surrounded by guardrails at the northeast corner of Glacier Point offers the best views (gps:  N37 43.844 W119 34.415 ).  From that spot you will also have superb views of the Yosemite Valley floor as well. You can even take some “God-view” photographs from up here (parking lot shot)

Yosemite Valley and Falls from Glacier Point

Shoot Yosemite Falls from the guardrails at the east side of the viewing area. In the wide-angle photograph above I climbed on the small wall where the guard rails are mounted to get an unobstructed view of the valley floor. Use common sense, assess the crowds and your own skills first and have someone holding you before you dare something comparable.

Use wide-angle lenses to show the vertical drop and the distances and use a medium telephoto to frame tightly around Yosemite Falls. Use a strong telephoto lens to photograph people at the sandy shores of the Merced River or the traffic jams. An endless array of possible combinations awaits you here.

A trail leading around the western fence lets you get on the other side of it on the rocks. From here you have good views of Half Dome.

Best Time of the Day and Best Season

You should go as soon as the Glacier Pass Road opens. Check the conditions on the Yosemite Road Condition website. Photography will be excellent throughout the entire summer until the road closes in November due to snow. The waterfalls will be full in May to June and only show a trickle throughout the hot summer months.

Time required

Photography at Glacier Point won’t take much longer than one hour, unless you came for the sunset. However you can spend an entire day or an afternoon going to all the hikes and viewpoints along Glacier Pass Road and settle for the sunset at Glacier Point or Washburn Point.

Equipment

• Wide-angle lens
• Normal Lens
• Telephoto Lens
• Polarizing Filter
• Split Neutral Density Filter
• Binoculars

Fees

Standard National Park Entrance fees and restrictions apply.

Close Locations

• Sentinel Dome
• Washburn Point
• Taft Point
• Mariposa Grove
• Tunnel View and Valley View
• Panorama Trail
• Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall
• Tioga Pass
• Wildlife photography in Yosemite
• Fall in Yosemite Valley
• Hetch Hetchy

Useful Resources

• Yosemite National Park Official Site
• Yosemite Galleries

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Taft Point

The splendid views of El Capitan, Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Valley from Taft Point are legendary. Yet much to my surprise, the hike still has not caught on with the lazy crowds. The low difficulty of the hike combined with the unique views it offers, should have put Taft Point on everybody’s favorite list by now. Gladly that is not the case yet, maybe because the views of nearby Glacier Point are so much easier to have.

The distinctive cracks known as the Fissures and the 1600 feet drop (1/2 km) are unique to Taft Point. The viewpoint is not for the faint of heart, as you can walk onto the overhang, hovering above the valley floor. Using caution and common sense at the viewpoint goes without saying.

How to get there

Click to see large version

If you arrive from Highway 140 (Merced) or Highway 120 (San Francisco), you have to go through parts of Yosemite Valley to get to Glacier Point Road. Since Glacier Point Road only opens in summer, this means long delays and heavy traffic. If you arrive from Fresno (or L.A.), you can take Highway 41 into the park, thus avoiding the hellish drive through the Valley.

Use the trailhead parking for Sentinel Dome; the trail for Taft Point starts here as well. At the trailhead, you will see a map of the hike.

GPS position

Trailhead:

• 37°42’45.22″N 119°35’10.28″W

Taft Point:

• 37° 42.763′N 119° 36.300′W

How to photograph Taft Point and the Rock Fissures

Fissures

On nature hikes, I always keep my camera ready with a telephoto lens attached in case I spot wildlife. As this hike is not as crowded as others are, you still stand a good chance of spotting some animals.

If you arrive just after the Glacier Point Road has re-opened for the season, you can expect snow and water swells in the small creek. Take your time and look for rapids that you can photograph with a long exposure time. Use a strong neutral density filter to slow down your exposure.

The main attraction of the relaxing hike will be the Fissures and Taft Point. The fissures are deep cracks in the rock through which you can see the valley below. Vertical composition works best to emphasize the height. I deliberately framed the picture above so that the horizon is not visible, keeping the viewer puzzled about the exact size of the cracks and the rocks. You can achieve the exact opposite by including a tree in your composition or some other subject whose size is immediately apparent. It is a very common technique to show the grandeur of the main subject by placing it next to a smaller, more recognizable subject.

The overhang at Taft Point (first picture) is a perfect example for this technique. If you are hiking with friends who are not afraid of heights, they can pose for you. Alternatively, you can wait for another hiker to inch his or her way out. Having a person standing on the outcropping gives the vertical drop perspective while adding drama to the scene. Viewers will immediately sense danger, which draws them to the image.

Hiking during the afternoon will result in rather unpleasant front light for the classic shot with El Capitan in the background. If you have cloud cover, you can get away shooting a RAW image and boosting local contrast slightly as I have done in the shot on this page. On clear days, I recommend shooting at least three exposures (+/- 2EV, 0EV) and combining them, as the dynamic range will easily exceed that of your camera. Watch your histogram closely for clipped highlights or too much shadow power. Work with HDR or split neutral density filters to combat the problem.

You can avoid these issues when you hike to Taft Point during the early morning hours.

From Taft Point, you also have a good view of Yosemite Falls. I prefer the view from Glacier Point, but if you are shooting digital, you should never pass up a good opportunity. You could also compose an ultra-wide panorama including the drop of Taft Point, El Capitan and Yosemite Falls. If you are a panoramic shooter, you really need to come during the morning, as the light falloff throughout the picture will be too much otherwise.

Best Time of the Day and Best Season

Snow cover in the forest areas can still be heavy right after the Glacier Point Road opens in May or June and Sentinel Creek will carry a lot of water. Crossing the stream is tough. Wait a couple of weeks after the road opens for better conditions. The road to Glacier Point usually stays open until November, but may close sooner due to early snowfall. You can check the road conditions on the Yosemite Road Condition page.

The views from Taft Point are better during the morning and around sunset if you have cloud cover.

Time required

The hike to Taft Point and back will not take much longer than 2 hours including plenty of time for photography. You can combine the hike with nearby Sentinel Dome and walk the entire loop trail in under 3 hours.

Equipment

• Wide-angle lens
• Normal Lens
• Telephoto Lens
• Neutral Density Filter
• Polarizing Filter
• Split Neutral Density Filter
• Binoculars
• Hiking shoes
• Point and Shoot Camera for fun photos from the trail
• Drinking water (do not drink from the streams)
• Picnic or Snacks that stash away easily

Fees

Standard National Park Entrance fees and restrictions apply.

Close Locations

• Sentinel Dome
• Washburn Point
• Glacier Point
• Mariposa Grove
• Tunnel View and Valley View
• Fall in Yosemite Valley
• Panorama Trail
• Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall
• Tioga Pass
• Wildlife photography in Yosemite
• Hetch Hetchy Reservoir

Useful Resources

• Yosemite National Park Official Site
• Taft Point Hike Description

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Hiker on Sentinel Dome

From Sentinel Dome, you get a 360-degree view of Yosemite Valley and the backcountry, making it one of the most popular hikes in the park. It is relatively easy, even with lots of photography gear. The accessibility, combined with a completely unobstructed view of the sky and the remote location make Sentinel Dome a favorite amongst star photographers. It is only second to Half Dome in height, but much easier to climb.

How to get there

Click to see large version

Unfortunately, you have to go through parts of Yosemite Valley to get to Glacier Point Road from Highway 140 (Merced) or Highway 120 (San Francisco). Since Glacier Point Road only opens in summer, this means long delays and heavy traffic. Take Highway 41 into the Park, if you come from Fresno (or Los Angeles), to avoid the craze. No worries San Franciscan’s, usually Tioga Pass opens just one month later. Leading to spectacular backcountry scenery, Tioga Pass takes you to Glacier Point Road without having to go through Yosemite Valley.

The trailhead parking for Sentinel Dome is clearly marked. At the start of the trail, you will see a map of the hike.

GPS position

Sentinel Dome:

• 37°43’24.51″N 119°35’1.78″W

Trailhead:

• 37°42’45.22″N 119°35’10.28″W

How to photograph Sentinel Dome in Yosemite

Deer on the Sentinel Dome Trail

For the most part, the hike leads through forest and semi rugged terrain. Keep your camera ready with your longest lens attached. When I ran across a herd of deer, I had to fumble to switch lenses. Fortunately, the deer seemed relatively tame and I was able to capture a few good shots. Keep an eye open for the cheeky chipmunks that are roaming these areas and often decide to stand on their hind legs for photographers. If you are lucky, you may also see bears, bobcats or mountain lions.

The views from Sentinel Dome are breathtaking. You can take one of the better views of Half Dome and Nevada Falls from the bare rock facing them directly. I asked Dani to stand in the picture and look towards Nevada Falls (first picture). This adds foreground interest and her line of sight guides us into the frame. If you are patient, you can always find some hikers who stand in just the right spot, after you changed your position.

Although the views from Sentinel Dome are astonishing, you can find better views from other points on Glacier Point Road. You could leave your telephoto lens behind and focus on near-far wide-angle compositions only if you do not care about wildlife.

Jeffrey Pine

The Jeffrey Pine, made famous by Ansel Adams, died and collapsed. Even the ghostly claw has fallen down. What is left is a log, mutilated by hikers and the elements. In the frame above, I tried to balance the knob of wood with Half Dome in the far distant background. The wood draws the viewer deeper into the picture, since it seems to reach towards infinity. Although the tree is relatively short, you can use a wide-angle lens to stretch the foreground.

From where the pine now lays, the views are not very good and the pine itself is a rather ordinary photographic subject, despite its fame. Other trees are still alive. If you come during the morning, you can incorporate them into compositions including Yosemite Falls and Half Dome.

Use a short focal length for hero shots of yourself and the rugged terrain, giving your friends at home the impression that you conquered a much larger granite dome. Depending on the angle and your point of view, you can make the incline look steeper and the dome bigger with an appropriate wide-angle.

Sentinel Dome is an excellent location for stargazing and star trail photography. You need to stay at least until after Astronomical Twilight when the last bit of the daylight has faded away and the stars will be at their brightest.

Best Time of the Day and Best Season

Avoid the valley floor during the summer months. I advise to drive up here as soon as the Glacier Point Road opens. Depending on conditions, this can be as early as the first week of May or much later. The road usually stays open until November, but may close sooner. You can check the road conditions on this page. I prefer any of the main views from Glacier Point Road as early in the year as possible when the waterfalls are full.

The views toward Half Dome and Nevada Falls (see first image) are better during the late afternoon while the views towards Yosemite Falls and El Capitan are better during the morning. You could compromise and come during the day for o.k. light at all sides.

Time required

I was able to hike to the top of Sentinel Dome, take plenty of time for photography and hike back down in about 90 minutes. Depending on your fitness level, you may need longer, but the hike really is not as daunting as it looks from the road.

Equipment

• Wide-angle lens
• Normal Lens
• Telephoto Lens
• Binoculars for wildlife spotting
• Hiking boots
• Water (at least ½ liter per person for the Sentinel Dome hike and more for the entire loop)
• Lock for bear save food storage bins
• Flashlight or Headlamp

Fees

The entrance fee to Yosemite National Park is $20. They also accept interagency passes and offer senior citizen discounts.

Close Locations

• Taft Point
• Washburn Point
• Glacier Point
• Mariposa Grove
• Views of Yosemite Valley
• Panorama Trail
• Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall
• Fall in Yosemite Valley
• Tioga Pass
• Wildlife photography in Yosemite
• Hetch Hetchy

Useful Resources

• Yosemite National Park Official Site
• Trail Information

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Yosemite Mirror Lake

The Mirror Lake trail is one of the most popular trails in Yosemite because it is easy to hike. You can take your baby strollers with you, hike with small children, or go on a trail when you do not have much time. It is really more of a pleasant stroll than an actual hike with an illusive lake as the destination. If you are in a rush you can even bike to Mirror Lake.

The “Lake” is nothing but a puddle that can produce nice reflections. Silt and sand bars almost completely fill Mirror Lake and eventually it will disappear, which might further explain the allure it exerts on the crowds.

Yosemite presents visitors with an abundance of attractions. If your time is limited or if you are trying to decide between Mirror Lake and another hike, I suggest skipping Mirror Lake. If you like walking a pleasant trail in a fascinating park while taking some interesting shots along the way and if you are not in a rush, you should see Mirror Lake.

How to get there

Follow the signs or the crowds from shuttle bus stop 17. During the winter months, you need to start from stop 19 walking along Tenaya Creek.

GPS position

• 37°44’55.83″N 119°32’58.16″W

How to photograph Yosemite Mirror Lake

In any other location, the Mirror Lake would be a magnificent attraction all by itself. In Yosemite, it pales in comparison with other more photogenic locations.

Use a polarizing filter to enhance the reflections and get deeply saturated colors from the foliage and the sky. Polarizing filters also remove the glare on the ripples of water should there be any wind.

This is one of the rare cases where you should make your picture symmetric. Include as much of the reflection as you do of the real subject. If there is no wind, your image should become almost perfectly symmetrical.

Try to simplify your composition. Cut out the clutter and scan your viewfinder for unwanted twigs and branches protruding into your image. Zoom in or change your position until you find a good composition.

The trail itself is beautiful. Most people rush towards Mirror Lake completely missing the moss-covered trees and cascades.

Set your camera to the smallest aperture that does not produce diffraction blurring (examples of diffraction limits of digital cameras). This will maximize your depth of field while making sure that you get the maximum possible sharpness. Use a tripod if your exposure time gets below a limit of 1/(fl*cf), with fl=focal length, cf=crop factor or use a lens with electronic image stabilization.

If the wind moves the water a lot, use a strong neutral density filter to slow down the ripples into a pleasing blur. Try a fast exposure without filter and compare the results.

Best Time of the Day and Best Season

Late afternoon will give you good front light on the surrounding landscape while glaring reflections will make morning photography tricky. If you come to Yosemite in winter, you should check out this location and if you are lucky, you can capture some unique winter landscape shots here. The best time overall is during spring and early summer. The lake dries out during the summer.

Time required

The mirror lake trail is easy without much elevation gain. You can do this short 2-mile round trip hike in less than one hour. Add one more hour to explore around the lake and take some photographs.

Equipment

• Circular Polarizing filter
• Wide to Normal Lens
• Strong ND filter to blur the water of the cascades
• Tripod and shutter release cable (for the cascades)

Fees

The park entrance fee is $20. Senior citizen discounts and national park passes are available at the entrance station.

Close Locations

• Yosemite Firefall  Horsetail Fall
• Fall in Yosemite Valley
• Valley View, Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls
• Yosemite Wildlife
• Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall
• Hetch Hetchy
• Glacier Point, Washburn Point, Taft Point
• Tioga Pass
• Tuolumne Meadows
• Mariposa Grove

Useful Resources

• Some of my Yosemite Photographs
• Yosemite Travel Guide
• Yosemite National Park Official Page

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Deer in Yosemite

There is something very rewarding about wild animal photography. Encounters are rare, fascinating, and therefore unique. As photographers, we always wish to shoot unique photographs. Wildlife photography is a wonderful way to fulfill that desire.

I never seek out wild animals to photograph, but in Yosemite National Park you stand a good chance of seeing wildlife.

Yosemite National Park harbors endangered species making sightings with them even more special.

The animal tolerates you with your camera only if you pose no threat. The wild animal is in full control and you are just an observer.

What you could see if you are lucky

• Bears (Many years ago I had two encounters with Brown Bears, but no camera).
• Deer
• Bobcats (I only saw one once, but it was gone very quickly)
• Coyotes are a more frequent sight than Bobcats
• Mountain Lions (same as Puma and Cougar) I have never seen one, but those are roaming around here
• Marmots
• A large variety of birds including Stellar’s Jay, Red-Tail Hawk, Great-Grey Owl, Peregrine Falcon and Golden Eagles.

How to get there

Keep your eyes open at all times, even when you are still outside the park itself. Animals know no park boarders. I have encountered as many animals outside the park as I have inside, if not more. You can see animals anywhere in the park. Coyotes often roam around the valley while some more elusive animals stay a little further away.

How to photograph Wildlife in Yosemite National Park

Isolate the subject from distracting backgrounds. In the woods the twigs and branches of the trees often disguise and confuse us. Use your camera’s depth of field preview button (next to the lens) and use a wide aperture to isolate the subject from the background. Manage your depth of field well to ensure that the entire subject is in focus while keeping distracting elements out of focus.

Change your position if you have too many bright spots in the background. Out of focus, bright spots will also distract from the main subject.

Do not place the animal looking out of the frame. In the shot of the deer that would mean including more of the surrounding area and have the deer look into the frame instead of out.

Animals can also be in the center of the frame when they make eye contact to focus the viewer on the eyes.

To tell a complete story you should include more of the surroundings. To show an intimate portrait crop closer. Always shoot both types of photographs and take horizontal and vertical photographs. Depending on the context, editors often need different kinds of pictures of the same subject.

Do not startle the animals. You do not need to sneak up on them. I prefer to approach slowly without too much noise, while making sure that the animal can see me at all times. It will indicate to you if it gets uncomfortable with your approach. Back up a little and take your photographs.

Telephoto lenses compress the depth of field and are thus excellent for keeping your distance and isolating the subject. If you need more depth, use a tripod and low ISO setting. This will let you use a small aperture (f/16 or smaller) and still keep a short exposure to freeze movement.

Best Time of the Day and Best Season

Winter forces many animals to lower altitudes where we can photograph them. Far less tourists visit the park, increasing the chances of an encounter. Deer often graze near meadows.

Time required

Animal encounters happen by chance. You cannot force or predict them. When they do happen, you have to be quick as they are over quickly as well. If you like to photograph wildlife, you need to consider a lot of time for scouting and stalking.

Equipment

• Telephoto lens
• Camera with high ISO capability

Fees

Yosemite Entrance Fee is $20 per car.

Difficulty Photographing

I consider every encounter a bonus. You need to have luck and some skill to make the animal feel comfortable around you. Do not make any hasty movements and try to stay calm despite the excitement an encounter will afford you. Remember that many animals are dangerous.

Warning

Food attracts Bears and Mountain Lions. Bears can easily break into your car and get what they are after. Keep your distance and store food according to park regulations. Do not leave pets or pet food outside your car. Do not try to approach the animals.

Do not run from Mountain Lions. Running triggers the chasing instinct in many predatory animals. When a lion approaches, lift your backpack over your head, pick up your children and try to appear taller. Back up slowly while facing the animal.

Even deer have attacked people and hurt them seriously. Never corner the animals and leave them plenty of room to escape when you approach them to take photographs.

Close Locations

• Yosemite Firefall   Horsetail Fall
• Yosemite Valley Views
• Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Trail
• Fall in Yosemite Valley
• Hetch Hetchy
• Mirror Lake
• Yosemite Falls, Sentinel Bridge and Swinging Bridge
• Glacier Point, Washburn Point, Taft Point, Sentinel Dome Hike
• Tioga Pass road
• Tuolumne Meadows
• Mariposa Grove

Useful Resources

• Some of my Yosemite Photographs
• Yosemite Travel Guide
• Yosemite National Park Official Page

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What have I forgotten? Please share your thoughts below!

Mariposa Grove

Giant sequoias rivaling those of Sequoia National Park crowd together in Mariposa Grove near the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park.

The giant sequoias are the world’s largest trees. They only grow in some sections of the Sierra Nevada. You will pass many of these impressive colossuses as you hike the trails of Mariposa Grove. Some trees are over 2,500 years old.

One tree has a tunnel carved through it, but I prefer to photograph nature in its untouched state. Too many of these trees have been made into so called attractions and photographed by every tourist.

Grizzly tree is the largest specimen in Mariposa Grove. I like to include part of the trail and some hikers marveling at the trees in my photograph.

Several Miles of trails crisscross the area between upper and lower grove with quite a bit of elevation gain between them. Even at a fast pace it will take you quite a bit of time to walk the trails. Try to limit your equipment to the essentials if you can.

How to get there

You will find Mariposa Grove about 2 Miles Northeast of the Parks South Entrance and about 32 miles from Yosemite Valley.

How to photograph Mariposa Grove

Smaller trees often surround the giant sequoias, making it difficult to photograph them. Try standing at the base of the trees and photograph upwards with a wide-angle lens.

Include a person or a house to give a sense to the enormity of the giant sequoia trees.

During the late afternoon, you can find trees that are spot lit.

Photograph the trees up close to show the texture of the bark and the roots. Include some fern and clover to add color. Find a moss covered tree for a closer study.

Shoot a vertical panorama of a single tree and assemble it with Autopano. Meter of the tree and set your camera to manual as the exposure will change from bottom to top.

Lay on your back and shoot the crowns of several trees with a wide-angle lens, including as much of the trunks as possible. In this photograph the trees will all converge near the top creating a very strong composition drawing the viewer into the picture.

Best Time of the Day and Best Season

You can photograph here all season long, but you may need snowshoes or ski in winter. Do not get caught on the trails too late, as it gets dark one half hour before sunset in the dense wooden areas. Overcast days or dusk offer the best light for photography in Mariposa Grove.

Time required

It is easy to lose track of time on the trails while marveling at the beauty of Mariposa Grove. You should count about 3 to 4 hours to see everything during summer (when you can get to the parking lot). When the road to Mariposa Grove is closed, you will need the better part of a day.

Equipment

• A wide-angle lens and a normal lens should be enough. You will not need your telephoto lens.
• Tripods (large aperture in low light underbrush may make a tripod necessary even during the day)
• Snow shoes if you want to visit in winter to make your trek a little easier
• Food (no service at this end of the park)
• Flashlight (it is easy to lose track of time here)
• Water for longer hikes

GPS position

• 37°30’58.62″N 119°35’42.27″W

Fees

Yosemite Entrance Fee is $20. The National Park will save you money if you want to visit other parks or come back.

Difficulty Getting There

In winter, the 2-mile road to the parking lot may be closed. You can still hike in the snow, but it is already tiring just to the start of the trail, after which it will take another effort in deep snow to get to the interesting trees.

Difficulty Photographing

The trees are not easy to photograph due to their immense size.

Close Locations

• Wawona, Chilnualna Fall Trail
• Glacier Point Road leading to Taft Point, Sentinel Dome, Washburn Point and Glacier Point
• Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall
• Tunnel View and Valley View
• Yosemite Firefall
• Wildlife photography in Yosemite
• Fall in Yosemite Valley
• Hetch Hetchy Reservoir

Useful Resources

• Some of my Yosemite Photographs
• Yosemite Travel Article
• Yosemite National Park Official Page

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Vernal Fall with Rainbow

Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall are two of the most prominent waterfalls in Yosemite National Park, a park known for its great falls, grand vistas and good photographic value. You can choose to hike all the way to the top of Nevada Fall, the top of Vernal Fall or just the base of Vernal Fall. The trail will satisfy casual hikers and serious hikers alike.

You can see Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall from Washburn point or you can choose a more intimate experience by hiking the Mist Trail and experiencing the rainbows caused by the mist of the falls.

Whichever route you decide to take, the photographic value and the amazing nature will thrill you. Up close, both waterfalls are intimidating, inspiring and inconceivable.

How to get there

Park at the Curry Village Parking lot and walk ½ mile down the road to Happy Isles. Follow the signs to the Mist trail. The newspaper you get at the entrance station usually has a trail map and trail difficulty ratings as well as information regarding seasonal and current conditions.

GPS position

Vernal Fall:

• 37°43’37.59″N 119°32’37.14″W

Nevada Fall:

• 37°43’28.39″N 119°31’58.39″W

How to photograph Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall

Nevada Fall

The setting sun produces exceptional lighting on both waterfalls. Photograph from the base of the falls, as they will be front-lit during the afternoon hours.

During the end of spring and beginning of summer, you can witness the creation of a rainbow first hand. There is a large boulder in the creek below the falls offering enough room for several photographers to stand on, but you should come early to reserve your spot. I stood there for quite some time all by myself, but I do not anticipate that you will have the same luxury ever again.

You can include some hikers for a sense of scale. In the picture above, there are some tiny red spots just below the rainbow near the right side of the picture. In a large print, those are clearly recognizable as human shapes. It helps our mind to understand the size of the falls.

Take some photographs from the top of Vernal Fall including the steep drop. Try to freeze motion by using fast shutter speeds (1/125s or shorter) to give the water character and definition.

There are a couple of good viewpoints on the trail leading to Nevada Fall. Stop on each of them and take some photographs. This will give you the flexibility to return to Yosemite Valley along John Muir trail instead of returning the same way you came.

You will have excellent views of Nevada Fall while approaching it from the trail. During the afternoon, you can often see a rainbow forming at its base.

The view of the valley below is magnificent. The waterfall is less interesting from the top viewpoint, but the rapids and the old gnarly trees at the top are excellent subjects.

Back at the base of Vernal Fall set up a shot including some of the river in the foreground. Use a strong ND filter to slow the flow of the water and give it a dreamy and foggy look.

Best Time of the Day and Best Season

Afternoon affords the best light on the falls with rainbows showing during late afternoon. If you plan to stay late for Vernal Fall, I recommend bringing a headlamp to keep your hands free for the trails and to stop your fall should you trip.

In late spring, the waterfalls are full and the angle of the sun is superb for the falls. The hike is still good during summer and in fall, where you will have the additional benefit of colorful foliage.

Time required

The hike to the top of Nevada Fall is strenuous and takes you about 5 hours round trip. It takes less than half this time to get to the top of Vernal Fall and about an hour get back to the base of Vernal Fall. You should add at least two hours for photography for the long trek.

Equipment

• Headlamp
• Wide to Normal Lens
• Strong ND filter to blur the water
• Tripod and shutter release cable
• Light but waterproof raincoat (mist trail)
• Hiking shoes
• Water, Water, Water (I ran out of water, that’s not a pleasant experience, the water of the falls is not potable)
• Some power bars and don’t forget to bring enough water (some people brought purifying filters)
• Rain proof photo bag or rain cover for your bags (mist trail)

Fees

The park entrance fee is $20. Senior citizen discounts and national park pass are available.

Difficulty Getting There

The hike to the top of Vernal Fall is manageable if you are fit and bring enough water. A quart per person should be sufficient except on very hot days. The mist trail can be very slippery. You can go around it, which is what I did for not wanting to risk any of my equipment to a fall or water exposure. You cannot take pictures in the wetness and the detour will not cost a lot of time either.

Close Locations

• Yosemite Firefall  Horsetail Fall
• Valley View, Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls
• Fall in Yosemite Valley
• Yosemite Wildlife
• Mirror Lake
• Hetch Hetchy
• Yosemite Falls, Sentinel Bridge and Swinging Bridge
• Glacier Point, Washburn Point, Taft Point, Sentinel Dome
• Tioga Pass Rroad
• Tuolumne Meadows
• Mariposa Grove

Useful Resources

• Some of my Yosemite Photographs
• Yosemite Travel Guide
• Yosemite National Park Official Page

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Tunnel View Panorama

Yosemite is a natural wonder, a spectacular landscape and magnet for photographers. Over four million people come to Yosemite every year. With so much competition, it is vital to come prepared and know what to photograph when. On this page, I will show you the classic views of Yosemite Valley. Everyone expects those must-have shots from the park.

Yosemite Valley was Ansel Adams playground. With so much history in greatness, photographers constantly feel challenged by the majestic park.

How to get there

From the San Francisco Bay area, I usually arrive on Highway 120, which is the shortest route. During the winter months, I prefer to drive the south route via Highway 99 to Merced. From there I take 140 into the park via Mariposa and El Portal. Highway 120 is sometimes closed and very often snowy. Highway 140 follows a valley into the park and often proofs to be the better alternative in winter.

If you are coming from the south (L.A. area), take Highway 41 from Fresno into the park.

How to photograph Tunnel View, Valley View and Bridal Veil Falls

El Capitan in Winter

Do not get intimidated by the amount of equipment you can see in the park. Most photographers seem to be under the impression that expensive gear will automatically yield the best results. Yosemite is as much an equipment show as it is a nature spectacle.

At Tunnel View, all you need is good timing and some luck. Come early to ensure your spot for the sunset. The parking lot is relatively large, but the best spots are gone almost 2 hours in advance. The lighting changes quickly during those hours of the day. Make sure you set up your tripod ahead of time. This helps you to keep your spot and be prepared when you need it. Bracket your exposures or use a split ND filter, as the forest in the valley will be very dark while the cliffs light up beautifully.

Valley View is an excellent location for sunset photography. After a snow shower or during spring and fall I prefer this place, since it gives me more foreground choices (see picture below). Use a wide-angle to medium format lens and mount your camera on a tripod. Focus on the hyperfocal distance to achieve maximum depth of field.

Bridal Veil Falls are difficult to photograph. I like the view from the other side of the valley (see GPS location below). To get close always bears the risk of getting wet when a gust of wind blows the mist your way, a very unpleasant feeling in winter. I like to photograph the small creek, a runoff from the falls, during spring. Use a strong neutral density filter, to slow down your exposure for a misty look of the water.

Best Time of the Day and Best Season

I prefer winter for a visit to Yosemite Valley. The crisp colors and luminous lighting after a winter storm are out of this world. The fresh fallen snow and golden light are simply amazing. In February, the unique spectacle of the Firefall draws a small crowd here hoping to see a miracle that is unique to Yosemite.

Since winter is officially off-season, you will not have to deal with the throng of tourists clogging the valley and cluttering the hotels. You will get better deals on your room.

However, if you are unlucky you will have dull and grey overcast skies without chance of sunshine or continuous snowstorms. Driving conditions can be very challenging and temperatures may plummet very low.

Spring is also a good time to visit Yosemite Valley. The melting snow will ensure full waterfalls and tourist crowds are still hibernating somewhere. The Valley will be easier to navigate and the Valley is very photogenic when it comes to life.

During the summer, I usually prefer the Tioga Pass / Tuolumne Meadows area. The Valley transforms into California’s second longest traffic jam (after L.A.)

Fall is a great time to capture the valley with a lot of color. Tourist traffic will still be strong.

Time required

You can spend a day or a weekend in Yosemite. Getting here takes some time, so do not plan anything else for the day.

Equipment

You should bring your entire bag of lenses, tripods, filters, and cameras. Yosemite is extremely versatile. For the locations in this article you will need:

• Tripod (Sunrise, Sunset)
• Remote Shutter Cable
• Mid Range Lens for the views
• Wide-angle for Bridalveil falls
• Neutral Density Filter to photograph the streams
• Split Neutral Density Filter
• Polarizing Filter

GPS position

Tunnel View:

• 37°42’57.09″N 119°40’37.27″W

Valley View:

• 37°43’2.78″N 119°39’42.46″W

Bridalveil Falls:

• 37°43’1.69″N 119°38’55.77″W

Bridalveil Falls Viewpoint:

• 37°43’19.49″N 119°38’59.28″W

Fees

The national park entrance fee is $20. I recommend getting the National Park Pass for $80, which grants you access to all National Parks for a Year.

Difficulty Getting There

In winter, you will most likely need snow chains, snow tires or a four-wheel drive. I usually enter Yosemite from El-Portal during this time of the year. Snow Chains are for rent in El-Portal, but I do not know how much they charge and if they always have enough. I recommend bringing your own.

Close Locations

• Yosemite Firefall   Horsetail Fall
• Wildlife of Yosemite
• Mirror Lake
• Yosemite Falls, Sentinel Bridge and Swinging Bridge
• Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Trail
• Fall in Yosemite Valley
• Hetch Hetchy
• Glacier Point, Washburn Point, Taft Point and Sentinel Dome
• Tioga Pass road
• Tuolumne Meadows
• Mariposa Grove

Useful Resources

• Some of my Yosemite Photographs
• Yosemite Travel Article
• Yosemite National Park Official Page

Subscribe to my feed and be the first to learn about the secret places to photograph.

Galen Rowell popularized this natural phenomenon with his stunning unmatched photography. When the weather conditions are right, during the last weeks of February, it is possible to experience the Firefall.

When I found out about the Firefall, I had to photograph it. On my first mission, the weather conditions were not right and I had to leave without a single shot. Eventually I persevered. I came back several times to catch what I can only describe as an almost supernatural phenomenon.

When you get to the location, you will probably start wondering where to look for Horsetail Fall. When I arrived, there was barely any water running down the Face of El Capitan. The waterfall was invisible from my position. I set up the tripod anyways and waited patiently among a very small group of photographers. Just a few years ago, far fewer people knew about firefall, creating no crowding problem.

Shortly after sunset, the lower end of the fall started lighting up in a spectacle unmatched by anything man can create.  The glow crept up the face of the mountain like a golden snake until the entire waterfall was glowing golden.

As the sun dove further below the horizon, the color of the waterfall shifted towards a deeper red until it was glowing like an ethereal flow of blood.

Then the base of the waterfall started losing color until everything was over as quickly as it started. Within only a few minutes, the glow stopped and a deep long sigh rippled through the people fortunate enough to be present at the time.

How to get there

There is a small picnic area (GPS below) about 1.7miles from Yosemite Village. From here, walk about 200m east to a small clearing. You cannot miss the spot. If you arrive at the correct time of the year, a group of photographers always eagerly awaits the sunset at this location. Pick a spot with a good view of the face of El Capitan. Try to position yourself further to the left of the group.

How to photograph Yosemite Firefall

You need a long lens (200mm – 300mm for 35mm Cameras) to create a tightly cropped picture. The glowing part of the waterfall is close to the top edge of El Capitan above the ledge (nose) visible in my picture to the top. The picture above is probably in the 250mm range. A zoom lens will give you some flexibility to try out different compositions, although your creativity is somewhat limited as there are no useful foreground elements.

The phenomenon lasts only a short time. To ensure the best possible picture, keep shooting from the first glow to the last glow and pick the best shot at home.

Try a few different compositions (zoom telephoto) and frame the shot tighter and less tight. See what you like best.

If you have a small camera, take some photographs of the crowd, but wait until everything is over.

Best Time of the Day and Best Season

The best time to photograph Yosemite’s Firefall is during the last weeks of February. Then the falls carry enough water and the sun still sets at the right angle to reflect its light. During warmer years, you can get good results earlier if there is enough water on the falls.

Arrive one hour before sunset to ensure a good spot. Look up El Capitan and be patient. The waterfall is not visible immediately as it is rather small from your vantage point.

If there is little chance of sunrays hitting the waterfall on overcast days, I suggest finding another, more rewarding, spot for your sunset photography and coming back to Firefall some other day.

Time required

Since this is a premier sunset location in Yosemite, you need to come early to get a good spot. Firefall is a photographer’s favorite.

If you require this photograph, you need to account for several days to ensure that you get the right weather at the right time of the year. If you stay the better part of a week, you will have a very good chance of being able to photograph this.

Equipment

• 200mm to 300mm lens to isolate the waterfall
• tripod
• cable release
• something to munch on, as the next food service is in El Portal at this time of the day

GPS position

The picnic area turn off from Yosemite Valley North Side road is at:

• 37°43’37.75″N 119°37’16.60″W

Fees

Yosemite Entrance Fee is $20. Buy a National Park Pass if you plan to visit other National Parks this year or if you want to come back. It grants access to all National Parks, National Monuments and National Recreational Areas for a full year.

Close Locations

• Valley View and Tunnel View
• Yosemite Falls
• Mirror Lake
• Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Trail
• Glacier Point, Sentinel Dome, Taft Point
• Mariposa Grove
• Wildlife photography in Yosemite
• Fall in Yosemite Valley
• Hetch Hetchy

Useful Resources

• Yosemite Travel Article
• Galen Rowell’s Website
• Yosemite National Park Official Page

Subscribe to my feed and be the first to learn about the secret places to photograph!