Yosemite Photo Op in One Day

[pharris201]

Hi all-
I am going to be in San Francisco later this month and I was able to get away for an afternoon and the next day to Yosimate. I'll Probably get there around 3:00 and stay at Whitewolf Inn. Its about an hour south from the central valley. The following day I'll have until about 4:00pm before I have to leave. I found a site that has detailed information, but I'd like any advice and suggestions from my DPS friends. Thanks
yosemite California Photo Scout

[Krusty79]

Wapama Falls is where two hikers were recently swept off the bridge to their deaths, so I would wait until the water levels drop before heading out there. If you only have about a day, I would explore Yosemite Valley. Check out Bridalveil and Yosemite Falls. I would try not to go on a weekend because traffic can be brutal. If you have time, you can hike the Mist Trail for spectacular views. You MUST drive up to Glacier Point and check out the panoramic view there. It's the best viewpoint I have seen in any national park. Sentinel Dome is cool, but if you only have a day, you should probably skip it and spend more time at Glacier Point. If you have time remaining after that, you could take a drive on Tioga Road for more spectacular views or visit one of the giant sequoia groves. You should really allow more than a day to see this park, though.

There is a White Wolf Lodge on Tioga Road in the park. Is that where you're staying? If so, I would definitely take the Tioga Road drive, since you'll already be there. Or is there another lodge with that name south of the park?

You can send me a PM if you have more questions.

[pharris201]

Krusty

I'm arriving Monday afternoon but the crowds are still brutal. I know one day is not nearly enough, but I'm not paying the tab this time. From what I've been reading I would like to go back in either spring or fall and spend more time. I do have a map and have started highlighting spots.

[Krusty79]

I made the mistake of driving into the Valley on Saturday, June 18th and after waiting about 30-40 minutes to get into the park from the 120 entrance, the ranger said it would take about 2 and a half hours to get through the Valley, and she was right. Monday won't be so bad. I just gave you general recommendations because I don't know if your main goal was to see as many sights as possible, go on some hikes or see the waterfalls.

[mosgood]

@pharris: I haven't been to Yosemite for some time, but it's a photographer's paradise. Summer traffic is brutal, but week days should be a bit better. Besides, Bridal Veil & Yosemite Falls, there's a shallow lake under Half Dome callled Mirror Lake. Gives nice reflections of the cliffs, & it's a fairly easy hike from the main part of the road. It's about a 30 minute hike to the lake. Of course, since it's been a bountiful year for snow & rain, it may be deeper & larger than in past seasons.

I would definitely check out Glacier Point. Hit it either before sunrise or around sunset for some great sky shots. Get there early for sunset, parking can be an issue (smallish lot). There will be lots of people there (big crowds). If you can, drive over Tioga Pass. It's well worth it. Off of Tioga Pass there's a grove of Giant Sequoias so you won't have to go all the way to Mariposa Grove (south end of the park). Spectacular views of the Sierra exist everywhere you look from the roadside. There's also a turn out where you can view the east side of Half Dome, & by climbing the rocks there, you can get a really nice shot. A couple of lakes (the 1st one is Tenaya Lake) are right off the road & will make nice photos too. Bring bug spray if you check out the lakes, because the mosquitos will literally eat you alive! They're not a big problem in the Valley though.

My favorite time to go is between fall & spring, but there's really no bad season. Yosemite Valley & the Mariposa Grove are least crowded in winter. This summer, I hear that the water falls are still flowing strong. So ya got that going for you. I was there for the last big snow season, & the roar of the water was deafening, & shook the ground under our feet. Beware of slick trails from the waterfalls though...saw a few people slip & fall under Bridal Veil Falls.

[pharris201]

Thanks. I am going to map these spots out on my NPS map and see the relationship and what is doable. I'm not one to try to swing everything in one bite. The next trip will be longer and more relaxed. I've orders the Photographers Guide to Yosemite and should get it in a day or two.
I'm going to try Glacier point at sunset on Monday. Then up before dawn to shoot a sunrise, not sure where yet. Then down in the valley for some shots before leaving and back to work. After I see where these recommendations are in relation to each other I'll be able to narrow down.

[Krusty79]

Glacier Point might work for a sunrise also because you are facing East. However, it's a fairly long drive from the White Wolf Lodge on Tioga Road, if that's where you're staying. Sentinel Dome on the way to Glacier Point is cool because you have a 360 degree view - however, you can't see down into the Valley like you can at Glacier Point. If you are staying at the one on Tioga Road, you could also consider Olmsted Point for a sunrise or sunset because you have panoramic views from there and you can see the eastern side of Half Dome. Or you can look west towards the High Sierra for the sunrise. This is the view looking northwest towards Half Dome:

[retardo]

Check out the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir if you get a chance. It's an easy flat hike with at least one waterfall along the path. Water coming out the reservoir should be at full throttle due to the exceptionally wet year we had this winter and spring.

[Krusty79]

Originally Posted by retardo

Check out the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir if you get a chance. It's an easy flat hike with at least one waterfall along the path. Water coming out the reservoir should be at full throttle due to the exceptionally wet year we had this winter and spring.

I don't think he'll have time to drive up there if he's only there for one day. That trail to Wapama Falls in the Hetch Hetchy area is where those two hikers were swept off a bridge to their death because of the fast-moving water washing over the bridge. The water level should be lower now.

Yosemite victims' desperate last moments

[mosgood]

Originally Posted by Krusty79

I don't think he'll have time to drive up there if he's only there for one day. That trail to Wapama Falls in the Hetch Hetchy area is where those two hikers were swept off a bridge to their death because of the fast-moving water washing over the bridge. The water level should be lower now.

Yosemite victims' desperate last moments

Now that's a sad story. :-( I've seen the Merced in Yosemite when it was roaring through the Valley. It was both awe inspiring, & terrifying.