The Things I Wish I Had Known
“What is that thing?”
“Oh, that? It’s just a little sea otter, nothing too crazy.”
“Wow, I had no idea. I’m from Pennsylvania, we don’t have those there.”
“That’s ok, I’m from Minnesota, we don’t have them either.”
We laughed. When you’re traveling to a new place, there will likely be many things you will encounter that you don’t know anything about. Even if you’ve done some research. My new friend here had no idea he was going to see balls of fur rolling in circles off the Santa Cruz Pier, cleaning itself with a fury known to no one else.
“Well they are opening Yosemite back up on Sunday, so I am planning to drive down for that. No idea where I’m going to go though.”
“Let me see if I can help you with that.”
Yosemite National Park, located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The indigenous people, such as the Ahwahneechee, lived in the region for centuries before European settlers arrived. In 1851, Yosemite Valley was discovered by non-indigenous people, leading to increased exploration and tourism. In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant, protecting the area and paving the way for the establishment of the national park system. Yosemite became a national park in 1890, recognized for its stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and iconic landmarks like El Capitan and Half Dome.
Yosemite is a gargantuan national park and most of the action happens right in the valley. It’s the only part of the park that is even easily accessible to you in winter. Which is when I first decided to visit.
I was overwhelmed. My mind has a hard time translating an overhead map into visitable locations until I get my feet on the ground and see the lay of the land. Where should I photograph first?
On my last visit, I took it slow and over a few days, walked the walks and saw the spots. The mental image of the park began to come together. I wish I’d done this itinerary my first day.
So if you only have a day, here is what you should do.
Set your alarm clocks, you’re starting early.
Tunnel View
Plan to arrive one hour before sunrise. This way you will beat the crowds and can set up your camera with whatever view you desire. This is THE iconic view of the valley and you are starting your day the right way. For an extra bit of fun, try darting into the tunnel and photographing outwards to give your landscape some cool framing. Watch for traffic! Also, point your camera at Bridal Veil Falls to make it the subject, because for your next stop…
Bridal Veil Falls
You won’t be in the car for long, leave the parking area and head downhill, taking a right almost immediately into the Bridal Veil Falls parking lot. It’s a short walk to the base of the falls. Amazing what a bit of perspective can do, grab another frame-filling shot of the falls here and when you go to your editing software, enjoy viewing your two falls photos side by side. I love this because I love changing perspective on my subjects to get a feel for my place in space.
Swinging Bridge
Continue your merry way on Southside Drive until you get to Swinging Bridge and pull off quickly. Perhaps not the most photogenic spot, it is a great feeling to stand out on the bridge and watch the Merced flow fast and clear beneath you. Picnic tables here as well, maybe it is time to pull out breakfast and relax for a sec. Or take your breakfast with you and walk part of the Valley Loop Trail easterly to get a solid view of El Capitan through the trees.
(You’ll have to go back at night to get the image above)
Sentinel Bridge
A great spot to take in Cook’s Meadow, and see the remaining bits of an old orchard. Get your historical shot of the Chapel and a great view of Half Dome from the bridge.
Mirror Lake
We’re moving fast and here’s your chance to slow it down and get some steps on your counter. Park at the far end of the lot at Curry Village and walk past the Pines’ campgrounds. I misread the map, if you want to walk the loop stay on the trail that runs on the east side of the lake and loop back around where Snow Creek and Tenaya Creek meet. I did not do this, time was of the essence. For a shorter out and back, stay on the west side, and either walk the road or the Valley Loop Trail to the lake for some mirror-finish views.
Make sure to go when there is water in the lake, as it can dry up for late summer and fall.
Yosemite Falls
Park at the Welcome Center, and take in Degnan’s for coffee, lunch, and a break. When you’re ready, walk to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls. Get your up-close view and if you time it right in the spring you will need soft cloths to wipe the spray off of your lens.
Explore some of the trails nearby and breathe deeply of the forest. Take in the Welcome Center, the graveyard, and Ansel Adam’s gallery, and watch the movie at the theatre. I also really enjoyed walking around exploring Native American history and imagining what this valley was like before Europeans came.
Valley View
When you’ve wrapped at the Welcome Center, drive the long road out to Valley View. This will be a lower yet still very beautiful look similar to how you started your day at Tunnel View. Sunset in the valley is different than what I was used to on the plains of Minnesota. If you wait until the last minute, the mountains will have blocked all light from view. So show up a bit early and take it all in. When the show is over you can jump right into your car and you are already almost out of the park.
Bonus Sunset Idea
Have you ever heard the term Firefall before?
I hadn’t either. Yet in recent years, it has become so popular, that the park has shut down parking lots, turned roads into walking paths, and requires reservations to try and see it on weekends.
This naturally occurring phenomenon happens in February, which is the only reason I have been to the park so far. If you’re thinking of a winter visit, see if this fits into your schedule. I will have an article with my experience.
Suffice it to say, if you are in the park at this time of year and looking for a sunset, you’d better be looking for the Firefall.
Things To Bring For A Full Day
- Breakfast Snacks
- Walking shoes
- Winter Boots
- Fleece
- Rain Layer
- Headlamp
- Pocketknife
- Handkerchief
- Full water bottle
- Tire Chains – Winter
- Lunch money
Note: This is an extremely efficient way to see the park that leaves little room for exploration, half the fun here will be seeing if you can physically do it all. While this would still be an amazing day, you are missing a lot.
Yosemite is a place that has more to offer a person than can be done in a lifetime. This is my most efficient, one-day exploration plan. Utilize this if you only have one full day to explore the park, and if you have more time, use it as a way to orient yourself so the rest of your adventures come from a place of knowledge.
National Park Entrance Fee
$80 – If I am going to visit a national park, I simply purchase the America The Beautiful Annual National Parks Pass. It covers me for a year and basically, if you hit 2-3 parks in that calendar year, you are good.
$35 – Personal vehicle good for one day. Valid for up to seven days.
$30 – Smaller the ride, smaller the price. Ride in on your motorcycle and get seven days.
$20 – For ultimate cheapness, ride in on a horse like a boss. Or walk. Or bike. That’s how you land the deals.
Thanks for coming along for the ride and until next time, adventure on.