Here we are, roughly a month in California and experiencing one of the best winters in 20 years for the Sierra Nevadas. Despite multiple rockslides and blizzards closing the highways and more or less trapping us in the park, I have been able to explore the Yosemite Valley almost daily. The weather and construction in the park have kept visitors at bay and there have been many days where I felt like I had the park to myself. Yosemite has welcomed myself and I am grateful.
With many people excited about all the rain and snow, it is exciting to see the San Joaquin valley rejuvenated with water despite government policies that are contributing to these droughts. Farmers, adventure junkies and regular folks seem optimistic about the upcoming spring and summer. In the month since I arrived, I have noticed the meadows of Yosemite have become healthy wetlands. The seasonal waterfalls that are not guaranteed have been seen frequently and even new falls have been created. Everyday moving forward from the winter solstice has brought almost an hour more of sunlight in that short time. The days getting longer has increased my ability to stay out later on search of wildlife and birds.
Winter here is peaceful and quiet. When I take photos or seek out new locations I stand and listen, I hear nothing. I focus on the environment and take in every leaf, blade of grass and evergreen needles. The snow and ice are packed firm and each step is a loud crunch. I stop, I hear the fall of ice chunks or boulders from the valley walls. Then again nothing, I suppose something or somebody else must be near but no I am alone along the banks of the Merced River. The water trickles at a slow pace because its sources are frozen and the valley is flat so it is in no hurry to gain speed. It enjoys this break in the chaos before it goes further down into the valley. Wind is rare but if it blows it is quiet and maybe only moves the dead oak leaf. You feel the wind because it frosts your cheeks and nose. Standing in a huge shadow from the valley walls you look down the way for the sun. The sun will heal that chill and also the journey through the thick snow breaks a sweat. The brightness is blinding and now the dense forest is calling again for it will bring you back to the serenity. Exploring each parcel when no one is around is like developing a relationship with nature. I will remember when we first met and we shared that moment, looking up though the Sequoias and Cedars and seeing the textured granite, looking down to the black water. A first love or infatuation is developed knowing that it will never be as good the next time.
When people talk about the valley and about special places they have been and say you have to go here or there, I just sit quietly. What’s special about Yosemite is that there is no special area, no right or wrong experience. Stepping outside anywhere in the valley for any amount of time is something that everyone should experience. If you are able to hike to the high country or maybe saw something that can never be described and was a billion to one odds that you were there to be a witness just consider yourself lucky. Every moment in life is a blessing and maybe we can all help each other so that happiness is achievable for everyone.
Here is 30 Days of an Epic Yosemite National Park Winter in Images:
One of the first days we were welcomed by a snow covered Curry Village. Walking through the paths of Curry is like being on different planet, a snow planet. With only 4 minutes of daylight during the winter months Curry Village is a frozen place.The snow in Yosemite Valley is a very wet snow. It adheres to the trees, leaves, boulders and just about everything. The sun’s angle in the winter weaves through the domes and peaks of the Southside wall creating long shadows in the El Capitan Meadow.Near the Ahwahnee, the Merced River bends and creates a nice view of Half Dome. The sky did not know if it wanted to rain or snow this day but it was most definitely windy with blizzard conditions on the peaks of the high country. These low clouds were delivering blows to the face of this iconic Yosemite Valley location.A black bear makes the journey from one hotel to the other seeking any snacks he can find. Although most black bears do hibernate some only partially hibernate. It depends on their metabolism and how good of a summer and fall they had. This bear seemed healthy and had no problems trouncing through the snow near Stoneman Bridge.Housekeeping Camp in the winter is closed so the bridge and nearby beaches are empty. The bridge collects a lot of snow and ice because there is no sunlight here for a few weeks. The piled rock design of the pillars on this bridge are an architectural delight.Near whiteout conditions happened this winter, the snowflakes are so large and fall so slow. This bench on Ahwahnee Meadow holds strong against one of the biggest snowfalls this season. The trees in the background will gather snow until it becomes too heavy and the a mini tree avalanche will come crashing down on you if you’re not careful.On the other side of Ahwahnee Meadow two tall ponderosa pines frame Upper Yosemite Falls. Just a few weeks before we arrived Yosemite Falls was completely dry. Just this week it has been closed due to frazile ice and flooding over the viewing area. Yosemite Falls is the tallest series of waterfalls in the continental U.S.The constant thawing and freezing over the Wawona Tunnel creates dramatic icicles. Almost like the mouth of an evil predator about to tear through flesh. But this opening is quite the opposite and opens up to one of the most iconic landscapes in all of Yosemite National Park, Tunnel View.
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Sunrise at Tunnel View in the winter is cold and dangerous. Large groups of people stand here throughout the day compacting the snow and turning it into treacherous ice. Worth the risk though is this beautiful overlook peering all the way to the end of the valley with the sight of Bridal Veil Falls on the right.Waterfalls are plentiful in the valley especially in the winter. This area receives the majority of its precipitation between December and March. Cascade Falls is a wonderful waterfall that cascades under Big Oak Flat Road and joins the Tamarack River and then eventually the Merced River. The arched bridges in this area are a staple across the many rivers and creeks.Coyotes frequent the meadows of Yosemite and winter is breeding time. Coyotes can be seen roaming individually or hanging out in packs. With great hearing coyotes attempt to capture rodents underneath the snow. There are plenty of stars on clear nights in Yosemite Valley. Typically at night there is a lot of fog from the heated water in the meadows and creeks. This night Yosemite Falls and the sky peaked out for just a few moments.There are many different angles to view Yosemite Falls. This is definitely one of my favorites, standing on Housekeeping Bridge after a snow storm leaves the most beautiful winter setting. The sun hits the wall just before setting during golden hour.Who needs snowshoes when you have paws. Although it’s easier just to walk down the many paved paths in the park, this bear doesn’t want to be seen by the many sightseers that frequent those paths. He couldn’t elude me and we shared a stroll along the Merced River, of course I was on the other side.Along the banks of the Merced River lie reflections of monoliths and peaks. The famous El Capitan and Three Brothers glow in the late sun. Soon Horsetail Falls will glow red in the sun at this location. Every February a seasonal waterfall and the sun meet to form one of Yosemites greatest attractions, Firefall.A winter storm covers everything but the rushing waters of the Merced River. The Ponoho Bridge stands out of the white background and greets guests who enter the park from the north and west. Every journey around the valley loop, one must traverse this stone landmark.Photography is art. Every artist sees things in their own mind. Ansel Adams used contrast in the dark room to create his works of art. Although I enjoy the colors of nature sometimes the visualization of frost or snow on dark backgrounds is so pleasing. This small plant grew tall through a flooded meadow.Housekeeping Camp is a place that looks abandoned from a natural disaster or a nuclear war. It has many tent buildings and restrooms, fireplaces and laundries but it lies empty in the winter. Because of this quiet apocalyptic feeling it is easy to come here and enjoy its serenity. The Merced River moves like glass after the large bends and the fog rolls in to give that snow globe like ceiling.At the next bend of the Merced River, I imagined what the river must see from its rocky bottom when the snow is furious. But the river does not mind the snow and continues it’s, go with the flow existence.At times the valley didn’t know if it should rain or snow, and the result was infinite waterfalls. The east side of El Capitan was pumping water in all directions. Horsetail Falls seen on the farthest left side is famed for the upcoming firefall. Many are hoping this type of flow will happen again in the next couple weeks.The frozen Nevada Falls are a sight to see for its blue ice and constant flow. It was hard to get up this icy trail to see the beautiful falls but boy was it worth it. Ice and moving water combined feels very powerful and at any moment the ice can break off and bring a path of destruction.Obviously, every artist has their favorite images. While out stargazing one night, wandering through Yosemite Village, this bus stop caught my eye. The lighting illuminated just enough of the trees and the frozen benches but still keeping the darkness of the night in the background.This is definitely one of my favorite locations in the valley. It is different everyday, sometimes there is a lot of water, sometimes no water. There can be a lot of birds or maybe a deer. Behind me here large chunks of ice and boulders loudly fall into the valley from El Cap. And here lies the same meadow as the picture before, quite the difference. This frosty clear morning at sunrise lights up Cathedral Rock and Spire. An icon from anywhere in the park.Another famous location here is Valley View and it resembles Tunnel View but from the ground floor. Here the Merced River enjoys its last flat zone before tumbling down in elevation to the San Joaquin Valley.This bear gives me the paw and says please stop following me, I’m about to cause some trouble!Seeing the large monolith face of El Capitan never gets old. Its steep upright posture dominates your entrance into the valley. Here at sunset the warm tones in the granite reflect nicely in the cool frosty Merced River.Water is what makes Yosemite so special. It has towering powerful waterfalls, cascading creeks, wetlands, marshes, rivers and lakes. The winter brings seasonal creeks that create new paths through the snow and ice.The infinite stars over the valley create a nice background to the steep granite cliffs on both sides of Yosemite National Park. A car drives the valley loop and puts the size in perspectiveThank you for following our first 30 days in Yosemite National Park. As the seasons change these works of art will change, the colors, the light and the water. All images will be available for digital download and print. Please continue to check out the store as we update our products. Also, coming soon, Granite Cliff Studio will be doing Photography Tours and custom photo shoots.
2 responses to “30 Days of an Epic Yosemite National Park Winter”
Aloha Luke,
All we can say is “Wow”! These are truly extraordinary captures. What an opportunity to explore Yosemite with mostly just you and the trees and critters. Hugs across the miles, Catherine & Lance🌈
Thank you both! It is quite the experience. I am very grateful to be in such a special place and admire its beauty. One of god’s special creations!
2 responses to “30 Days of an Epic Yosemite National Park Winter”
Aloha Luke,
All we can say is “Wow”! These are truly extraordinary captures. What an opportunity to explore Yosemite with mostly just you and the trees and critters. Hugs across the miles, Catherine & Lance🌈
Thank you both! It is quite the experience. I am very grateful to be in such a special place and admire its beauty. One of god’s special creations!