Yosemite’s Amazing Roads, Photography From California’s Highways
A quick observation and gallery of the amazing roads in Yosemite National Park.
Moving to Yosemite this year, was quite a life change. What I didn’t expect was for time to move so quickly. You have a list of all these fun activities and places you want to explore and then reality hits you and it is really hard to find the time to accomplish your Yosemite bucket list items. With goals of shooting backcountry locations and seeking out wildlife, projects were delayed with the historical snowmelt and the damage it brought with it. What it did do, was made me appreciate my backyard. All of the small things; wildflowers, birds, the meadows, the trees, the rivers and creeks, took the forefront.
When you wake early in the Sierra Nevadas excited for a day of adventure there is nothing worse than getting caught in construction and traffic. Yosemite has so many challenges and it is amazing that such a little place can accommodate 6 million people a year. The highways that enter and surround the park are in constant threat from rockslides and failures. I am amazed by the terrific work that the crews do here to keep these roads open and functional despite so many people traveling to the park.
These roads allow us to see the great attractions such as Glacier Point and all the great sights along Glacier Point Road. This road has been closed for some time and recently with new asphalt, curbs and striping has become a pleasant drive. The Tioga Road recently opened and historic snowfall left its mark. The amount of trees down and cut by crews on the side of the road is incredible. The road also failed near Olmstead Point and is currently being worked on. It was very surprising though that the majority of the road is in great shape. Recent improvements to the “all season highway” Hwy 140 are a sight for sore eyes. The potholes on this highway could really jar your car. As the seasons change, the roads, although may be temporary, are in great shape.
When you don’t have a lot of time and not too mention you haven’t really prepared or set yourself up for success for off the road adventures, it’s easy to drive around and create art right off the pavement. Here are some of my favorite images that I have created this summer right from the roads and highways of Yosemite.
Tioga Road from above. Tenaya Lake almost as blue as the sky. The high country’s beauty is represented here with the strength of the granite, the warmth of the forest and coolness of the water. This amazing road weaves its way around granite cliffs and boulders. This amazing view competes with the beauty of Tunnel View and is located on a pull out off Big Oak Road. The overlook has views of Bridalveil Falls, the Merced River and many climbing granite cliffs. Some fog remains from warm tropical shower that passed through the canyon. You can also see the road winding down the left side of the canyon.A boulder balances on a granite cliff near Olmstead Point. Glaciers dropped these large pebbles in random places when they melted. This interesting landmark is just steps off Tioga Road across from the parking lot where viewers take in the sights of Half Dome. Right from one of the famous Yosemite bridges, this long exposure creation, captures the power of Cascade Creek. Cascade Creek Bridge is a great stop to catch your breath from the twists and turns from the 120 and Big Oak Road. One of the first waterfalls before you enter the valley. On Glacier Point Road a meadow blossoms with many wildflowers. There is a peace like no other even though this location is right on the road. A creek winds through and large conifers line the boundaries of this field of dreams. Glacier Point Road is such a smooth surface and a joy to drive.Right off Sentinel Drive, which is being updated to accommodate the traffic flow, is one of the most beautiful views of Upper Yosemite Falls. The meadows were full of water for weeks. I couldn’t resist snapping this shot right from the parking lot. The Ferguson Project that continues on Highway 140 is a great spot to stop and enjoy the Merced River. Class 5+ rapids hit the canyon this year and these conditions brought out all the daredevils. Local raft companies use these roads to shuttle visitors up and down the canyon so they can enjoy the raging river.Most people like to hike up the Mist Trail to enjoy Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls but these falls can be enjoyed right from the end of Glacier Point Road. Here is a shot of Nevada Falls right from the Washburn Point parking lot. An amazing view without all the labor.Wildflowers have been in a super bloom all over the Sierra Nevadas. These Yellow Cone Flowers were being enjoyed by bees roadside on the Tioga Pass. Amazing amounts flowers make for beautiful roadside treasures.Right off of Southside Drive is one of my favorite not so crowded viewpoints of El Capitan. It also has a great view of Ribbon Falls and the Merced River. Most people gauge the Merced River from Ponoho Bridge but I get a good sense of the volume from here. You can see the water is high above its banks here and a huge tree collapsed into the river. This photo was captured on the day that Yosemite closed due to flood predictions.As you turn onto Northside Drive in Yosemite Valley, amazing views of Cooks Meadow and Sentinel Drive come into picture. I ventured out one evening to get some moon bow shots and couldn’t resist this bouquet of lupines. A nice long exposure with some light painting creates that out of this world setting.Along the road to Curry Village a meadow brings reflection to Half Dome. This road along Stoneman Meadow is currently closed due to construction but is one of the most iconic hangouts in Yosemite. A gathering place for many to see Half Dome, Royal Arches, Yosemite Falls, Staircase Falls and occasionally wildlife.A Jeffrey Pine sprouts out of the granite domes near Olmstead Point. Nature in this neck of the woods is resilient and creative. A daytime moon stares down and enjoys the views of Yosemite and the high country along Tioga Road.No post about roads in Yosemite is complete without mentioning the tunnels. This tunnel on Big Oak Road is at the Merced River Overlook and is quite stunning when lined up with bend of the road. These roads curve around mountains, through dense forests and experience the harshest conditions.
In conclusion, let us all recognize the hard work done by the crews that keep these roads open and accessible. Some of these roads only exist so we can enjoy the beauty of Yosemite. Thank you for stopping by and reading a little bit about my photography. Please check out and the store and support my passion with a purchase. If you saw something you like but it’s not on the store shoot me a message and we can work together to create that magical piece for your home or office. Mahalo!
