I'm packing food, water, sleeping bag, warm clothes, car chains, etc., and am heading up to Yosemite tomorrow, much to the dismay of my wife. If when I get up to the foothills it seems too risky, I will drive back to SF. I have a reservation at the Lodge for three nights. I am hoping to catch some storm clearing light. Hopefully, this will happen. Today in San Francisco we have had two cycles of rain, then partly clearing blue skies, then more rain, then more blue skies.
I have two questions. First, where are your favorite locations to shoot clearing storms, other than the Ansel Adams classic?
Second, has anybody been there when the valley gets snowed in? Can I assume I can continue to stay in the Lodge, even though right now their reservation system says there are no beds? I'd actually love to get snowed in for a few days!!
If you are snowed in, no one will be arriving to take your room. Can't see how they can kick you out if you can't leave.
If there is that much snow, everywhere is great. Anywhere along the Merced, all the meadow areas, the classic views like Gates of the Valley, etc. It is hard to go wrong.
I am jealous. I would love to be heading to Yosemite!!! Have a great time!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Lon Overacker on January 19, 2010 at 10:29 PM
Tony,
I hope to head up there Friday, so maybe I'll see you up there. Drop me an email and we can exchange cell numbers.
You won't get snowed in. At least it's highly unlikely even given this wave of storms. It looks like the temps are dropping, so I'm expecting snow on and off for the rest of the week.
You won't have any travel trouble assuming you take highway 140 through Mariposa/El Portal. Going 120 just puts you up too high and that will be slowwwww going and require chains. Of course bring chains, but I'm guessing you won't need them for the drive in and probably won't need them once you're in the valley. Unless of course you want to drive up to Tunnel View - they WILL stop you if there's going to be a lot of snow.
So, speaking of TV, that is THE place to get "clearing storm" images in Yosemite. Gateway can of course be good too. But one also shouldn't confuse "clearing storm" conditions with the grand scenic. As Harley mentioned, if you're there during and immediate after a winter storm, clearing storm, clouds, mist, fog, snow-laced trees... one doesn't need a guide to find the "best spots."
But seriously, I think you get the best bang for your buck along the long pullout of El Cap meadow. You can park and shoot from the road, but you also have the option of slogging through the meadow. One could spend hours and hours in that little 1/2 mile stretch.
another good spot after a big snow are the meadows near Yosemite Village, Cook's Meadow, Superintendents meadow and also Stoneman's meadow which sits kinda between Curry Village and the Ahwahnee Hotel. The oaks between Yosemite Village the Yosemite Falls bus stop (meadow where the famous Elm tree is) is also great.
Oh, I also like the Bridal Veil meadow area which is the very first longggg pullout right after the Bridal Veil/Highway 40 turnoff. Bridal veil off to the right and El Capitan straight in front of you.
One morning, I would recommend the meadow between the Swinging Bridge and the Chapel. You can walk down to the river and again, spend hours in that area too.
I could keep going, but then the hourly fee starts kicking in... :-)
Have a great time. I think you're hitting it just right. Oh, figure out a way to rig an umbrella - or at a minimum bring one. You don't want to let a little snow or rain to prevent you from shooting.
Lon
Posted by Paul Duval on January 19, 2010 at 11:12 PM
You lucky dog. Try to hook up with Lon. An post some photos from your trip oon the forum here promise?
I don't know what kind of vehicle you have, but if it is not 4x4, be prepared to put on chains.
Also, and this goes for Lon, too: Snow can cover thin ice along the river's sides, so what may look solid may in fact be rather precarious.
Definitely enter the park on 140. The Big Oak Flat Road/120 will be treacherous, at best, past Cascade/Tamarack Creek.
In 'clearing storm' conditions, Sentinel Meadow/Swinging Bridge offers great views of Yosemite Falls/Lost Arrow/Yosemite Point Buttress.
Enjoy, and be safe!
--P
Posted by Mike Ryan on January 20, 2010 at 10:14 AM
Was up in Yosemite last weekend just as the rains were coming in. Lots of snow along the Merced. I imagine there is quite a bit more snow now. Have fun this weekend. I wish I could go back.
FYI - Ran across a good deal for mid week lodging in the valley. I tested it last night to see if it work and it does. For example you can get a basic room at Yosemite Lodge for about $70 midweek. I will paste the info below..It comes from the Yosemite Nation fansite on Facebook.
Yosemite Lodging Rates 50% off!!! This includes The Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite Lodge at the Falls and Curry Village. To take advantage of these great offers, use promo code HOTDATES and call (801) 559-4891 or visit www.YosemitePark.com
Posted by Mat Malone on January 20, 2010 at 12:21 PM
Tony, cross your fingers and hope the Valley gets snowed in -- that would be awesome From what I've seen it would take a hell of a storm to close 140.
I might be up there as well this weekend. Still debating between Yosemite and Tahoe. Since it looks like Saturday morning may be too late to catch the clearing storm I think I think I might head to Tahoe... better skiing there anyway!
Posted by Steve Sieren on January 21, 2010 at 11:28 AM
Tony, Cathedral Beach is one of my favored spots. Here is a few takes from one spot. Mat Malone has been to this spot too and Debjit.
Posted by Debjit Ghosh on January 21, 2010 at 1:04 PM
I might go. I am still debating and this sounds a good opportunity. I just saw that 140 is closed and 120 requires chains. Does anybody traveled on 140 recently ? Any other possible options from Bay Area ?
"
[IN THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA AREA]
IS CLOSED FROM 2.5 MI WEST TO 0.5 MI WEST OF MERCED (MERCED CO)
- DUE TO DOWNED TREES - MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE AN ALTERNATE ROUTE
"
Posted by Mat Malone on January 21, 2010 at 1:42 PM
Also, I would recommend buying Michael Frye's "Photographers Guide to Yosemite". It's hard to beat. He notes which sites in YV are best for clearing storms.
Discussion
9 repliesI have two questions. First, where are your favorite locations to shoot clearing storms, other than the Ansel Adams classic?
Second, has anybody been there when the valley gets snowed in? Can I assume I can continue to stay in the Lodge, even though right now their reservation system says there are no beds? I'd actually love to get snowed in for a few days!!
Thanks!!
If there is that much snow, everywhere is great. Anywhere along the Merced, all the meadow areas, the classic views like Gates of the Valley, etc. It is hard to go wrong.
I am jealous. I would love to be heading to Yosemite!!! Have a great time!!!!!!!!!
I hope to head up there Friday, so maybe I'll see you up there. Drop me an email and we can exchange cell numbers.
You won't get snowed in. At least it's highly unlikely even given this wave of storms. It looks like the temps are dropping, so I'm expecting snow on and off for the rest of the week.
You won't have any travel trouble assuming you take highway 140 through Mariposa/El Portal. Going 120 just puts you up too high and that will be slowwwww going and require chains. Of course bring chains, but I'm guessing you won't need them for the drive in and probably won't need them once you're in the valley. Unless of course you want to drive up to Tunnel View - they WILL stop you if there's going to be a lot of snow.
So, speaking of TV, that is THE place to get "clearing storm" images in Yosemite. Gateway can of course be good too. But one also shouldn't confuse "clearing storm" conditions with the grand scenic. As Harley mentioned, if you're there during and immediate after a winter storm, clearing storm, clouds, mist, fog, snow-laced trees... one doesn't need a guide to find the "best spots."
But seriously, I think you get the best bang for your buck along the long pullout of El Cap meadow. You can park and shoot from the road, but you also have the option of slogging through the meadow. One could spend hours and hours in that little 1/2 mile stretch.
another good spot after a big snow are the meadows near Yosemite Village, Cook's Meadow, Superintendents meadow and also Stoneman's meadow which sits kinda between Curry Village and the Ahwahnee Hotel. The oaks between Yosemite Village the Yosemite Falls bus stop (meadow where the famous Elm tree is) is also great.
Oh, I also like the Bridal Veil meadow area which is the very first longggg pullout right after the Bridal Veil/Highway 40 turnoff. Bridal veil off to the right and El Capitan straight in front of you.
One morning, I would recommend the meadow between the Swinging Bridge and the Chapel. You can walk down to the river and again, spend hours in that area too.
I could keep going, but then the hourly fee starts kicking in... :-)
Have a great time. I think you're hitting it just right. Oh, figure out a way to rig an umbrella - or at a minimum bring one. You don't want to let a little snow or rain to prevent you from shooting.
Lon
Paul oh er Green Flash
I don't know what kind of vehicle you have, but if it is not 4x4, be prepared to put on chains.
Also, and this goes for Lon, too: Snow can cover thin ice along the river's sides, so what may look solid may in fact be rather precarious.
Definitely enter the park on 140. The Big Oak Flat Road/120 will be treacherous, at best, past Cascade/Tamarack Creek.
In 'clearing storm' conditions, Sentinel Meadow/Swinging Bridge offers great views of Yosemite Falls/Lost Arrow/Yosemite Point Buttress.
Enjoy, and be safe!
--P
FYI - Ran across a good deal for mid week lodging in the valley. I tested it last night to see if it work and it does. For example you can get a basic room at Yosemite Lodge for about $70 midweek. I will paste the info below..It comes from the Yosemite Nation fansite on Facebook.
Yosemite Lodging Rates 50% off!!! This includes The Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite Lodge at the Falls and Curry Village. To take advantage of these great offers, use promo code HOTDATES and call (801) 559-4891 or visit www.YosemitePark.com
I might be up there as well this weekend. Still debating between Yosemite and Tahoe. Since it looks like Saturday morning may be too late to catch the clearing storm I think I think I might head to Tahoe... better skiing there anyway!
One spot 3 shots.
"
[IN THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA AREA]
IS CLOSED FROM 2.5 MI WEST TO 0.5 MI WEST OF MERCED (MERCED CO)
- DUE TO DOWNED TREES - MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE AN ALTERNATE ROUTE
"
I think they sell it in the Ansel Adams Gallery.