I'm in the valley with my wife for getaway. We walked the loop from the big meadow across from Yosemite Falls, down the Merced River on the north side to El Cap meadow, crossed the bridge at El Cap meadow and walked back to Yosemite Village on the south side of the river. Most of the oaks and cottonwoods are going from green to brown; there aren't many yellow only leaves. Overall on our hike I'd say the trees have lost 20 to 25% of their leaves. There is a suprisingly large amount of water in Yosemite and Bridalveil Falls. I spent a lot of time staring up at El Capitan at around 1pm and couldn't see any water falling where my memory of horsetail falls is. How about those Giants!!
Posted by Lon Overacker on November 3, 2010 at 12:06 AM
Tony,
Thanks for the report! I'll be there on Thursday. Although your report is a bit disappointing, there is one thing that is always certain in the Valley... there is ALWAYS something worth photographing!
Tony, thanks for the report. I was thinking about hitting the Valley this weekend, but now I think I'll wait another week. Your report is similar to what Michael Frye is saying on his blog. Fall is coming late to the Valley this year. Thanks again and enjoy. Best Regards.
Posted by Robert Dayton on November 3, 2010 at 7:31 PM
Thanks for the update, Tony.
Posted by Tony Siciliano on November 4, 2010 at 12:08 AM
Drove home today via 140. There is some nice yellow color along 140 just below the junction with 120. We did not stop, but it looks like it would be good territory for walking down close to the water and getting leaves and/or trees and water.
I just returned from The Valley this afternoon 11/6.
In two words...GO NOW!
The maples, oaks and dogwood are reaching peak. It is beautiful!
Also of note: due to the somewhat recent storms, there is more water than usual for this time of year. The falls, and the Merced look very nice--they aren't roaring, by any stretch, but they sure look better than usual for November.
--P
Posted by Harley Goldman on November 8, 2010 at 10:30 AM
I got home from Yosemite last night. The valley is about prime right now and is changing quickly. Go now if you are planning to go.
The colors along Highway 41 from above the tunnel to below Fishcamp are insane. It is like fantasyland , with reds, oranges, yellows and golds everywhere. The dogwood, oaks and maples are all peaking at the same time. You will have to fight construction traffic stoppages, but is is extremely, extremely impressive.
Unfortunately, it was raining and I was pressed to get home on my drive, but I got to enjoy it out the truck window. Along 41 was the best Yosemite color show I have ever seen. Areas of the valley are quite nice too, assuming the winds from the storm did not strip the trees.
Discussion
7 repliesThanks for the report! I'll be there on Thursday. Although your report is a bit disappointing, there is one thing that is always certain in the Valley... there is ALWAYS something worth photographing!
Hope you got some winners.
Lon
In two words...GO NOW!
The maples, oaks and dogwood are reaching peak. It is beautiful!
Also of note: due to the somewhat recent storms, there is more water than usual for this time of year. The falls, and the Merced look very nice--they aren't roaring, by any stretch, but they sure look better than usual for November.
--P
The colors along Highway 41 from above the tunnel to below Fishcamp are insane. It is like fantasyland , with reds, oranges, yellows and golds everywhere. The dogwood, oaks and maples are all peaking at the same time. You will have to fight construction traffic stoppages, but is is extremely, extremely impressive.
Unfortunately, it was raining and I was pressed to get home on my drive, but I got to enjoy it out the truck window. Along 41 was the best Yosemite color show I have ever seen. Areas of the valley are quite nice too, assuming the winds from the storm did not strip the trees.
Harley
Thanks for the report !
Sandy