Yosemite National Park: I will be spending a few days at Yosemite in early June... first visit since my last trip there almost 45 years ago. I know it's going to be crowded, but was...

sands Loc: Jacksonville, FL

I will be spending a few days at Yosemite in early June... first visit since my last trip there almost 45 years ago. I know it's going to be crowded, but was wondering what are the best times for arrival in the park, and what are some of the key locations for photography, in order to avoid the large crowds. I'll also be visiting Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. Any advice would be welcomed. Thanks!

easy8

The nice thing every marker is a photo they have places to park but you should get there just before sunrise to get good tripod location

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

I was in Yosemite last September (after Labor Day); upper Yosemite was less congested (car and parking-wise) than lower Yosemite (the Valley). The photo opportunities in upper Yosemite are great. In upper Yosemite, I even was able to photograph Half Dome from an angle I hadn't seen in photographs before.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

sands wrote:

I will be spending a few days at Yosemite in early June... first visit since my last trip there almost 45 years ago. I know it's going to be crowded, but was wondering what are the best times for arrival in the park, and what are some of the key locations for photography, in order to avoid the large crowds. I'll also be visiting Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. Any advice would be welcomed. Thanks!

The National Park Service may be a good resource for your questions. https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm
CONTACT THE PARK
(209) 372-0200
The public information office is open from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific time (closed for lunch). Once connected, dial 3 then 5. If the ranger is already on the line, you'll be returned to the main menu. If the ranger is not there, you can leave a message and we will return your call.

And to help I've added these https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/photosmultimedia/index.htm and https://www.colbybrownphotography.com/a-photographers-guide-to-visiting-yosemite

sands Loc: Jacksonville, FL

Thanks for the great info, St3v3M. I appreciate it!

St3v3M wrote:

The National Park Service may be a good resource f... (show quote)

sands Loc: Jacksonville, FL

Thanks Photoman! I'll plan on visiting upper Yosemite for sure.

photoman022 wrote:

I was in Yosemite last September (after Labor Day); upper Yosemite was less congested (car and parking-wise) than lower Yosemite (the Valley). The photo opportunities in upper Yosemite are great. In upper Yosemite, I even was able to photograph Half Dome from an angle I hadn't seen in photographs before.

sands Loc: Jacksonville, FL

Thanks easy8. I'm an early riser, so getting there before sunrise shouldn't be a problem. I appreciate the info!

easy8 wrote:

The nice thing every marker is a photo they have places to park but you should get there just before sunrise to get good tripod location

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

sands wrote:

I will be spending a few days at Yosemite in early June... first visit since my last trip there almost 45 years ago. I know it's going to be crowded, but was wondering what are the best times for arrival in the park, and what are some of the key locations for photography, in order to avoid the large crowds. I'll also be visiting Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. Any advice would be welcomed. Thanks!

Someone else recently posted the same question, you might look for that post as a lot of people responded.

Photocraig

St3v3M wrote:

The National Park Service may be a good resource f... (show quote)

From a "local" Point of view, I live near Reno, NV, and this year was an EPIC snow year and it is still snowing at high elevation. The great news is that the falls will be flowing very well and fast. The serious caution news is: The water will be running very fast and COLD. Also, depending on the temperatures of the later Spring months, the valleys are susceptible for flooding, In Yosemite that translates into:

Valley and High Country Campgrounds being flooded or closed or opening later into the season.
Bridalveil Creek campground (off Glacier Point Rd) and the High Yosemite Falls off Tioga Rd. may open late.

Be sure to check the resources Steve has mentioned. Similar cautions are valid for Sequoia and King's Canyon. Lots of Snow means lots of water in places that haven't seen very much in 5 years.
Tioga Pass (entrance from US 395 from Reno may be opening later than usual in the year.

Enjoy your trip. It will be a spectacular year, and the wildflowers should give us another Super bloom,
C

sands Loc: Jacksonville, FL

Thanks Craig. I knew there would be a lot of snow melt and hopefully it won't interfere with getting to some of the good places for some decent photos. I will touch base with the park service just before going out there. Thanks for the input!

Photocraig wrote:

From a "local" Point of view, I live nea... (show quote)

sands Loc: Jacksonville, FL

Thanks. I will check that out.

via the lens wrote:

Someone else recently posted the same question, you might look for that post as a lot of people responded.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

sands wrote:

I will be spending a few days at Yosemite in early June... first visit since my last trip there almost 45 years ago. I know it's going to be crowded, but was wondering what are the best times for arrival in the park, and what are some of the key locations for photography, in order to avoid the large crowds. I'll also be visiting Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. Any advice would be welcomed. Thanks!

The best time to avoid the crowds is between sundown and sunup!

philz Loc: Rockaway Township NJ

I reviewed yesterday some old slides I shot in Yosemite in 1981. The shots from up high were awesome. Best way to capture Half Come and the Valley, from Tioga. The falls will be heavy in June. Some great shots framed by trees possible. Very photogenic place.

sands Loc: Jacksonville, FL

Thanks Phil. I'm hoping I will be able to get up to Tioga, as I understand that is one of the great spots for overall viewing and capturing the essence of Yosemite.

philz wrote:

I reviewed yesterday some old slides I shot in Yosemite in 1981. The shots from up high were awesome. Best way to capture Half Come and the Valley, from Tioga. The falls will be heavy in June. Some great shots framed by trees possible. Very photogenic place.

Davet Loc: Fort Myers, Florida

I am staying at a Lee Vining camp ground (Monavista) and going into the park May 28,29 and 30th. I hope to get some great pictures.