Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks
Apr 21, 2017 07:19:25 #
Cryppy
Loc: Gouldsboro, ME
I'll be visiting Yosemite for a day and a half in the middle of May, followed by a full day at Sequoia, and would like to hear from those of you who've been there where to go, and in what sequence, for the best shots. My kit will include my D7200 (and D300S backup), along with 35, 18-200 and 70-300 lenses. I'm leaving my 200-500mm (probably a mistake) at home because I'm flying to the west coast and back and will have my camera bag and another carry-on. I'll be driving a rental car for the entire trip, which will include traveling from Sequoia to Oceanside/San Diego then on to Phoenix. Any other tips on interesting/scenic sights along the way, and links to pertinent websites, would be most appreciated.
Apr 21, 2017 07:26:18 #
OMG--one day in Yosemite??? Well, if you must, be sure to enter the valley from the southern route, California Highway 41, which for our purposes here starts in Fresno. This route brings you through a long tunnel to a parking area for the most spectacular view of the Valley. Ansel Adams photographed from here more than once! Drive through the Valley for spectacular views of Yosemite Falls and other topographical features. Then drive out of the Valley and take the road to Tuolomne Meadows. Drive at least as far as Tenaya Lake where the views and panoramas are spectacular. Then backtrack down and out of the park and head south to Sequoia. That's all I'm going to address in this message. You could spend a photographic lifetime just in Yosemite!!
Apr 21, 2017 07:30:34 #
Photo ops in both areas are GREAT !! But, I think you will be sorry you left the 500mm behind. I urge you to take it if at all possible. In any case, have a safe and GREAT trip!
Apr 21, 2017 07:38:06 #
Cryppy
Loc: Gouldsboro, ME
Yes, unfortunately, only a day and a half THIS TIME. Will be driving from Folsom and current road closures (if not reopened in the next couple weeks) will require me to drive south to Mariposa and take route 140 to the park.
Apr 21, 2017 07:39:08 #
Interesting. In September one of my nephews and I will be making a drive south through California and it is my plan to hit Yosemite and Sequoia also (nephew has not seen either of them, and I was a small child the last time I did). He is accompanying me because I'm getting a little old (79) to be making a big auto trip by myself any more--and because he thinks it will be fun (he's 30). The total trip will be from Dallas, Texas to the Wisconsin Dells, then over to coastal Oregon (Tillamook), south through California, and east to Phoenix, where he will get off (he lives there). I'll make the last leg by myself. He has not seen much of the US (or anywhere else) and I hope to give him some things to remember on this trip. (The main purpose for me is to attend 2 reunions.)
Apr 21, 2017 07:46:13 #
Cryppy wrote:
I'll be visiting Yosemite for a day and a half in ... (show quote)
Make sure your have a sturdy camera bag that will qualify as carry-on. When I went to Yellowstone, my favorite shots were of the thermals.
Apr 21, 2017 07:51:54 #
Yosemite is one of my favoirte places. I hiked to the top of Yosemite Falls. But, that is a day trip by itself. Have fun. I want to go back sometime.
Apr 21, 2017 07:53:28 #
Cryppy
Loc: Gouldsboro, ME
Thanks for the tips. I have a carry-on size (small suitcase type with wheels) photography "bag" that I'll leave at home because I have another carry-on suitcase that contains very important items. Therefore, the camera bag that I carry will be the soft type that can be carried in one hand while I'm dragging the carry-on suitcase.
Apr 21, 2017 08:19:05 #
Bring a tripod and brush up on taking photos for HDR and landscape photography. I was surprised to find my widest angle got the most workout. Look online at photos you like to decide where to go, e.g. Tunnel View, Bridal Veil Falls, Half Dome, etc. and then make a map for yourself.
Apr 21, 2017 08:56:23 #
Cryppy wrote:
I'll be visiting Yosemite for a day and a half in ... (show quote)
I was there a couple of weeks ago and there were lots of closures due to storm damage and snowpack, making Glacier Point not accessible. There is a good chance that Tioga pass will not be open due to 30-50 ft of snow which they just started removing last week. Mariposa Grove is closed for repair, and Rt 120 is a mess with no access to the park. It seems that Rt 41 is partially opened, but it wasn't on Apr 5 when I was there.
I didn't and planned to enter the park on 120 - which was not open. I had to take a 65 mile/2 hr detour to get to 140 and go in at El Portal. Rt 49, from 120 at Priest to 140 at Mariposa is a very narrow twisting and slow road.
Weather conditions are extremely variable at this time of the year. Talking to some of the park personnel, they were saying that Tioga will likely miss the traditional Memorial Day opening and may not actually be open until July 4.
https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tiogaopen.htm
https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/road-conditions.htm
You can call Caltrans Highway Information Network (CHIN) 800.427.7623 for latest updates.
You can see some of the images I took here : https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157681052964810
Apr 21, 2017 09:00:26 #
Apr 21, 2017 22:49:52 #
Cryppy wrote:
Excellent input. Many thanks, Gene.
Good luck! enjoy the trip. Look out for mudslides. They are everywhere now.
Apr 22, 2017 08:15:08 #
Some good tips. I will also be visiting there in mid-May with not a lot of time to spend.
I will have three Nikons with me. I have a 300mm lens for one of them. I also have a P900 and a new tripod.
If anyone knows, are there motels in the area outside the park?
I will have three Nikons with me. I have a 300mm lens for one of them. I also have a P900 and a new tripod.
If anyone knows, are there motels in the area outside the park?
Apr 22, 2017 08:32:31 #
Cryppy
Loc: Gouldsboro, ME
Lodging is available in at least El Portal, Midpines, Mariposa and Visalia.
Apr 22, 2017 08:35:34 #
Cryppy wrote:
Lodging is available in at least El Portal, Midpines, Mariposa and Visalia.
Thank you.
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