Moose Loc: North Carolina

Hopefully, many of you have made this trip before and can give me some tips on places to see in Yosemite and in surrounding areas. We plan to visit the wine country, and have heard the Gold Rush Country might be interesting also. Since this trip is a photo op for my wife and I, please share your Kodak moments with me and I'll try to build trip plans around them. Thanks in advance for the input. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Oh, by the way, the wife and I are in our mid-70's and in reasonable condition, however, we'd have to avoid any major hiking. That may limit some great photo shots that you would have recommended.

blacks2 Loc: SF. Bay area

End of may is a great time to visit Yosemite as the waterfalls are high, that is if we get any snow to melt. So far not much. Depends if Glacier Point is open at that time yet, it has great views, nice picture taking. Also Tioga pass is great, again it depends on the snow fall, if there is not much snow it should be open, allow two days if you don't do any hiking.. The wine country is always great, if you should get near San Francisco, there is Muir Woods to visit, easy walking among the huge redwoods. Also if you come from the north on Highway 1 just before the Golden Gate bridge you can drive up the hill and have a great view of the bridge and the city in the background, that is if there is no fog. Hope that helps, have a great time. BTW. I am 81 and go to Yosemite twice every year, once in the fall and in the spring.

Bmac Loc: Long Island, NY

On the eastern side of the park is a small town called Lee Vining. On the outskirts of the town is Mono Lake. It is an ancient lake totally devoid of fish but supporting a population of brine shrimp which attracts birds. It's an eerie, mystical place with formations called tuffas. Google it to decide if you think it's worth a visit. I love it there.

VHD-Tex Loc: Mc Allen Tx.

Try Michael Frye Photography.com He has a book that you can down load for $5.00.

Moose Loc: North Carolina

Thank you all for the information. It definitely will help me
plan this trip with some great places to visit and photo.

picturedude Loc: Yosemite natl. park, Ca.

Be sure to see the Mariposa grove of giant Sequoias at the south end of the park. Take the tram ride, and I could be your driver. Then 6 miles north of the Mariposa grove is Wawona. There you will find the Pioneer center with several of the original buildings and wagons along with a covered bridge. Glacier point might be open then, depends on snow. On the valley floor, be sure to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy while looking for climbers on El Capitan. You WILL need binoculars or good telephoto lens. You will want to spend more than a couple days at the park as there's so much to see.

Moose Loc: North Carolina

Great ideas. We do plan to spend 4 full days at the park, and more for surrounding areas. These places sound really great photo ops. Thanks.

gandalphpsp Loc: Reno, NV

I've been volunteering in Yosemite Valley for the past five years during the months of May and September. You have certainly picked the best month to visit! I can't add too much to the wonderful suggestions you've already received, but a few things come to mind... The Ansel Adams Gallery is in the Valley between the Visitor Center and the main Post Office. The Gallery/Photography Store is still owned and operated by his descendants. I mention this because, if you do a search online (Ansel Adams Gallery) and look under Photography Education, check out the "Photography Walks." These are free and are held several days a week - about 1 1/2 hours. They request making a reservation ahead of time.

In May, Yosemite Falls comes in to full sun circa 10 AM until circa 3 PM. Bridal Veil Falls is best photographed in the afternoon as is the most famous view of Yosemite at "Tunnel View" - Highway 41 exit to Fresno...

Half Dome is a favorite subject especially at sunset as it gets the last light of day. Either Cook's Meadow or Stoneman's Meadow have clear views of Half Dome. (Please stay on the paths...) Check at the Visitor Center for sunrise/sunset times.

Hope Glacier Point is open while you're there... Some of the great views of the World.

Have a wonderful trip and take lots of pictures...

HEART Loc: God's Country - COLORADO

Moose - enjoy the trip. My brother is retired from the park service and lives there. His wife still works somewhere in the park - not sure where. You come at the right time to be there; fewer (not few, just fewer) tourists. Godspeed and send us some photos from the edge!

blacks2 Loc: SF. Bay area

Here are some pictures of last years trip, so you can see what to expect.

Tunnel view.


From the hanging bridge.


Glacier point

llindstrand Loc: Seattle Metro

We went to Yosemite late last May. The snow kept us out of some areas like Tioga Pass and Glacier point. The rest of the park was beautiful. We lucked out the weather was good. The waterfalls were spectacular as they had a high snow pack last year. I have photos posted on my website http://www.photosbyswede.com. It is under the headings of Landscapes and subheading Northern California if you want to look.

Robert Graybeal Loc: Myrtle Beach

I hope you realize ... you cost me several hours! I bookmarked your site so I can go again.

Moose Loc: North Carolina

Sorry about that, but I know you are just can't wait to get back out there again.

Moose Loc: North Carolina

Photos are great. Can't wait to get there. Hope I'm as sucessful with the photos as you have done. Thanks for sending them.

Moose Loc: North Carolina

Excellent pictures. I know its going to be a worthwhile trip after seeing these photos. Thanks for sharing.