Yosemite National Park

[scoami]

Hey folks,

I'll be taking a quick trip to Yosemite N.P. next weekend and was wondering if anyone knows of any "must see" places or "must do" things. I've tried to search around on the net, but haven't had too much luck finding out. Thanks

[Steelsun]

No such thing as a quick trip - you gotta stay there awhile!

[JamesB]

the wife and I are in the very early stages of planning a visit for next year or in 2008.

here is a link I found wiht some good info

http://www.yosemitefun.com/yosemite_...e_to_visit.htm

edit:

another link from the same site
http://www.yosemitefun.com/images/yosemite_park.htm

James

[epronske]

1. Hike to Vernal Falls midday to see the rainbow caused by the mist from the falls (relatively short hike), then on to Nevada Falls if you want to do a long hike.
2. Sunset over Half Dome from Glacier Point-about and hour drive from Yosemite Village, but worth it.
3. Reflections in the Merced Rive in the Yosemite Valley
4. Afternoon shot into the Valley from the Wawona Tunnel parking area.
5. Yosemite and Bridal Veil Falls from the Valley.
6. You will find lots of interesting things on your own just looking around.

I have some images from Yosemite at http://www.pbase.com/epronske/cal

[dbphotos]

For a quick trip I'd suggest Vernal Falls and Glacier Point. It's very possible that even this early in the season the road to Glacier Point may be closed due to snow, so check with a ranger before you leave.

From the valley floor you will see a lot of great views, including Yosemite Falls and Bridal Veil falls. Take a polarizing filter as the sun can be fierce depending on the time of day.

You could be there for 2 weeks and not see everything.

I used to backpack and camp there as a teenager and I went back last year and it was as beautiful as ever, just more crowded.

Have a great trip!

[jeffkohn]

I can highly recommend this book for lots of good info with an emphasis on photography:

http://www.amazon.com/Photographers-...e=UTF8&s=books

I second the hike to Vernal and Nevada falls. Tip, on the way back down take the John Muir trail instead of the Mist trail and not only is it less steep but you'll get some alternate views of Vernal Falls.

Make the drive up to Glacier Point if it's not already closed (they have snow up there yet?)

Check out the Mariposa Grove

And of course you'll want to hit the scenic turnouts in the valley: Tunnel View, Valley View, Sentinal Bridge, etc.

If you're not going to be there very long I'd focus mostly on the Valley and nearby locations, as you'll get the most photographic bang for your buck/time.

[scoami]

thanks everybody. looks like I will have pretty full days (we'll only be there 2 days) Hopefully I will have some decent pictures to share.

[Norm]

Originally Posted by scoami

thanks everybody. looks like I will have pretty full days (we'll only be there 2 days) Hopefully I will have some decent pictures to share.

If you are planning this far ahead, you should stay at least 4 days. Roads above the valley altitude usually snowed in from October to May. Take some mud shoes. You may see some black ice on the way to falls. Take food and water on the hikes, they are climbs and take longer than you think. Hike the trail up to the top at Mariposa Grove (sequoias) and walk down the road. Must see the largest and oldest living thing. Outside the valley, if you take kids, keep them close, the bears are hungry. Take plenty of photo storage. Take it slow and enjoy.

[WLPelzmann]

Climb Half Dome via the cable route.
But don't plan on anything after that.

[photosbysergio]

You will love the Park. It is amazing. This time of year, the falls are not flowing much but there is still so much to photograph. Others provided some great links for you. I was there a couple of years ago for only 3 days and had a blast.

[kamari]

I figured I'd make a quick day trip to Yosemite from San Fran while on a business trip last year. Boy was I pissed that I didn't bring a change of clothes and stay the night. Driving in from San Fran I was pretty taken away by gas being $3.57 (this was way pre-katrina) at the only gas station I remembered seeing while driving up to the entrance. I was pretty pissed off for about the first 5 miles into the park. I don't wanna give anything away since you haven't been there...but just slow your ass down when you get to the end of the tunnel...and don't let your jaw drop or eyes pop out too far. I'm patiently waiting for the day to go back. If you insist on spoiling the trip then go on & check out some of the pics I got. http://www.printroom.com/ViewGallery...lery_id=499936

[venchka]

Start making plans for a longer return trip. Ansel Adams found some things of interest to photograph in Yosemite. His work might give you some ideas. Will you be taking a fairly long lens? You might find climbers on El Capitan or some of the orther large walls. Look for folks bouldering closer to the ground. Bon voyage! Share your pictures with us. Fill up in Merced!