I’m often asked about my favorite time of year in Yosemite. I think the answer surprises many people: it’s right now, in early November. People expect me to say spring, when the waterfalls are flowing, or fall for the color, or maybe winter for capturing snow. In one sense they’re right about the fall color, as early November is often the autumn peak in Yosemite Valley. But even if the color is fading, I still love this time of year. My friend Jeff Grandy says he likes the transitions between seasons, and I agree. The edges are often more interesting than the middle. November is a transition from fall to winter. I can photograph yellow leaves next to bare trees. Ice forms on creeks and riverbanks. The light has reached beautiful, low, winter angles. Sometimes the first snowstorm arrives in November, and rain or snow can leave lingering fog or mist. Heavy frost often blankets the meadows - a key ingredient for this deer photograph, made on November 10th, 2006.
Of course every month offers beauty, and there’s always something interesting to photograph in Yosemite. But if I have to choose, this is it.
What’s your favorite time of year in Yosemite - or, if you don’t get to Yosemite often, wherever you live?
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My favorite time in Yosemite is fall & winter (during or right after a snow storm). The crowds are less in the fall (this year it was kind of crowded - the word is out :-)
ReplyDeleteFall is always a surprise package for me, sometimes by the time I go it is too late and the leaves have fallen, but I still can find areas to photograph. This year I went 4 times in the fall and each time I was amazed with the progression (or not) of the colors.
I love the feel of winter after a snow storm, the crisp air and the snow fallen off the trees once the sun lights them up.
anytime in yosemite is my favorite time! i used to live in copperopolis and went to yosemite so often that i got the nickname yosemite faith - though undeserved compared to others that use it.... yosemite offers a sense of peace and of great joy that no other offers - at least to me. my next favorite place is the great lakes - which is where i reside now. i have used your guide book often and love your photos....i follow you on twitter as fizkid. thank you for you wonderful work!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your contributions Inge and Faith. I definitely like Yosemite after a snowstorm. Fizkid/Faith: do you have a favorite time of year around the Great Lakes? Seems like fall would be nice.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm in agreement w/ you about this time of year, 'tis tween season here on the east side, as I'm sure it is for you on the west. The crowds are all but gone and it's quiet right now. A little bit of snow on the mtns and cool nights. It won't be long 'til the first big snow storm hits and ushers in the ski crowds from down south.
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I are thinking of heading towards the valley next weekend, so long as there isn't any threat of 120 closing. Never been in yosemite during this time of year. I imagine it isn't too busy w/ people?
Hi Cory, no it shouldn't be too busy, although sometimes if the weather stays nice there can be surprisingly large numbers of visitors on November weekends. Is there any color left over there?
ReplyDeleteI like to say that my favorite time is anytime - winter with snow and short days, April as the promise of spring appears only to be interrupted by storms, spring as the place comes back to life, early summer as the high counry thaws, late July as high country flowers bloom, late August as I feel autumn approaching, September when everything seems to start to slow, October with golden high country days and aspens, November as color comes to the Valley. Oops, I'm back to winter again...
ReplyDeleteWell of course you're right Dan, those are all great times to photograph Yosemite, except maybe late August! August has to be my least favorite time to photograph the park, but then again, if some thunderstorms roll in...
ReplyDeleteNot much color left over here. there are a few hold out trees here-and-there throughout town though. Unfortunately most of the cottonwoods here in town just turned brown this year.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to Yosemite enough to know my favorite time of year there, but late Fall is typically my favorite time of year anywhere. In the Bay Area, fall means a mix of beautiful crisp, clear mornings as well as some days with the day-long cloud cover -- both equally inspiring for photography.
ReplyDeleteI love the image you posted here. You can sense the quietness of the scene -- really a wonderful shot.
I think the most magical time I ever had in Yosemite was February 2-4 in 2008. We drove to the split of Hwy 1 and the 101, with the approaching storm. Big Sur or Yosemite.
ReplyDeleteThe snow fell so thick and wet, we barely made it in and woke up to the car under several feet of white.
Given the chance, I would race to beat a storm in to the valley any day....Magical
Pat, I lived in the Bay Area for three years and also appreciated the fall weather there. I also love to be along the coast before or after a storm when the surf's big. And thanks very much for your kind words about the photograph.
ReplyDeleteCarol, a snowstorm in Yosemite Valley is truly magical. I remember the first time I experienced that. It must have been around 1981 or '82. It was right around the New Year, and a few flakes at 10 p.m. turned into a foot of snow the next morning. I've been lucky enough to see many Yosemite snowstorms since, but it's always a special event.
Agree. I was in the valley on Sunday with my 11 year old daughter. She wanted to know why I go to Yosemite so often. One visit and I think she is hooked... We spent some time photographing along the Merced River and at Fern Springs in the late afternoon. Conditions were very nice. She was surprised when I handed her the camera and tripod and told her to go for it. I had to beg to get it back an hour later. I also picked up your book The Photographer's Guide to Yosemite. I am about half way through it and can tell that it will be of great help - Thanks!
ReplyDeleteKevin, it's great that you've introduced your daughter to Yosemite and to photography. Glad you like the book too.
ReplyDeleteI was just there Nov 1st thru Nov 4th. The weather was actually too gorgeous, as I was hoping for a variety of weather conditions. But, I still had a great time. This was my 2nd time there this year and 2nd time overall. What a difference it is from late May till now. I ran into the deer every day there. The only fog I got was right across Wawona Hotel over the golf course. I tried out some Lensbaby the last day there, as I tried to vary the type of tree shots I had taken. I had your book with me. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for chiming in Charles. Too bad you didn't have more interesting weather - then again, you have to be careful what you wish for when it comes to weather!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite time in Yosemite is when ever I'm there... atleast 8 times this year...There is still an amazing feeling when I drive into the valley and have my first glimpse of El Capitan...I have done this many times and each time it is still breathtaking... December 2006 there was a snow storm that developed late in the day. The next morning was clear and cold but it was so awesome..I was one of the few out at first light...the valley was Dream Like... a winter wonderland...it was nothing like I have ever seen... Winter is my favorite time!
ReplyDeleteI have visited Yosemite only around Christmas time(2yrs ago) and late fall(2009).Loved both times and wish I has spent more time there. I want to go there again sometime in Jan(and Feb). Btw, although I had purchased your book in 2007, I put it to good use this time.. My god! its the best guide book, period! Amazing detail and superbly written..
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words about the book Vidya - I appreciate that very much. Hope you get to come back to Yosemite again soon.
ReplyDeleteNovember is a great time of year on Nantucket. Not many tourists so you have the beaches to yourself, the colors are beautiful and there is usually great light.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your blog!
Sharon
Thanks for sharing this Sharon. I'd love to go to Nantucket some time.
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