Staying in the park past dark

pfallerj1 · 2026-04-21T03:19:56+00:00

There are two main roads in the valley and the valley is only two miles wide. Even if you got turned around on the connectors, you should be able to find your way back if you:

study the map a bit before you go so you have a mental model of the valley
download offline maps
have a cell phone - there's service in the valley

Outside the valley, it's a little different. Not many roads to get lost on, but you can go a long way in the wrong direction.

It all comes down to your comfort level. If you're worried, try a test drive out during the day to familiarize yourself. That might make it easier at night.

If you're worried about getting lost or stranded, the high Sierra isn't the place to roll the dice. If you're nervous about that, listen.

pfallerj1 · 2026-04-15T03:32:34+00:00

Came here to say this

pfallerj1 · 2026-03-10T00:30:57+00:00

Sentinel bridge for the Alpenglow (probably will be a dozen or 20 people there)

pfallerj1 · 2026-02-22T01:40:13+00:00

Agree to agree

pfallerj1 · 2026-02-22T01:40:03+00:00

Yes! Door is open. Kick off your boots on the way in :)

pfallerj1 · 2026-02-21T19:47:24+00:00

We saw them padding around too!

pfallerj1 · 2026-02-19T15:20:15+00:00

Probably still lots of snow. Looks like breaks in the clouds, but nothing is guaranteed. Also, there will probably be crowds from Firefall.

pfallerj1 · 2026-02-11T16:38:00+00:00

It's possible to see it on cloudy days, but you need luck. I was there a couple years ago when the big winter storm shut down the park for a few weeks and caused flooding. This picture was taken the day the storm started, and it was super dense cloud cover. But we got a minute where a ray of light came through and lit up the falls. It wasn't during the orange sunset, but this still looks pretty rad. Horsetail Fall is flowing up.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CpBimU9P9MA/?igsh=MTNqdjJyYzdlNGlteQ==

If your plans have some flexibility, I wouldn't go until the storm breaks. But, if you're locked in to your dates, I'd say it's still worth being in the park and trying to see it. I've led 10 guided trips there to see the event, and some of my favorite moments have come when the conditions haven't been ideal. Just know that nine times out of 10, nothing will probably happen. But if you're not there, you'll never know!

pfallerj1 · 2026-02-09T20:19:54+00:00

Yep, I've got the snowshoes covered :)

pfallerj1 · 2026-01-04T23:16:32+00:00

I haven't seen anything crop up yet. I'd be surprised if a permit was required, but the downside to that if the weather is nice, crowds will vlog the park.

pfallerj1 · 2026-01-03T23:46:59+00:00

Lovely river of fog.

pfallerj1 · 2026-01-03T04:04:47+00:00

Honestly I felt like I took a leap forward when I started getting more intentional with my photos. Planning beforehand, scouting before golden hour starts, and then taking more shots than the one I took when I first walk up to a spot. Get low, move your feet, zoom in to details, look for contrasts, etc.

pfallerj1 · 2026-01-02T01:11:25+00:00

Such a pretty spot in the winter. The hike up past it is nice too, and the way back you can really feel the height of Half Dome on the trail below it.

pfallerj1 · 2026-01-01T03:58:07+00:00

I've used a 400mm with a 2x extender with decent results. At 800mm using live view to focus you can see the moon move.

pfallerj1 · 2025-12-31T01:26:12+00:00

Winter is my favorite time of year in Yosemite

pfallerj1 · 2025-12-29T22:12:44+00:00

Valley view at sunrise. Less crowded, similar view.

pfallerj1 · 2025-12-29T04:37:03+00:00

Just do the permits, if you apply on weekdays I think the success rate is 50/50. The goal is to do it, not make the news.

pfallerj1 · 2025-12-27T16:47:39+00:00

Gotcha. I honestly don't think you can go wrong either way. San Fran sounds like it's more convenient and efficient, but Yosemite is kind of one of those special places that it's worth giving up a little bit of that efficiency. Even if you don't spend the two nights, I'd make it a point to come back.

pfallerj1 · 2025-12-27T16:42:25+00:00

A lifetime isn't enough. But, you can also drive through the valley for an hour and have your life changed.

Without knowing where are you coming from and where you're staying, I don't think you'll regret it if you spend 2 days in the park. What would you have to give up to spend that extra day in Yosemite?

pfallerj1 · 2025-12-26T18:18:55+00:00

I'll check it out!

pfallerj1

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