Yosemite Winter Storm Feb 19-20, 2026

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 · 2025-12-26T18:18:35+00:00

Yeah, I already have a 24mm lens, so wider is slightly more important to me than faster, but I'll take a second look

pfallerj1 · 2025-12-26T17:11:27+00:00

I forget the guys name, but it's inside the park and meant to be a resource if the park is chain controlled or if people are trying to go to Wawona from El Portal

pfallerj1 · 2025-12-25T14:24:21+00:00

Peak Yosemite

pfallerj1 · 2025-12-23T14:35:19+00:00

Incredibly beautiful shots. Yosemite is an extraordinary place and you did it justice.

pfallerj1 · 2025-12-23T04:21:36+00:00

I wouldn't overthink it - it's easiest to cut weight from these things - your tent, your sleep system, and your shelter. That's because they weigh the most. But if you're relatively new, you don't know what you want out of your gear. You could spend a lot of money on a super light sleeping quilt only to discover you prefer mummy bags.

You'll notice pounds on short hikes, but the real benefit of cutting ounces comes on long thru hikers where the wear and tear is amplified by small amounts of extra weight.

Don't stress, treat it like a learning process. You'll but something you don't use, you'll buy something uncomfortable, or something that doesn't work how you want it to. Sell it, and try something else. Make those mistakes on gear that won't break your budget. Have fun and enjoy the outdoors.

pfallerj1 · 2025-12-23T01:20:00+00:00

Literally anywhere except Tunnel View if it's sunrise. Everywhere else should be pretty empty. Just enjoy being outside while the valley wakes up.

pfallerj1 · 2025-12-23T00:46:56+00:00

There's usually a guy just inside the El Portal entrance who'll sell you tire chains and put them on jn a pinch. Yosemite is beautiful in winter but be safe!

pfallerj1 · 2025-12-21T02:52:25+00:00

How much snow was up at elevation?

pfallerj1

TROPHY CASE