Yosemite Valley is a glacial valley in Yosemite National Park in the western Sierra Nevada mountains of Central California. It covers an area of 3,081 km2, surrounded by high granite summits such as Half Dome and El Capitan, and densely forested with pines. The valley is drained by the Merced River, and a multitude of streams and waterfalls flow into it. It is famous for its landscapes and nature: impressive granite cliffs, waterfalls, rivers with clear water, groves of redwoods and rich biological diversity (almost 95 % of the park is considered a wildlife area). In 1984, the park received the status of "World Heritage" under the auspices of UNESCO.
After taking sunrise photo at Mono Lake, headed to Yosemite Valley. If driving along Highway 120, it would take a bit more than one hour from Lee Vining to Yosemite Valley, but Highway 120 was closed (opened on the end of May), had to detour along the mountain’s cliffs: Highway 395-108-120, it took more than 6 hours… Arrived in the afternoon, sunshine all day, questioned why 120 was still closed on that part. While when arriving to Yosemite Valley, attracted by the beautiful scenery, all of sudden, snowing with hails… Got into the car and wait for an hour, snow stopped. I could understand why 120 was closed, so dangerous driving along the cliffs in this snowing conditions. I heard some people missing while visiting Yosemite Valley.
Finally hitting the Tunnel View while driving along the Valley. There is a Vista point that allows you to appreciate the whole valley. Stayed in this place over 2 hours waiting for sunset, other tourists came, took photos, and left… so cold even with my Canada Goose Jacket on, had to get into the car to warm myself couple of times, left the tripod on the spot… Here was sunset with the crazy clouds covered whole Yosemite Valley! I took lots of photos in this place, only this one having crazy clouds among all these photos, I guess this shape of clouds lasted just few minutes.
Canon EOS R5, EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
ISO50, f/22, 24mm, 3.2s
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