Yosemite Valley

There are a number of places throughout Yosemite were it is kind of a moral imperative to take pictures. I finally found this spot in 2010. The valley road is essentially a loop road. Most of the time you can only go one way. The road on the south side of the valley goes east, into the Valley. The road on the north side heads west, leading out of the Valley. At both ends, you turn right to go the other way. At the west end, you get a few more choices - turn right to head back into the Valley but also to intersect with CA Highway 41, which will take you up to Glacier Point and out to Fresno. Go left and head up to Crane Flat and CA Highway 120. Go straight and head out of the Park via CA HIghway 140. Right around where you get all of these choices is a turnout from which you can take some absolutely stunning pictures of the valley.

Yosemite Valley, taken February, 2010

Same View, taken June, 2010

The views of the surrounding cliffs and mountains from the valley floor are also very breathtaking. Covered with snow, they inspire me to say "Ahhhhh". It looks like someone sprinkled powdered sugar or something on top of everything. Just gorgeous.

I took the picture of Cathedral Peaks from the viewing area for Yosemite Falls, which is across the valley floor.

Cathedral Peaks, taken February, 2010

The Merced River flows through the valley. It enters the valley via Nevada and Vernal Falls., then flows down the Valley floor and out of the Park alongside CA Highway 140 to Mariposa. I took this picture from one of the many bridges that cross the River along the valley floor.

Merced River, taken February, 2010

Home | My Cats | My Travels | My Family | Contact Me