Yosemite Valley
May 3, 2026
The forecast called for early morning clouds, so I got to Tunnel View before the sun came up. Usually, an early morning arrival means you get to avoid the worst of the hustle and bustle. Not this time, though. Photographers lined the Tunnel View overlook, tripod to tripod. Since no reservations are required to enter the park this year, the larger-than-usual crowds have already been in the news.
It was so crowded that I had to set up off to the side. I shot through gaps in the trees to keep Bridalveil Falls in the frame.
The forecast was right, and there were clouds to catch the morning sunlight.
Next, I headed to Cook's Meadow to grab a shot of Yosemite Falls before it was in full sun. Even though the snow pack is extremely light this year, the flow over the falls is still strong.
The Valley floor is still very wet and the grass is green. There aren't a whole lot of options if you want to include the Upper and Lower Falls in the same picture. I ended up with soaking wet shoes, not realizing I was blazing through a full on marsh until it was too late.
I've seen photographers posting images of the Dogwood blooms for several weeks and have been looking forward to checking them out.
I was at least a week too late. All of the flowers near the river were past their prime. Wilting and battered by the recent storms. I'll have to set a calendar reminder for mid-April next year.
I did find some Dogwood trees away from the river, and their blooms were still in pretty good shape. These trees were hiding behind Yosemite Lodge.
I ended the morning back on the west side of the valley, where the sun was hitting the face of El Capitan. Ribbon Fall is also still running strong.
If you shoot with a very wide lens, I think you could get Ribbon Fall, El Cap, Half Dome, and Bridalveil all in the same shot. Maybe a project for the future.
