Lens-Artists #222 – Yosemite’s Mountains

Posted byDawn PalmerPosted inLandscape, PhotosTags:, , ,

On a recent trip to Yosemite National Park, California, my husband and I spent a few peaceful days hiking and gazing at the beautiful mountains that are part of the Sierras. It’s technically fall for most of the northern hemisphere, but like most places in California, our leaves don’t always change colors right away. I found some leaves changing colors, but not many. What was more consistent with the end of a hot, drought-ridden summer was the lack of water flowing in the waterfalls. This first image of Yosemite Valley is iconic and in spring or early summer, one might be treated to a view of the Bridalveil Falls (towards the right of this picture in the shadow area). It was a trickle this time, but I still enjoyed the breathtaking vista of the mountain peaks surrounding the valley. Sharing for the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge this week, Amy’s The World is a Book hosts: Mountains Are Calling.

Tunnel view of Yosemite National Park valley, California; mountains from left to right: El Capitan, Half Dome (in middle), Sentinel Dome, and Three Sisters (Bridalveil Falls is a trickle in front of Three Sisters and could only be seen up close).
Closer bird’s-eye view of Half Dome, with Quarter Domes and Clouds Rest to the left of it.
End-of-summer remnants of Upper Yosemite Falls become visible with early morning sunshine.
North Dome looms over Yosemite Valley as early morning sun breaks over Half Dome (out of picture to the right).
Yosemite National Park’s Half Dome, California.

One of my favorite times of the day in the mountains is at sunset, especially when the rocks reflect brilliant colors. This is a special time of day in Yosemite Valley, and most visitors were quietly watching Half Dome, waiting for the show. People were lined up with cameras and talking in hushed tones, as if it were a reverent time.

Half Dome at sunset in Yosemite National Park, California.

I hope everyone has a peaceful weekend, and if the mountains are calling, it is worth answering!

Published by Dawn Palmer

I am an avid nature and ecology lover and enjoy sharing my photography in my blog writings. I will often be out early in the morning or late in the evening with my camera, trying to capture the peacefulness and beauty around me.

33 thoughts on “Lens-Artists #222 – Yosemite’s Mountains”

  1. I love this series of the North Dome of Yosemites! You captured the majesty of this special place. Spectacular, Dawn. Agree, if the mountains are calling, it is worth answering! 🙂

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      2. Interesting how those droughts come and go. I can only hope this current one improves. On my trip, I did see the Yosemite Falls, but only right when the sunrise hit it at the right angle—it was that faint otherwise.

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks! Glad you liked it. 😊 I’ve seen raging waterfalls in spring when snow melts, and have seen large falls in the early summer before it gets too hot. Someone said there’s water in winter, but that just depends on our rain and snowfall. Also, if you go too early in spring, some campgrounds are closed due to rivers overflowing (or just stay in a cabin instead).

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      2. HA! I feel the same way. If you do get a cabin, the ones with their own bathroom are quieter. We went for the cheaper option this time, where there’s a common bath house nearby (cold at night!) and it’s not that quiet. At least there’s a bed. 🤣

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Pingback: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #223 – Flights of Fancy | The World Is A Book...

    1. Thank you! 😊 Sunsets on mountains can be magical, especially in Yosemite. We have snow on the mountains further south by my house now and it makes them pink. Very magical. 😎

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  15. Pingback: LAPC #228: Diagonals in Nature – Peaceful at Dawn

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