Yosemite Morning

Cathedral Rocks, Yosemite National Park, California

Nestled next to the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California is my favorite national park in the US, Yosemite National Park. In the summer months, visitors swarm to the seven square miles of Yosemite Valley to take in the wonders of the nation's second oldest park. Granite rock formations with familiar names, beautiful waterfalls, clear streams, and towering cliffs are all on display everywhere one looks. In order to avoid the crowds, I will always awake before dawn, head out to take in the peace and quiet, and hopefully get some decent photos as the early morning light begins to light the valley. 

On this June morning, it seemed like I was in the park by myself. Since the valley is relatively compact, I was able to drive around from spot to spot, easily get a parking spot, and shoot to my heart's content. This particular composition was taken just off the road of Cathedral Rocks. The sun had peaked over the granite cliffs and lit the formations. The bonus was a pool of water that remained on the valley floor that enabled a super reflection.