Half Dome and clouds at sunset from Glacier Point, Yosemite (7:44 p.m.)
The Glacier Point Road opened early this year – on Saturday, April 28th. Then it closed again two days later due to a chance of snow. When Claudia and I drove up to Yosemite Valley on Tuesday to check on the dogwoods the Glacier Point Road was still closed.
On Wednesday afternoon I finished writing a post about the dogwoods, and then decided to look at the Yosemite webcams. The forecast called for a chance of showers and thunderstorms over the high country, and sure enough, the webcams showed some cloud buildup. I called the Yosemite road and weather number (209-372-0200), and lo and behold, the Glacier Point Road was open! At this point it was already 4:30 in the afternoon, but the sun wouldn’t set until 7:50, so there might still be enough time to get up to Glacier Point. I told Claudia the Glacier Point Road was open, and she didn’t hesitate: “Let’s go!”
We packed clothing, snacks, and camera gear, and were out of the house by five o’clock. Despite getting stuck behind one of the slowest drivers on earth, we made it to Glacier Point by 6:45.
At first a bank of clouds hid Half Dome. The radar also showed some thunderstorms to the northwest (the direction the sun would set), so I wasn’t too optimistic about seeing a good sunset. But we only had to wait an hour find out, and in the meantime we could enjoy the view.
After about 15 minutes a tiny piece of Half Dome appeared through a rift in the clouds. Then a little bit more emerged. Soon almost all of Half Dome became visible except the middle, which was wrapped in a band of mist. Sunlight hit some spots below the dome, then, gradually, moved upward. The color deepened, and the light kept getting better and better.
I don’t have many good photographs from Glacier Point. It’s only accessible for five to six months of the year, and that’s only in summer and fall, which is the driest time of year in California. And photographically, Glacier Point is a spot that really needs clouds. My summer visits to Glacier Point usually coincide with the occasional spells of monsoonal moisture that create afternoon thunderstorms. But timing those visits is tricky; often those afternoon clouds dissipate as quickly as they form, so you need a heavy buildup to begin with, which means the sunset might be completely blocked by clouds.
In other words, I’ve been skunked at Glacier Point many times. So it was nice to be there, finally, for an exceptional sunset. Sometimes those last-minute impulses are the best ones.
— Michael Frye
Half Dome and clouds from Glacier Point, Yosemite (7:30 p.m.)
Sunset panorama from Glacier Point, Yosemite (7:45 p.m.)
Related Posts: Yosemite Dogwoods; Cloud Patterns; Fire and Half Dome
Michael Frye is a professional photographer specializing in landscapes and nature. He is the author or principal photographer of The Photographer’s Guide to Yosemite, Yosemite Meditations, Yosemite Meditations for Women, Yosemite Meditations for Adventurers, and Digital Landscape Photography: In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams and the Great Masters. He has also written three eBooks: Light & Land: Landscapes in the Digital Darkroom, Exposure for Outdoor Photography, and Landscapes in Lightroom: The Essential Step-by-Step Guide. Michael has written numerous magazine articles on the art and technique of photography, and his images have been published in over thirty countries around the world. Michael has lived either in or near Yosemite National Park since 1983, currently residing just outside the park in Mariposa, California. Visit Michael’s blog for more photography tips and tutorials.
Wow. Just. Wow. You must be very happy with those sunset shots, Michael!
Yes Monika – thank you!
The first shot of Half Dome is amazing, Michael, congratulations! And you are absolutely right, great photographs from Glacier Point are rare despite the fact that the number of pictures taken there per day may give the Tunnel View a run for its money.
Thanks very much Lenya!
Michael, in so many ways this was a wonderful post. The photos were of course excellent. But your succinct writing took the reader along with you and Claudia for the trip up to Glacier Point. Thanks.
Glad you liked the post Barry – thanks!
Love the 2nd photo the best. I like the cloud wrapping around the iconic formation creating many fine tones of light.
Thanks Alan – I like that one too!
Wow, wow!! Totally amazing shots. Like Barry I always look forward to your writings and photographs. They’ve meant a lot to me. I’m glad you include your partners…..Claudia and I assume Rider on your ventures. Thanks always for sharing.
Thank you John! Rider didn’t come on this trip, as she would have just spent most of the time in the car.
Absolutely stunning!!!
Thanks Laureen!
Incredible shots! These are wonderful
Thanks Nelson!
This is a fantastic set, with the pano as my favorite.
The billowing clouds are gorgeous and add drama.
You humbly admit to being skunked previously, so the reward is all the more sweet. Kudos to both of you for making the effort to be in the right place at the right time, with the vision and skills to bring back the boon.
Thank you Andy! I think getting skunked is par for the course in landscape photography, isn’t it?
Michael, those are spectacular. I’m glad you were finally rewarded. I can sure relate to getting skunked. LoL!
Thanks John! I’m sure every landscape photographer can relate to getting skunked. 🙂
These Photo’s are great keep up the great work.
Thanks Tom!
I echo the previous comments. We can all celebrate your success of perseverance, skill and passion. Thank you for sharing your pictures, interesting comments and knowledge with us. I love following your posts and living vicariously in Yosemite through them. Till next time.
Thanks very much Ann!
Your photos are amazing Michael! I’m learning a lot from observing your wonderful ability to find the most impactful composition in your photos and your insightful comments. One thing I haven’t seen addressed is how you deal with the crowds and traffic in Yosemite. On our last trip there we spent hours creeping along the road only to find every parking lot full. It was very discouraging. Any tips on the best way to avoid the crowds will be very helpful, thanks!
Thanks Renee. I deal with traffic in Yosemite by avoiding times when I know the traffic will be bad. That includes holiday weekends, spring and fall weekends, and any day in summer – though even on those days you can miss all the traffic if you go early. Also, if you look at the traffic on Google Maps or Apple Maps you can see traffic backups.
Thanks for the sage advice, Michael. I’m hoping to visit Yosemite sometime this Spring (probably for a day trip, since we live near Visalia).
Nothing like a dramatic sky to show case the beauty of a Yosemite Sunset. Thank you for the inspiration!!
Indeed – thanks Larry!