Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (
More info?)
In article <1118206627.080461.17650@g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com>,
<ron@ronbigelow.com> wrote:
>I will be heading to Yosemite late this month. I have a couple of books
>that show the standard shots (e.g., Yosemite Falls and Half Dome). Any
>recommendations of lesser-known areas that may have photo
>opportunities? I don't mind hiking a few miles if it produces a goood
>image.
Ron, I've only gone a little ways up the road myself, but the Old Big Oak
Flat Road supposedly has some beautiful views of Bridalveil Falls--and
will definitely give you a different angle than everyone else's photos
of those falls.
The Old BOF road leaves Northside Drive at:
37°43'25.6" -119°38'41.5"
(I believe that's marker V9 from the Yosemite Road Guide, a very
handy booklet that's for sale at the Yosemite Association bookstore
at the visitor center.)
I went up as far as:
37°43'30.8" -119°38'57.9"
I got a couple glimpses of the falls, as I recall, but didn't get
to a large enough opening to take a decent photo. About another
1.5 miles further (and several hundred feet higher) is something
called Rainbow View that I'm assuming has a view of, uh, Rainbow
Falls. ;-) It's at approx.:
37°43'20.7" -119°40'27.5"
Unless the road is blocked because of the construction equipment
currently being stored near Northside Drive, if you have a car
with a decent clearance, you can drive up to:
37°43'34.0" -119°38'46.5"
So you don't have to walk all the way from the valley floor.
On the other side of the valley, Artist Point and Inspiration Point
(both above the Wawona Tunnel/Discovery View) are supposed to be
really nice, too.
And be sure to explore the area between the two main trails in the
Yosemite Falls area for some nice viewing opportunities. I.e.,
between the western trail (the traditional walkway to the Lower
Fall from the Yosemite Lodge area) and the newer eastern (wheelchair
accessible) trail.
Hope that helps!
Patty