Morning Shot – August 14 2009

Today’s awesome Morning Shot is a beautiful shot down the ridge of the Mathes Crest near the Cockscomb (very distinct looking peak in the foreground) by Taylor Davis. I love the way the clouds add dimension to the shot. It’s almost like sizing plants small to large to make a Japanese Tea Garden to give things scale. Really cool.

Today’s Forecast:
High around 88F. Overnight lows in the low 60s. Looks like a beautiful fall day in Yosemite.

Fall Already?
The recent cool spell and mild days has seemed to be triggering some color response early in some trees. The best tree color in Yosemite happens at the higher elevations in September and October.

For truly beautiful color head out Yosemite’s Tioga Pass entrance (Highway 120) and spend some time driving around North on 395 to Bridgeport and south on 395 to Mammoth Lakes. This short drive will give you plenty of opportunity to see fall color.

Aspens at Virginia Lakes. A favorite photographic subject of Ansel Adams. Photo by Loyd Schutte.

My favorite places for color are: Lee Vining Canyon, Virginia Lakes, June Lake Loop, Twin Lakes, Highway 120 east of Sonora Pass, and Highway 89 Monitor Pass.

Most of the color is in Aspen trees so look not only at their brilliant yellow leaves, but their trunks as well. The combination white bark and yellow leaves often presents a pleasing subject.