Dogwoods Hopefully This Weekend

Michael Frye posted a dogwood update on his blog about last weeks cooler weather and its impact on the annual dogwood blossom extravaganza.

Michael Frye: “Last week’s cool weather slowed dogwood development; I didn’t see any in full bloom yet. But the current warm trend should bring them out, and I expect most will be blossoming by the end of this week.”

If you want to get some great shots of the dogwoods here are some locations you’re going to want to check out:

Behind the Ahwahnee
Behind the Ahwahnee there’s a large stand of trees and it’s possible to frame the trees and the building. There’s also one growing along the west side of the building where you can use the stoneworks as a background on close ups.

By the Ahwahnee Tennis Courts
There’s a couple of large dogwoods by the Ahwahnee tennis courts also. The dark pines in the background make for a great backdrop.

Stoneman Bridge
My favorite spot to shoot dogwoods is by Stoneman Bridge just north of Curry Village on the north (Ahwahnee) side of the river. Trees are on both sides of the road and in shade so bring a tripod for closeup work.

Merced Grove Giant Sequoia
The Merced Grove of Giant Sequoia is off the Big Oak Flat Road. The hike isn’t too long and it’s downhill going. Most of the trees are around the old Superintendents Cabin. These usually bloom later as they’re higher in elevation than Yosemite Valley.

Fern Spring
Both sides of the road by Fern Spring have nice stands of dogwoods.

Southside Drive to El Cap Bridge
Southside Drive (eastbond lanes) along the Merced has many pockets of dogwoods. It’s a great little hike. Be careful along the river.

Gates of the Valley
Easily accessibly by car the trees are right along the road by the river and the turnout. Can be hard to photograph during times of peak traffic.

There are lots more dogwoods scattered all over the Valley. One just has to look around.

Photo: Dogwoods by Rosemary Bliss.