While most plan a trip to Yosemite National Park during the Summer, we took an opportunity to experience this wonder in full November fall bliss.
A year ago this month I made one of those last-minute plans that turned into the best decision ever.
I was preparing to photograph a wedding in Guatemala at the end of November. At the same time, I found out my brother and sister-in-law had just purchased an Airstream to take on their travels through California. I decided to jump on this adventure and book a flight to San Francisco a week before I was to arrive at the Guatemala wedding.
The drive from San Francisco to our destination was about a 3 hr and 45-minute drive. This was our first time at Yosemite National Park and the weather was set to be cold and rainy.
Knowing that visiting Yosemite in the fall was more of a unique escape, we didn’t hesitate to experience whatever was to unfold.
When we arrived at our site, we saw that Little Yosemite Valley Campground offered breathtaking sceneries. It was the perfect spot to post up our airstream. Mornings had views of Half Dome and campfires to warm up by.
The surrounding campsites were far enough where we felt secluded and serene. At the same time, it was close enough to meet people we could share music and whiskey with once the sun had set.
To book your own airstream experience at Yosemite in the fall, we recommend AutoCamp Yosemite. They provide year-round stays with a variety of airstream suites.
Our drives through the mist and rain were truly a special way explore this place.
There was a moment in our trip where everything was completely fogged over and we couldn’t see nor had any idea of what was surrounding us. I decided to post up my tripod anyway, and once the fog lifted we were left in complete awe.
We captured the magic that was the grandeur of Half Dome, an indescribable sight.
We continued driving in the rain and appreciated the sneaks of mountains and valleys in between clouds and fog.
On our second night, the weather cleared up enough to see the entire valley at sunset. We took advantage of the clear night skies by going to a nearby bridge, laying on our backs, and watching the unforgettable stars.
We ended this adventure with grateful hearts for this fall Yosemite experience and already planning my trip back. If I could give you advice on what to bring is to simply pack YOUR essentials. I recommend a Pentax 645nii, Kodak Portra 400, good company, and High West whiskey!
