YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Tunnel View. The most iconic vista in the park.

I've wanted to visit Yosemite National Park pretty much from the moment I moved to California in 2015, fast forward nine years and I finally made it there. My boyfriend, Olivier and I decided to go to celebrate his birthday in February. Well, his birthday is in January, but we went in February. Most people visit Yosemite in the summer, but not us rebels, we visited in the winter. Honestly, I’m really happy we did. There was very little traffic in the park, which was awesome. I don’t love the idea of having to jokey for a position to photograph sites. I’m too old to stand and wait to take a photo, move it kid. There was none of that, thank God. We stayed at the sweetest bed and breakfast in Oakhurst, the Houndstooth Inn. The people who work there were really nice. The Inn was very clean and comfortable. I’d definitely stay there again if we decide to visit the park again. They have a couple places you can stay closer to the park and some inside the park too, but they were much more expensive. For us, Houndstooth was perfect. Here are some of the places we stopped in the park, but in addition to these, I'd also recommend visiting the Ansel Adams Gallery, the man was a photographic genius.

I’m kind of a national park professional now, feel free to ask me all about them. Kidding. But seriously, I absolutely loved visiting the park, it was beyond my expectations. It’s massive and gorgeous and clean and peaceful. I felt like climbing the granite face of El Captain and hiking to the top of Half Dome and sleeping under the stars. Then I remind myself that i’m not actually built to do any of those things and I just enjoyed meandering around with my camera strapped around my neck, in awe. Have you visited Yosemite? If so, what were your thoughts?

*All images are mine, please don’t use them without my permission.

2.2.24 - written by Rebecca Leimbach - All images are copyrighted, please do not use without my permission.

If you go in the winter, they can sometimes require you have chains on your tires. We got lucky and didn’t need them, the roads were pretty clear.

Yosemite Valley Chapel. There was an engagement session being photographed when we visited. Yes, I did stand there and watch like the weirdo I am.

How gorgeous is Horsetail falls? At a certain point towards the end of February, if you time it right and you stand in a field all day, if the conditions are perfect, it you sacrifice a chicken or a lamb or your first born and the Sun hits the falls as it sets, it looks like the falls are on fire. I’m kidding about the sacrifice, obviously. But people will stand in a field for hours to capture an image of the spectacle. Again, i’m not built like that, but hell yes for those who are.

Here’s El Capitan in all it’s winter, moody splendor. I guess people climb this in the summer. When I tell you that you are a spec next to it, I’m not exaggerating. Olivier kept calling everything El Capitan.. “That’s El Capitan” and I’d have to Lewis and Clark him and say “no, that’s Cathedral rock.” It was his favorite part of the trip.

This is Houndstooth Inn. Isn’t she adorable? The people who work here were super friendly too.

Here’s Olivier pointing out El Capitan from the other side of the park. Kidding! We both loved our time in Yosemite. I’d love to come back in the summer and watch people climb El Capitan and Half Dome.

Quick Recap:

• We chose to stay in Oakhurst and drive to the park everyday. It took us about an hour one way. I liked not staying in the park, because I don’t love crowds but staying inside the park would make it more convenient.

• We bought an annual pass which gives us access to all National Parks in America. It just made sense from a cost perspective.

• The park is gigantic. You will need a car to get around.

• Be sure to fill up on gas before entering the park. There is a gas station in the park, but depending on how you enter the park, it could be a far drive. Just trust me, get gas before.

• Cell service is spotty, which is awesome.

• If you go in the winter, make sure you have chains.

• There are places to eat inside the park. We had lunch at Ahwahnee one day and there’s a cafeteria in the village which we ate at too.

• Wear good shoes. Don’t try walking this in sandals or flip flops.

• I loved visiting the Ansel Adams gallery, but I love his work.

Hope this inspires you to visit the park and let your inner John Muir shine in all its glory. Let me know if you have any questions.