For the interactive 360° VR experience, go to https://www.virtualyosemite.org/virtual-tour/#node26
This past weekend, a California regional Stay at Home order – prompted by a dramatic spike in COVID-19 infections — went into effect. Yosemite National Park was closed to overnight visits, including all camping and lodging facilities. Until further notice, the park is open only for day-use visitors between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Entrance gates will be locked during overnight closure hours.
However, short daytime explorations of the park can be stunning. This classic view of Yosemite Valley is visible from a parking area near the west end of Northside Drive on the bank of the Merced River. “Gates of the Valley” provides a timeless viewpoint of El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, and Bridalveil Fall to the east, behind a foreground of the Merced River.
Recent landscaping of areas around the parking lot has opened up the view considerably by minimizing the vegetation growth along the near shore of the river.
As wonderful as Yosemite can be during winter, visitors are asked to stay away from the park during the coming months in an effort to help control the spiking infection rates of COVID-19 throughout the region. Yosemite will still be here – in all its glory – next year. It’s better for all of us to stay at home for the next few months. With cooperation in avoiding all unnecessary contact and travel – plus LOTS of continuing work by front line responders — we’ll collectively see better days for Yosemite visits ahead.
For the latest information on conditions and park restrictions, check the park’s official web pages.
Thanks for your understanding and support.
©2017 Photography by Scott Highton
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