The Search for the Spectacular Horsetail Falls

We arrived in the Yosemite valley floor about 10 am. Right off the bat, we located a sliver of a water fall off to the left, snapped a photo and headed off for a day of exploration. Later in the day we’d return to observe the spectacular light show that happens at sunset only a handful of days out of the year.

We toddled around, happy to have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty in the valley which we have not spent a lot of time taking in as we always seem to be on a journey into backcountry when we are in Yosemite. What a treat it was. Snow, waterfalls of all shapes and sizes, beautiful trees, and huge rock sides chiseled with characteristic splendor.

As it got later in the day, we thought we’d check out the other viewing point of Horsetail Falls. Using my Yosemite Photo Guide (iPhoto app), we drove the 1.7 miles from Yosemite Lodge. There was no waterfall insight and it was difficult to find the picnic area as the one lane of the road was coned off and cars were urging us ahead. We’d later find out that those cones were closing off the street for parking. That was THE SPOT.

We decided to slowly make our way back to other viewing point, which I’d later discover was NOT the other viewing point. Additionally, that little sliver of a waterfall I was spying was not Horsetail Falls. So where was this mystery falls? A couple perched on a tree stump with their cameras pointed towards Bridalveil Falls told us it was where half of the street was coned off for the “event.”

So we got back in theMan’s truck and drove further. Given that it was later, I directed him to park at the first coned spot we could find. If it was at the Southside View, that would be where we’d attempt the photo and if it was at Rowell’s View, we’d go there. The biggest challenge would be finding a spot this late in the game.

It was 1.5 hours until sunset and there were already a mass of photographers pointing their cameras at El Capitan. I joined the bunch on the Southside…then asked where the falls were for I could see nothing. I was told to look the left of the wide tree on top, just over the dark bulge in the side of the rock ahead. There are two pointy trees to the right and, if you look just below the little one, there is a spot where there is water flowing and spring mist into the air (apparently).

I could see it through the camera of another photographer’s camera but never through mine. *sigh* Either I would need an upgrade in equipment or this waterfall would need a whole lot more water for me to get a shot of it. Nevertheless, it was fun hanging out with everyone and watching the sunset on the spot where, if there was a lot of water, the waterfall would look like lava flowing. Indeed, it was a lovely sight.

This is probably the best shot I have of the event. I have a lot yet to learn about photography. Setting up at just the right spot, Auto ISO (oops), Shutter Speed, Aperture, etc., etc. I guess me and my crew (YaYa and theMan) will need to come back next year. I’m so glad that they were with me on this adventure making their own attempt at capturing the big event.