Help me decide my next trip!

[Laura]

Hey everyone,

I just spent about 1 1/2 days in Yosemite Valley-definitely not enough. I had a work meeting in Fresno and decided to make it a long weekend and see Yosemite. The one full day I had there it snowed and I was awestruck by how breathtaking it was, even though I've seen picture after picture of the place. Here are a few that I got in that short spell:


El Capitan dawn, Yosemite NP by Laura Zirino, on Flickr


Impressionist Forest, Yosemite NP by Laura Zirino, on Flickr


Flow by Laura Zirino, on Flickr


Moonlight Through the Mist by Laura Zirino, on Flickr


So here's the problem: I'm supposed to go to Zion and the Grand Canyon in two weeks for about 5 days, but I just touched the surface of Yosemite and know there is so much more. Both places are an equally boring, 8 hour drive from San Diego. Warm weather in both places now which is a total drag when you want to shoot snow shots (it's 72 degrees right now in San Diego so the 62 in Zion everyone's enjoying isn't worth the drive!) but there's snow coming to both places next weekend. Which one should I go to? I have some awesome lenses rented for this trip too! Help, I can't decide!

 

[Nick]

Nice shots, Laura! My vote is Grand Canyon! Nothing like a bit of snow tucked in the cracks and crevices of the red rock.

 

[pixie1339]

Gorgeous pics of Yosemite! Yosemite is in my top 2 national parks that I want to see, but haven't yet. Given the choice between Zion and the Grand Canyon with snow, I'd have to agree with Nick. The Grand looks so majestic with snow. It makes the vast scenery seem more intimate. Have fun whichever you choose!

 

[Laura]

Okay, you guys are convincing me. I've never shot the Grand Canyon before, and if I can get snow, well, all the better! Plus I'll be there over the 3 day weekend and Yosemite is close to populated areas so that'd be a drag as well. Put Yosemite in winter on your bucket list though, no matter how many pictures you see of it it will take your breath away to be there in person!

 

[lostlandscapes]

Great shots, Laura! I agree, Yosemite in winter is quite the enchanting experience. Had the pleasure of arriving there once on the tail end of a major storm that left over a foot of snow on the valley floor, and it was a mesmerizing spectacle. Can't imagine another more inspiring winter landscape. Matter of fact, I think you just motivated me to go thru all of those old photos

 

[Laura]

Great shots, Laura! I agree, Yosemite in winter is quite the enchanting experience. Had the pleasure of arriving there once on the tail end of a major storm that left over a foot of snow on the valley floor, and it was a mesmerizing spectacle. Can't imagine another more inspiring winter landscape. Matter of fact, I think you just motivated me to go thru all of those old photos

Now I'm having second thoughts and wondering if I should go back to Yosemite! I'll probably decide at the last minute, as soon as weather forecasts for weekend after next come in.....