Every fall I try to visit Yosemite Valley at the end of October to photograph peak autumn color. That year a rare atmospheric river had come through a couple weeks earlier, dumping rain into the Sierra and bringing good water flow back to the normally dry waterfalls. Yosemite Falls was running strong again, which made the scene even more special.
I hiked around the valley floor along the Merced River and found this beautiful composition where the colorful cottonwood trees framed the powerful waterfall against the granite cliffs. The mix of raging water and vibrant fall foliage created a magical sight I won't soon forget.
This photograph captures that special autumn moment in Yosemite Valley when the falls and the peak fall colors came together perfectly. Bring this Yosemite beauty straight into your space so you can enjoy it all year.