Full moon magic near Tioga Pass

This ethereal photo captures the beauty of a full moon rising over the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains near Tioga Pass. The moon's silvery glow casts a soft light over the landscape, illuminating the snow-covered peaks and the winding river below. The towering pines stand silhouetted against the moonlit sky, creating a truly magical scene. This photo is a testament to the otherworldly beauty of Yosemite National Park at night. It is a reminder that even the most familiar places can be transformed by the light of the full moon.

October in the Sierra Nevada, and the first snows have already dusted the peaks. The full moon was rising just as the last light faded from the sky, turning the snow a soft pink.

Tioga Lake, Sierra Nevada, California · 2011