Nevada falls, half dome and liberty bell during sunrise

During early morning light, Nevada falls flows with half dome and liberty bell in the scene. This section of the John Muir Trail is called the “Ice Cut”. During the significant water season of 2023, this section was closed since the trail is unstable. About half a mile from the top of Nevada falls, from this vista point, one can see Nevada falls, the liberty bell and half dome. The thundering sound of Nevada falls stays with us for days. We had camped at Little Yosemite Valley the night before, as night 4 of a backpacking trip from Silver Lake trail head in June lake area. We left early and caught this scene as the light was still golden.

Yosemite Valley in late fall — the light was fading fast behind me as I set up to photograph Cathedral Rocks. The granite faces still glowed with the last direct sun, while the valley below was already deep in shadow.

Yosemite National Park, California