Star Trails Over Tuolumne Meadows

As night descends over the broad valleys, conifer woods, high meadows and sublime domes of Yosemite National Park, a celestial net of jewels brightens above. The preciousness of the park is not just its geologic formations, rich ecosystems, and backcountry wilderness, but also its gloriously dark skies. Far from light-polluting urban centers and possessing plenty of mid-elevation vantages with typically clear, stable atmospheric conditions, Yosemite is a fantastic place for amateur astronomy and astrophotography. Spice up your Scenic Wonders stay and capture the star trails over Tuolumne Meadows!

Star Trails Over Tuolumne Meadows and Other Wonders

Glacier Point is a famously ideal perch from which to explore the night sky, but it’s not the only one. The expansive subalpine flats of Tuolumne Meadows become, at night, a wondrous stage over which the constellations and planets parade. Your gaping view of the firmament from up here, above 8,000 feet, makes for an ideal venue to capture star trails, the stellar streaks produced through long-exposure photography. The other attraction of such lofty mountain theaters as Glacier Point and Tuolumne Meadows is the topographic grandeur; arriving in the evening for sunset displays ahead of the nighttime show is always rewarding. Tips The summer months include regular interpretive stargazing programs at Glacier Point and Tuolumne Meadows as well as Yosemite Valley and Wawona; you can get all the up-to-date details in the latest Yosemite Guide. While the moon offers its own unforgettable spectacle, it also tends to dominate the celestial scene when it’s full or near-full. The darkest conditions, and thus the best for seeing deep into space, come around the new moon—a great time to set up shop with telescope, camera, or just your naked eyes. Particularly if you live in an urban or suburban area, the night sky over Yosemite—streaked with the Milky Way, pierced by meteors, spangled with an unbelievable density of stars and planets—is revelatory. Don’t miss an opportunity to take it in!

Make Your Yosemite Reservations Today

If you’re looking to capture the beautiful star trails over Tuolumne Meadows, start planning your trip with Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders. We offer Yosemite reservations within the gates of the park. With one of our cozy cabins, condominiums, or homes, your Yosemite accommodations will be just minutes from all your favorite places in Yosemite. Give us a call at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to learn about our rentals and to make your Yosemite reservations today.

Yosemite National Park Blog

Scenic Wonders’ Yosemite blog provides the latest news related to Yosemite National Park. By reading our blog, you’ll stay up to date on activities, accommodations, and more.   Photo credit: stevelyon