What is a Yosemite Moonbow?

A Yosemite moonbow is a rare phenomenon that occurs in Yosemite National Park only a few times a year. As you might expect, a moonbow or a lunar rainbow is a rainbow that appears at night (John Muir called them Lunar Spraybows)! For moonbows to occur there has to be mist in the air and enough light from the moon and stars to refract, thereby creating a rainbow at night. Few people have seen this beautiful anomaly. But if you visit Yosemite National Park at the right time, you just might be lucky enough to see one for yourself. Researchers at Texas State University have studied the factors that go into creating a moonbow. These factors include clear skies, sufficient mist in the air, a dark night, and bright moonlight not blocked by mountains or clouds. Yosemite Falls creates a uniquely ideal setting for moonbows to occur thanks to the mist created by the waterfall. The Texas State researchers have examined the predicted water flow and sky conditions at Yosemite Falls and have determined that the most likely dates for moonbows to occur are in April, May, and June. Their predictions are precise enough to give a four to five day range in which moonbows are likely to be the brightest. To learn more about which specific days are most likely to have a Yosemite moonbow in the future, visit the Texas State University page. Those who are lucky enough to see a Yosemite moonbow do not soon forget the experience. Great shots of moonbows have been taken from the bridge near the base of Yosemite Falls as well as the parking lot at Yosemite Lodge. Park rangers can give you further advice about where you'll be most likely to see a moonbow on your trip to Yosemite. Yosemite Vacation Home, Cabin and Condominium Rentals After staying up late to witness a Yosemite moonbow, give yourself the treat of a comfy cabin to come home to by making your Yosemite reservations with Scenic Wonders. We offer cabin, home, and condominium rentals within the gates of Yosemite National Park, so it will only take you a few minutes to get to your Yosemite lodging after witnessing your moonbow. Staying at Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders has a number of other great benefits as well. In fact, you can save money by staying in a Scenic Wonders cabin versus staying in a hotel. This is because you'll have enough space to fit your whole group in one home versus multiple hotel rooms, you'll have a kitchen in which you can prepare meals, and you'll have more opportunities for fun right at your fingertips. Make the smart choice on your next Yosemite vacation by making your Yosemite reservations with Scenic Wonders. Call us at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to learn about our rentals and rates and to learn more about the best time to visit in order to see a Yosemite moonbow. We look forward to your stay. Yosemite Vacation Blog Our Yosemite vacation blog gives you the latest news about Yosemite National Park, activities and things to do inside the park as well as the best tips on making your reservations.  We update our blog weekly, so be sure to visit again! Photo credit: normalityrelief