Yosemite National Park, the very birthplace of the national park movement, is where you can explore the magnificent ancient sequoia groves, majestic granite domes that dwarf even the iconic Empire State Building, and thunderous waterfalls that dot the landscape. Yosemite Valley itself stretches across nearly eight miles from east to west, with a  pristine wilderness as you venture into the Southeast, where the Sierra National Forest awaits, or delve into the Northwest, where the majestic Stanislaus National Forest beckons.

This awe-inspiring destination has long served as a wellspring of creativity for artists, climbers, and nature enthusiasts, standing proudly as one of California’s most beloved landmarks. Since the 1920s, Ansel Adams’ iconic black-and-white photographs of Yosemite have brought the park’s stunning landscapes into the spotlight, drawing countless admirers from around the world. As a huge fan of Adams’ work, his images sparked my own desire to experience Yosemite firsthand. Inspired by the same sense of wonder that he captured through his lens, I knew this breathtaking location would be the perfect place to begin my own journey, camera in hand, to document the beauty of this majestic wilderness.