Pohono Bridge Photos – An Understated Park Icon
Without a doubt, this scenic, stone bridge near the valley entrances often gets put aside for more famous landmarks nearby. However, photographers (especially) should make it a point to stop and snap some pics. Speaking of which, here are my favorite Pohono Bridge photos through the seasons.
Fall
I’d say late October is my favorite time to photograph here. As you can see, the Maple and Dogwood trees are golden yellow, providing a nice color contrast with the emerald Merced River flowing under the bridge.
I brought my polarizer and ND filters for this shot. This enabled me to bring out the vibrant colors, as well as capture a smooth water effect with a long shutter speed.
Of course, these pictures were taken just as the leaves started turning, so I captured some vibrant greens mixed in with the yellows. I’m sure it’s obvious why I think Pohono Bridge is the most scenic in the park…
Due to its proximity to the roadside, this (little) Big Leaf Maple is probably the most photographed in all of the Sierra. Haha. I was incredibly lucky to capture this long exposure with very little wind…otherwise the leaves would be all blurry.
Winter – Pohono Bridge Photos
A snowy bridge scene is also quite scenic. That’s why I’d say December through February is my second favorite time to shoot here. You do need to plan carefully, though. Snow on the valley floor doesn’t usually last long. It pays to arrive just after a (cold) winter storm. Don’t forget your tire chains…
Here’s another long exposure, with powdery snow-covered rocks adorning the riverbanks.
If you visit the bridge later in summer, you’ll find the river is lower, and of course there won’t be any oranges and yellows in the leaves. Or snow, for that matter. Still beautiful, though….if you can fight the crowds for parking spot nearby!
Pohono Bridge was built in 1928, making it almost 100 years old. Let’s hope this beautiful park icon makes it at least 100 more!
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About My Photos
The images on this website are available for licensing and/or sale as framed prints. If you’d like to purchase them for a blog, news article, or gift, feel free to contact me with the specifics. This way you’re supporting photographers such as me directly (as opposed to buying from a faceless stock photo corporation).
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– Nathan Allen
About Me
I’m Nathan Allen, photographer / creator of YosemiteParkPhotos.com (Yosemite Photos) and international travel site I Dreamed Of This. In truth, I lived in San Francisco, New York, & Singapore…but nothing compares to life in the mountains. I share my experiences HERE.