Welcome to the digital home for all things from Dalton Johnson.
All tagged National Park
When you’re planning a sunrise shoot at Glacier Point, simplicity can be your greatest ally. During an ambitious morning shoot at Glacier Point I embraced this concept with the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 mounted on my Sony camera, and that's it. Despite my usual inclination to carry multiple lenses, this lightweight zoom delivered everything I needed—and nothing I didn’t.
Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park is a photographer's paradise, offering breathtaking vistas that beckon camera enthusiasts from around the world. However, the eternal debate among photographers remains: sunrise or sunset at Glacier Point?
Both options have their unique charm, and the choice depends on your photography goals and style. In this blog, we'll explore the merits of both sunrise and sunset photography at Glacier Point to help you make an informed decision.
As passionate photography enthusiasts, we had delved into the works of modern greats who had immortalized Yosemite's breathtaking vistas. However, we aimed to add our own unique twist to this iconic location. Surveying our array of gear and props, we hatched an ambitious plan: to capture a skateboarding photograph careening down the serpentine road leading to Glacier Point. Join us on this journey as we blend the adrenaline of skateboarding with the tranquil majesty of Glacier Point's sunrise, creating a photographic masterpiece of our own.
Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Among its many renowned viewpoints, Tunnel View stands out as one of the most awe-inspiring locations to take in the park's grandeur.
Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park is one of the most iconic viewpoints in the United States. At sunrise, this stunning vista offers photographers and nature lovers a magical experience as the first light of day illuminates the grandeur of Yosemite Valley. If you're planning a visit to catch the sunrise at Tunnel View, here are 15 things you should know to make the most of your experience.
If you’ve ever tried camping at Joshua Tree National Park, you know how competitive it can be to snag a campsite. With limited spaces at popular spots like Hidden Valley Campground and Jumbo Rocks, visitors often face the disappointment of finding every site full, even with early arrival and perfect timing. After years of visiting Joshua Tree for climbing and photography, I’ve learned that camping near the park doesn’t have to be this frustrating. There’s a hidden gem that few people seem to be talking about: the free Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land just outside the park.
If you’re planning to camp in Joshua Tree National Park, you’ve probably heard that finding a campsite can be a challenge. With a limited number of sites, high demand during climbing season, and no shortage of weekend warriors, competition is fierce. But don’t worry—I’ve been through it and learned a few tricks to help you secure your spot.
Naturally, if you’re interested in rock climbing, and planning to visit Yosemite, you owe it to yourself to give it a try. Of course, you will be able to tick “rock climbing in Yosemite” off your bucket list, but there are so many more reasons than that. Climbing Yosemite’s clean granite routes is pure pleasure – whether you’re dancing up thin slabs on dime-edge holds, pulling for all you’re worth on splitter cracks, or pinching crystals in Yosemite’s high country. Plus, the view really is better when you’ve earned unique views from above the treetops and eye-level with the birds. Below are six rock climbs that are accessible to new Yosemite climbers in the range of 5.6 to 5.10:
In the heart of one of America's most iconic national parks, a natural phenomenon known as the Yosemite Firefall awaits those seeking to capture its breathtaking beauty. This awe-inspiring event is a testament to the wonders of nature as a sliver of sunset light casts a lava-red glow upon a thin stream of water plummeting off El Capitan. While it may not involve actual flames, it's a mesmerizing illusion of fire that graces Yosemite's Horsetail Falls every year in February.
There is no better place to visit for an adventure than Yosemite National Park. A bold statement no doubt, but here’s why? From jaw dropping views to rock climbing to hiking to backpacking to skiing to photography, Yosemite is the perfect place to immerse yourself in raw nature. These seemingly unlimited options lead to one main issue, paralysis by analysis. Meaning, there is so much to do in Yosemite knowing where to begin is a challenge.
Few road trips start as grand as this one, but our road trip, in search of fall colors, was going to be different.
Starting at Lake Tahoe’s iconic Emerald Bay on a crisp morning, the Rivian R1S had the seats down and was loaded to the brim with camera gear, dog toys, suitcases, snacks, and hiking gear. Kristin, Chestnut (our dog), and myself were in for an adventure of a lifetime. Seeking fall colors throughout Northern California, we had planned a week long road trip looping from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park back to our home in Lake Tahoe via as many backroads as possible.
Joshua Tree National Park is a unique desert wonderland that enchants visitors with its striking landscapes, rugged rock formations, and iconic Joshua Trees. Located at the junction of the Mojave and Colorado deserts in Southern California, this vast and arid park offers a wealth of adventure for those seeking to experience nature in its purest form. Whether you're into hiking, rock climbing, stargazing, or simply soaking up the raw beauty of the desert, Joshua Tree provides a multitude of outdoor activities. This guide will help you make the most of your first visit, with the best adventures and tips to navigate the park.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, located in California’s southern Sierra Nevada mountains, are home to towering sequoias, dramatic landscapes, and abundant wildlife. While both parks are vast and packed with adventure, it’s possible to see some of their most iconic sights in just one day. To help you make the most of your visit, here are 10 essential tips for visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in a day.
A new report from the National Park Service (NPS) reveals the significant economic impact that visitors to Grand Canyon National Park had on local communities in 2023. The report shows that the 4.7 million visitors to the park last year spent an impressive $768 million in nearby towns, supporting 10,100 jobs and contributing $1 billion to the local economy.
Canyonlands National Park, located in southeastern Utah, is a vast wilderness of canyons, mesas, and buttes carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries. For first-time visitors, this park offers a spectacular array of landscapes and outdoor adventures that capture the essence of the American Southwest. Whether you're seeking breathtaking viewpoints, challenging hikes, or serene moments in nature, Canyonlands is a playground for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Here’s what you should do on your first visit to this stunning park.
Arches National Park, renowned for its stunning natural arches and otherworldly landscapes, is a dream destination for first-time visitors. With over 2,000 natural stone arches and a wealth of outdoor activities, the park offers endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. This guide highlights twelve must-do activities to help you make the most of your inaugural visit to Arches National Park.
Arches National Park, a land sculpted by wind and time, is a natural wonderland that beckons adventurers from around the globe. With over 2,000 natural stone arches, towering pinnacles, and massive rock fins, this iconic park in Utah offers a playground for those who crave the thrill of exploration. Whether you’re navigating the park’s rugged trails, capturing the perfect sunrise shot, or climbing the red rock formations, Arches provides endless opportunities to connect with the raw beauty of the American Southwest. This guide will show you how to experience Arches National Park like a local adventurer, uncovering the top outdoor activities and hidden gems that make this place truly special.
Moab, Utah, is a desert wonderland that draws adventurers from around the globe. Known for its breathtaking red rock landscapes, Moab is a mecca for thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're scaling towering cliffs, navigating the Colorado River, or exploring the vast desert on foot, Moab offers an unparalleled range of activities that let you immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the American Southwest. This guide is your key to experiencing Moab like a local adventurer, with insider tips and top adventure spots that will make your trip unforgettable.
