Yosemite Falls Moonbow
LOWER YOSEMITE FALLS MOONBOW
Yosemite NP, CA
Image by Don Metz @ www.donmetzphotography.com
During April, May, and June a moonbow, also called a lunar rainbow, can be seen in the mist at the bottom of Lower Yosemite Falls. A moonbow is simply a rainbow that occurs using moonlight rather than sunlight. Therefore, a moonbow is only visible when there’s enough moonlight to create the effect, which is typically when the moon is full and a couple of nights before and after.
The moonbow can only be seen during April through June because the position of the moon and its angle to the falls are aligned to create the effect. The moonbow is most often photographed from the footbridge on the Lower Falls Trail where it crosses Yosemite Creek at the base of Lower Yosemite Falls. Although, there are locations in Cooks Meadow where the moonbow can be seen from a distance. A moonbow across the Upper Yosemite Falls can also be photographed from around Sentinel Bridge on the south side of Cooks Meadow.
Photos and location summary by Don Metz
Trail Difficulty - EASY
I would rate the difficulty of this trail as 1 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being most difficult). From the parking area, it’s an easy 1/2 mile walk to the Lower Yosemite Falls viewing area.
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
4,050 Ft. Elevation
View In Google earth
Download KMZ Trail File
Click Here to download the KMZ file for this location.
Directions
CLICK HERE to get driving directions to Lower Yosemite Falls trailhead from Tunnel View
The location is near the Yosemite Village area just a few hundred yards from the Yosemite Valley Lodge. From Tunnel View travel 1.6 miles until you merge with Southside Dr and then drive 4.1 miles until you come to Sentinel Dr. Take a left and drive to Northside Dr. From there travel 1 mile to the Yosemite Valley Lodge parking area.
Photography Tips
Photographing the moonbow requires certain environmental conditions and camera preparations. It’s also helpful to understand that a moonbow looks different to the human eye than a normal rainbow. The human eye is not as sensitive to low light conditions, which causes the moonbow to be a dull white or almost gray arc. Our eyes are not sensitive enough to discern the colors within the rainbow since the moon’s light output is substantially less than sunlight. However, modern camera sensors are much more capable of vividly capturing the colors within the moonbow. As with rainbows, several conditions are needed for the moonbow to appear:
1. The moon must be full or nearly full. Usually, 2-3 days before and after the full moon may provide enough light.
2. It must be dark, so moonrise times are important to ensure the moon is high enough in the sky and at the appropriate angle between 40-42 degrees for the moonbow to appear. Any lower or higher angle and the moonbow will disappear, which is why this phenomenon only lasts for a short while. There are a lot of tall trees between the moon and the falls, so you’ll notice the moonbow fading in-and-out as the moon rises behind the trees and finally above them.
3. The sky must be clear enough that clouds do not block the moonlight. Waypoints TH - Lower Falls Trailhead 0.0 Across from Yosemite Lodge 3,985’ 1 - old forest grove 0.1 Old grove of pine, cedar and hickory trees that offer photographic opportunities 4,000’ 2 - footbridge 0.3 4,015’ Elevation Profile 5 The quality of the moonbow may also be affected by the amount of mist and spray generated by the falls. The more spray & mist, the stronger the moonbow is likely to be. Fortunately, April to June is the peak period for Yosemite Falls as snowmelt adds volume to the waterfall.
EXIF Data
Focal Length – 16 mm
Exposure – 13 sec @ f 2.8
ISO – 1600
Date – June 19th
Time – 11:45 pm
Best Time of Day to Shoot
This image can only be taken when the moon close to full (1-2 days before and after the full moon may provide enough light). This phenomenon happens from the time the moon rises - for about a two-hour window before the moon rises to an angle too high to create the lunar rainbow effect.
Special Consideration
In the days leading up to the full moon the moonrise is too early so that by the time it gets dark the moon is already too high in the sky. In my opinion, the best times to shoot are the two nights after the full moon. As the moon rises after sunset and the moonbow effect can be very strong as it is very dark earlier in the moon path.
Best Time of Year
The moonbow can be photographed during April, May, and June (exact dates are dependent upon the timing of the full moon within those months).
Lens(es) Needed
For optimal results, you will need a fast (i.e., f1.4 or f2.8) wide-angle lens between 16-35mm. You can use a lens with slower apertures (f4) but will require long shutter speeds (30 seconds or greater) which increases the likelihood of too much mist accumulating on the lens and loss of sharpness from vibrations created by the waterfall or people walking on the bridge. A 24mm lens enables you to capture the entire scene along with some of the night sky.
Birds-Eye View
Permits
This location is in Yosemite National Park. As of the writing of the summary (Dec 2019) the entry fee was $35 per vehicle. Once in the park there are no other permits required.
Direction of the Shot
You will be shooting north at 355°.
Equipment Needed
A sturdy, stable tripod is a must. A remote shutter will minimize the risk of vibration, although a 2-sec shutter delay also works well.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
This is a popular event and attracts a lot of photographers and Instagram influencers, so expect a lot of people who do not follow or understand photography etiquette and often lack spatial awareness. The space on the bridge is limited so, I would recommend arriving at least an hour before moon rise, set up your tripod, and bring a plastic bag or rain cover to protect it while you wait. There's plenty of room to the side that has benches and a couple of large boulders that are shielded from the mist.
Weather
The weather in Yosemite can change on a dime, so be prepared for changes in temperature and conditions.
Cell Service
I use Verizon, and the cell service in the park is available, but spotty.
Lodging & Camping
There are many lodging and camping opportunities in Yosemite - ranging from a simple tent-only campground to The Majestic Yosemite Hotel. I would simply direct you to the National Parks Service for Yosemite website to explore the options. I would, however, encourage you to visit The Majestic Yosemite Hotel (formerly the Ahwahnee). The hotel was built back in the 1930s and has a wonderful old majestic feel about it.
Nearby camping and lodging
Camping - click on the campground below for directions
Upper Pines (in Yosemite Valley)
Lower Pines (in Yosemite Valley)
Camp 4 (in Yosemite Valley)
Lodging - click on the lodging below for a TripAdvisor review
Nearby Restaurants
There are numerous restaurants and places to eat in the Yosemite valley. Most of the eating establishments are just national park food - with a few exceptions. My favorites are the dining room at the Majestic Hotel and the Half Dome Village (Curry Village) pizza patio. Breakfast at the Majestic Hotel is special (consider the blueberry pancakes).
Nearby Restaurants - click on the restaurant below for yelp review
The Majestic Yosemite Dining Room
(209) 372-1489
Area Guides and Workshops
None