Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park
Tuolumne Meadows is a granite dome-studded meadow in the eastern section of Yosemite National Park at the approximate coordinates 37 deg 52.5′ N, 119 deg 21′ W and the approximate elevation 8619 feet (2627 m). Camping is available at the Tuolumne Meadows Campground (reservations recommended).
(Note added on June 13, 2008: I should mention here that a 20×30-inch print of the higher-resolution version of the above photo hangs in my office at eye level (a 16×20 of Fern Spring in Yosemite Valley hangs behind me, and also in the study of a good friend). When seated at my desk, I can lift up my eyes to the mountains, and the meadows seem to draw me into the scene, as though I could walk into them. I decided on the 20×30, rather than a smaller print, because smaller prints just did not seem to “do justice” to the size and grandeur of the meadows and the mountains. Those of you who have lived in, or have visited, the American West know exactly what I mean. The resolution and detail of the 20×30 convinced me that I had made the correct choice.)
Tuolumne Meadows has a good view of the Cathedral Range, Lembert Dome, and Mount Dana. Roads to the meadows are generally free of snow from June through October. Excellent rock climbing and hiking are accessible from Tuolumne Meadows, which is less crowded than Yosemite Valley. Both the John Muir Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail pass through Tuolumne Meadows. As the result of the extreme elevation, the Tioga Road through Tuolumne Meadows is closed by snow in winter.
Rock climbing at Tuolumne generally involves short- to medium-length routes on 11 major domes, including: Stately Pleasure Dome, Polly Dome, Daff Dome, Pothole Dome, Lembert Dome, Fairview Dome. Mariolumne Dome, Medicott Dome, Pywiack Dome, and Tenaya Peak.
-Bill at Cheshire Cat Photo™
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