Tuolumne Meadows After Dark: A Magical Encounter with Wildlife and the Milky Way

Last week, I had an unforgettable evening under the stars in Tuolumne Meadows. Driving in through the Eastern Gate around 7 PM, I found myself at one of my favorite roadside spots, a place that truly comes alive after sunset.

What made this particular night so special was the presence of a doe and her two fawns. They were calmly grazing by the river, unfazed by my arrival. They stayed with me even as darkness fully enveloped the meadow, providing a stunning foreground element for my shots.

After they eventually moved on, I waited patiently for another 45 minutes for the Milky Way to climb higher into the sky. The result was a composite image that truly captures the magic of that night.

This final photograph is a labor of love, meticulously crafted from approximately 28 individual shots. Seven exposures were dedicated to capturing the foreground detail just after dark, while another 21 were taken to record the grandeur of the Milky Way as it became fully visible. The processing involved various tools, culminating in the final assembly in Photoshop.

It was an incredible night and an experience I cherish. Both Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows hold a special place in my heart, but nights like these, filled with natural beauty and a touch of the cosmos, are truly unparalleled.

Thanks for looking!