Photograph the Splendors of Yosemite

Please be aware that the shooting locations stated in this itinerary may change. Each day we will determine which locations are best based on lighting and weather conditions. We want to give you the best possible photo opportunities.

Day One:  Sunday, April 14, 2024

• The group will meet in the lobby at our airport hotel in Fresno hotel at approximately 8:00 am for a brief meet and greet load vehicles and make our way to Yosemite National Park.
• Arrive at the Park by noon where we will have a bite to eat at the Base Camp Eatery.
• Either check into the lodge if rooms are available otherwise we will store luggage until our return.
• The group will head out to Lower Yosemite Falls, and then continue on to Yosemite Visitor Center and cross over to Cooks Meadow for a variety of great photo ops.
• We will return to the lodge after our afternoon shoot to unpack and grab an early dinner.
• After dinner, our group will then drive or take a shuttle to Sentinel Bridge for Sunset on Half Dome.

Day Two:  Monday, April 15, 2024

• Our day will start early with a pre-breakfast sunrise shoot at the west end of El Capitan meadow.  After we have exhausted the early morning light, we will return to the lodge for breakfast.
• Before heading out for the remainder of the day, we will stop and pick up sack lunches to go and then head over to the Awhanee hotel where we will capture some beautiful compositions of dogwoods.
• As we continue on, we will focus on the naturally occurring royal arches in the granite cliffs above Ahwahnee Meadow.
• With our lunches packed, our group will hike along Tenaya Creek as we head to Mirror Lake (2-3 miles roundtrip) photographing large cedars, interesting horsetails, and scenic views of Half Dome.
• After returning to the lodge for an early dinner, we will head out again for our sunset shoot at Gates of the Valley where we will capture spectacular views of the Merced River winding into Yosemite Valley under the backdrop of the rising granite cliffs.

Day Three – Tuesday, April 16, 2024

• We will begin another day bright and early with a short walk from the lodge to capture the rising sun over Yosemite.
• After returning for breakfast, we will pick up another lunch to go and head for our hike to Vernal Falls.  (2+ miles roundtrip to the footbridge and 3 miles roundtrip to the top of Vernal Falls)
•  Depending on the energy and enthusiasm of the group, we can circle back to the lodge via Clark’s Point.
• Return to the lodge for downtime, image critique, and early dinner.
• Head out for our sunset shoot at Tunnel View.

Day Four:  Wednesday, April 17, 2024

• We will start the day with a full breakfast before heading out to photograph the giant Sequoias, location TBD contingent on shuttle operations within the park.
• Here we will walk amongst the giants creating interesting images of perspective and beauty.  Depending on the group’s energy, we may walk further into deeper parts of the grove continuing to focus on intriguing compositions.
• As we return to the Valley, we will make stops at Bridalveil Falls and take in a sunset at the Swinging Bridge.
• Back at the lodge, we will gather for a final dinner and share stories about the week’s adventures and epic photo ops.

Day Five:  Thursday, April 18, 2024

• As we wind up our five-day photo adventure we will take in one last early sunrise at Waski Pond capturing reflections of Cathedral Rocks.
• Back at the lodge, we will enjoy one last breakfast before checking out and loading our luggage to head toward Fresno.
• En route, we will make stops at Cascade Waterfall, a majestic waterfall feeding into the Merced River, and make stops to capture some beautiful wildflowers along the way.
• Arrive back in Fresno in mid-afternoon.
• Workshop adjourns.

Physical Requirements: MODERATE

Most of our hikes will be on moderately maintained trails.  Some hikes are a short walk while others may go up to 6 miles roundtrip.  Elevation gain can rise from 200′ to 2,000′ depending on how far participants wish to go.

The Workshop will Depart from / Return to:

Best Western Plus
1551 N Peach Ave,
Fresno, CA 93727
Tele:  (559) 251-5200

The group will meet in Fresno prior to our departure to Yosemite.  Should you need lodging on the night prior to the workshop (April 13, 2024) and did not select the optional pre-night during your workshop registration, please contact our office so that we can add this night to your workshop registration.

Lodging During the Workshop

Yosemite Valley Lodge
9006 Yosemite Lodge Dr
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Phone:(888) 413-8869

During this workshop, we will stay inside the park at the Yosemite Valley Lodge.  4 nights lodging is included in your workshop fee based on single occupancy.  If you are traveling with family or a companion a double occupancy deduction is available.

If you are concerned about the possibility of canceling your trip we urge you to protect your workshop investment and purchase travel insurance.  We strongly recommend that you purchase a travel insurance plan with a “Cancel for Any Reason” option. Many guests have last-minute injuries, emergencies, or life changes that can disrupt their plans only to wish they had a way to recoup their lost expenses.

There are a number of reputable companies that provide Travel Insurance.  For a listing of providers, you can visit www.insuremytrip.com.  AHPS has partnered with TravelEx Insurance Services over the years and has found them to be reputable and offer comprehensive plans at competitive prices.  For more information visit www.travelexinsurance.com or contact them at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 03-0147.  Travel Insurance is underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. W20

CANCELATION POLICY:  All cancelations must be in writing to info@ahps.org

• 91 days or more prior to the start of the workshop your deposit will be refunded less $100
• 61-90 days your workshop fees will be refunded in the form of an AHPS Store Credit Voucher less $250 administrative fee. The remainder of the fees paid can be applied toward a future workshop within 18 months of cancelation.
• 60 days or less until departure – No refund.

If we are able to fill your seat and the workshop runs at full enrollment we will refund your workshop fees less the $100 processing fee.

This cancellation policy applies in every situation and there will be no exceptions made for any reason. We will not issue refunds for cancelations due to illness or late arrivals due to travel delays.

Arizona Highways PhotoScapes reserves the right to cancel or change any workshop if our minimum enrollment is not met or if situations beyond our control arise that may create unsafe or undesirable travel conditions.  Cancelation or postponement as a result of situations beyond our control, AHPS does not promise any refunds or credits.  If and when feasible, we will attempt to reschedule the workshop at a later date.  Alternatively, we may decide to issue you credit for a future workshop, or issue a refund, less any non-refundable deposits we have paid to workshop providers on your behalf.

Please note that AHPS is not liable for any additional participant expenses incurred such as airfare, hotel accommodations, or any other components booked outside of the workshop.

PAYMENT TERMS:  A minimum deposit is due at registration to reserve your space.  Please refer to the specific workshop for the required deposit.  Final payments are due 90 days prior to departure.  Approximately 15 days prior to the due date you will receive a reminder email that your balance is coming due.   If final payments are not received by 70 days prior to your workshop, your registration is subject to forfeiture including all fees paid to date.

If you register within 90 days of a workshop, full payment is due at the time of registration.