Two Days in Yosemite | Hiking to Yosemite Point

AdventureCampingYosemiteHiking
Written By Andrew Hertel

I’ve been to Yosemite plenty of times, but this was different. A solo trip, a new trail, and one of the best views I’ve seen in the park.
👇 Hit play for quiet trails, cold mornings, and a big reward at the top.

Back in January, I took a quick solo trip to Yosemite. I didn’t have a long itinerary—just two days to hike, reset, and visit a few places I hadn’t seen before. I’ve spent plenty of time in the park over the years, but there are still trails and views I haven’t experienced. This trip was about exploring some of those new-to-me places.

The first day was slow and quiet. I wandered a bit, stopped for coffee in the cold, and took a short trail through the forest. A patch of frozen ice crystals tucked beneath Half Dome caught my attention—one of those small scenes that makes you pause. I wasn’t in a creative groove, so I let the cameras rest and focused on just being there.

The next morning, I felt a little more ready. I set out to hike the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail, aiming for Yosemite Point—a spot I’d never been to. I’d seen photos, of course, but nothing prepares you for seeing it in person. As the trail opened up, the view stopped me in my tracks. Even before reaching the edge, I knew it was going to be one of those moments that sticks.

I filmed pieces of the trip and put together a short video—not a how-to or a travel guide, just a quiet story from a couple of winter days in Yosemite.

Thanks for following along,

~Andrew

Andrew Hertel

Andrew Hertel is a fine art black and white nature photographer based in Southern California, specializing in landscapes, seascapes, and wildlife. His work is rooted in a deep connection to the natural world, where he strives to create images that invite the viewer to feel as if they were standing beside him in the moment of capture.

Driven by a love for exploration, Andrew often seeks out remote and rugged locations, finding quiet beauty in both iconic landscapes and lesser-known places. He is an emotional photographer at heart—his strongest work emerges from personal connection to the subject, scene, or place, and that connection is visible in the images he creates.

In addition to his fine art work, Andrew leads photography workshops and gives presentations to inspire others to see and experience nature in new ways. His goal is to create art that encourages people to pause, reflect, and connect more deeply with the world around them.

https://www.andrewhertel.com
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Winter’s Gateway