These were taken last Sunday, September 6 between 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. As my family and I parked at Glacier Point, the Creek Fire was starting to go full force (about 50 miles south). It was like a wall of red overtaking the sky; quite a surreal experience. Though, we never felt we were in any danger, it's kinda scary thinking about how fast wildfires can spread. The color of the sky changed rapidly over the course of the time we were up there.
Wow, really impactful images. Can't really tell on these, but I immediately wonder if there are people on the face of El Capitan during all this. That would add a whole new level of concern on top of a crazy climb.
The west is a mess right now. Fires all over the state, and unfortunately also coming into the windy season.
Thanks, everyone, for your comments! It’s true, California is insane right now. I’m in San Francisco and it’s like the red from the Sierras followed us here. Totally surreal sky all day. It’s been super red and dark but no smell of smoke.
My daughter and some friends are in Yosemite now. This was Plan C vacation. It's a gray mess. Yesterday from Tunnel View one could barely see the valley. The little ridge of Bridalveil Fall is just a dull silhouette. From Valley View, the images show nothing past Bridalveil again. From Glacier Point today it's just gray past the bronze relief plaque identifying landmarks, peaks, etc. She texted they haven't been able to see Half Dome at all.
They got a little interesting light while in Sequoia Kings Canyon a couple of days ago. Timing is what it is when you have several people and work schedules.
Edit/added: Yosemite has closed due to the unhealthy conditions. AFAIK, they'll spend the night at Yosemite West as reserved and go out over Tioga Pass tomorrow. per their original schedule. Inyo National Forest and Devil's Postpile are closed, too, so it remains to be seen, no pun intended, what they'll get a chance to see/visit in that area.
