Wanderbrush

During our trip to Yosemite National Park in September 2024, we were determined to soak up every possible moment in the park. With only a short time to explore, we made the most of our second day by diving into the heart of it all — the iconic Yosemite Valley.

After a full day of hiking, wandering, and taking in one jaw-dropping view after another, we began the slow walk back toward the car, ready to find food before our late-night ranger program. But just as we stepped off the shuttle and started toward the lot, something caught our eye – a narrow dirt path tucked behind the park employees’ housing. It ran along the edge of a wide, quiet meadow, and right in the center of it all stood Half Dome, perfectly framed.

Curious, we took the detour.

As we made our way across the meadow, the sun began to set — and what unfolded was nothing short of magical. The last light of day hit the very tip of Half Dome, igniting it in a soft, golden blaze. It felt like the entire valley had paused for that moment, just long enough to breathe it in. A quiet, unplanned detour that turned into one of our favorite memories from the trip.