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Unicorn Peak Reflection

Unicorn Peak Reflection is captured in Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park. Viewing a Unicorn Peak Reflection can be seen early in the summer.

Unicorn Peak Reflection is taken in early summer when spring runoff forms small lakes in Tuolumne Meadows. Tuolumne Meadows is a large meadow in the eastern section of Yosemite National Park. The Tuolumne River flows through Tuolumne Meadows meandering back and forth through the meadow. In early summer after the heavy Sierra snow pack melts the river overflows with the snow melt. Small ponds and lakes form in the meadow creating many opportunities for photographing reflections like the Unicorn Peak Reflection.

Unicorn Peak is an impressive granite formation located due east from its more famous neighbor, Cathedral Peak, across the Bud Creek Drainage. Tuolumne Meadow has excellent views of Unicorn Peak. As in Unicorn Peak Reflection the mountain seems to appear as a single spire. From other views it can be seen that it is really a thin ridge, comprising three summits. The north summit is the highpoint.

This period in early summer when large areas of the meadow are flooded is a favorite time for me to photograph images like Unicorn Peak Reflection. As soon as the Tioga Road is cleared of snow and opened I enjoy heading to this area for photography. The campground at Tuolumne Meadows is not open at this time and it is not unusual to have the place almost to yourself in the late afternoon and into the evening. Most visitors who head up to the meadow at this time of year will begin heading back down to the Valley for their accommodation or campsite as the afternoon progresses.

Unicorn Peak Reflection was captured on one of these evenings spent in Tuolumne Meadows in the early summer.