The first time I visited Tuolumne Meadows, I decided to catch the sunrise. It was quiet, empty, and unbelievably calm. I took deep breaths, letting that serenity wash over me… then immediately took a nap because, wow, sunrise is early.
When I woke up, I was surprised to find it still felt peaceful, even in the early afternoon. There were people scattered around, but nowhere felt crowded. I walked in the shallows of Tenaya Lake, watching paddleboarders glide across the water, before heading up Pot Hole Dome for a short hike. Something about that trail felt Presidential—a legacy bigger than Teddy Roosevelt himself. It made me laugh because I knew no one else would get it, but the history nerd in me felt deeply connected to the land.
Eventually, I took off my shoes and went barefoot on the rocks, needing that grounding feeling of experiencing this place directly. It worked. For a moment, I felt like I was a part of its history.
I hope these photos make you feel included in the legacy of this place, too.
