Central Yosemite Highway Look Down

I took this look down view of Central Yosemite Highway (California State Route 140) on the way to Yosemite National Park. The GPS coordinate will route you to a pull-out along the highway, though you can stop anywhere along the highway leading up to the park entrance for a legal aerial shot of a perfect split in the road. After parking, send your drone up while sitting comfy in your heated car! Also, be sure to check the weather before heading out. If there is a blizzard, it might be dangerous and the road might not yet be plowed.

To capture a powdered Central Yosemite Highway, visit during the winter months after a big snowfall. You can always check the weather before heading out.

As long as it's light outside, you can photograph this highway illuminated by surrounding snow. For a shot without any cars, visit in the early morning when there is likely to be less traffic. That said, you'll always be able to find pockets of time with no cars on the road.

As long as you're not around Yosemite National Park, it is legal to fly your drone. Stay clear from the park to avoid fines.

Be mindful of your surroundings while flying the drone. Cars can whip by pretty fast along the highway.

Get creative on how you position the highway to cross your image. I positioned the leading line diagonally, creating a sense of symmetry and guiding the viewer's eyes across the image.

Wait for a unique or colorful car to drive along the highway to add some character to your shot. In my photo, I captured a car right in the center of my frame, giving the overall image a motion-based feeling.

Yosemite National Park! This entire park is a treat and it can be visited any time of the year. If you're making the drive down CA-140 for the drone shot, drive the extra few miles and spend the day at Yosemite.