See the Milky Way if you hike in Yosemite in late July.
Fauna and flora, mountains and streams are not the only amazing sights to see in Yosemite National Park. If you’re lucky enough to be in the park at night — say camping on one of our popular luxury private tours — you’ll likely see one of the most wondrous scenes from planet earth: the vast Milky Way, which somehow puts the whole Yosemite experience into perspective.
Stargazing is not a new pastime, brought on by the confinement of the recent pandemic. A Chinese historian recorded an astral phenomenon which coincided with the predicted appearances of Halley’s Comet as early as 240 B.C., and the Babylonians noted the comet’s appearance in 164 B.C. and 87 B.C. Interestingly, shortly before William the Conqueror invaded England in 1066, Halley’s Comet streaked across the sky, a sign, the warrior believed, that his quest would succeed.
Much as just being out in nature energizes the body, affects one’s mood and a person’s emotional as well as spiritual health, gazing at the stars from a secure campsite adds a certain calmness. It’s hard to be too arrogant when you grasp the vastness of the universe and the tiny speck of it you represent.
Studying the stars, picking out the constellations and other odd shapes enhances creativity in other areas; it’s like engaging in natural yoga, allowing your mind to drift. On the same note, stargazing relieves stress, something we all need to feel as we escape, however briefly, from our busy lives.
You most likely won’t come on our luxury private tour of Yosemite by yourself. You will not find a more romantic setting than sitting around the campfire looking up at the wondrous Yosemite sky with your significant other. If you’re traveling with friends, co-workers or employees, the serenity of the experience tends to bring an understanding between people. For some it’s a profound insight.
Bring your telescope if you’re so inclined. We want you to enjoy stargazing as much as we do, and if that’s what it takes, we’re all in. The stars are waiting for you, and so are we.
dylan gallagher
Sally Trigg