Bliss Hill in Sonoma Recaptured in Rare Photo

The iconic 'Bliss' hill, famously featured as the default wallpaper for Windows XP, has been recaptured in a photograph that closely resembles its original 1996 appearance. This rare sighting occurred in Sonoma County, California, where the hill is located.

Iconic Image Origins

The original 'Bliss' photograph was taken by Charles O'Rear in 1996. At the time, the hill was covered in lush green grass due to the removal of vineyards for pest control. This image became globally recognized due to its use as the default wallpaper for Windows XP, turning the hill into a cultural icon.

Modern Recreation

Recently, a Reddit user, u/SuperPJG123, visited the site and managed to capture the hill when the vineyards were absent, allowing the landscape to closely resemble the original 'Bliss' image. Unlike the original, which was shot on a Mamiya RZ67 medium-format film camera, the new photograph was likely taken on a smartphone, resulting in slight differences in cloud and sky color.

Nostalgic Significance

Despite these differences, the new image evokes nostalgia for both tech enthusiasts and nature lovers. Charles O'Rear has stated that the iconic blue sky in the original photograph was never altered, adding to the authenticity of the image. This modern recreation highlights the enduring appeal of the 'Bliss' hill and its place in digital history.

Update: 23 Jun 2026