Top 10 Photo Spots in Yosemite National Park
Hi friends! Today I’m excited to partner with Visit Yosemite | Madera County and share my top 10 photo spots in Yosemite National Park. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or you’re looking for a great location to capture a family pic, these 10 viewpoints are sure to impress as they offer breathtaking sights of the most iconic landmarks in Yosemite.
Winter morning at Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park
Late Spring sunset at Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park
1. Tunnel View
Perched above the Yosemite Valley on State Route 41, the tunnel serves as a vital connection between El Portal Road, the Valley Loop, Glacier Point Road, and Wawona. Tunnel View, the breathtaking overlook found at the tunnel's east end, provides a stunning vantage point overlooking the majestic evergreen trees and offering unparalleled views of iconic landmarks like Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall. During the bustling summer season, more than 5,000 visitors flock to this spot daily, yet the two spacious parking lots ensure ample parking for all, accommodating even large RVs and tour buses. In case the lots are full, circling around often leads to open spots becoming available since many visitors briefly pause to capture the scenery before continuing their journey. Enjoy early morning hues in the sky before the sun rises in front of you, or head up here for sunset to watch the aspenglow light up the granite formations towering over the valley.
For more information on this spot, check out my full Tunnel View blog post.
Fall colors reflecting in the Merced River at Valley View
Summer sunrise at Valley View in Yosemite National Park
2. Valley View
Also known as Gates of the Valley, Valley View holds a special place in my heart as it remains one of my top picks among the valley stops. The sweeping views of El Capitan and the surrounding valley portray a mesmerizing sight during sunrise and sunset. Access to this spot is super convenient, located right by the parking area along Northside Drive, eliminating the need for any hiking. During Winter mornings, a mystical scene unfolds as fog blankets the area, giving off an enchanted fairytale-like ambiance. Summertime offers a chance to peacefully observe the mule deer gracefully moving along the Merced shoreline, adding a touch of tranquility to the experience.
For more information on this spot, check out my full Valley View blog post.
Half Dome views from the Horseshoe Bend along Glacier Point Road
Half Dome views from Glacier Point with Thumper
The actual Glacier Point towers over Yosemite Valley
3. Glacier Point
Glacier Point is widely regarded as one of the best spots for photography in Yosemite National Park due to its unparalleled panoramic views of the iconic landmarks such as Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the high country of the Sierra Nevada. Several vantage points on the short paved path, as well as the “Horseshoe Bend” along the road leading there, offer unique perspectives that capture the beauty and grandeur of the park, making it a favorite location for photographers seeking to capture the essence of Yosemite. Sunrise offers less crowds with the sun rising up behind Half Dome, while the late afternoon hours offer picturesque lighting with warm hues casting across the rock faces. Although the road leading to Glacier Point is closed during the Winter months, the accessibility of Glacier Point during Summer and Fall makes it an ideal spot for anyone wanting to capture memorable shots of Yosemite's natural wonders.
Pet Bonus: Glacier Point is one of the few spots in the park that is dog friendly, so if you want to snap some pics with your furry friend, I’d highly recommend this spot!
Official Taft Point overlook with views of El Capitan
Cliff top overlook at Taft Point in Yosemite
4. Taft Point
Accessed via a 2-mile round trip hike from Glacier Point Road, Taft Point stands out as one of the premier locations for photography in Yosemite National Park due to its unparalleled panoramic views and unique vantage points. Situated at an elevation of 7,500 feet, this iconic overlook offers sweeping vistas of El Capitan and the vast Yosemite Valley below. Photographers are drawn to Taft Point for its stunning sunsets, which bathe the landscape in warm, golden light, creating an ethereal glow that is perfect for capturing breathtaking images. There are multiple sheer vertical drop-offs at Taft Point, which tower 3,500 feet above the valley floor, providing a sense of depth & scale and allowing photographers to create striking compositions.
For more information on this spot, check out my full Taft Point blog post.
Sentinel Dome looking towards a dried up Yosemite Falls during Summer
Panoramic views with Half Dome from atop Sentinel Dome
5. Sentinel Dome
Sentinel Dome in Yosemite National Park is truly a gem for capturing breathtaking images. Views from the top allow for stunning 360º shots of the surrounding landscape, including the iconic Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan. Accessed by a 2-mile round trip hike from the same trailhead as Taft Point, the dome provides multiple unique vantage points in all directions, offering a variety of angles for composition and lighting. Whether you're shooting sunrise or sunset, the changing colors of the sky against the vast wilderness below make for unforgettable images. You’ll also get to see the [now dead & fallen] Jeffrey pine tree that Ansel Adams made famous at this location with his photography.
For more information on this spot, check out my full Sentinel Dome blog post.
Half Dome views from Sentinel Bridge in Yosemite Valley
Merced River reflects Half Dome during a Winter sunrise from Sentinel Bridge
6. Sentinel Bridge
Sentinel Bridge in Yosemite National Park is one of my favorite spots for photography in the valley. A must-visit location for any photography enthusiast, this iconic stone bridge connects the Northside & Southside Drives in Yosemite Valley and can be easily accessed by the Cook’s Meadow parking lot. Offering a picturesque view of Half Dome reflected in the tranquil waters of the Merced and perfectly framed by the wooded river banks, the views from the bridge are especially breathtaking during sunrise and sunset. There are sidewalks along the bridge, providing a safe and lovely vantage point to capture the beauty of the valley.
Photo Tip: If taking a family photo, have the photographer stand on the opposite side of the bridge and zoom in (x3 on an iPhone), which will make Half Dome appear much larger behind you.
Yosemite Valley Swinging Bridge during Summer
Flooded Merced River during Spring 2023 under Swinging Bridge with Yosemite Falls
7. Yosemite Valley Swinging Bridge
The Yosemite Valley Swinging Bridge is a wonderful spot to capture Yosemite Falls and the towering granite formations reflecting in the pristine waters of the Merced River. In late Summer, water levels dip, allowing you to capture shots from the sandy shoreline, where you can also enjoy a dip in the water to cool off! Fall colors also start to pop here in late October, making it a great spot for those seeking the golden hues of the Autumn season. It’s important to note that the Yosemite Valley Swinging Bridge doesn’t actually swing...the original swinging bridge was replaced with a more sturdy bridge in 1964 after major flooding damage.
Yosemite Falls seen from Sentinel Meadow Boardwalk during Spring
Sentinel Meadow Boardwalk during Summer in Yosemite Valley
8. Sentinel Meadow Boardwalks
Another fantastic location to capture the tallest waterfall in North America, the boardwalks along Sentinel Meadow are easily accessed along Southside Drive with ample parking. Located in between the Swinging Bridge and the Yosemite Valley Chapel, the boardwalks provide an incredible composition as they meander directly towards the towering Yosemite Falls in the distance. In late Spring the water flow is typcially at its fullest, making an awe-inspiring backdrop for your photos, and in Summer the meadows pop with wildflowers.
Views from Roosevelt Point along Pohono Trail in Yosemite National Park
Roosevelt Point with El Capitan in the distance
9. Roosevelt Point
Situated along the Pohono Loop Trail in between Taft Point and Sentinel Dome, Roosevelt Point might be one of my favorite cliff-top overlooks in the park. Towering above the valley floor, this west-facing viewpoint offers incredible views of El Capitan and the Cathedral Rocks framing the Yosemite Valley below. Although accessing this spot requires a minimum 3-mile round trip hike (not including stops at nearby Taft Point or Sentinel Dome), the secluded nature of this overlook provides the views without the crowds. I’ve visited Roosevelt Point numerous times over the years, and each time we’ve been able to enjoy the area all to ourselves.
For more information on combining Taft Point, Roosevelt Point, and Sentinel Dome in one incredible hike, check out my full Pohono Loop Trail blog post.
Half Dome seen from Olmsted Point along Tioga Road
Tenaya Lake seen from atop the granite dome near Olmsted Point
10. Olmsted Point
Olmsted Point in Yosemite’s high country is revered as one of the best spots for photography enthusiasts due to its unparalleled views and unique vantage point. Situated along Tioga Road, this scenic overlook offers breathtaking perspectives of Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and the dramatic Tenaya Canyon. The rock formations and rugged terrain provide a stunning foreground against the majestic backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. During sunset, the play of light and shadows creates a captivating spectacle, making it an ideal location for capturing the natural beauty of Yosemite in all its glory. Although it’s a bit of a drive from Yosemite Valley, Olmsted Point makes for a great stop for visitors entering/exiting the park via Tioga Pass due to its location right off Highway 120.
Bonus Tip: Cross the road opposite of the official viewing area and hike up the small granite dome to escape the crowds and for incredible panoramic views of Half Dome and Tenaya Lake.
For more information on this spot, check out my full Olmsted Point blog post.
El Capitan seen from Valley View during Winter
Know Before You Go
• Temporary Vehicle Reservations will be required to enter Yosemite in 2024 on Saturdays & Sundays from April 13 to June 30, and then 7 days per week from July 1 to August 16. Reservations are available at Recreation.gov
• Please remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints. If you’re not familiar with the Leave No Trace Principles, consider familiarizing yourself with them before your trip. Please help leave this special place better than you found it, so its natural beauty can be enjoyed for years to come.
• Wildlife is abundant in Yosemite. Never leave food unattended, especially in your vehicle, as this is black bear territory.
• While you enjoy the views, be wise and extra cautious as you explore, especially near clifftop ledges. People have sadly fallen off some of these overlooks while trying to capture photos/selfies...please be careful.
• The viewpoints listed above located in Yosemite Valley are typically open year round. However, both Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are closed during the snowy Winter months.
• Always check YosemiteThisYear.com and the official NPS website for the most up-to-date road conditions, air quality, and possible closures prior to your visit.
Tunnel View in early Winter in Yosemite National Park
In Summary & Post Sponsor
Thanks so much for joining me today inside Yosemite National Park, and I’d like to give a special thank you to the sponsor of this post, Visit Yosemite | Madera County. Please consider stopping off to support the small businesses and local economies of the gateway communities surrounding the park. For great information on what to do inside Yosemite National Park and in Madera County directly to the south (along Highway 41), check out YosemiteThisYear.com and @yosemitemadera on Instagram. Until next time, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Sentinel Meadow Boardwalk on a Winter evening
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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Wondering what the Fall colors look like right now in Yosemite Valley? I spent the last week exploring my top spots in Yosemite National Park for enjoying the autumn foliage, and I'm excited to share the current conditions today for this first week of November 2024. I'm rating the park as a "Go Soon" with a mix of vibrant colors at spots like Bridalveil Fall, Cooks Meadow, and Yosemite Chapel.