Top 20 Best Photography Spots In Yosemite

All landscape photographers dream of visiting the Yosemite National Forest.

The granite cliffs, the paradisiac waterfalls, and lush valleys inspire some of the most famous artists ever and still inspire them today.

This guide provides you with information about the ideal locations to visit Yosemite and the best time to visit it.

Every destination will have expert advice on composition, setting, and considerations. These Yosemite photos will give you ideas to make your next photoshoot incredibly interesting!

Let’s discover the most impressive and best photography spots in Yosemite and help you appreciate all the beauty that is going to be in front of you if you choose to visit this national park in California.

From its waterfalls to its high country, from its majestic sequoia groves to its valley meadows, Yosemite is a landscape fantasy, an American living history book.

It is a place where you can discover all about geography and nature. It is also a place you will return to again and again.

Through the worst and best of times, to breathe, to be inspired, just to be. In nature, as Albert Einstein once wrote, “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”

Yosemite is a place to free your spirit and capture a little of the wonder of this place.

What To Photograph In Yosemite

Yosemite National Park has some of the best photography spots in the world for nature. The park is home to a wide variety of landscapes, from towering mountains to meandering rivers.

There are also countless opportunities to photograph wildlife, from eagles and owls to deer and bears.

When the park, be sure to spend some time exploring the best photography spots in the park.

Yosemite Valley is a good place to start, as it offers sweeping views of both the river and the mountains.

The Ansel Adams Wilderness is another great option, as it provides a more intimate look at the natural world.

For a truly unique experience, consider spending a night camping in one of Yosemite’s backcountry sites.

With a little effort, you’re sure to come away with some stunning photographs.

What You Should Know Before You Visit Yosemite

Before we move on here are some friendly tips on what you should know before you visit, to make your experience even more pleasant.

Travel Tips for visiting Yosemite:

Yosemite during the golden hours gets extremely crowded, a requirement of the reservation is added to be able to drive into or through Yosemite National Park from 6 am to 4 pm daily.
Traveling to Yosemite, regardless of where you are coming from, is a long road, plan ahead.
Services are limited, prepare by adding extra fuel to your car.
If you wish to stay overnight at any hiking spot you need to have an overnight climbing permit.
Telecommunication services might lose the signal. Do not rely only on your cell phone’s GPS. Be prepared and take a traditional map.
A camera or a phone is a MUST. We recommend taking panoramic photos. The view here is awesome.

Now that you know what to expect, let’s take a look at our top photography locations.

List Of 20 Best Photography Spots In Yosemite

1. Tunnel View

Location: Yosemite Valley outside the Wawona Tunnel on State Highway 41
How To Access: You can access Tunnel View by driving (easy to access)
Best Time of Year: The view from the Tunnel View looks beautiful throughout the year
Best Time of Day: The best times of day for photography from this spot are sunrise and sunset

Tunnel View is one of the most famous photo spots in Yosemite. You can reach this viewpoint easily because the path is for everybody.

Tunnel View is the most iconic and popular spot in Yosemite. From up there, you can admire the view of Bridalveil Falls, Half Dome, El Capitan, and the whole valley as well.

The best time of the day to visit is either sunrise or sunset for the reason that the golden hours give a special color to this marvelous view.

Each season of the year gives the landscape a special taste, but the most popular visiting seasons are during spring and winter (when the granite domes are draped in snow and mist).

2. Inspiration Point

Location: Wawona Tunnel’s downhill end
How to Access: You can access Inspiration Point by hiking
Best Time of Year: The view from Inspiration Point looks beautiful throughout the year
Best Time Of Day: Sunrise or early morning are the best times of day for photography

The elevation view from Inspiration Point is one of the most famous photography spots, especially for those who prefer less crowded views.

If you’re looking to photograph or simply admire this stunning view, you can get there with a short hike up the hill.

The main purpose of hiking this trail is to get a perfect view of the whole Yosemite Valley from another angle.

Due to the orientation of the spot, you will be facing east, and this gives the ideal conditions for beautiful sunrise photos.

The sun lights will give a spectacular and helpful contrast to offset the evergreen and the gray granite view.

3. El Capitan

Location: North side of Yosemite Valley
How To Access: You can access El Capitan by climbing
Best Time of Year: We suggest visiting during spring, autumn, and winter
Best Time Of Day: El Capitan looks astonishing during sunset or late afternoon

El Capitan is one of the most iconic rock formations in the world. It is located on the north side of the Yosemite Valley, near its western end.

It is about 3,000 vertical feet of sheer rock granite, the ultimate challenge for climbers who wish to experience this gigantic natural wonder, and for those who get inspired by capturing wide landscapes.

The best spot to capture the granite rock face is El Capitan Meadow.

The meadow landscape color can be changed based on the season you are visiting, making every capture unique. The best captures are during sunset.

4. Cook’s Meadow

Location: Yosemite Valley, north side of the Merced River
How To Access: You can access Cook’s Meadow by hiking
Best Time of Year: We suggest visiting during spring and autumn
Best Time Of Day: Cook’s Meadow looks extraordinary during the late afternoon

Cook’s Meadow is located between Yosemite Falls and Sentinel Bridge on the north side of the Merced River.

The stunning views of both Yosemite Falls and Half Dome can give you the most pleasant feeling of nature.

The best photography spot for Cook’s Meadow is along the wooden boardwalks with Yosemite Falls in the background.

The nearby grass and the golden hour of the sunset can help you capture the most idyllic pictures with the best possible contrast.

In the spring and summer, the meadows are green and full of wildflowers that are blooming. By the fall, these meadows turn a beautiful shade of golden brown.

5. Bridalveil Fall

Location: Yosemite Valley
How to Access: You can access Bridalveil Fall by hiking
Best Time of Year: Bridalveil Fall is at its best for photography in the spring
Best Time of Day: Late afternoon or sunset are the best times to photograph it

Bridalveil Falls is a dazzling Yosemite photography spot.

The water flows throughout the year, but in the springtime, however, when the snow melts, the tremendous force of the water can give you the feeling of a shower in a tornado.

This waterfall is famous for the mist that flies when the breezes blow.

You can capture this natural wonder from different spots: Tunnel View, the Southside drive, the Gates of the Valley, and the Northside drive.

6. Half Dome

Location: Eastern end of Yosemite Valley
How to access: You can access Half Dome either by hiking or climbing
Best Time of Year: Half Dome looks amazing throughout the year
The Best Time Of Day: Half Dome looks incredible right before the sun sets

Half Dome is one of the most awe-inspiring Yosemite photography spots. It is a rock formation at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park.

The granite on one side has a sharp face while the other three sides are smooth and round, making it appear like a dome cut in half.

This landmark is best photographed from a distance away. A great spot to enjoy a clear and open view of Half Dome is from Olmsted Point or Glacier Point.

The best time to capture this wonder is before sunrise, when the sunlight can give a marvelous detailed view of the Half Dome.

7. Valley View

Location: On Northside Drive, near the west end of Yosemite Valley
How To Access: There are designated accessible parking spaces available
Best Time of Year: The valley’s view looks great throughout the year, but it looks otherworldly during winter
Best Time Of Day: We suggest either during the sunset or the late afternoon

Valley View is located on Northside Drive, near the west end of Yosemite Valley, and it gives a spectacular view of El Capitan, the Merced River, and Bridalveil Fall.

The Valley View spot is amazing through all the seasons of the year, but winter’s mystery can give you something to remember.

The most astonishing captures can be taken when the trees and meadows are covered in snow.The unique lighting of El Capitan At sunset is what really stands out to visitors here.

8. Mirror Lake

Location: East of Curry Village or the Ahwahnee Hotel
How To Access: Mirror Lake can be reached by hiking
The Best Time of Year: Mirror Lake looks beautiful from spring to summer
The Best Time of Day: Sunrise and the early morning spent at Mirror Lake are otherworldly

Mirror Lake is a dreamy photography spot in Yosemite National Park. The lake is formed during spring due to the snow melting and flowing down from the high Sierras.

The collected water can peacefully reflect the surrounding cliffs of Yosemite that can be seen in the landscape.

This effect can be gorgeous during sunrise when the Half Dome and the beautiful colors of the sun can be mirrored in the lake.

In the fall, the lake dries up, although it is a very peaceful hike path and not a very strenuous hike.

9. Sentinel Bridge

Location: the bridge that crosses the Merced River
How To Access: Sentinel Bridge can be reached by hiking
Best Time of Year: Sentinel Bridge is especially beautiful in the fall for reflection photography
Best Time Of Day: Sentinel Bridge looks beautiful at any time of the day

The historic Sentinel Bridge crosses the Merced River and is located on the eastern side of Yosemite Valley.

From this popular photography spot, you can perfectly frame the Half Dome within Yosemite National Park.

In the fall, the yellow, orange, and light green leaves surrounding the river can give you the best photo opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset.

If the water is low and still, along with the impressive pinks, purples, and oranges, you can have the perfect reflection on the Merced River.

10. Yosemite Chapel

Location: Yosemite Valley
How To Access: The Yosemite Chapel can be reached by driving
Best Time of Year: We recommend visiting Yosemite Chapel throughout the year, but especially in the autumn
Best Time Of Day: Any time of the day looks beautiful

The Yosemite Chapel, located in Yosemite Valley, is a historic structure, designed in the “New English Style” in 1879.

The architecture can be described as simple, although the surrounding environment is what makes it such a magnificent photo spot.

Capturing Yosemite Chapel can give your photographs a unique and creative character. During the fall, the environment suits perfectly the colors of the structure.

11. Merced River

Location: Flows through the High Sierras, down through Yosemite Valley, and out of the park for nearly 150 miles
How To Access: You can access the Merced River by driving
Best Time of Year: We recommend visiting the Merced River throughout the year
Best time of the day: best photos can be taken at any time of day

The Merced River, the main waterway of Yosemite, can be seen along the entire valley.

There are plenty of spots to capture it, such as Sentinel Bridge, Swinging Bridge, Cooks Meadow, and Valley View.

One of the best photography spots is along the riverbank near Cathedral Beach, where you can create beautiful and unique photographs with both El Capitan and the Three Brothers in the background.

With the right conditions, you can have the perfect reflection for your photos.

12. Mariposa Grove

Location: Southern Wawona entrance
How To Access: You can access the Mariposa Grove by hiking
Best Time of Year: Mariposa Grove is astonishing from Spring months to autumn
Best Time of Day: Sunrise or early morning is the best time of day

Mariposa Grove is located at the southern Wawona entrance. Along with the beautiful nature, you can find giant redwood sequoia trees, some of them over 2,000 years old.

You can explore the grove by the Big Trees Trail, which has endless photographic opportunities.

The best time to visit is early in the morning, because that is when the light is cresting through the trees.

Mariposa Grove is also open in the winter for those who want to capture the giant sequoias in a white dress.

13. Tenaya Lake

Location: Located along Tioga Road a little less than 7 miles (11 km) west of Tuolumne Meadows
How To Access: You can access Tenaya Lake by driving
Best Time of Year: Tenaya Lake looks astonishing between late spring and mid-fall
Best Time Of Day: Tenaya Lake looks best during sunrise or sunset

Tenaya Lake is located near the Tioga Pass entrance, between Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite Valley.

It is the largest lake in Yosemite’s foreland and it is a great photography spot for those who want to capture the peaceful water and the stunning scenery.

The lake offers a large surface area with long beaches, and it’s one of the most popular destinations and included as one of the best hikes for families visiting Yosemite.

From May to October, visitors to Yosemite can picnic, swim, canoe, and take photos.

14. Wawona Covered Bridge

Location: At the entrance of Yosemite National Park
How To Access: You can access Wawona Covered Bridge by driving
Best Time of Year: Wawona Covered Bridge throughout the year
Best Time of the Day: Any time of the day, but we recommend the afternoon the most

The Wawona Covered Bridge is a historic structure constructed in 1868 and stamps the entrance to Yosemite National Park.

It is a piece of local history, and it is still used for horse-drawn carriage rides to this day, giving a traditional character to the bridge.

The Pioneer Yosemite History Center is also located here and offers an open-air museum.

The bridge can offer great photography opportunities all year long. If you have a creative eye, you can play with the length and the shadows in your pictures.

The Wawona Covered Bridge is a classic bridge combined with the view of the Merced River in a beautiful pine forest. It is one of the top photo spots in Yosemite National Park.

15. Tuolumne Meadows

Location: Tioga Pass Road
How to access: Tuolumne Meadows can be reached by driving
Best Time of Year: Visit during late spring to mid-fall, and you won’t be disappointed
Best Time Of Day: We recommend the “golden hour” after sunrise or before sunset

Tuolumne Meadows is located along Tioga Pass Road, north of the Yosemite Valley. It is a less popular attraction than the other meadows, although it has a lot to offer.

It is filled with grassy fields and clear tarns.

As one of the largest high-elevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada at about 8,600 feet above sea level, Tuolumne Meadows can provide mesmerizing views in all directions.

The golden hour at either sunrise or sunset is a great time to capture the peaceful beauty. Tuolumne Meadows is a great photography spot throughout the whole year.

Every season has a different color environment to provide. It’s also a great place to view and photograph wildlife.

16. Olmsted Point

Location: Tioga Pass Road
How to Get There: Olmsted Point can be reached by driving or by hiking
Best Season: Late spring to mid-fall offer the best views of Olmsted Point
Best Time Of Day: Sunset is the best time of day to visit and photograph Olmsted Point

Olmsted Point can be reached by driving from Tioga Pass, off State Highway 120 in Mariposa County.

By the time you arrive, the car park lot itself has plenty to offer simply because it is a worthwhile pit stop due to the surrounding hillsides’ glacial formations.

Additionally, Olmsted Point is a famous panorama site, which gives a better close-up view of Clouds Rest, with Half Dome in the distance from the west, and on the eastern side, Tenaya Lake and the granite domes.

The best season to visit Olmsted Point is from late spring to mid-fall, and that’s because the Tioga Pass Road is not accessible due to snowfall.

The best time of the day to visit is the golden hours, sunrise and sunset, but especially sunset, when the sky highlights make the colors come alive.

17. Taft Point

Location: Glacier Point Road
How to access: Taft Point is accessible by hiking
Best Time of Year: We recommend visiting Taft Point from late spring to mid fall
Best Time Of Day: Taft Point looks best during sunset

Taft Point is the number one spot for sunset photography! The best place to capture a sunset in Yosemite is at Taft Point!

This attraction can be reached by hiking from a 1-mile trail that leads to it, which is located west of Glacier Point.

You can see the panoramas of El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite Valley.

This position is not suitable for those who are afraid of heights, but you can still take a fantastic photo by staying away from the ledge.

The valley’s granite rock faces are highlighted by sunset as the sky turns a vibrant orange and then purple.

18. Sentinel Dome

Location: Glacier Point Road
How to Get There: Sentinel Dome is accessible by hiking
Best Time of Year: The best time of year to visit is from late spring to mid-fall
Best Time Of Day: Watching the sunset from Sentinel Dome will be an entirely new experience

Sentinel Dome is one of the best photography spots in Yosemite National Park. A full-width breathtaking view can be your reward for hiking up the pleasant trail to the dome.

You’ll be able to see the Merced River and Yosemite Valley to the west.

You can see Nevada Fall, Half Dome, and Clouds Rest to the east, and Yosemite Falls and El Capitan are visible to the north.

This view gives you one of the most amazing panoramic photos, and in addition to the perfection, you can choose to visit during the golden hours or sunset.

The valley is painted in golden tones, which cast a striking and ethereal light.

19. Nevada And Vernal Falls

Location: Yosemite Valley
How To Access: Nevada and Vernal Falls are accessible by hiking
Best Time Of Year: Nevada and Vernal Falls look best from spring to early summer
Best Time Of Day: An afternoon spent at Nevada and Vernal Falls will feel incredible

One of the most intriguing and stunning places for photography is Vernal and Nevada Falls.

You can access this location by one of the most well-traveled trails in the park, especially in the spring and early summer when the waterfalls are in full flow. It passes through here.

It is best to take pictures of these falls in the late afternoon or on a sunny day.

Your photos will have a moving effect thanks to the stunning surrounding colors of summer and spring as well as the wildness of the falling water.

20. Glacier Point

Location: Glacier Point Road
How To Access: Glacier Point can be accessed by driving
Best Time Of Year: We recommend visiting during late spring to mid-fall
Best Time Of Day: Glacier point looks astonishing during sunrise

And then, for the last of this list, we left this special photography spot. The last viewpoint, Glacier Point, is reached by taking Glacier Point Road high above Yosemite Valley.

Glacier Point is accessible on foot, though it’s more common to drive there.

It is important to note that the entire view from Glacier Point Road is breathtaking, even though the last location provides a further stunning glimpse of this journey.

Sunrise is when you can see the most from Glacier Point. The soft light highlights the stunning granite peaks while illuminating the valley.

The view of Half Dome and Nevada Falls from here is among the best outside of the valley.

The best time to visit this location is from late spring to early fall because the road is only open from May to early November due to snowfall.

Bonus Photo Location – Mist Trail

One of the most popular hiking trails in Yosemite National Park is the mist trail. The trail gets its name from the fact that hikers often get sprayed with mist from waterfalls along the way.

The mist trail also offers some of the most breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley.

The mist trail starts at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center and winds its way up to Vernal Fall. The first part of the hike is relatively easy, but it gets more challenging as you climb higher.

The mist trail is considered a moderate to difficult hike, but it is well worth the effort as it is not a strenuous hike.

If you are planning to hike the mist trail, be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.

You should also be aware that parts of the trail can be slippery, so take your time and be careful.

Most importantly, enjoy your hike and take in the stunning views of Yosemite!

Frequently Asked Questions About Photography In Yosemite

Do You Need A Permit To Take Pictures In Yosemite?

You do not need permission to take pictures in Yosemite National Park.

Therefore, taking pictures is a must due to the amazing landscapes and breathtaking scenery that Yosemite can provide.

Are There Vehicle Restrictions In Yosemite?

Yes, some roads are limited due to snowfall during the winter. For the rest of the year, tire chains might be required on open roadways.

Throughout the entire year, Yosemite may be reached and explored via public transportation.

Can I Bring My Pet To Yosemite?

Partly yes, Yosemite National Park is pet friendly, and there are a good number of pet friendly accommodations available, although there are a few rules and some limitations, which are:

Rules:

Pets need to be on a short leash.
Don’t leave your dogs in Yosemite unattended.
Clean up your pets.

Limitations:

Your pet is not allowed on most trails, including the trail to Vernal Fall.
Your pet is not allowed on unplowed roads covered in snow.
Your pet is not allowed in undeveloped and wilderness areas.
Your pet is not allowed inside public buildings, including in-park lodging.
Your pet is not allowed on free shuttle bus.
In any other areas that have been signed as “no pets allowed”.

Packing Suggestions For Yosemite

Yosemite is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, and for good reason.

With its towering cliffs, pristine forests, and rushing waterfalls, there is no shortage of natural beauty to be found here.

However, before you head off on your adventure, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared.

Here are a few packing suggestions to help you make the most of your time in Yosemite.

First and foremost, be sure to bring plenty of water. Although there are a number of streams and lakes within the park boundaries, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to hydration.
Likewise, pack some snacks to keep your energy levels up as you hike through the picturesque landscape.
And speaking of hiking, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing that will protect you from the elements.
Finally, don’t forget to pack a camera! With its breathtaking views, Yosemite is a photographer’s paradise.

Landscape Photography Tips

Landscape photography is one of the most popular genres, and for good reason.

Capturing the beauty of nature can be incredibly rewarding, and it’s a great way to get out and explore the world around you.

If you’re new to this type of photography, here are a few tips to help you get started.

First, when it comes to composition, one of the most important things to remember is the rule of thirds.

This rule simply states that an image is more visually pleasing if the subject is off-center.

To put it into practice, simply imagine your frame divided into thirds both horizontally and vertically, and position your subject at one of the intersections.

Another important composition tool to keep in mind is leading lines. These are lines that lead the eye into the frame, and they can be anything from roads and fences to rivers and mountains.

Using leading lines in your landscape photos will help to create a sense of depth and movement.

Finally, when it comes to aperture, it’s best to choose a mid-range setting (between f/8 and f/11). This will help to ensure that both your foreground and background are in focus.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to capturing stunning images of the great outdoors. So get out there and start exploring!

Nature Photography Tips

There is no one correct way to photograph nature. Instead, it is important to experiment and find what works best for you and the natural surroundings you are trying to capture.

With that said, here are a few tips to get you started on your nature photography journey in Yosemite National Park:

First, take some time to scout out entire park before you start taking pictures. This will give you a chance to find the best vantage points and determine the best time of day to photograph the scene.
Second, be patient and wait for the perfect shot. Nature always has something new to offer, so don’t be afraid to spend hours (or even days in a location like Yosemite) in one location.
Third, pay attention to the light. The way sunlight interacts with the landscape can make or break a photo.
Finally, don’t forget to focus on the details. A close-up shot of a flower or leaf can be just as beautiful as a sweeping vista.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to capturing stunning nature photographs.

Happy Captures

With so many options available, it might be difficult to know where to start your search for a shooting location.

These are popular locations with stunning views that have mesmerized visitors for years.

On the drive to Yosemite, don’t forget to have your camera close at hand. Keep your eyes peeled for some of the breathtaking scenery in El Portal and along the Merced River.

Yosemite is a photographer’s paradise and it would be a shame to visit the park and not come away with some beautiful photos.

With these tips, you should be able to plan your trip for maximum photo opportunities. Where will your camera take you next?

Here are our favorite travel resources that you can use to plan your trip: