18 Best Viewpoints In Yosemite And Where To Find Them

So, what is so special about Yosemite National Park? First, there’s more to life than working, making money, and having a family.

And fortunately, it appears life begins at the Yosemite National Park! It’s strange, right?

Well, trails, theme parks, and all offer a variety of opportunities. For some, it is a place to exhale and relax.

For others, a park provides an opportunity to bond with their family or exercise to stay healthy. For some, going to the Park is work! That’s how they earn a living!

Yosemite officially became a national park on October 1, 1890. Its towering granite monoliths, inviting waterfalls, deep valleys, and ancient giant sequoias remain exciting to date.

You can see sequoia trees, granite cliffs, high-rise Bridalveil Fall, tunnel views, and more. The Park is one of the United States of America’s finest natural scenes.

In addition, Yosemite Park houses some of the most outstanding views ever. So, it’s time to explore California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Where is the best view in Yosemite? let’s go hiking to some of the best views in Yosemite!

Things to Do At Yosemite National Park

Here are some activities to get the best experience at Yosemite Park:

Summer or fall: Hiking and walking
Winter: Snow-shoeing and skiing
Year round: Bird-watching, stargazing, and ranger work

Some of Yosemite’s hardest hiking locations include the following:

Clouds Rest
Four Mile Trail
Glacier Point
Mist Trail
Panorama Trail
Sentinel Dome

Best Viewpoints In Yosemite

1. Yosemite Taft Point

The Taft Point offers fun seekers a strategic spot to take memorable photos.

The visible cliff offers a unique spot for base jumping and other sports activities. It is pretty easier to climb up than the Cloud’s Rest or Half Dome.

Why Taft Point?

The Taft got its name from William Howard Taft, the 27th President of the United States. President Howard allegedly stumbled on the impressive cliff point at Yosemite Park in 1909.

John Muir hosted Howard during his visit to the Park. Then Howard discovered Taft Point as they both hiked down Glacier Point.

Taft Point offers a more fun experience because of its location. The vertical cliffs lead the trail further into Yosemite Valley.

That makes it more exciting scenery to view than Glacier Point.

How To Move Around

You can get a clear view of El Capitan and Yosemite Falls from Taft Point. The entire area has an abundance of lush forests and fissures on the granite cliff.

There are gashes or cuts on the granite floor. But also watch out for 2,000 feet deep fractures on the granite floor.

There are smaller parks around Yosemite Park where you can leave your car. Then you can take a shuttle to the trailhead. The shuttle bus runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

However, you can drive around in your car if going earlier or later. But don’t forget to monitor the news and follow traffic rules.

How High Is The Taft Point?

It is relatively easy to access. So, if you love hiking, this may just be one easy feat to conquer. The entire cliff runs for about 2.5 miles at the Overlook and Fissures.

Covering it will take about one and a half hours of hiking. But, don’t worry; you won’t be alone on the trail. This is a popular hiking spot but less crowded than Glacier Point.

Do you know that the Taft Point cliff is 300 feet above Glacier Point? So, at 3,500 feet above the valley floor, do you still have more heights to cover?

Tragic Incidence

Dean Potter and Graham Hunt died at here in 2015. The duo star notable pioneer rock climbers and Base jumpers.

They did a proximity wingsuit flight at the ‘Lost Brother’, a cliff on Taft Point. Unfortunately, Potter hit rock bottom while Hunt hit the side of a rock, and both died.

2. Ancient Giant Sequoias

The Ancient Giant Sequoias resides on the east of Tioga Road. But they occupy three groves in the Yosemite National Park.

Mariposa Grove

First, you have the Mariposa Grove, which resides at the southern entrance. It is on Highway 41, just on the side of Wawona Road.

The Mariposa Grove is the easiest to access all through spring to fall each year.

You will find the elegant and imposing Sequoia grove over 500 feet high. The other two smaller groves are not so popular or regularly visited.

The Merced and Tuolumne Groves reside east of the Crane Flat.

So, just how long is the Ancient Sequoias Grove trail? You may need to cover about 2.5 miles or 4 kilometers for a round trip.

Hikers and snowshoers will find the trip up the valley exciting at a 500-foot elevation.

Tuolumne Grove

Tuolumne Grove lies directly on the eastern axis of Crane Flat on Tioga Road. You will find a couple of mature giant sequoias in the grove.

Some have an elevation point of 500 and are only visible at a mile of hiking. That could be quite a tasking trip to and from the grove.

Merced Grove

You need about 6 miles of hiking to locate the Merced Grove on the west side of Crane Flat. It is precisely at the eastern entrance of the Big Oak Flat road.

The Merced Grove has over 24 smaller but mature giant sequoias to visit. But you may have to reach heights or elevations of 500 feet to see them.

That’s about 1.5 miles of hiking time, but that’s worth it for some of the most amazing views in Yosemite National Park.

There’s minimal parking space near Merced Grove. Also, please don’t forget to tag along with enough drinking water for your team.

The Tuolumne grove hiking trail takes about 45 minutes return trip to the Yosemite Valley.

How Old Is The Ancient Sequoias Grove?

The Tuolumne Grove trail dates some hundred years back. But there is evidence of its existence far back in time, 150 million years ago.

3. Lower Yosemite Falls

The Lower Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America, plunging over 3,000 feet from the top of Yosemite Valley floor.

The best way to experience the Lower Falls is from the Lower Yosemite Falls Viewpoint, which is located a short hike from the Valley floor (lower Yosemite Falls Trail).

From the Viewpoint, you can see the entire length of the Lower Falls as it tumbles down the granite cliff face.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even hike to the base of the Lower Falls and feel the mist on your face.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful mountain vista or an up-close look at one of nature’s most impressive waterfalls, Lower Yosemite Falls is a must-see when you visit Yosemite National Park.

4. Upper Yosemite Falls

The upper Yosemite Falls trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Yosemite National Park.

The trailhead is located near the Yosemite Visitor Center, and the hike to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls is a strenuous but rewarding 7.2-mile round trip.

Along the way, hikers will be treated to views of some of the Yosemite Valley’s iconic landmarks, including Half Dome, El Capitan, and the magnificent Yosemite Valley itself.

The upper falls are an impressive 1,430 feet tall, and there are several viewing platforms where hikers can stop to enjoy the view.

The upper Yosemite Falls trail is open from late May to October, and permits are required for all overnight hikes.

5. El Portal View

El Portal View is one of the most popular destinations in Yosemite National Park.

The view offers a stunning panorama of the park, including Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Visitors can reach the view by hiking a short trail from the El Portal parking area. The hike is relatively easy and takes about 30 minutes to complete.

Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to take in the scenery and snap some great photos.

Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with an incredible view that is sure to take your breath away.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply looking for a beautiful place to enjoy a picnic, El Portal View is definitely worth a visit.

6. Ancient Giant Sequoias Features

You may need to make a detour through Kings Canyon National Park in the Sequoia Valley. It leads you to the Yosemite National Park.

Exciting views include Glacier Point, Yosemite Valley, and the General Sherman Tree. You also get to see the Mariposa Grove, Giant Forest, and Fresno Chaffee Zoo.

Ancient Giant Sequoias are notable for their abundant trees and the likelihood of fire disasters. Please monitor community news reports before embarking on a trip to any location.

7. Yosemite Valley View

What is Yosemite Valley View, and why is Yosemite Valley famous? First, it offers fun-seekers an unprecedented location to relax.

You get to enjoy exquisite displays of glaciers carved some 14,000 years ago. There’s no end to the splendor as the Merced River keeps the refining work going daily.

You can reach the valley on the west side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California.

Some unforgettable moment at the Yosemite National Park are seeing the intimidating granite monoliths. Also, the ancient giant sequoias still tower high in the sky.

Have you seen the deed valleys and waterfalls? I must confess that the burst of fresh air keeps you hooked all day long.

When Should You Visit

So, should you visit in winter or summer? Well, fortunately, you can have access during the winter or summer. Therefore, it is primarily a case of your preference.

But remember, most of the roads remain closed for winter. It is because there’s so much to see in the valley’s snowy water and the early morning fog.

Spring or early June is also an incredible time to visit. You get to see the sunrise or best Yosemite sunset and enjoy temperate weather conditions.

The rays cover the entire coastal and mountain regions. Then, when the snow melts during spring, it’s so awesome to see the lush green valley.

You can see the sun emerge between the elegant granite formations at sunrise. It’s a show of impressive color and splendor.

Winter at the Valley View will give you a fantastic experience of the sparkling snow. You also get a less crowded and more peaceful experience of the Park.

But the annual Firefall festival in February welcomes a beehive of activities and crowds.

If you can stand the winter, it would be a perfect time to visit the ‘Happy Isle.’ It is a one-hour hike up the trails to see the views.

How To Get There

Do you want to get to Valley View by car? You can take in all the views after passing through Mariposa Grove. The road leads to the Giant Sequoias at the Southern Entrance.

Now, you should make a brief stop at Northside Drive on your way to Pohono Bridge.

The Valley view gives you access to the Merced River, which is not visible from the Tunnel View. You can see up to 3,000 feet of the El Capitan sky high.

In the opposite direction, the Cathedral Rocks and Spires present an imposing but elegant view.

Somewhere on the Valley floor gives you a perfect view of the Half Dome and El Capitan. You can also catch a glimpse of the Bridalveil Fall.

8. Olmsted View

Olmsted View at Yosemite presents an array of beautiful scenery all year round. It is located farther into Yosemite National Park.

Unfortunately, only a few people make the trip far to the Tioga Pass. But the Pass contains some of the best views at Yosemite Park.

The Tioga Pass takes you deep into the Tenaya Canyon. You see high clouds closer to the foreground, with the Half Dome resting ahead.

From Olmsted Point, you get a clear view of Mount Conness and Tenaya Lakes. They are two of the highest (fourth highest) peaks (12,590 feet) in Yosemite Park.

Do you know that Olmsted Point got its name from Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.? He was notable for his works as a nature conservationist and landscape architect.

The entire area lies within a panorama of rock formations and a collection of trees. You can look down eastwards at the valley and still catch a glimpse of all angles.

You can easily spot the Half Dome at its finest from that angle. Here’s a satellite view of the Olmsted.

The Panorama has an average parking lot to park your car before making the hike. In addition, you can visit Tenaya Lake to use the restroom. It is 1.5 miles east of Olmsted Point.

Also, you will find convenience stores at the Tuolumne Meadows, 10 miles away.

9. Cloud’s Rest

You can drive to the Park or take a walk to the Cloud’s Rest. The trailhead lies off Tioga Road to the west of Tenaya Lake.

Cloud’s Rest’s strategic positioning near the valley helps you see so much of the mountainous plains.

Cloud’s Rest Sunrise Trailhead offers hikers, skiers, and fun seekers another jaw-dropping scenery. You can take in the fresh breeze from the 3,027 meters high elevation gain.

You can enjoy the beautiful scenery while relaxing, base-jumping, and more.

Is Cloud Rest A Hard Hike?

Cloud’s Rest Trail does not offer cable climbing trips. But you can make the 14 miles memorable round trip. Then, it’s time to hike up 1,800 feet off the ground.

Can you make it to the 9,926-foot summit? Well, you will become ecstatic to see the multi-direction view from high up there.

Other attractions include the Yosemite landmarks, North Dome, Tenaya Lake, Sentinel Dome, and Mt. Hoffman.

Another impressive view is the Half Dome’s summit, nearly 1,000 feet below.

In simple terms, yes, Cloud Rest is a hard hike. Cloud’s Rest has one of the highest trails in Yosemite. Therefore, climbing up the trail becomes even more challenging.

Also, with a prominence of 246 meters, Clouds Rest is a pretty long hiking journey. The prominence and elevation of 3,027 meters make the mountainous plains steep to climb.

So, you should be more careful, especially when starting the trail. However, you start having fun once you get used to the drill.

The other good part is that you can cover Clouds Rest in one day. So, there would be no worries about camping.

In addition, there are restrictions against camping on most trails. You can go camping at Yosemite the night before and set out early in the morning.

Also, camping after your hiking activity is excellent to help you relax before heading back home.

10. North Dome Viewpoint

North Dome is one of the most popular viewpoints in Yosemite National Park.

Located just a short hike from Tioga Road, North Dome offers stunning views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Clouds Rest.

While the hike to North Dome is relatively short, it is moderately strenuous and does require a bit of scrambling near the summit.

However, the effort is well worth it, as North Dome provides an unforgettable experience. For those looking for a truly unique view, North Dome is definitely worth a visit.

While there are several ways to reach North Dome, the two best viewpoints are from the Berg Bridge and the Stoneman Bridge.

Both bridges offer stunning views of the North Dome and the Merced River below, and they’re easily accessible from Yosemite Valley.

11. Tunnel View

So, in case you want to know how long is Tunnel View? Well, it is 4,233 feet long. You can enter from the South Entrance to get a memorable experience of the Yosemite Valley.

That will take you through Highway 41 or Highway 140. Tunnel View is the longest ever tunnel on this side of California.

Tunnel view got its name due to its proximity to Wawona tunnel or tunnel view. And that’s Highway 41.

It will take about 1.6 miles to cover the valley floor before entering the Park. Next, you should find the tunnel by the side of the road of Highway 41.

Also, the Tunnel View is one of the most popular tunnels in Yosemite National Park. You can see the impressive clouds, granite landscape, and breathtaking Ponderosa pines.

The Yosemite Falls offer one of North America’s largest waterfalls for relaxation.

Are you wondering if tunnel view opens in winter? Yes, this beautiful masterpiece stays open year-round, even in winter or summer.

And if you enter through the Wawona tunnel via the Bridalveil Falls, you can get a more splendid view of Glacier Point.

You also have a chance to see the beautiful view of Half Dome and El Capitan.

Early spring, however, offers the best season to see the Tunnel view. In this season and winter, even the Bridalveil Fall blossoms to its fullest.

That’s the season the elegant granite domes are all covered with mist and snow. So although the Park opens 24 hours a day, you get the best views at sunrise or sunset.

Yosemite National Park Viewpoints to see

12. Vernal And Nevada Falls – Best Views In Yosemite Valley

Vernal and Nevada Falls are two of the most popular waterfalls in Yosemite National Park. There are a few different ways to view them.

The Vernal Fall Footbridge offers stunning views of Vernal Fall from above. To get there, take the Vernal Fall Footbridge Trail from the shuttle stop near Curry Village.

The trail is about 1 mile long and gains about 400 feet in elevation. Another option is to take the John Muir Trail from Vernal Fall to Nevada Fall.

This trail is about 5 miles long and gains about 1,000 feet in elevation. It passes by both Vernal and Nevada Falls and offers amazing views of both waterfalls from below.

Finally, you can take the Panorama Trail from Glacier Point to Vernal Fall. This trail is about 8 miles long and gains about 2,000 feet in elevation.

It passes by Vernal Fall and offers sweeping views of Yosemite Valley from above. Whichever way you choose to see Vernal and Nevada Falls, you’re sure to be amazed by their beauty.

13. Half Dome, Columbia Rock

So, can you see the Half Dome from the car? And how do you prepare for Half Dome?

First, you can get an exciting view of the towers by car. The good part is that Half Dome goes sky higher than the Yosemite Valley.

That makes viewing its and scenic splendor from all of Yosemite Park easier. Sentinel Bridge will give you an exhilarating view of Half Dome and the Merced River.

Half Dome covers about 17 miles or 27.4 km of landmass. You need 9 to 12 hours of hiking to cover the entire Half Dome and back.

You must cover 8,846 feet to reach the Half Dome’s highest elevation point. You will climb the steel cable and see impressive sequoias and waterfalls along the way.

Once you can see Half Dome from the road, then it’s time to look for where to park.

The Half Dome Village is the best parking spot for Half Dome. It is half a mile from the Half Dome. You can get a breathtaking view of Yosemite Park from around that axis.

You can see aspects of the Merced River below. As you proceed, you also get to see the El Capitan and the Half Dome.

How To Train For Half Dome

If you consider hiking at the Half Dome, you would require a permit. The Half Dome used to attract at least 1,200 hikers daily.

But now, the management only issues 300 permits per day to help regulate the facility.

You can cover 1-2 miles per week or 4,000 feet daily to make your journey exciting. However, a brisk walk and other light exercises will help you prepare better for the long walk.

It will take some hours of walking to get used to hiking the Half Dome.

However, if you choose not to hike, you can see Yosemite Falls without hiking. Going through lower Yosemite Falls is less demanding.

And that’s the best route for children and even someone in a wheelchair.

You can stick to the Yosemite Valley Lodge and Yosemite Village. It will give you an impressive view of the entire waterfall.

It is best to begin the long walk up the Half Dome before dawn or sunrise.

You may sometimes take longer than expected to get to the top of the dome. Please begin the trip back once it approaches 3 p.m. and you are not there yet.

14. Three Brothers

When visiting Yosemite, be sure to take a hike to the Three Brothers view. The Three Brothers are three massive granite cliffs that tower over Yosemite Valley.

The view from the top is breathtaking, and you can see for miles in every direction.

To get to the three brothers view, start at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center and follow the signs to the trailhead.

The hike is moderate in difficulty, but it is well worth it for one of the best views in Yosemite.

So be sure to add the three brothers view to your list of must-see sights when visiting Yosemite National Park!

15. Glacier Point

So, what is the most spectacular landmark of Yosemite National Park? Arguably, I would say it is Glacier Point. That’s because Glacier Point offers a clear view of every aspect of Yosemite.

Glacier Point offers a breathtaking view of the Half Dome and Yosemite Valley. You can also savor the exceptional view by looking at the Yosemite high country and Yosemite Falls.

How To Get To Glacier Point Elevation

So, can you see Glacier Point from the car? There are several glacier point elevations to consider. And it takes about one hour to get to the elevation point.

First, here’s how to get to glacier point in 2022.

The appropriate time of the year to get to the Glacier point elevation by car is late May to November.

Do you love skiing or Glacier Point hiking? Well, mid-December to early March offers an excellent opportunity to travel cross-country skiing or hiking.

You can go to Glacier Point by road. You can drive, take a bus, hike the trail, or hoof it on foot.

If you make the trip through Yosemite Valley Lodge, please take the Northside Drive. Then, you head straight to the Pohono Bridge on your left to face the Southern drive.

Your target should be the Bridalveil Fall which you can reach through Wawona road. Now, you can turn off to get to Glacier Point Road.

Going to Glacier Point by bus can opt for a one-way ticket. Then, you can make the long trip back by hiking. Don’t forget the bus schedule and a Glacier Point road map as a guide.

16. Washburn Point Views

Washburn Point is one of the best viewpoints in Yosemite National Park.

Situated on the south rim of Yosemite Valley, it offers breathtaking views of Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls.

Visitors can reach the famous viewpoint by car or by hiking the Panorama Trail, which starts at Glacier Point and winds its way down to Washburn Point.

Visitors can reach Washburn Point by car or by hiking the Panorama Trail, a popular trail that starts at Glacier Point and ends at Illilouette Falls.

The trail is approximately 9 miles long and takes most hikers about 6-8 hours to complete.

However, the effort is well worth it, as the views from Washburn Point are simply some of the best views in Yosemite.

The best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the day, when the sun is low in the sky and the light is perfect for photography.

However, even if you don’t plan on taking any pictures, Washburn Point is definitely worth a visit. The views are simply incredible!

Yosemite Warning Signs

Please note that the road to Glacier Point is undergoing repairs. But it may re-open later in the year.

Unfortunately, the only other way to access Glacier Point right now is quite hectic. You can enter the Park through Four Mile, Pohono Trails, or Panorama.

However, camping activities within Glacier Point are restricted. And another drawback is that there are no toilets or water at Glacier Point.

17. Merced River Canyon

This is one of the most beautiful and majestic places on Earth and one of the best views in Yosemite.

Every year, thousands of people visit Yosemite National Park to experience its natural beauty. And while there are many ways to see the canyon, one of the best is from above.

Most visitors to Yosemite National Park head straight for the iconic sights like Half Dome and El Capitan.

But the Merced River Canyon, which runs through the heart of the park, is just as worthy of exploration. And the best way to see it is from above.

There are several options for getting a bird’s-eye view of Merced River Canyon. One is to take a hike to the top of one of the nearby hills or mountains.

From there, you’ll be able to see the river winding its way through the canyon below.

If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can even camp overnight and wake up to an unforgettable sunrise over the canyon.

Another option is to take a scenic drive along one of the roads that runs along the rim of Merced River Canyon.

This is a great way to see the canyon without having to do any strenuous hiking.

And, if you time your visit right, you might even be able to catch a glimpse of Yosemite Falls as they cascade over the edge of the canyon.

No matter how you choose to see it, Merced River Canyon is an unforgettable sight that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.

18. Hetch Hetchy Valley

This is one of the best views in Yosemite National Park.

Visitors can hike to the Hetch Hetchy Valley viewpoint to enjoy stunning views of the valley floor and its many features, including Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, Kolana Rock, and Mount Lyell.

The Hetch Hetchy Valley Loop Trail is a moderate 3.2-mile loop that starts and ends at the Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station and takes hikers through open meadows, forests, and beside the sparkling reservoir.

Along the way, hikers will have plenty of opportunities to take in the incredible views.

The Hetch Hetchy Valley viewpoint is also accessible via the John Muir Trail, which offers longer and more challenging hikes for experienced adventure-seekers.

Whichever route you choose, a visit to Hetch Hetchy Valley is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Yosemite National Park.

Activities and tours for your visit to Yosemite

Accommodations for staying in and around Yosemite National Park (Yosemite Valley, South Entrance, North Gateway)

Where To Stay For Amazing Views In Yosemite

Yosemite View Lodge is one of the best places to stay when visiting Yosemite National Park. The lodge is situated right on the edge of the park, offering stunning views of Yosemite Valley.

There are a variety of rooms and suites to choose from, each with its own private balcony.

In addition, the lodge offers a range of amenities, including a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool. The best way to see Yosemite View Lodge is to take a hike up to Glacier Point.

The trailhead is located just a short distance from the lodge, and the hike takes about three hours round trip. From Glacier Point, you’ll be able to see Yosemite Valley in all its glory.

So whether you’re looking for a place to stay or just wanting to take in the sights, be sure to add Yosemite View Lodge to your list!

Tips For Enjoying Your Trip To Yosemite National Park

Hiking and other activities at Yosemite National Park could be fun. But here are guidelines you must follow to get the best Yosemite experience:

Always remember to obey signs and traffic rules as parking just anywhere may be dangerous.
Follow updates on the NPS website before embarking on your trip to the Park. There may be partial or total road closures due to weather constraints. There are visiting guidelines and movement details schedule to follow.
You can also monitor cell phone services to get on-the-spot reports.
Always obey the Yosemite National Park animal and plant protection rules.
Remember to use tire chains to secure your vehicle during icy and snowy situations. It will keep your car from skidding. The season to use anchors more is from November to March.
It is dangerous to camp just anywhere in the Park. But you can camp at the High Sierra Camps or Little Yosemite Valley campsites.