Sunrise In Yosemite: Top 5 Spots To Catch It

Yosemite National Park is one of the top National Parks in the USA. This California treasure is known as one of the best places to visit in the state.

This natural wonderland is bound to impress with many waterfalls, large granite cliffs and beautiful lush forests making sunrise in Yosemite even more beautiful.

You can even see the beautiful California giant sequoias that are only found in this corner of the world.

One of the best things to do in Yosemite is to watch the sunrise over the gorgeous natural landscapes.

With such stunning viewpoints located throughout the park, you can imagine the magical sights when the sky dances with color.

Sunrise is a great time to visit the park as you will be rewarded with fewer crowds and stunning photos for your Instagram profile.

There are a few things you should know when trying to catch the sunrise in Yosemite.

While many people associate California with being a sunshine state, it is not uncommon to see snow in Yosemite.

While this might deter you, Yosemite in the winter is one of the most beautiful sights.

Due to extreme elevation differences in the park, the winter season is often extended in peak areas, such as the Panorama Trail, to even have the potential for snow in June.

Yosemite is an outdoor playground for adventurers. Hiking trails weave through the forest, past waterfalls and up mountainsides.

This is a popular destination for rock climbers as well who flock from all over the world to see the large granite cliffs.

Best Locations For Sunrise In Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is full of beautiful natural landscapes that look like you’ve been transported to a different world.

Below you’ll find the best places to watch the sunrise in Yosemite and some tips and tricks to get the best photographs.

Be sure to time your travels well and prepare to be at your chosen location 15-30 minutes before sunrise in Yosemite.

If you are looking to take a nice photo with a tripod set up, you will want to increase this time even further.

Watching the sunrise in Yosemite is a popular idea so this added time will ensure you are not rushing in the parking lot waiting to get a spot.

1. Tunnel View (Discovery View)

Tunnel View is one of the most popular spots to watch the sunrise in Yosemite National Park.

It is very important to come early to this viewpoint as the congestion can get quite high with morning bird photographers arriving early to catch the sunrise in Yosemite.

Sweeping valley views dance in the early morning light. The sunrise at Tunnel View will give you an aerial view of the forest meeting the large granite cliffs.

The sunlight highlights some of the park’s most iconic features including the Half Dome in Yosemite.

Views of the famous El Capitan in Yosemite, a large vertical rock formation frequented by the world’s best rock climbers, are also on the agenda here.

Across the valley, you will see cascading waterfalls at the Yosemite Bridal Veil Falls.

Prepare to catch your Tunnel View sunrise the night before

I highly urge you to make preparation the day before your sunset at Tunnel view.

Get everything ready for sunrise before settling in. Figure out the equipment you need and how many lenses you need, bring up your tripod, charge the batteries.

If you wish to get a portrait before sunrise then set up your clothes for tomorrow to just shower and get dressed in the morning.

You can always find a good outfit if you like to look good in a photograph. Usually, the best thing is to prepare coffee the next day.

Tips to get to the site

Tunnel View is one of the most popular places to watch the sunrise in Yosemite.

Plan for a packed parking lot and arrive early to secure the best spot and come prepared with your top camera gear.

2. Valley View Yosemite

For a ground-level viewpoint, head to Valley View for the sunrise in Yosemite.

This is an excellent spot for those looking to skip the crowds and get a more secluded view of the sweeping valley.

Parking is limited so get here early and enjoy the quiet serene beauty of the sunrise.

Photographers will love that this area has the beautiful Merced River. Set your tripod near it to get the sunrise colors bouncing off the river’s water.

This is a great sunrise viewpoint in Yosemite to spend the entire day.

Walking trails all around invite you to spend a lot of time here and jumping in the river is a great way to cool off from summertime heat after snapping the best sunrise in Yosemite.

Tips to get to the site

It is located about 4.5 miles down the “Valley loop”. This is a one-way driving path through the park. The site isn’t clearly marked which adds to the appeal.

With only a few areas to park, be sure to arrive here early.

3. Glacier Point At Yosemite

One of the most iconic places to capture the full glory of the rising sun is Glacier Point. The views at Glacier Point in Yosemite are unbeatable at an impressive 7,214ft.

For such a grand view of Yosemite, you will be happy that this viewpoint is accessible only a short distance from the parking lot.

Seasonal road closures force this stunning site to only be accessible during warmer summer months.

For only the most experienced adventurers, this can be hiked but the grade should be noted.

The peak is just over 4 miles up the cliff (one way) with a shocking total of 3,200ft elevation gain.

Yosemite National Park Update: Glacier Point Road is CLOSED for 2022. This site is currently only accessible by hike-in.

Tips to get to the site

This site is only accessible by road and can close without warning at any time of the year due to snow and the adverse weather in Yosemite.

The road to the Glacier Point vista is a long 45 minute to 1 hour drive up the mountain.

4. Panorama Trail

For hikers and extreme adventurers, you can take the Glacier Point viewpoint to the next level by hiking up to the unforgettable Panorama Trail.

This is a hike-only viewpoint that does not have a road to it. Due to the 3,200ft elevation gain, it is recommended that only experienced adventurers attempt this trail.

This viewpoint will give you a very different sunrise view than you would typically expect from Yosemite. The extreme elevations give you a mountaintop view of the area.

You will have a harder time seeing the finer details (trees, rivers) that you see in other areas of the trail and instead are rewarded with stunning mountain views.

The hike to Panorama Viewpoint is 8.5 miles one way and takes about 6 hours to complete.

In the winter months, this area gets a significant amount of snow making this one of the more challenging hikes at Yosemite.

The views at the top will have you feeling like you are on top of the world and will be some of the most stunning pictures at Yosemite you can possibly take.

As Glacier Point Road is CLOSED for 2022 you will have to hike up to Glacier Point (about 4 miles) and then continue up the rest of the way to Panorama Viewpoint.

Tips to get to the site

You can either choose to start at the Glacier Point parking lot or hike all the way from the bottom but do note how significant of a trek this will be.

Once at the parking lot, you will take the Panorama Trailhead up the rest of the mountain.

5. Big Oak Flats Vista Point

This secret viewpoint in Yosemite is typically much less populated but still delivers impressive views of the national park.

This viewpoint gives you an aerial perspective of the Yosemite Valley view below including the windy river that runs through the park.

Certainly off the beaten path, the Big Oak Flats Vista Point requires a detour off the typical Highway 140 route that people frequent through the park to the lesser traveled Highway 120.

Worth the drive, this route winds you through some beautiful secret spots to photo Yosemite National Park.

Tips to get to the site

This secret location requires intent to get to as you will be driving down the quiet but steep and windy road of Big Oak Flat Road.

When checking on Apple maps or Google maps, make sure that you search for vista point along Highway 120.

How To Take The Best Sunrise Photos

If you’re looking to capture the beauty of a sunrise, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind.

First, you’ll need to get up early! The best time to photograph the sunrise is right after the sun has cleared the horizon.

That means you’ll need to be at your location well before dawn. Second, you’ll need to find a great photo spot in Yosemite Park with a clear view of the eastern horizon.

If there are trees or buildings in the way, they may block your view of the sun as it rises.

Finally, you’ll need to adjust your camera settings to account for the low light levels.

A long shutter speed will help to capture the bright colors of the sunrise, while a low ISO will prevent your photos from being too grainy.

With a little planning and patience, you can capture some stunning sunrise photos.

It is important to consider the time of year that you are visiting Yosemite for sunrise.

Not only can snow on the ground add a layer of complexity (i.e. glare) to your photos, but the sun will peak from different areas in the sky.

The mountainous terrain plays a significant role in when the sun will crest over the cliffs to give you the photo you’re looking for.

This makes timing one of the most crucial parts of capturing the sun rising in Yosemite.

Wake up earlier than you think you need to. Always verify the Yosemite sunrise time the next day.

Try getting to bed around 10 to 10 hours before sunrise so you have plenty of time for your preparations.

Photography Tips & Equipment

If you want to take great sunrise photos, I recommend getting a camera with high dynamic range. The term “HDR” is short for ‘high-dynamic range’.

This means that it can capture light differently from what your phone does and produce images in bright conditions like sunsets or fireworks when other cameras would be struggling because they lack sensitivity outdoors.

Taking photos with your phone

Make sure your phone is fully charged before heading out. You don’t want to miss that perfect shot because your battery died!

Use a tripod or other type of support to keep your camera steady. This will help you avoid blurred photos.

Set your camera to manual mode so that you have more control over exposure and other settings. Experiment with different settings until you find what works best for you.

Yosemite National Park Photography Tours

While there are many different ways to explore the park, one of the best ways to experience its natural beauty is on a private tour.

Private tours offer a number of advantages over other methods of visitation, including customized itineraries, flexible scheduling, and personal attention from your guide.

In addition, private tours often include access to parts of the park that are not open to the general public.

As a result, they provide an intimate and unique way to experience all that Yosemite has to offer.

Whether you’re interested in hiking, wildlife watching, or simply taking in the majestic views, a private tour is an ideal way to explore Yosemite National Park.

Where Are The Best Places To Stay To See The Sunrise In Yosemite?

You have many different options for where to stay in Yosemite. You can check the Yosemite Valley Visitor Centre for the latest information when you arrive.

If you’re looking for a comfy bed you can look for a lodge in Yosemite.

There are also campgrounds at Yosemite if you’re looking for something more rustic.

You also have the option to hike Yosemite and camp at a designated campsite Yosemite has created.

Staying overnight in Yosemite is definitely the best way to see the sunrise in Yosemite because you don’t have to worry about arriving and dealing with the packed parking lot before the sun comes out.

When it comes to choosing a place to stay, there are a few different options available within Yosemite National Park. One option is to stay in one of the park’s developed campgrounds.

Camping is a great way to experience Yosemite’s wilderness firsthand, and it also offers visitors the chance to save money on accommodations.

However, camping can be crowded during peak season, and it may not be the best option for those who are looking for a more comfortable stay.

Another option is to book a room at one of Yosemite’s lodges or hotels.

Yosemite Valley Lodge and Ahwahnee Hotel are two popular choices, and both offer visitors easy access to Yosemite’s many attractions.

However, lodges and hotels can be expensive, and they may not always have availability during peak season.

For those who are looking for a more unique Yosemite experience, there are also a number of private rentals available within the park.

From cozy cabins to spacious vacation homes, private rentals offer visitors all the comforts of home while surrounded by Yosemite’s incredible scenery.

Private rentals can be expensive during peak season, but they often offer better value than lodges and hotels.

No matter where you choose to stay, Yosemite National Park is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

With so many amazing things to see and do, Yosemite is the perfect destination for an adventurous getaway.

The Formation Of Yosemite

Yosemite National Park was formed over millions of years, as the Sierra Nevada mountains were slowly carved out by glaciers and rivers.

The first people to set eyes on Yosemite were most likely Native Americans, who would have been drawn to the valley for its bountiful resources.

In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill that protected the area from development, and today, it is one of the most popular national parks in the United States.

Most visitors come from all over the world to admire Yosemite’s iconic landmarks, including Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls.

And while the formation of Yosemite was a slow and gradual process, it is now a place that can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life.

Once full of glaciers, this park has an interesting history of its formation. Check here to find out how Yosemite was formed.

Getting To Yosemite National Park To Capture A Sunrise Photograph

The closest airport to Yosemite is the Fresno Yosemite International Airport. It will take around 2.5 to drive from the airport to Yosemite valley.

You have the option to use public transportation to get to Yosemite. There is a Greyhound and Amtrak route that is available all year to get you to see the sunrise in Yosemite.

Given the expansive landscape in Yosemite, you are better off renting a car to explore this national park.

Yosemite is around a 170 mile drive from San Francisco. Even though this isn’t that far it usually takes around 3 and a half to 4 hours to drive if you want to visit Yosemite National Park and the most popular route does include toll roads.

Questions People Have When Considering Where To Watch The Best Sunrise In Yosemite National Park

What Time Is Sunrise In Yosemite?

The sun rises and sets at different times, depending on the time of year. In Yosemite National Park, this ranges from around 5:30 am in summer months up to around 7:30 am in winter.

Keep in mind that the location and elevation you choose could also affect the timing of the sunrise in Yosemite. Check here for the exact sunrise time in Yosemite.

Is Yosemite National Park Open?

Yosemite National Park is open all year round but some entrances close at points during the year.

For example, the Hetch Hetchy Entrance is accessible from sunrise to sunset. Road closures do occur at times based on weather conditions.

Is Yosemite Dog Friendly?

Yes, Yosemite is dog friendly and you can see all of the iconic Yosemite sites with your dog.

There are a few rules that you should follow including a leash no longer than 6 feet (2 metres), dogs have to be attended to and under control at all times and cleaning any mess they make.

You can even choose some pet friendly accommodations for your visit to Yosemite with your furry friend!

What Is The Yosemite Elevation?

The elevation in Yosemite ranges from around 4000 feet (1200 meters) in the Yosemite valley floor to around 8900 feet (2700 meters) at Half Dome Peak.