Most people have Yosemite National Park as a bucket list destination of top places to see in the U.S.
It’s not surprising that so many visitors come for a day trip or spend a weekend visiting the attractions.
One of the greatest things to do while visiting National Park is to watch the Yosemite sunset.
If you’ve been fortunate enough to visit, you must take advantage of the chance to see Yosemite lit up by the moody and always-changing sunsets.
The twilight hour lasts forever, and Yosemite has some of the greatest sunsets we have ever seen.
The sunset is a popular time, but despite the crowds, you may still get magnificent sights.
In this article, I will reveal where you can find Yosemite’s greatest sunset viewing spots, useful advice, and how to maximize your enjoyment by taking gorgeous photos.
Best Spots To Watch An Epic Yosemite Sunset
Let’s look at the greatest locations to see the Yosemite sunset right away.
1. Sentinel Dome
Sentinel Dome is thought by many tourists to be a favorite Yosemite sunset spot. It attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists each year.
Sentinel Dome offers the best views of Yosemite’s sunsets because you can watch it in a dome while taking in the bizarre 360° views of the park.
With new perspectives appearing at every bend, it is not an exaggeration to suggest that no amount of photos can capture the amazing scene this area offers.
Sentinel Dome offers miles of unimpeded vistas in every direction, unlike the other vantage locations for Yosemite sunset viewing.
On one side of the dome, you can see Half Dome, the beautiful surroundings, and the nearby high terrain.
Most people decide to incorporate Taft Point and Sentinel Dome into a loop for an easy hike longer than 2 miles round trip.
Hopefully, you can maximize your hikes if you set out a couple of hours before dusk.
How To Get To Sentinel Dome
The best spot in Sentinel Dome for Yosemite sunsets is attained after a short 1-mile climb.
Except for the final section, which becomes rather challenging when you reach the base of the dome and ascend to the summit, the trip to Sentinel Dome, which starts at the same location as the trail to Taft Point, it is very simple to follow.
What Is The Best Time To View Sunset On Sentinel Dome?
To get the ideal place for observing and photographing the landscapes, arrive there a few hours before sunset.
2. Tunnel View
Tunnel View, the most well-known viewpoint in Yosemite National Park, is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Yosemite Valley.
It provides dramatic views of the valley floor and its numerous magnificent attractions like the El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridal Veil Falls, and almost the entire valley on the horizon.
Amazingly, this part of the park takes on fantastical hues as the sun’s vivid rays bounce off the granite peaks, Half Dome and El Capitan shining brightly.
How To Get To Tunnel View
When you get to the Yosemite National Park, continue driving through the Yosemite valley til you reach The Tunnel View.
The viewpoint is a short distance from the parking area before the Wawona Tunnel.
What Is The Best Time To View Sunset On Tunnel View?
The best time to visit Tunnel View is in the evening.
Since the viewpoint is one of the best places to see Yosemite Valley’s bright sunset without any shadows or fog, which makes for beautiful videos and pictures.
Nonetheless, it’s also a great place to see spectacular dawn. This attracts fewer tourists and offers better scenery because the fog has disappeared.
A quick tip: Despite the big parking lot, parking might be challenging due to Tunnel View’s high level of popularity. I strongly advise being in the prime location at least a few hours before setting up your equipment if you are interested in taking in-depth photos or making videos.
3. Taft Point
Going to Taft Point in Yosemite would be one of the best places to watch the sunset if you intend to climb there.
Actually, it is safe to say that Taft point is one of the best places to see a Yosemite sunset on Glacier Point Road.
Taft Point’s observation point reaches out over Yosemite Valley, more than a 1,999-foot drop to the valley floor, giving you magnificent landscape vistas. This is one of its best features.
Try to reach Taft Point even if you are not in town for the sunset because of the amazing bird watching.
The horizon is painted golden, orange, purple, and yellow during the sunset, creating a ballet of colors in the sky.
Don’t miss the breathtaking views of the Merced River and El Capitan winding across the valley floor level.
This vantage position may seem terrifying if you’re scared of heights, but you can still enjoy the scenery and take pictures as long as you stay away from the edge.
How To Get To Taft Point
To get to Taft Point from Yosemite Valley, take a one-hour drive to the Taft Point parking area.
You won’t typically be able to get a parking spot quickly because of how popular this location is, especially during the busy seasons.
In that case, head to any of the nearby parking lots that are close to the trailhead.
The short climb to Taft Point begins at the Sentinel Dome trailhead off Glacier Point Road. Follow the mile-long trek until you reach a breathtaking cliff drop-off.
It is important to note that many people have plunged the 3,500-foot drop to their deaths, so take caution not to stand too close to the edge.
4. Glacier Point
Glacier Point, noted for its breathtaking vistas and ideal location, overlooks some magnificent geological wonders and is one of the best sites to watch the sunset in Yosemite.
You need to follow Glacier Point road. This will take you to Glacier Point and elevate you over Yosemite Valley.
The fact that you can see Half Dome, the High Sierras, and Yosemite Valley is just one of the reasons this viewpoint is so popular.
You can also see Nevada and Vernal Falls on a clear day.
You may enjoy the sunset at numerous locations along the route even when it gets busy.
The most secluded spot offers the best chance to see the Yosemite sunset without feeling pressured.
Did you also know? Glacier Point is one of the many top locations for Yosemite sunrise with few visitors, which is also a great place to see a colorful morning.
How Reach Glacier Point
To view the breathtaking Yosemite Park sunset from Glacier Point, you should either drive there or climb there.
You should travel on Glacier Point Road, accessible from early May until mid-November.
Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point parking takes about sixty minutes to travel via a scenic, winding road.
I recommend driving if you want to photograph many amazing vistas along the way because the drive is lovely.
This road to Glacier Point is not accessible if you visit Yosemite in the winter because it is closed during winter and early spring due to snowfall.
Skiers can enjoy a pleasant Yosemite activity by venturing into the backcountry and skiing to Glacier Point from the Badger Ski area.
The well-maintained Four Mile Trail, which leads from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point, is another option for a hike.
Be aware that the climb is slightly strenuous and lengthy, covering over 9 miles roundtrip and gaining more than 3,199 feet in elevation.
So, if you are an experienced hiker, I recommend hiking to Glacier Point.
What Is The Best Time To View Sunset On Glacier Point?
When the road is accessible for driving, usually from late spring to early fall, it is the ideal time to visit Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park to witness a breathtaking sunset.
A quick tip: The medium-sized parking lot quickly fills up due to the location’s popularity as a place to see Yosemite sunsets, and parking on the side of the road is not permitted due to the risk of being ticketed. So be sure to arrive there at least a couple of hours before the sun sets.
5. Half Dome
Half Dome, one of the greatest places to see a stunning sunset in Yosemite National Park, is one of the best photo locations in Yosemite that has been growing in popularity.
One of the difficult excursions that outdoor enthusiasts attempt is ascending the dome.
Nevertheless, by swiftly driving up to the viewpoint, you can take in the breathtaking scenery during the golden hour.
Although Half Dome can be seen from several locations within the park, one of the most outstanding unimpeded views is from the meadows along Northside Drive, near the Ahwahnee Hotel.
The grandest views of Half Dome, in contrast to the other locations on this list, occur just before the sun completely sets.
Therefore, before moving to other locations to see the Yosemite sunset completely, drive ahead and take a few minutes to capture the glazing rays creating a brilliant background.
Anywhere along Northside Drive is a good place to stop and take in the famed Half Dome sunset views.
6. Merced River
How about a breathtaking Yosemite sunset over a wonderful river without having to go on a hike or navigate a windy road?
Be sure to go to the lovely and calm Merced River in Yosemite Valley after admiring a few breathtaking mountaintop sunset spots in Yosemite.
The Merced River flows magnificently across the entire valley floor as it travels more than 149 miles through the Yosemite Valley, High Sierras, and out of the park.
This makes it possible to see the sunset in numerous locations, although the most well-known site in Yosemite along the Merced River is along the riverbank next to Cathedral Beach.
This location is well-known since you can see the Three Brothers and El Capitan from here.
You can see the color before it gets vivid red and orange and before the setting light sheds the Alpine shine on the walls.
How To Get To Merced River
Take a short and easy drive to Yosemite Valley’s Cathedral Beach.
7. Cook’s Meadows
You’ll love the Cook’s Meadows for their flow of light at sunset. The views are different from other spots on our list, as you can get closer and take pictures of Half Dome right in front of it!
This spot is perfect if time isn’t an issue but still want to experience some more scenic photos by photographing this view close up instead of high above valley floor level like many other places do offer (although they’re all beautiful!).
Cook’s Meadow is a picturesque meadow,(just over a mile walk) in the heart of Yosemite Valley, and it’s right next to where you start for both Lower Yosemite Falls Trail as well as Sentinel Bridge.
Overview Of Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is a spectacular national park in California, home to numerous geological marvels dispersed over the mysterious, wide area.
Its most iconic features are the vast valleys, imposing granite monoliths, waterfalls, and historic huge sequoias of Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite was established as a national park in October 1890, and over a hundred years later, it continues to astound tourists.
In Yosemite, the sun performs incredible tricks, casting vivid orange and red light on Half Dome and El Capitan.
Horsetail Fall is renowned for reflecting the orange light of sunset in mid-to-late February, making it look as though on fire!
It’s a breathtaking sight that brings to mind Yosemite’s famed Firefall, which took place every night until 1968, when hotel owners pushed campfire embers over Glacier Point to amaze park visitors.
No matter where you are or what time of day it is, Yosemite offers you many breathtaking locations with excellent views of the valleys.
However, I got you covered if you’re wondering where in Yosemite to catch the perfect sunset.
Perfect Tips For Watching Any Yosemite Sunset
- When You Visit, Check To See If The Trails Are Open: The park might be accessible to tourists, but many of its routes and areas are closed because they are seasonal. Check Yosemite’s official website for road closure details. When the road closes because of repairs or snow, several paths to Yosemite sunset spots, such as the Sentinel Dome trail on Glacier Road, are also closed.
- Study The Weather: If you want to see a gorgeous sunset in Yosemite, keep an eye on the weather before you leave and once you get there. Waiting until the evening is not worthwhile due to the fog, winds, and haze.
- Find Out The Sunset Time Before You Visit: Check the sunset times at the precise place you want to be to get the greatest pictures and images. Even though they are all in the same park, these locations’ sunset times vary, so check the time before visiting them.
- No Cell or Intermittent Service: Cell coverage is spotty or nonexistent in many areas of the national park, so make travel arrangements accordingly.
- Download All Maps: Download all the information you require, including maps to all the attractions, parking lots, and other locations, into your phone before you get to the park. This is because cell service is spotty. Google maps for the neighborhood and AllTrails are available for download.
- Bring A Headlamp: Bring a headlamp or torch because the hike will be dark after sundown. You’ll need it at areas like Taft Point, where the terrain might be rocky in addition to being at night. Also, it’s not a bad idea to bring along a hiking buddy.
- Visit The Yosemite Website: Due to situations like wildfires, the necessary entry times, permissions, and opening and closing of several hiking roads, routes, and activities frequently change. To ensure no last-minute modifications or surprises, keep visiting the official website before visiting Yosemite.
- Arrive Early For Sunsets: Even though I would recommend this for each Yosemite sunset location, it is necessary to reiterate it more: arriving late means you’ll have to find parking and navigate crowds (especially in peak season), which will steal valuable sunset time away from you.
- Plan to Book in Advance, Even in Off-seasons: When making travel arrangements to Yosemite, you must make reservations in advance regardless of whether you intend to stay or camp in a hotel, condominium, or lodge. For the busiest months, lodge bookings are made available a year in advance and typically sell out within a few weeks.
Check the schedule and make reservations at least six months in advance. The same applies to campgrounds, where bookings are made available six months in advance.
You must reserve your lodging for a summer vacation at the beginning of the year. You can do this through Recreation.gov.
Final Thoughts On Observing The Setting Sun
One of the most well-known and recognizable features of Yosemite National Park is the stunning scenery.
According to research, the direct sunlight that strikes the eye during sunset travels through the retinal-hypothalamic tract and finally hits the brain.
This action activates the pineal gland as the sun crosses the horizon, increasing the release of the “feel-good” hormones.
So when next you’re thinking about the finest method to feel good, consider taking a trip to Yosemite National Park during the summer months to see the best sunset.
FAQs
Can I Enter Yosemite At Night?
You can enter Yosemite National Park at night because it is open every day of the year. But keep in mind that not every entrance gate is open.
You must purchase tickets and pay a parking fee if you enter the park by car between 6 in the morning and 4 in the evening.
Where Is The Best Place To See Yosemite Sunset?
Yosemite National Park has over nine locations from which you may see breathtaking sunsets, including incredible views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Sentinel Dome.
Some argue that Glacier Point is the most breathtaking vantage point on earth. A large group of people concurs that it offers amazing views of Yosemite Valley.
What Is The Best Month To Visit Yosemite?
The best time to visit Yosemite if you don’t want to be restricted by trail, campground, and road closures is between June and September when everything is usually open and accessible.
Early summer is our favorite time of year.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Yosemite National Park?
The most popular times to visit Yosemite are in the summer because there are so many things to do there. Families visit Yosemite with kids since they have time off of school.
But there are fewer tourists and great greenery in the spring and fall.
Check out these articles also:
- More Photos Spots: here are the best places to take pictures in Austin, Texas.
- Activities and tours for your visit to Yosemite
- Accommodations for staying in and around Yosemite National Park (Yosemite Valley, South Entrance, North Gateway)
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