Every landscape photographer dreams of photographing Yosemite National Park. The granite cliffs, paradisiacal waterfalls, and lush valley have inspired some of the greatest artists of all time, and continue to do so to this day.
I visit Yosemite as often as possible, the most recent of which was made during my time as the Chief Exploration Officer for the National Park Foundation. Despite so many trips to Yosemite, I still discover new photogenic treasures each time I visit!
In this guide, I will share all the best places for photographing Yosemite that I’ve discovered over many years, as well as the best time to visit each.
Each featured photo spot will include professional tips for composing your shots, adjusting your settings, timing your visit, and general considerations.
Contents
🏞 Top 25 Best Places for Yosemite Photography
1. Tunnel View
Though the entirety of the park is picturesque, these are the best 25 photo spots in Yosemite National Park to capture that iconic Sierra beauty:
- Tunnel View: The most famous photography spot in Yosemite NP.
- Glacier Point: Incredible vistas from the highest elevation in the park.
- Valley View: Beautiful view at the base of the Merced River.
- Tioga Pass: A scenic drive with lush meadows, giant sequoias, and idyllic nature.
- Taft Point: The best westerly view in Yosemite, featuring dramatic cliffs and enough elevation for photographing sunset.
- Upper Yosemite Falls: Both Upper & Lower are beautiful must-see waterfalls, but the upper tier is the best.
- Panorama Trail: The best hike in Yosemite featuring 8-miles of unbeatable views.
- Four Mile Trail: A steep climb for incredible westerly views of the valley floor.
- Vista Point: Beautiful sunrise view of the distant Merced River and Yosemite Valley.
- Tuolumne Meadows: A subalpine meadow accented by the Tuolumne River and surrounded by the Sierra Nevada range.
- Bridalveil Fall: Another iconic waterfall that will appear in many Yosemite photos.
- Big Oak Flat Road: A winding, hair-raising drive with incredible easterly views.
- Vernal Falls: An easy hike to one of the prettiest falls in the park.
- Sentinel Bridge: Connects the south and north drive with a perfect view of Half Dome.
- Olmsted Point: An overlook with picturesque views of distant lakes and southerly views of Yosemite.
- Nevada Falls: Visible from Glacier Point, but most impressive when hiked to.
- Swinging Bridge: Walk to the river’s edge in the heart of the Yosemite Valley.
- Cathedral Beach: Great view of El Capitan in front of the Merced River.
- Lower Yosemite Falls: A short hike to an impressive waterfall.
- Southside Drive Boardwalk: This meandering boardwalk provides a stroll through the Yosemite valley meadow with views of waterfalls and, often, wildlife.
- Illilouette Falls: A large hidden waterfall on the Panorama Trail.
- Hetch Hetchy: Open seasonally, this sister-region of Yosemite is often missed but highly photogenic.
- Washburn Point: An incredible overlook at the top of Glacier Point Road.
- Tuolumne Grove: Moderate hike to an incredible giant sequoia grove.
- Tenaya Lake: Unspoiled alpine lake along the Tioga Pass.
Throughout the remainder of this Yosemite photography guide, I will teach you everything you need to know about each of these spots.
You will also discover the best locations to photograph sunrise, sunset, night sky, and wildlife in Yosemite.
🎞 What to Photograph in Yosemite
Whenever I explore the national parks, my goal is to capture the “essence” of the place in a frame.
The question, then, is what makes the place so uniquely beautiful? How does it feel to be there?
Yosemite Valley is one of the most famous landmarks in California and this section showcases the iconic subjects and features you will want to photograph within the valley.
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El Capitan
The large, stark granite rock face that will appear in most of your frames is known as El Capitan.
Whether you actually intend to include “El Cap” or not, it is such a prominent feature that you will often find it looming in the background.
The night photo that I took above features El Capitan bathing in moonlight. As will be discussed more throughout this guide, I enjoyed photographing the Yosemite Valley more at night than at any other time.
Half Dome
Another iconic rock formation that will surely find its way into your images is Half Dome.
The unique shape of Half Dome makes it a favorite subject for any landscape photographer visiting Yosemite.
Whether you actively choose to feature it or leave it as a background interest, there is something captivating about its shape and the light it collects.
Merced River
The Yosemite Valley loop road is divided down the middle by the Merced River, which runs throughout most of the park.
It is rarely going to be the actual subject of your photos, but I love including it to create foreground interest.
Imagine the photo above without the Merced River… pretty boring, right? But the hooked tree, light snow, and soft water all create a stronger visual journey for the viewer.
This is what landscape photography is all about!
Waterfalls
I genuinely have no idea how many waterfalls exist in Yosemite National Park, but there are a few extremely prominent ones.
Most of the major waterfalls are easily accessed via short trails if you want to photograph them from the base. However, my favorite Yosemite photographs tend to include the waterfalls within the context of the granite cliffs and valley.
There are exceptions, but I find most waterfalls start to feel the same from close up.
Further down in this guide, I will discuss each waterfall individually.
Granite Cliffs
What makes Yosemite a landscape photographer’s paradise is the granite mountains of the Sierras.
There is something indescribably magical about their shapes and textures and how they collect light. It is something only a photo can convey!
When it comes to capturing the essence of Yosemite through your photography, you will want to key in on the unique beauty that these granite monuments create.
Wildlife
When it comes to Yosemite photography, few things excite visitors as much as the opportunities to encounter wildlife!
The valley is usually teeming with wildlife. Of course, some animals are more exciting for visitors than others.
If you are lucky, you may encounter bald eagles, coyotes, foxes, or black bears… and you will almost definitely see deer!
I captured the coyote photo above from the open meadow near the Swinging Bridge parking area in the early morning. This is the best time to snap a shot of them as they are likely to be out hunting mice.
The Yosemite Valley
As mentioned, this Yosemite photography guide is primarily focused on the valley.
In addition to keying in on some of the many features that make the park so beautiful, I recommend trying some wide-angle shots to capture its essence with context.
There are a few viewpoints that are particularly well-suited for this purpose. Tunnel View (featured above) is easily the most iconic. And for very good reason, I might add!
🌅 Yosemite Sunrise Photography
I have also written an extensive guide to the best locations for sunrise at Yosemite including photography tips. However, you will find my three favorite destinations below.
Please remember that a valley is, by definition, nestled amongst mountains. You are unlikely actually to see the sun cross the horizon from most places, and seasonality plays a huge role in this.
Still, you don’t need direct views of the sun for your camera to record something for the trophy wall! Instead, focus on photographing the morning fog and atmosphere, and hope for some sky interest!
Tunnel View Sunrise
I’ve touched on Tunnel View already. This is the most iconic view of Yosemite National Park.
Not only is it a naturally perfect composition that includes Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Valley all in one frame, but it requires no hike or effort at all.
While I usually prefer at least some hike to thin out crowds, I will make an exception for sunrises as it means you can get a little extra sleep.
During the late spring, the sun will actually rise directly in line with the rest of this frame. Most of the year, however, the light will be coming in angularly.
Still, you get plenty of interesting side lighting and sky drama, and it’s tough to beat this scene.
The one thing to note about photographing sunrise here is that the parking lot becomes an absolute zoo very quickly. Many photographers will actually set their tripods up hours early, then hide in their car and catch a few extra winks.
Whether you feel comfortable with that or not, I suggest arriving at least 45 minutes before sunrise to ensure you get a good spot.
Valley View Sunrise
The bad thing about photographing sunrise at Yosemite Valley View is that the sun will be completely blocked for hours. The good thing is pretty much everything else!
The scene doesn’t need the actual sunrise light to be stunning. What you will mostly be looking for in a sunrise shoot is the low fog that is prevalent much of the year, and hopefully, a bit of sky interest with some high clouds to catch the color.
This is the second-most popular spot in Yosemite to photograph sunrise, so you will want to arrive early here as well. Parking is extremely limited!
Glacier Point Sunrise
When the road is open, Glacier Point provides a view of sunrise behind Half Dome that is hard to beat and is my personal favorite.
Of course, getting all the way to the viewpoint so early for photographing a Yosemite National Park sunrise requires dedication.
For those photographers who make the trip, the reward is well worth it.
Keep in mind that Glacier Point Road is typically closed in the winter from around November to May, so be sure to check for seasonal road closures on the NPS website.
Hwy 120: Vista Point Overlook
If you want to get that first light as it kisses the mountains, you will need to get out of the valley. The fastest way up is via Hwy 120.
Just a short drive up Hwy 120 are two tunnels. In between them are some small pull-outs that provide a perfect view of the Merced River snaking between granite walls.
This composition does not include as many of the iconic monuments and features, but I feel it still strongly captures the essence of Yosemite National Park.
In particular, I love that first light beam highlighting the mountainside. I also love the leading line that the Merced River provides to the distant Bridalveil Fall.
🌄 Yosemite Sunset Photography
There are very few vantage points where the sunset will be visible in Yosemite.
While the same obstacles of being in a valley must be considered at sunset as well, there are a few lookouts that go from beautiful in the daytime to spectacular at sunset.
Taft Point
The best place for photographing a Yosemite sunset is Taft Point. From here, impressive cliffs overlook the valley floor below and it is one of the few places where you can almost see the sun cross below the horizon… almost.
Taft Point is located along Glacier Point Road so it is only open seasonally. In addition, it requires about a one-mile hike.
Yosemite Valley View Sunset
Look familiar? As popular as it is for sunrise, Valley View is even more heralded for sunset.
The light on El Capitan and the color you can get in the sky and water further enhance an already spectacular scene.
Once again, be sure to get a spot early as parking is very limited. I also recommend bringing a polarizing filter and/or a neutral density filter to drag the shutter a bit and get that nice soft water and reflection.
While the long exposure look can be a bit overdone, I strongly feel that it provides a much more emotive dynamic in this particular scene.
Four Mile Trail at Sunset
Don’t worry, you don’t actually have to hike all four miles of the Four Mile trail to enjoy a spectacular sunset view!
Somewhere within the first mile, you will already discover at least one clear view similar to the one photographed above. However, I hiked in total about 1.5 miles to capture this scene.
In the winter, the trail closes just beyond this point due to very dangerous conditions, but it is open during the warmer months.
This is easily my favorite location for Yosemite sunset photography. Not only do you get a full panoramic view of the Yosemite Valley, but the sun will set perfectly in line with the scene. The lighting it creates while descending can be absolutely brilliant.
Make sure you bring a flashlight of some kind (I recommend a headlamp to keep your hands free) as you will likely be descending in the dark following your shoot!
Sentinel Bridge
Depending on the cloud action, I personally find the view of Half Dome from Sentinel Bridge worth considering for your sunset shoot.
The open face of Half Dome can get some amazing light and if there are clouds to collect it as well, the scene can really pop.
As you may notice from the photos in this section, I had very clear nights without enough sky interest to bother shooting the scene at sunset.
On clear evenings like these, I recommend shooting sunset in one of the other favored locations, then going straight to the Sentinel Bridge for blue hour and maybe even some astrophotography.
The photo below shows the fading light that Half Dome collects and gives some idea of why it can be special for sunset as well if conditions align.
🎆 Yosemite Night Photography
Astrophotographers, particularly those based in California, will rejoice at how dark the night skies of Yosemite are!
The crowds, noise, and bustle of the day can certainly detract from the natural experience, but all that goes away at night. This is why I found moonlit nights to be the best time for Yosemite photography.
You have undoubtedly noticed many night images throughout this guide already; this is because I would stay up after the crowds had left each night and drive around Yosemite Valley under moonlight, collecting photos that I felt better captured the magic of the park.
🌙 Yosemite Moonlight Photography
Astrophotography is typically done when the moon is not present. However, I found the best nights to photograph Yosemite were those with a 20-50% moon.
If it gets much brighter than this, you will lose the stars and your foregrounds will look like daytime. If there is no moon at all, it is difficult to get the right exposure for your scene.
What you will discover on your first night exploring Yosemite by moonlight is that every natural feature just looks more magical under the stars. El Capitan, Half Dome, Tunnel View, waterfalls, they all just sparkle a bit extra.
If you are interested in doing some lunar light photography during your next visit to Yosemite, you will find a handful of compositions to consider in this guide. None of those that I recommend require hiking or detours from the main Yosemite Valley loop road.
If you happen to visit during a full moon, be sure to hike to Upper Yosemite Falls to witness a “moonbow”!
🌌 Yosemite Milky Way Photography
I have to open by saying my visits to Yosemite thus far have either been on ticking clocks or in the winter, so I have not had the chance to explore many of the views that require significant hiking.
Obviously, being so low in elevation will mean that the Milky Way core is blocked from anywhere on the Yosemite Valley floor. If you want to include the galactic center in your photos, you will have to find somewhere higher up.
In the winter months when most of those options are closed, the only area I found to capture Milky Way photography in Yosemite was from the “Half Dome View” pullout.
The composition is limited and not the most spectacular I have found, but it is certainly strong enough. You do get a beautiful view of the entire Milky Way stretching across the sky.
If you look closely, you can even see Half Dome very small on the horizon!
💦 Yosemite Waterfall Photography
Waterfalls will appear in the backdrop and scenery of most of your photos already. However, all of the major ones are easily accessible if you want to throw on a neutral density filter (and maybe a poncho) and get a closer look.
If you are just getting into photography or don’t live in a place where you see many waterfalls, these may be the most exciting features of all to you.
Firefall aka Horsetail Fall
It felt incomplete to write a Yosemite photography guide that didn’t include the legendary natural event known as Firefall. However, this occurs only during a small window in February, so you will have to plan carefully if you wish to capture it.
Fortunately, I was able to finally cross it off my photography bucket list. After spending a week in 2021 photographing and researching the event, I created this comprehensive first-time visitor guide to Yosemite Firefall.
If you are not able to get to the park during this time, you will likely not even see Horsetail Falls.
It tends to be such a light flow that it is almost invisible or completely dry most of the year, though spring visitors may get lucky.
Some advanced planning will be required as reservations are required over certain weekends in February due to this natural phenomenon.
🔥 DISCOVER EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW:
ULTIMATE GUIDE TO YOSEMITE FIREFALL
Bridalveil Falls
The first waterfall you will see regardless of how you arrive in Yosemite Valley is Bridalveil Falls. It is a standout feature in many of the compositions we have discussed already, such as Tunnel View, Valley View, and the entire North River Road.
You can quickly and easily hike to Bridalveil Falls as it is only a half-mile roundtrip. When the wind is strong and the water level is low, you may discover it doesn’t even touch the ground!
Vernal Falls & Nevada Falls
The Nevada Falls hike begins at the Happy Isles parking areas and is about 5 miles roundtrip, but it is a very steep climb.
If you are someone who is passionate about waterfall photography, by all means, plan some time for this thunderous cascade.
If your interest is more passive, at least consider a trip to Vernal Falls on the same trail. It is only a 1.4-mile hike roundtrip!
What I enjoy photographically about Vernal Falls is the striped rock wall that it spills over. The naturally-occurring pattern is something to behold.
Upper & Lower Yosemite Falls
You will see Upper Yosemite Falls from much of the Loop Road. Like Bridalveil, most of my photos featured the waterfall itself from a distance. I liked how it looked as part of a frame, rather than filling it.
With that said, the hike to Lower Yosemite Falls is so short that you may as well go for a visit. I made a moonlight visit and preferred it at night… no surprise there!
Upper Yosemite Falls is a bit more of an effort, but can be very special on a bright moon.
This is one of the few places where you can photograph a “moonbow,” where the spray picks up the lunar light and forms a rainbow at night!
Illilouette Falls
One of the most beautiful and least-known waterfalls is Illilouette Falls. You can only reach this waterfall in the warmer months after Glacier Point Road has reopened.
To find this photogenic cascade, you will need to walk about 2 miles down the Panorama Trail which begins near Glacier Point.
While you can hike to the falls, I prefer the view looking across the ravine with Half Dome in the background.
❄️ Yosemite Photography Seasonal Factors
There are many seasonal factors to consider if planning a visit to Yosemite with photography in mind. For starters, much of the park is closed for half the year!
Each season brings about unique opportunities and challenges for photographers.
I personally favor the months of February, May, and October for reasons I will explain, but your camera will be firing constantly at any time of year!
Winter Photography in Yosemite
I love photographing Yosemite in the winter, particularly in February. While most of the park is closed, the roads and trails in the Yosemite Valley are usually fine.
Most photographers find that the fresh snow adds an exciting visual element to the scenery.
I like February in particular because this is when the incredible Yosemite Firefall phenomenon occurs, and also when the park limits the number of daily visitors! That is a huge bonus for most nature lovers!
I recommend checking the NPS website prior to visiting for information on seasonal road closures. These include Tioga Pass and Glacier Point Road which typically close from November to May.
Opportunities: Fresh snow dustings, atmospheric low fog in the morning, flowing waterfalls, vibrant sky color, and Firefalls.
Challenges: Most of the park is closed, some trail closures as well, roads can get treacherous following storms.
🌈 Spring Photography in Yosemite
Many consider spring to be the best season to visit Yosemite. The wildflowers are in bloom, wildlife is active, the waterfalls are gushing, and the roads and trails begin to open.
No doubt, the opportunities for photography increase, but with them, so do the crowds!
The reason I mentioned May as one of my favorite months is that the Tioga Pass road tends to open around this time, as do numerous trails. This is a stunning road to drive!
Opportunities: Wildflowers to add foreground interest, roaring waterfalls, vibrant sunsets, increased wildlife sightings and baby animals, and rainbows likely.
Challenges: Large crowds, some roads will not be open until later spring.
☀️ Summer Photography in Yosemite
To be honest, summer is generally my least favorite to photograph most places, unless I am there for Milky Way photography.
However, since everything will be open by the summer months in Yosemite, at least the crowds are better dispersed!
The good thing about a summer visit is that Glacier Point Road and the Tioga Pass will be open, which are two of the prettiest regions of Yosemite to photograph.
The other good thing about photographing Yosemite in summer is that you have nice long days that can be used to take on some lengthy hikes that provide unique views of the park.
Opportunities: Best possible access, Milky Way opportunities open up, long days for exploration.
Challenges: Crowds, heat, long days means less sleep if photographing sunrise and sunset.
🍂 Fall Photography in Yosemite
Is there any place that doesn’t look better in the colors of autumn? Yosemite is no exception.
While much of the park will remain in shades of green, there are enough deciduous trees to pick up some vibrant hues and autumn feels.
You will find most of them in the central meadow. Use these to provide that extra pop of color to your photos!
October was listed as one of my favorite months to visit as this is when you get the best color and school is back in, meaning the crowds thin out (slightly).
Opportunities: Everything is open, temperatures cool, colorful trees.
Challenges: Waterfalls are drying up.
📷 Camera Gear for Photographing Yosemite National Park
Disclosure: At no cost to you, we receive a small amount for any purchases made using the links below.
While it is possible to capture some great photos nowadays with smartphones, for the best possible photos of Yosemite I recommend considering a few key pieces of photography gear:
- Camera: We use the Sony a7riii and love it! However, beginners may wish to consider anentry level DSLR.
- Lens: The lens we use most frequently is the Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS as the zoom lens allows for the most diversity.
- Tripod: A tripod is essential if you are shooting in low light, at night or for any other long exposure photography. When traveling, we use the Manfrotto Be Free as it’s lightweight and easy to carry on longer hikes. For times when we require something more stable, we use the Artcise Carbon Fiber Tripod.
- Filters: A Circular Polarizing (CPL) filter or Neutral Density (ND) filter is very useful for allowing slower shutter speeds and for cutting glare on reflective surfaces, helping to bring out the colors. The best CPL and ND filters we found are the Polar Pro Quartz Line.
Check out our post ontravel photography camera gearto see everything I used to take the photos in this post.
🚌 Yosemite Photography Tours & Lessons
At no cost to you, we receive a small amount for any bookings made using the links below.
I recommend driving to allow you to get to Yosemite early enough to photograph sunrise, explore at your own pace, and wait for the best light for photos.
However, I appreciate that this isn’t the best option for everyone.
If you prefer to have a guide or would like to take a photography lesson in Yosemite, below are some options worth considering.
While not all these tours emphasize photography in Yosemite, your guide will know the most beautiful spots to take you to.
Each of the tours is unique, so please read the details of each one carefully to choose the one that is right for you:
- Experience Yosemite: Beginner or Advanced Photography Lesson: 5/5 ⭐
- Private Guided Hiking Tour in Yosemite: 4.5/5 ⭐
- 2-Day Yosemite National Park Tour from San Francisco: 4.5/5 ⭐
- 4-Day Sierra Nevada Tour of Yosemite and Tahoe from San Francisco: 5/5 ⭐
- 5-Day Yosemite Backpacking – Yosemite Icons: 5/5 ⭐
- 6 Day Yosemite Backpacking – The Hidden Yosemite: 5/5 ⭐
🙋♀️ FAQs About Photography in Yosemite
The following are some of the most frequently asked questions for photographers planning on photographing Yosemite National Park:
📸 What are the best YOSEMITE PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS?
1. Tunnel View
The top 25 locations for photographing Yosemite National Park are:
- Tunnel View
- Glacier Point
- Valley View
- Tioga Pass
- Taft Point
- Upper Yosemite Falls
- Panorama Trail
- Four Mile Trail
- Vista Point
- Tuolumne Meadows
- Bridalveil Fall
- Big Oak Flat Road
- Vernal Falls
- Sentinel Bridge
- Olmsted Point
- Nevada Falls
- Swinging Bridge
- Cathedral Beach
- Lower Yosemite Falls
- Southside Drive Boardwalk
- Illilouette Falls
- Hetch Hetchy
- Washburn Point
- Tuolumne Grove
- Tenaya Lake
🏞 Can you take pictures in Yosemite? Do you need a permit?
You can and should take pictures in Yosemite. No permits are required for non-commercial photoshoots.
The National Park Service requires a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) only under the following terms:
“A CUA is required if you provide any goods, activities, services, agreements, or other function for park visitors that:
- Your photoshoot takes place at least in part on lands managed by the NPS,
- use park resources, and
- result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit to you.“
📷 Who was the famous Yosemite photographer?
Ansel Adams, often referred to as “the father of landscape photography”, became famous for his Yosemite photography. You can even visit the Ansel Adams Gallery in the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center.
🌤 What is the best month to visit Yosemite for photography?
May is the best month to visit Yosemite for photographers and casual visitors alike. The waterfalls are typically at peak flow from snow melt, Glacier Point Road opens for the first time, wildflowers are in bloom, and there are fewer visitors than in the summer months.
🌅 What is the best time for photographing Yosemite?
Sunrise is the best time for photographing Yosemite National Park. There are far more viewpoints and vistas with easterly views for sunrise available than those facing west for sunset. Some of the best sunrise views include Tunnel View, Glacier Point, and Valley View.
📖 More Yosemite & California Travel Guides
The two of us work very hard to create these free travel guides to help you plan your dream vacation. If you think we’ve done a good job and would like to say thanks, please consider clicking the donate button below 🙂
Where to next?! We have numerous guides to Yosemite National Park as well as nearby destinations that may be of interest depending on your itinerary…
Other Yosemite Guides
- The Ultimate Guide to Yosemite Firefall for First Time Visitors
- One Day in Yosemite: The Perfect Day Trip Itinerary
- Sunrise at Yosemite: Top Locations and Photo Tips
- The Perfect Yosemite Itinerary for 1, 2, or 3 Day Visits
Mammoth Lakes and Nearby Destinations Guides
- June Lakes Loop Scenic Drive
- Travertine Hot Springs Guide
- Buckeye Hot Springs Guide
Northern California Guides
- The Ultimate Northern California Road Trip
- Incredible Destinations in Shasta-Trinity National Forest
- Burney Falls Ultimate Guide
💬 Final Thoughts on Yosemite Photography
The two of us work very hard to create these free travel guides to help you plan your dream vacation. If you think we’ve done a good job and would like to say thanks, please consider clicking the donate button below 🙂
It is not difficult to see why Ansel Adams devoted so much of his time to photographing Yosemite National Park. The natural beauty of the Eastern Sierras is incredible, but this region is particularly exquisite.
I hope you have found this guide inspiring and helpful in planning your own visit. If you are interested in prints or licensing any of the images you have seen, please send us an email!
You are more than welcome to share this guide with everyone you like, but please do not share any photos on social media or use them on any personal websites.
And, as always, leave me a comment if you have any questions or concerns that I can help you with! I cannot teach photography in the comments section, but I will do my best to provide clarity anywhere that it is needed.
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