9 Easy Access Yosemite Photo Spots
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The top 9 Yosemite photo spots are widely debated since every inch of this National Park is beautiful. Stunning granite cliffs and waterfalls around every corner make narrowing down places to take pictures in Yosemite quite difficult. However, there are a few tried and true locations that especially capture unique angles and iconic backdrops. As a Fresno local, Yosemite is my most frequented National Park since it is just a two-hour drive. Here are my top Yosemite photography spots that are easy to get to and that don’t require much hiking.
Yosemite Sunrise Photo Locations
It is said that views are worth the work when it comes to Yosemite’s more strenuous trails. Luckily most of the best photo spots in Yosemite don’t even require a hike. Instead of hiking through the night to catch a sunrise, just make sure you are in park by the time dawn approaches.
- Tunnel View: Tunnel View has to kick off any Yosemite photo list since it is most people’s first impression of the park. It is also the easiest of all the locations to get to since it is a parking lot directly off the main road into the valley. Make sure you get a good view of El Cap which looks pink in the morning glow.
- Glacier Point: Glacier Point is another easy spot to access since you are able to park so close to the viewpoints. Instead of driving to the valley, you will drive up to the valley rim. To get leading lines and an excellently framed shot of Half Dome, don’t miss Glacier Point Curve Viewpoint just a short walk away. **Glacier Point road access is slated to be closed in 2021.**
Yosemite Sunset Photo Locations
I have never regretted staying out for a Yosemite sunset. The granite cliffs take on completely new hues as they reflect the setting sky. Sometimes the glow gets so intense it looks as though the entire park is ablaze.
- Firefall: You can’t talk about the best Yosemite photography spots without including the rare phenomenon known as Firefall. I have yet to get that bucket shot of Horsetail Fall transforming into a glowing cascade of lava. But if you are lucky enough to be in Yosemite when the conditions are right during the slim two-week window in February, you must check it out. Plus, most of the best viewpoints are right on the valley floor.
- Taft Point: Taft does require a short walk to access, but the trail is very mild and easy to follow from the parking lot. In my opinion, Taft is one of the most breathtaking spots in all of Yosemite. Be sure to bring a headlamp or flashlight as it gets dark heading back to the parking area after the sun goes down.
- Sentinel Dome: Sentinel Dome is the most difficult spot to get to on this list, although it is still a relatively short and easy hike. 360-degree views of Yosemite make it more than worth the occasionally rocky path and a short climb up the dome. Sentinel is one you will absolutely need a headlamp for, especially heading back to the parking lot as the sun goes down.
Read Next: The Top Things to do in Fresno
East View West View
Yosemite Valley Photo Spots
Honestly, any spot in the Yosemite Valley could easily be on a sunrise or sunset list. While the valley is very flat and easy to navigate it also gets the most crowded with people wandering from the nearby camps and lodges.
- Yosemite Valley Chapel: If you are looking for a subject to contrast with the vast wilderness, this iconic little church is the place to go. Plus the chapel is the oldest structure in the entire valley.
- Cook’s Meadow Boardwalk: There are several little boardwalks on different trails throughout the valley. Cook’s Meadow is the most popular because Upper Yosemite Falls provides a stunning backdrop for it. If you do head to the boardwalk be sure to stay on the path. The boards are actually put in place to protect the vegetation surrounding it.
- Sentinel Drive Bridge: One of the most iconic shots of Half Dome is actually taken from the top of a bridge just a few steps from the Sentinel Bride parking area. Most of the time, Half Dome is perfectly reflected in the shallow Merced River below.
Summer Fall
- Cathedral Beach: Depending on the water level and time of year, Cathedral Beach is a great spot to capture El Capitan or simply capture a different perspective of the valley.
Yosemite Photography Etiquette
As one of the most beautiful destinations on this planet, it’s no surprise that you will find tons of photographers in Yosemite. Instead of seeing photographers as a nuisance, I enjoy seeing people pull out their cameras to capture their experience. God’s Creation is stunning and it draws people to capture even just a moment of it. Most photographers, especially ones who frequent Yosemite, are more than willing to form a line and take turns getting “the shot.” Don’t be the person who hogs a popular spot or who refuses to move as if getting there first gives you some sort of squatter’s rights. (It doesn’t.) And if you would rather avoid crowds altogether, you’ll want to try these spots outside of sunrise and sunset hours.
For even more pictures check out my Instagram. And if you ever have a question you can always DM me @cassiescompass or drop it in the comments below. Let me know if you have any other favorite Yosemite photo spots to add!
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