Amazing Mist Trail and Vernal Falls
Mist Trail is moderate to strenuous with amazing views of the Vernal Falls. You can continue further if you wish to Nevada Falls and either come back again on the Mist Trail (shorter but difficult) or John Muir Trail (longer and less painful on the knees).
Iconic Rock
You get the majestic view of the rock as you enter the park from the Southside Drive. Good view of the rock from El Capitan Picnic area and the Meadow. From the El Capitan Bridge you can also get beautiful pictures of the cathedral rock.
Another Must See View
Another viewpoint just off of the road. View is almost similar to Tunnel view except that you don’t see Half Dome from here but instead you will see the Merced River. Sunset and Sunrise are good times for capturing photos. You will be looking into sunrise, depending on the conditions it will add nice colorful backdrop to the view. At sunset, sunlight hits the mountain peaks and they will be lit.
Short Trail, Amazing Views
Another sunset point in Yosemite. The trail is short, but amazing views of the valley, Yosemite Falls and El Capitan. While many people try to take pictures standing on the cliff, it could be very dangerous as there are no rails and it could get windy causing a fatal drop. So be careful.
Popular Viewpoint
Glacier Point is one of the popular viewpoints in Yosemite. The up-close views of Half Dome and panoramic valley views are just amazing. Sunset is a popular time as sun will be hitting the Half Dome directly and making it lit. You will be looking directly into sun at sunrise. However, when there are clouds near horizon, they could add colorful backdrop to the Half Dome.
Must See
Lower and Upper falls have different trailheads. Lower Falls is easy, where as upper falls is strenuous and difficult. But from the top you get the panoramic views of the valley.
Amazing Mist Trail and Vernal Falls
Mist Trail is moderate to strenuous with amazing views of the Vernal Falls. You can continue further if you wish to Nevada Falls and either come back again on the Mist Trail (shorter but difficult) or John Muir Trail (longer and less painful on the knees).
Iconic Rock
You get the majestic view of the rock as you enter the park from the Southside Drive. Good view of the rock from El Capitan Picnic area and the Meadow. From the El Capitan Bridge you can also get beautiful pictures of the cathedral rock.
Beach like Picnic Area
It is not only a good picture spot with views of Yosemite Falls and the river, but also has a beach like picnic area. The river bed mostly dries up in fall, where it is possible to walk on it.
Another Must See View
Another viewpoint just off of the road. View is almost similar to Tunnel view except that you don’t see Half Dome from here but instead you will see the Merced River. Sunset and Sunrise are good times for capturing photos. You will be looking into sunrise, depending on the conditions it will add nice colorful backdrop to the view. At sunset, sunlight hits the mountain peaks and they will be lit.
Ansel Adams View
Iconic viewpoint with amazing panoramic views. Both sunrise and sunset are popular times. At sunset, light will be hitting the mountain peaks. AT sunrise, cloudy skies and amazing backdrop to the view.
Postcard Views
Classic photo-spot with Half Dome lit at sunset and its amazing reflection in the Merced River.
Short Trail, Amazing Views
Another sunset point in Yosemite. The trail is short, but amazing views of the valley, Yosemite Falls and El Capitan. While many people try to take pictures standing on the cliff, it could be very dangerous as there are no rails and it could get windy causing a fatal drop. So be careful.
Popular Viewpoint
Glacier Point is one of the popular viewpoints in Yosemite. The up-close views of Half Dome and panoramic valley views are just amazing. Sunset is a popular time as sun will be hitting the Half Dome directly and making it lit. You will be looking directly into sun at sunrise. However, when there are clouds near horizon, they could add colorful backdrop to the Half Dome.
Instapopular Spot
One of the popular spots on Instagram, this spot captures winding glacier point road with Half Dome popping up in the backdrop and framed by the tall trees.