Whether you’re in Yosemite National Park for a short or a long time, losing a little bit of extra sleep to see sunrise or staying awake a little later for sunset at one of the U.S.’s most popular National Parks should be on your bucket list. There are so many places to choose from and we’re hoping this list that we’ve compiled can help you choose the perfect place to see the beauty of this grand national park.
Glacier Point
Sunrise
Glacier Point should be on everyone’s bucket list. This breathtaking location has the best view of Yosemite’s iconic Half Dome. Adding the sunrise to this already grand viewpoint makes it even more unforgettable. This area can be accessed via Glacier Point Road and a very short walk from the parking lot. It’s also possible to hike up to this viewpoint via Four-Mile Trail which begins in Yosemite Valley.
Tunnel View
Sunrise/Sunset
Most visitors come across Tunnel View as they are arriving in the Valley from the South entrance to the park. This popular viewpoint probably gets its name for the impressive view that you least expect when going in a tunnel and coming out the other end. Coming from any of the other entrances, you’ll have to drive through to Wawona Road. There are two small parking lots on either side of the road. Make sure to get there early as many photographers line up with their tripods to capture the light coming over the granite walls. This picture perfect scene includes El Capitan—popular for rock climbing as seen in the movie Free Solo—, Bridalveil Falls—one of the many incredible waterfalls seen upon entrance into the Valley—, and Yosemite’s famous Half Dome in the distance.
Taft Point
Sunset
Most popular for engagement shoots so don’t be surprised if you see a bride here or there but hardly anything will be able to distract you from this bird’s-eye view. Taft Point towers above Yosemite Falls (California’s tallest waterfall) and offers views of the valley down below including El Capitan. From this incredible height, most cars and people look like ants but be careful not to stand too close to the edge as many have fallen the 3,500 ft. fall to their deaths.
To experience an awesome sunset here, you’ll need to park at the trailhead which is a few minutes down Glacier Point Road and hike about 30 minutes to the viewpoint. The hike is easy enough that you’ll see couples hike there in their wedding gowns and tuxes for those incredible engagement photo shoots. Once you hike down the last part of the trail, you’ll be greeted with sweeping views of the Valley atop the cliffs you once looked up at.
Swinging Bridge
Sunrise/Sunset
Not as popular as the three above, but just as amazing. You’ll come across Swinging Bridge as you drive into Yosemite Valley and enter the loop. There will be a sign on the left for the parking lot and a wooden bridge not too far off. Walking along the bridge looking to your right, you’ll see one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, Yosemite Falls. During sunrise, the sun comes through the Valley and lights up the dew in the morning and during sunset, the sun gives off an orange glow across the cliffs around Yosemite Falls. This is also a good place to stop and walk around the Valley meadows for a bit.
One last thing to keep in mind is that viewpoints like Taft Point and Glacier Point are accessed through Glacier Point Road that closes due to snow build up during winter. To check road conditions you can go to https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm. The best times to enjoy sunrise and sunset would be between the months of May and November if the weather permits. Although, some do venture during mid- to end of February to see Horsetail Falls light up like a fire fall.
