Yosemite
Points of Interest
Descriptions & Photography
Valley View
At Valley View, you’re treated to one of the most iconic scenes in Yosemite National Park: the Merced River winding through the valley with El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and the towering cliffs framing the background. This stop along Northside Drive in the Yosemite Valley is an unbeatable place to catch reflections in the water and watch the sunset light dance over the granite giants. Photographers, this spot rarely disappoints—come prepared to capture a masterpiece.
Tunnel View
Tunnel View is your classic Yosemite postcard moment. Located just as you exit the Wawona Tunnel, it offers sweeping views of Yosemite Valley, with El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome standing proudly in the distance. Sunrise or sunset are prime times for the best lighting, but it’s breathtaking any time of day. This is the spot to pause, take a deep breath, and soak in why this park is world-famous.
Yosemite Valley Swinging Bridge
The Yosemite Valley Swinging Bridge gives you a perfect view of Yosemite Falls and the valley’s towering granite walls while crossing the Merced River. It’s a great place to watch the high waters flow by in spring or explore the sandy beaches in late summer and fall. Not actually swinging, a sturdy bridge was installed in the 1960s after the swinging bridge here was continually damaged by weather.
Lower Yosemite Falls
An easy, accessible loop trail takes you to the base of North America’s tallest waterfall. At Lower Yosemite Falls, feel the mist on your face as you take in the roaring power of this iconic fall, especially in spring. It’s a short walk but packs a punch, making it a must for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Sentinel Meadow
Sentinel Meadow offers a breathtaking scene of Yosemite Valley, surrounded by lush greenery and stunning mountain backdrops. This is a great spot to take an easy stroll along a picturesque boardwalk with epic views of Upper Yosemite Falls.
Cook’s Meadow
Cook’s Meadow is one of Yosemite’s most photogenic open spaces, with picture-perfect views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. In late spring, it’s lush and dotted with wildflowers, while fall brings a gorgeous palette of amber and gold. It’s also a prime wildlife viewing area—keep your eyes peeled for deer and black bear here.
Sentinel Bridge
Sentinel Bridge offers one of Yosemite’s most iconic perspectives, framing Half Dome perfectly over the Merced River. It’s a favorite for photographers, especially in the early morning when the river often provides a mirror-like reflection of Half Dome.
Yosemite Valley Chapel
The historic Yosemite Valley Chapel, built in 1879, is the park’s oldest standing building and an enchanting piece of the valley’s story. With its picturesque steeple and stunning mountain backdrop, it’s a charming, peaceful spot and a favorite for wedding photos. Take a moment to admire this little chapel’s simple beauty amid the grandeur around it.
Stoneman Meadow
Located near Curry Village, Stoneman Meadow is an open field with unparalleled views of Half Dome, North Dome, Royal Arches, and Glacier Point. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a sunset stroll along the boardwalk and look for wildlife. Deer often graze here at dawn and dusk, adding to its serene charm.
Ahwahnee Hotel
The Ahwahnee Hotel, a National Historic Landmark, is Yosemite’s crown jewel in luxury and rustic elegance. With its stone fireplaces, grand dining room, and intricate woodwork, this hotel offers a glimpse into the park’s rich history and architectural splendor. Even if you’re not staying here, stop by for a meal, a drink, or just to wander through its grand halls—it’s an experience to remember.
Ahwahnee Meadow
Directly next to the Ahwahnee Hotel, Ahwahnee Meadow provides a peaceful, grassy expanse with a picture-perfect view of Half Dome and Glacier Point. This spot is ideal for picnics, photography, or just relaxing and watching the play of light on the granite cliffs.
El Capitan Meadow
El Capitan Meadow sits at the base of Yosemite’s iconic granite monolith, El Capitan, providing one of the best spots to marvel at its towering face. This meadow is a peaceful spot where you can watch climbers tackle El Capitan’s dizzying vertical routes or simply soak in the valley’s grandeur. Bring binoculars!
Mirror Lake
The Mirror Lake Trail is an easy hike that leads to a serene, reflective seasonal lake offering incredible views of Half Dome and Mount Watkins. When water levels are high, the lake truly lives up to its name, perfectly mirroring the towering granite walls.
Yosemite Village
Yosemite Village is the hub of the valley, where you’ll find essentials like the Visitor Center, Indian Village of Ahwahnee, a museum, dining options, and the Ansel Adams Gallery. It’s a place to recharge, explore a little park history, and maybe even catch a ranger program. You’re right in the heart of Yosemite here—consider it your home base to launch all valley adventures.
Mist Trail
One of Yosemite’s most thrilling hikes, the Mist Trail leads you up steep, mist-soaked steps to Vernal Fall, and then higher to Nevada Fall. Prepare to get soaked in spring when the waterfalls are raging! The climb is tough but worth every step, rewarding you with awe-inspiring views and the exhilarating rush of Yosemite’s most famous cascades.
Vernal Fall Footbridge
A winter hike to Vernal Fall Footbridge offers a quieter, snow-dusted experience on one of Yosemite’s most beloved trails. Starting from Happy Isles, this trek winds along the Merced River, with bare trees and icy cascades creating a serene winter wonderland. Although the trail can be icy and requires sturdy footwear (ice cleats recommended), the reward is a breathtaking view of Vernal Fall and the mist-filled canyon.
Bridalveil Fall
The Bridalveil Fall Trail is a short, easy walk that leads you to the base of one of Yosemite Valley’s most iconic waterfalls. Bridalveil Fall cascades gracefully down a 620-foot cliff, creating a fine mist that drifts through the air, especially powerful in spring. Native American legend calls it “Pohono,” or “Spirit of the Puffing Wind,” which you’ll experience as you feel the cool spray at the overlook.
Glacier Point
Glacier Point offers jaw-dropping views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the High Sierra peaks beyond. Accessible by car or by the Four Mile Trail, this viewpoint sits 3,200 feet above the valley floor, giving you a sweeping perspective of Yosemite’s vastness. For sunset, it’s one of the park’s most magical spots, with colors you won’t forget.
Washburn Point
Just a short distance from Glacier Point, Washburn Point offers another unique vista of Half Dome with great views of Nevada and Vernal Falls, as well as Illilouette Falls. It’s a quieter, less-crowded viewpoint that’s perfect for panoramic photography and offers equally impressive sunset views.
Pohono Loop Trail
The Pohono Trail is one of Yosemite’s incredibly rewarding yet extremely strenuous hikes. Just one way the full Pohono Trail covers 13 miles and 3,000 feet in elevation change…however, the Pohono Loop Trail covers a short section of the full trail, combining Sentinel Dome, Roosevelt Point, and Taft Point into a 5-mile loop.
Sentinel Dome
Sentinel Dome is a relatively short easy to moderate hike that rewards you with 360-degree views of Yosemite’s most iconic landmarks. From the summit, it’s one of the rare locations where you can see Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. This dome’s bare granite makes it a photographer’s dream—come at sunset for truly unforgettable shots.
Roosevelt Point
Found along a section of the Pohono Trail on the southern rim of Yosemite Valley, Roosevelt Point is a lesser-known and lesser-visited viewpoint with magnificent views of El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, and the vast valley thousands of feet below.
Taft Point
Taft Point provides some of Yosemite’s most dramatic cliffside views, with deep drop-offs and jaw-dropping sights of El Capitan and the valley floor below. Brave souls will love the famous fissures and the vertigo-inducing viewpoints here. Sunset is a favorite time to visit, casting a warm light over the valley and creating incredible photo ops.
McGurk Meadow
McGurk Meadow Trail is a short, gentle hike leading to a beautiful wildflower-filled meadow with views of the surrounding high country. The meadow is named after Irish immigrant John McGurk, who’s small log cabin, although quite dilapidated now, is still present today. This is a great spot for a quiet retreat and wildlife viewing. It’s especially lush in spring and early summer, making it a hidden gem for peaceful exploration.
Yosemite History Center
The Yosemite History Center in Wawona brings the park’s past to life with historic buildings, exhibits, and artifacts that tell the story of Yosemite’s early days. From pioneer cabins to a covered bridge, each structure was relocated here to preserve its history. Walk through time and learn how early settlers, artists, and conservationists helped shape Yosemite as we know it today.
Chilnualna Falls
Located in Wawona, Chilnualna Falls is a series of cascading falls that reward hikers with secluded beauty away from the valley crowds. The full hike is challenging, but the lower sections offer some equally spectacular up-close views of waterfalls and tumbling cascades within minutes of the trailhead.
Wawona Swinging Bridge
Nestled in Wawona, this charming suspension bridge spans the South Fork of the Merced River, creating a perfect spot for a peaceful picnic. In summer, the water below is refreshingly cool, ideal for dipping your toes. It’s a hidden gem that lets you unwind away from Yosemite’s busier spots.
Wawona Meadow Loop
This gentle 3.5-mile loop trail circles the Wawona Meadow and historic Wawona Golf Course, offering peaceful views and a chance to spot local wildlife. It’s a great option for a relaxing, low-key hike, especially in spring & summer when wildflowers line the trail, or during Fall when the dogwood turn red. Family & dog-friendly, this walk captures Yosemite’s quieter side in a lush, scenic setting.
Wawona Hotel
The historic Wawona Hotel, dating back to 1856, offers a charming blend of Victorian elegance and rustic Yosemite charm. Nestled near the Mariposa Grove, this National Historic Landmark features wide verandas, cozy rooms, and a welcoming dining area that harks back to a bygone era. Staying here—or even just stopping by—is like stepping back in time, with the added bonus of serene mountain views and easy access to nearby trails.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
The Mariposa Grove is home to Yosemite’s oldest and largest trees, including the famous Grizzly Giant and the California Tunnel Tree. Walking among these giants is a humbling experience, and the Grove’s trails offer options for all fitness levels. This is one of Yosemite’s most ancient and awe-inspiring areas—a must-see for nature lovers.
Olmsted Point
Olmsted Point provides a sweeping vista over Tenaya Canyon with views of Half Dome—a unique perspective you won’t see from the valley. It’s one of the most dramatic stops along Tioga Road, perfect for taking in Yosemite’s rugged granite landscape. Don’t miss it on your way through the high country.
Tenaya Lake
Tenaya Lake, the largest lake in Yosemite, is a beautiful, serene alpine lake ideal for kayaking, swimming, or picnicking. Surrounded by granite peaks, it’s a refreshing spot in the summer and makes for stunning photos year-round. It’s a little slice of mountain paradise right off Tioga Road.
Lembert Dome
Lembert Dome is a moderate hike with steep sections that rewards you with panoramic views over Tuolumne Meadows and the surrounding high country. Standing atop this granite dome feels like you’re on top of the world, with endless wilderness in every direction. It’s a favorite for adventurers looking for a unique Yosemite perspective.
Pothole Dome
Located on the west side of Tuolumne Meadows, opposite of the more challenging Lembert Dome, Pothole Dome provides visitors with an opportunity to summit a Yosemite granite dome without as much exertion. It provides incredible panoramic views of Yosemite’s high country and is rarely crowded.
Tuolumne Meadows
Tuolumne Meadows is a sprawling high-elevation meadow, framed by domes and peaks, perfect for picnicking, hiking, and wildlife spotting. It’s especially beautiful in summer when wildflowers are in bloom, creating a colorful contrast against the granite backdrop.
Soda Springs
At Soda Springs, you’ll find naturally carbonated springs bubbling up in Tuolumne Meadows—a fascinating geological feature in Yosemite’s high country. Some of the springs are protected within a rustic wooden enclosure, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the area’s geology and history. It’s a quick stop along the trail that’s both educational and scenic.
Parsons Memorial Lodge
Parsons Memorial Lodge is a historic stone building nestled in Tuolumne Meadows, where conservationists and artists have gathered since the early 1900s. The lodge hosts seasonal exhibits and occasional events, connecting visitors to Yosemite’s cultural heritage. It’s a lovely spot to relax and learn more about the park’s conservation history while taking in views of the surrounding meadow.
Tioga Road
Tioga Road stretches for about 60 miles along Highway 120 across the Sierra Nevada through the northern regions of Yosemite National Park, linking US-395 at Mono Lake with Big Oak Flat Road on the west side of the park. The Tioga Pass Entrance on the east side of Yosemite marks the highest point along the drive at 9,945 feet above sea level. In fact, Tioga Pass is the highest elevation mountain highway in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and in all of California. It traverses some of the most picturesque and diverse landscapes in Yosemite, providing access to high-altitude wonders that are often inaccessible for much of the year due to snow.
Tenaya at Yosemite
Tenaya at Yosemite, also known as Tenaya Lodge, can be found right off Highway 41 just 2 miles south of Yosemite National Park’s south gate entrance in Fish Camp, CA. The property offers over 300 luxurious lodge rooms, suites, cottages, and cabins, as well as numerous dining options, luxurious spa services and countless family-friendly activities. In the addition to all the fun activities available for kids big and small, the resort is also extremely dog-friendly.
Curry Village
Curry Village is a historic lodging area offering tent cabins and a laid-back community feel right in the heart of Yosemite Valley. It’s an ideal base for families and those looking to stay close to the valley’s most iconic sites. You’ll find dining, an ice rink in winter, and quick access to trails, making it a lively hub with easy access to the park’s wonders.
