Yosemite National Park is one of the most recognizable and jaw-dropping national parks in America! If you’re hoping to get epic photographs of the majestic mountains and waterfalls that make Yosemite so famous, we are here to share our favorite Yosemite Valley views for first-time visitors.
Podcast Episode Overview
Let’s talk about a national park that we know many of you are visiting this summer — Yosemite! Today, on the Exploring the National Parks Podcast, we’re sharing the most iconic Yosemite Valley views.
Few places in the world are as picturesque as this national park, and we are excited to talk about the must-see spots you won’t want to miss on your next visit!
In this episode, we discuss:
- The most iconic place to take a photo of Yosemite Valley
- The most popular viewpoint in Yosemite
- Ash’s favorite Yosemite Valley view
- The best 360-degree experience in Yosemite Valley
- The most fun and unique way to see the beautiful valley
We hope you enjoy hearing about our favorite Yosemite Valley views. If you can get to all five on your next visit to Yosemite, you’ll have some amazing photos to remember your trip by!
Need help planning your perfect trip to Yosemite? Check out our Yosemite National Park itinerary!
Listen to the Full Podcast Episode:
5 Iconic Yosemite Valley Views
1. The Classic View: Tunnel View
Tunnel View on the west side of Yosemite Valley on Wawona Road is the most iconic view of Yosemite Valley. You’ll see the best views on the east end of the Wawona Tunnel before you go through the tunnel itself. There are parking lots on the east end of the Wawona Tunnel, where you can stop and take in the incredible views.
To the left, you’ll see El Capitan, the massive granite monolith and one of the most defining geological features of Yosemite. To the right, you’ll see Bridalveil Fall pouring over granite cliffs. Farther back, you can see Half Dome peeking out. Dense forests blanket the valley between these awesome formations, with the Merced River winding back and forth throughout the valley.
Tunnel View captures the heart and spirit of Yosemite, all from an easily accessible viewing area right off the Tunnel View parking area. That’s why it’s one of our favorite spots to stop for the most spectacular views any time we visit Yosemite.
2. The Most Popular View: Glacier Point
If you can manage to get a spot in the parking lot, Glacier Point is one of the best viewpoints in Yosemite. It has the best view of Half Dome, Lower Yosemite Falls, and Upper Yosemite Falls. Glacier Point is located at the end of Glacier Point Road.
At Glacier Point, you are in Yosemite’s high country, about 3,200 feet above the valley floor.
Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in Yosemite and one of the tallest in the world. It’s made up of three separate falls: the Upper Fall (1,430 feet), the Middle Cascades (675 feet), and the Lower Fall (320 feet). Watching the water cascade down granite toward the valley floor is one of the most incredible national park experiences we’ve ever had.
The best time of year to see Yosemite Falls is in the spring, from April through June.
The Sentinel Dome Trail is also located along the Glacier Point Road. This is a fabulous family-friendly hike with similar views as Glacier Point. We like to hike this trail because Sentinel Dome offers a little more adventure and solitude than Glacier Point.
Washburn Point is also located along Glacier Point Road. From here, you can get fantastic views of Nevada Fall and Vernal Fall, but you won’t have as good of views of the valley floor.
3. Ash’s Favorite View: Valley View
As you drive on the one-way road out of Yosemite Valley and past the El Capitan Picnic Area, there is an easy-to-miss viewpoint on the side of the road called Valley View.
Valley View captures the power of the glaciers that carved out the valley’s floor, but many people miss this view because it’s not very well marked!
At Valley View, you’re surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of the granite peaks and serene meadows, with the Merced River running right in front of you. Even better, this is one of the quietest viewpoints in Yosemite Valley!
4. The Best 360 Views: Cook’s Meadow
Look no further than Cook’s Meadow in the valley for the best 360-degree views of the granite rock faces without having to go to the park’s higher elevations.
The short hike through Cook’s Meadow is very popular, partly because it’s in the busiest part of the park near Yosemite Village, Yosemite Exploration Center (formerly the Valley Visitor Center), Yosemite Valley Lodge, and Curry Village. We love this trail because it’s a quick and easy way to enjoy Yosemite Valley and the beautiful boardwalk views of Upper Yosemite Fall!
Extending your hike beyond Cook’s Meadow to include Sentinel Meadow will take you to a quieter area where you can enjoy 360-degree views of Yosemite Valley.
The Cook’s Meadow Loop will take you across Sentinel Bridge, which is a great place to get a photo of Half Dome in the background!
5. The Most Fun Yosemite Valley View: Float the Merced River
Floating the Merced River is a unique way to see the natural wonders of Yosemite and have a great time!
Curry Village has rafts available for rent, or you can bring your own gear.
We were amazed at how different Yosemite Valley feels as you view it from the Merced River. The river separates you from the busy parts of the park without having to hike or drive. Being on the water obscures the human-made infrastructure, giving you that natural feeling you might otherwise miss in Yosemite.
Floating the Merced River is also a great way to cool off if you visit the park in the summer!
There’s so much to see and experience in Yosemite! We hope you get a chance to see these five iconic Yosemite Valley views for yourself!
Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! If you have been to Yosemite, what is your favorite Yosemite Valley view? Bonus points if you share photos! Head over to our Facebook or Instagram page and let us know!
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Yosemite National Park
- Tunnel View
- Glacier Point
- Waterfalls in Yosemite
- Valley View
- Cook’s Meadow
- Cook’s Meadow and Sentinel Meadow Loop
- Curry Village Raft Rentals
Are you hoping to visit all of the national parks? Sign up for your FREE NATIONAL PARKS CHECKLIST so you can easily see where you’ve been and where you still need to go!
Don’t Miss the Next Episode of the Exploring the National Parks Podcast
Join in the fun weekly! We are always sharing new stories and fun facts about the incredible national parks. Please subscribe on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
and more
If you enjoy the podcast, we would be so grateful if you could leave us a rating or review wherever you listen to the podcast!
Connect with Ash and John
YouTube
Instagram
Facebook
Pinterest
Looking for more podcast episodes? Click here to browse all episodes of the Exploring the National Parks podcast.
Leave a Reply