The 25 Best Views in Yosemite – Awesome Instagram Spots in Yosemite

There are a lot of gorgeous places in the world, but Yosemite National Park may be one of the most beautiful.  There are epic views in Yosemite everywhere you look, but there are some extra special places, that are over the top.  Whether you think of them as the best photo spots in Yosemite, the coolest Instagram spots in Yosemite, or the artist’s points in Yosemite, they are the places you must see, and in some cases, the places you want to be seen in.  

Some day you will probably visit Yosemite, and when you do, we don’t want you to miss any of these hot Yosemite photo spots. So, we have put together this list of our choices of the best views of Yosemite to help you plan a California weekend trip that will leave you with tons of stunning photos to look back on, and show off.  We made a point of staying off the mountain summits and out of the backwoods so that almost anyone could get to most of our picks. You’ll love you accessible these Instagram spots in Yosemite are! If you have not been to this monumental National Park, we hope our list will inspire you to start planning that first trip to Yosemite soon.  

Not only is Yosemite beautiful, there are loads of things to do. Whether you can spend a week, or only a day in Yosemite, you will not be disappointed.   Several of these Yosemite photo spots can fit into any itinerary.  You can see them all in four well planned days, and even see 6 or 7 in a day trip to Yosemite.  In both cases there will still be plenty of time for hiking, rafting, ranger programs, and all of the other must do park activities!

What can you expect to find on our list?

So what are you waiting for?  Check out the views and start planning that trip!  

At the end of the story, we will give you a map so you can find all of the best Instagram spots in Yosemite.  You will be racking up the followers on Instagram and Snap Chat! And if you really don’t want to do the planning, or the driving, we have thrown in a few guided tours you might like along the way.

Our 25 Best Photo Spots in Yosemite

Arch Rock

I absolutely love the Arch Rock, and think it is incredible on a small scale.  The entrance station on El Portal Road is named for the Arch Rock, and this huge boulder formation located just inside the park.  Driving through these rocks is almost as dramatic as driving through one of the Redwoods. The first time I was completely wowed, and I knew the park was going to be something special.   There is no immediate parking area, so it is necessary to park at the restrooms near the entrance, and walk a few meters along the road to get a photo.  Be cautious, as this is a very busy entrance. You will want to come back in the early evening when few people are entering the park, and the waning sun angles through the arch a bit. Whether coming through in the car, or on foot, I think the Arch Rock is one of the coolest Instagram spots in Yosemite.   

Big Oak Flat Road View Point

A simple pull out along the road, the Big Oak Flat View Point gives an unusual look into the Yosemite Valley.  The stone cliffs don’t tower as high, and the peaks are largely covered in pines, with little granite jutting out. In fact the only named formation that can be seen from this location is the Cathedral Peaks with Bridal Veil Falls at the far end of the view.  Those who look closely will find other interesting elements though, such as the Merced River winding through far below, and those with good eyesight can see cars entering and leaving on El Portal Road.  It isn’t as spectacular as some other locations, but it is beautiful enough to call it a great Yosemite photo spot.  

Bridal Veil Falls Trail

Bridal Veil Falls has its own parking lot at the foot of Wawona road, so people often stop on their return from Tunnel View.  There are quite a few stalls, so most of the time a spot can be found.  At the east end of the lot is the trailhead for the short .5 mile paved trail past the creek and to the falls viewing platform.  The viewing area provides a close-up, albeit misty, look at the huge boulders at the base, and the falls.  However, before you get to the trail, you get this glimpse through the trees from a level view, that can be seen at the end of the parking area, inviting you to come and see the falls. This is another of the super easily accessible Instagram spots in Yosemite.

Cathedral Beach Picnic Area

El Capitan is one of the two most prominent landmarks in the Yosemite Valley.  With a unique expression on every side, it is intriguing from any vantage, but perhaps it is best appreciated when it is singled out, seen unfettered by other attractions.  With a set of binoculars, or a good zoom lens, you can often see the tiny tents where the rock climbers sleep overnight, precariously hanging off the face of the cliff in the predawn hours. The Cathedral Beach Picnic Area is one of the best photo spots in Yosemite, offering this fine view of El Capitan, revealing its full majesty.   Cathedral also presents one of the few good views of the Three Brothers, the favorite formation of John Muir.

Glacier Point

One of the top attractions in Yosemite, Glacier Point is an attraction specifically because it offers one of the best views of Yosemite.  Glacier Point Road closes during the winter months, but as soon as the snow melts, one of the best Instagram spots in Yosemite is a short hike from the parking lot at the end of the 14 mile road. Most of the trail is paved and smooth making it accessible to almost all visitors. The viewing platform is broad, and offers a different view in each direction. There is a also trailside museum with displays and exhibits about the park and the glacial movement  that carved the valley.

Hanging Valley View Point

The Bridal Veil Falls are visible from many places within Yosemite, but one of the most unique perspectives is from the Hanging Valley View Point. This outstanding Yosemite photo spot is named by the information signs posted in the viewing area which explain the hanging valley phenomenon, as it is created by glacial melt and the flow of the Bridal Veil.  Located along the North Drive headed toward the park exits, most people drive on past this view point, which is a shame.  They miss this direct front view of the Bridal Veil, with the deep V formation, and the Leaning Tower jutting out to the right. The Merced River runs through here, so photos taken a bit further back gain the water in the foreground, and its reflections. The Bridal Veil often dries up later in the year, but the granite formation is still stunning.

Hetch Hetchy Reservoir

A somewhat unknown wonder in Yosemite, Hetch Hetchy is one of the least visited locations within the park.  Once a glacial valley, with granite cliffs and peaks, waterfalls, and a river flowing through it, perhaps as beautiful as the Yosemite Valley, Hetch Hetchy is now filled with water.  A century ago the Tuolumne River was dammed here, turning the valley into a reservoir to retain drinking water for San Francisco, an action that is still controversial 100 years later.  Perhaps that mishap will be corrected one day, but for now it is still worth the drive up Evergreen Road.  There are multiple waterfalls and hiking trails that lead to them, as well as wrap around the lake. The best Yosemite photo spot here is right on the dam, which affords lovely views, and gives photos an almost tropical island feeling in the summer months.  It is only a few steps from the parking area at the end of the road.

Lembert Dome

In a National Park that lies in the midst of a mountain range, there are peaks and domes all around, and the small Lembert Dome would ordinarily be just another little peak.  What makes Lembert special is its location.  In the midst of forest and meadow, it rises up seemingly out of nowhere. It almost looks like a stone Robin Hood hat, and it is quite striking.  The dome itself makes for lovely photos, but it is also possible to hike to the top for even more gorgeous views.  Although it might seem too impossible, the trail is 1.4 miles of medium difficulty.  It doesn’t seem it should be so long, but it takes a very gradual, roundabout route to the top.   A good set of hiking sticks will take a lot of stress off the knees during the descent.

Lower Falls Trail

Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall on the North American continent, plunging 2,425 feet over three tiers, It is visible from a number of places in the valley presenting a number of epic views in Yosemite, but from most locations only the upper falls is visible. There are few opportunities to see all three sections of the falls, and the full splendor of the cascade descent.  One of my favorite perspectives of Yosemite Falls is surprisingly easy to access, turning onto the promenade of the Lower Falls Trail. Suddenly all three sections of the falls can be seen, peering out between the trees.  You may have to work around the crowds to get a clear shot in this this Yosemite photo spot though. From here it is less than half a mile’s paved walk to get to the bottom, where the flow crashes into piles of huge boulders.

Mariposa, Bachelor and Three Graces

In all honesty, it is impossible to give justice to the incredible sequoia trees in photos, especially without a point of reference.  Their immensity is indescribable, and seemingly uncapturable.  This cluster of sequoia, the Bachelor and Three Graces, provides one of the better opportunities, bunched together, with the fence nearby.  If you are traveling with a friend, adding yourself to the photo will help portray the grandeur! Even if you can’t get a photo that captures the essence, you will never forget the experience.

Mariposa Grove Cabin

Deep within the Mariposa Grove, the Mariposa Grove Cabin is among the most difficult of our Yosemite photo spots to get to. It sits about 3 miles in on the Mariposa Grove Trail, at the onset of  the Guardians Trail.  The entire trail flows through rich forest, and several of the massive sequoia trees, so it is a pretty and interesting hike.  The world’s biggest trees can be breathtaking! While there will be a lot of places to take photos we think being near the cabin is one of the most lowkey but incredible Instagram spots in Yosemite. The cabin adds a perspective that a photo of only the sequoia cannot capture. Because it looks so tiny in comparison, it helps to display the magnificence of the surrounding trees.

Mirror Lake

While it is not exactly a lake, rather a calm, clear and highly reflective pool in the Tenaya Creek, Mirror Lake offers amazing photo opportunities from a variety of angles.  It is also a favorite swimming hole on very warm days, so it is best to go early in the morning, or early in the evening, so you won’t have to wait to get those shots.  As you can see, it is the calm water that makes this one of the best photo spots in Yosemite. Mirror Lake can dry up at the end of a hot summer, so if you are going just for the photos, ask at an information station before heading out.  The Mirror Lake Trail is 2.4 miles round trip from the trailhead.  

Olmstead Point

Every Yosemite entrance has a variety of attractions, but at each there is one which sort of hits the visitors, and lets them know they are about to visit a very special place.  For those entering through the Tioga Pass entrance, which is only open during the summer months, Olmstead point is that place.  A simple turnout parking lot right off the highway, anyone can enjoy Olmstead, and its unique look at Half Dome from the opposite direction.  Many people leave the viewing area to get different photos from the dome.  

Sentinel Bridge

We have spoken very little about Half Dome so far in our discussion of the best photo spots in Yosemite.  It is the singular most widely known landmark in Yosemite National Park, and we have certainly not forgotten about it.  Throughout the park you will see it off to the east, and capture it in your images from time to time.  But one of the absolute favorite places to capture Half Dome is from the Sentinel Bridge.  Photographers often line the bridge walkways to capture it at sunset, framed by the trees, reflected on the river, shining in the golden light.  Remember that afternoon light is much better here! But be aware that being one of the favorite Instagram spots in Yosemite means it may be a struggle to get the first of the line view.

Sentinel Dome

With its encompassing look down at the Yosemite Valley, Sentinel Dome offers a view that is incomparable,  a sort of reverse Tunnel View.  What is more, it also offers views over the other valley in the park,  Little Yosemite, and the Tenaya Canyon.  It is an easy assumption that this type of view is reserved for the rock climbers, but that is not the case.  The Sentinel Dome Trail is a relatively simple 2.2 out and back trail through woodlands from the trailhead on Glacier Point Road.  The only real challenge is getting to the top of the dome at the end of the trail, but if you follow the service road around to the northeast side of the dome, the incline is more gradual.   This is one of those Instagram spots in Yosemite with an unmistakable WOW factor! It is a climb you will be glad you made!

Starry Skies

High in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and far from any larger cities, most of Yosemite National Park is free from bright lights at night, laving little light pollution.  This allows the sky to be as dark as it is meant to be, and on a clear night it enables sight of thousands of twinkling stars, and the cloudlike wisps of the Milky Way.  There is rally no best place to see this epic view in Yosemite. Go to any open area you wish to enjoy the sky in a way you might have never done before. If you are not sure where to go, Cooks Meadow offers a wide open space with a boardwalk trail, but if it is a clear night, get out in any meadow, and look up!

Swinging Bridge Picnic Area

The Swinging Bridge and its picnic area provide gorgeous views in every direction.  Sentinel Rock is seen to the south, and Cathedral Rocks to the west.  However, it is one of my favorite views of Yosemite Falls, almost directly ahead.  The Swinging Bridge vantage only provides clear sight to the upper falls, but the colors make the view for me.  The contrast of the meadow, trees, granite, water and sky are very inviting, and the falls glisten in the sunlight.  This was the place I fell in love with Yosemite.

Taft Point

I am almost hesitant to mention Taft Point, as it can be a hazardous location with any irresponsible behavior.  There is an official, somewhat popular, trail leading to Taft, from the same trailhead as Sentinel Dome.  The Taft Point Trail goes left when Sentinel goes right.  It is a relatively level 2.1 out and back trail through wooded areas.  As you approach the point, be mindful of a few fissures, deep cracks in the surface of the rock.  They are big enough to fall into, and get stuck. I recommend using the official viewing area, with the “protective” railing, but most people do not.  The view from Taft Point is incredible, but it is equally rewarding to step back away and get some photos of the point itself! In my mind, it is the ultimate Instagram spot in Yosemite!

Tenaya Lake

Located high in the mountains near Tioga Pass, Tenaya Lake is another Yosemite attraction that isn’t quite as well known, and indeed it seems a world away.  A crystal clear glacial lake with a sandy beach, surrounded by granite domes, it has some incredible, but less known views.  It can get a little crowded on a hot summer day, since it is the perfect place to cool off. Bring along your bathing suits and towels to get some splash time in after making the drive, or if you have inflatable rafts you can get out on the water.  Life jackets are required for all ages on any type of kayak, raft or boat.

Tuolumne Meadows

Not all of the epic views in Yosemite are waterfalls and granite.  Tuolumne Meadows may seem to be a foreigner in Yosemite, almost out of place.  Even though it seems unlikely, in some ways it is a typical Alpine meadow, high in the mountains, as it sits over 8,500 feet above sea level. Montana may be a thousand miles away, but Tuolumne always brings Big Sky to my mind.   At first glance, it may not seem to be choice Yosemite photo spot.  But its surprising simplicity, expansive view, and burst of color begs for the camera, in any season.

Tunnel View

One of the most iconic views of the Yosemite Valley, and one which renders that “gotta go there someday” feeling from people around the world, Tunnel View is also one of the easiest to get to.  When we arrived at Yosemite on the day pictured, the Ranger recommended we go straight to Tunnel View, as the weather was perfect. It is a very popular photo spot in Yosemite, and even with overflow parking on the south side of the road, the slots are often full.   But people come and go quickly though, so usually a couple very slow circuits, or a trip through the tunnel to the turn around, will result in a free spot. Make sure to walk around and hit all the angles. By the way, there is good signal all around the valley, so you may be posting your shots from this east to access Instagram spot in Yosemite immediately.

Valley View

Another very iconic view in Yosemite, and one which is immediately recognized, Valley View is sort of the on the ground version of Tunnel View. Exactly the same landmark formations present themselves, from below. The view does not spread as far, for obvious reasons, but Valley View makes up for what it lacks in depth, with grassy meadow and flowing water in the foreground. Valley View is on the way out of the park, approaching the end of Northside Drive, at the end of the valley loop.  Because of this, many people drive right past, and never see what is definitely one of the most stunning Instagram spots in Yosemite.  Make sure to stop here before you leave, and take some farewell photos!

Vernal Falls – From the Mist Trail

Vernal Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Yosemite, with a strong flow in the spring, pouring off a flat, mineral stained rock face, into the boulders below.  As a waterfall lover, I could sit beside it for hours. But, it is the most difficult of our best photo spots in Yosemite to get to.  The Mist Trail is a popular but challenging 3.3 mile trail with over 600 steps, one way. The spectacular views hit at the bridge, and continue along the trail with you. If the Mist Trail sounds too difficult, you can get a distant look at the falls from the Vernal Falls Bridge at an easier .8 miles into the trail, or you try the gentler, but longer, John Muir Trail. While the photo depicts one of my personal favorite Instagram spots in Yosemite, the trail is often wet and slippery from this vantage, so take care!

Vernal Falls – From the John Muir Trail

Like the Mist Trail, the John Muir Trail will lead you to the top of Vernal Falls, and hundreds of miles beyond if you choose to continue.  The two trails separate just after the Vernal Falls Bridge, and John Muir takes a less dramatic switchback climb through the forest, with no steps.  The price of the easier trail is that you are surrounded by forest, so the view of the falls is circumvented through most of the trek. At the top thought, the forest opens up and offers this breathtaking look down onto the falls.  If you make the journey to Vernal Falls, be sure to check the vantage of the viewing platform right next to the water.  Standing at the bend on the John Muir trail is definitely one of the best photo spots in Yosemite, but so is the top of Vernal Falls, and it is an entirely different view. You might try coming up via John Muir, and going down via Mist to get both photo opportunities!

Other National Parks with stunning views that you might be interested in:

• Redwood National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park
• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Gateway Arch National Park

Washburn Point

To be fair, the view from Washburn Point is very similar to the view at the more popular Glacier Point. Glacier turns a little more to the north, while Washburn turns a little more to the south, offering a more direct view into the Little Yosemite Valley. The Little Yosemite Valley is not seen from any of our other photo spots in Yosemite, and you recognize it right away by the overhead view of both Vernal and Nevada Falls, and the pointed Liberty Peak behind the Half Dome.  Similar view or not, you might as well stop since you will likely drive right past it. No hiking is necessary, as the parking area is right off of Glacier Point Road, and this epic Yosemite view can be seen from the walk around area.

How to Find these Instagram Spots in Yosemite

We don’t want you to miss the photo spots in Yosemite that you want to see, so we set up the map. It is a big park, with tons of things to do. Hopefully you will have a number of adventures! But you don’t want to head to out on a hike only to realize later that you drove right past an epic view. And as you can see, we have chosen some from all areas of the park.

Yosemite is a huge National Park, and these locations are definitely not the only epic views in Yosemite. There are dozens more, and some of the are quite exclusive, requiring a high level of skill and ability to get to, such as the top of Half Dome, Indian Rock, Wawona Point, or Cathedral Lake. We only chose three Yosemite photo spots that present a more difficult challenge. You should plan 4-7 hours to get out and back at either of the Vernal Falls sites, or the Mariposa Grove Cabin. Taft Point, Sentinel Dome, and Mirror Lake are middle of the road, taking about 2 hours to get out and back. Everywhere else will take less than 30 minutes, and many are accessible.

Our Last Thoughts on the Yosemite Photo Spots

• Don’t let the camera distract you. There are too many amazing things to do in Yosemite. When you are having fun, enjoy the fun.
• When you ARE taking photos, have fun with the photos too! There are plenty of trick picture opportunities, with tiny waterfalls in the distance.

• Take lots of shots. You will probably get something beautiful. My favorite photo I took of Half Dome, which you see below, I took waiting for the shuttle bus.
• Let your inner Ansel Adams come out. Yosemite looks fabulous in black and white!

• Don’t let the weather hamper you. Heavy rain clouds can give a surprising, but still beautiful, photo.
• Play with your presets. You might find all sorts of different looks that you love.

These photos are just a few of those I took with my best friend VerNessa on our last trip to Yosemite. We had so much fun taking them, in the good weather and the bad, and I also enjoyed editing them to try some different moods. I couldn’t stop myself from sharing them. I hope you enjoy them, at least a little bit.

I also hope that Yosemite is in your near future. If you are on a tight schedule, you’ll love our How to do a 1 Day Trip to Yosemite!

If you appreciate this free information, and find it helpful, return the favor by sharing this!

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