The Best Photography Locations in Yosemite

Where I shoot, when to be there, and exactly how

— by Serge Ramelli

Hello fellow lovers of granite, light and the great American wilderness!

Yosemite is the cathedral of landscape photography — the valley where Ansel Adams defined the craft. Below are my favourite spots, each with a Google Maps link to the exact place I stood, the camera settings, and the time of day that makes the granite glow.

One quick tip: Yosemite is all about the light on the cliffs. Most of these spots are at their best at sunset, when alpenglow sets Half Dome and El Capitan on fire — so plan your day to be in the right place as the sun drops, and keep a tripod handy for the river reflections.

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1. Tunnel View

📍 Tunnel View (37.7156, -119.6773)

The most famous viewpoint in America, and worth every bit of the hype. From the Tunnel View overlook the whole valley opens up in one frame — El Capitan on the left, Bridalveil Fall on the right, and Half Dome floating in the centre. When the sunset clouds catch fire it is simply unforgettable; on a hazier evening the light beams rake through the valley.

Best time: Sunset. Arrive early to get a spot on the wall; stay for the afterglow.

📷 Sony A7R V · 53mm · f/7.1 · 1/8s · ISO 100

🔖 License this image — ref. YOS-01

 

📷 Sony A7R V · 57mm · f/7.1 · 1/160s · ISO 100 

🔖 License this image — ref. YOS-02

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2. Valley View (Gates of the Valley)

📍 Valley View (37.7196, -119.6662)

Down on the valley floor, Valley View puts you right at the Merced River with El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks rising on either side. A long exposure smooths the water and the river leads the eye straight into the last golden light on the cliffs.

Best time: Sunset, for warm light on El Capitan; a tripod for the river.

📷 Sony A7R V · 18mm · f/7.1 · 13s · ISO 80 (tripod)

🔖 License this image — ref. YOS-03

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3. Half Dome from Cook's Meadow

📍 Cook's Meadow (37.7459, -119.5936)

Cook's Meadow gives you Half Dome behind the famous lone oak tree that Ansel Adams made immortal. Shoot it glowing at sunset with the autumn meadow in front, or wait for a still, misty morning and go black-and-white for a tribute to the master himself.

Best time: Sunset for colour; a misty morning for moody black-and-white.

📷 Leica Q3 · 28mm · f/7.1 · 1/250s · ISO 100

🔖 License this image — ref. YOS-04 

📷 Sony A7R V · 48mm · f/5 · 1/80s · ISO 160

🔖 License this image — ref. YOS-05 

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4. Glacier Point

📍 Glacier Point (37.7286, -119.5736)

The great high overlook. From Glacier Point you stand level with Half Dome across the valley, with a windswept pine clinging to the granite as a foreground. The last light turns the face of Half Dome a glowing pink.

Best time: Sunset, when alpenglow hits Half Dome. (Check seasonal road access.)

📷 Sony A7R V · 24mm · f/6.3 · 1/60s · ISO 100 

🔖 License this image — ref. YOS-06  

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5. Half Dome Reflection (Sentinel Bridge)

📍 Sentinel Bridge (37.7449, -119.5869)

From Sentinel Bridge, the Merced River turns into a mirror for Half Dome at sunset — the classic reflection shot. Frame the glowing granite above and its perfect double in the still water below.

Best time: Sunset on a calm evening for the cleanest reflection.

📷 Sony A7R V · 37mm · f/4.5 · 1/80s · ISO 100🔖 License this image — ref. YOS-07 

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6. El Capitan & the Merced

📍 El Capitan Meadow / the Merced (37.724, -119.609)

The largest granite monolith on earth catches the very last light of the day. From the banks of the Merced near El Capitan Meadow, the golden face glows above the trees and reflects in a quiet pool of the river.

Best time: Sunset, for the golden light climbing the face of El Capitan.

📷 Sony A7R V · 31mm · f/6.3 · 1/60s · ISO 200 

🔖 License this image — ref. YOS-08  

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7. Swinging Bridge

📍 Swinging Bridge (37.7434, -119.6)

A quieter spot on the valley floor. The wooden Swinging Bridge crosses the Merced with the cliffs and Yosemite Falls catching fire behind it — and on a still evening the whole scene mirrors in the river below the bridge.

Best time: Sunset, on a calm evening for the reflection.

📷 Sony A7R V · 24mm · f/7.1 · 1/60s · ISO 100

🔖 License this image — ref. YOS-09 

 

Happy shooting! — Serge

 

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