Last summer Matt and I took our first ever trip to Yosemite National Park. It definitely blew us away. I quickly understood why it’s considered one of the most beautiful national parks in the country. Every turn felt like another postcard view, and honestly, the hardest part was deciding where to stop because there is beauty everywhere. There were so many gorgeous spots to hike, take photos and just take in the beauty. There is just something about Yosemite National Park that completely takes your breath away. From towering granite cliffs and waterfalls to giant sequoia trees and panoramic mountain views, it’s one of those places that truly feels so magical in person. If you’re planning a trip to Yosemite National Park, I wanted to share some must-see spots that made our trip so memorable. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer California road trip, these are the places I wouldn’t miss.
El Capitan
One of the most iconic landmarks in Yosemite National Park is El Capitan, the massive granite rock formation that towers over Yosemite Valley. It’s hard to fully understand the scale of it until you see it in person. We hiked over to the base of El Capitan, and it is a fun and pretty little hike. Once you get there and look up, wow. It truly is breathtaking, and honestly I even got a little dizzy just looking up at it. It was unreal.
El Capitan rises about 3,000 feet above the valley floor and is famous for attracting rock climbers from all over the world. Even if you’re not into climbing, it’s still one of the most impressive sights in Yosemite. We loved stopping to take in the views and watching climbers. It almost doesn’t look real in person because the cliffs are so massive. This is definitely one of those classic Yosemite stops you have to experience at least once.
Yosemite Meadows
Yosemite Meadow was one of my favorite peaceful spots in the park. It was one of the first spots we came to, and the contrast here of the beautiful yellow meadows against the mountains just stood out to me. We stopped here first everyday because this area felt calm, quiet and incredibly scenic. The meadow gives you beautiful open views of the surrounding mountains and is the perfect place to slow down and really take in Yosemite’s natural beauty. Depending on the season, you’ll see wildflowers, tall grasses and reflections of the mountains in the water. I t’s also a great area for easy walking, photography and even a picnic. Honestly, this was one of those places where I could have just sat for hours enjoying the view, and we did.
Glacier Point
If there is one stop you absolutely cannot miss in Yosemite National Park, it’s Glacier Point. The panoramic views from here are unreal. You can see Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, waterfalls and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains all from one overlook. It honestly felt like standing on top of the world. It’s one of those views you just have to see in person! The drive up to Glacier Point is beautiful on its own, but once you arrive, the views are completely worth it. Sunset is especially stunning here if your schedule allows. This was easily one of the most jaw-dropping viewpoints we visited during our trip, so you will want to add this one to your list.
Tunnel View
Tunnel View is probably one of the most photographed spots in Yosemite National Park, and once you see it, you’ll immediately understand why. In my opinion, this was the most breathtaking view in Yosemite that you can photograph. As soon as you come out of the tunnel, you’re greeted with the most iconic Yosemite view featuring El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome all in one frame. It’s absolutely stunning. This is one of the easiest viewpoints to access, making it perfect for families or anyone who wants incredible scenery without a long hike. There is a small pull off area here so you can just park, and you don’t even have to walk or hike to it. If it’s your first time visiting Yosemite, I highly recommend stopping here early in your trip because it really gives you that unforgettable “wow” moment.
Bridalveil Fall
Bridalveil Fall is one of Yosemite’s most famous waterfalls and an easy stop that’s worth adding to your itinerary. The waterfall drops 620 feet and is especially powerful in the spring and early summer when snowmelt is at its peak. The short walk to the viewing area is relatively easy, and you’ll probably feel the mist from the waterfall as you get closer. Matt and I actually climbed up to the top and sat below the waterfall. It was so pretty and such a cool experience. One thing to know is that depending on the time of year, the flow can vary quite a bit. But even during lower-flow seasons, it’s still incredibly beautiful. This stop is quick, scenic and perfect if you’re trying to see several highlights in one day.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Visiting the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias was honestly one of the most memorable parts of our Yosemite trip. These giant sequoia trees are massive and almost impossible to fully capture in photos. Walking among trees that are thousands of years old is such a surreal experience. The grove is home to hundreds of mature giant sequoias, including the famous Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree. There are several hiking options ranging from shorter walks to longer trails, so you can easily customize your visit based on how much time and energy you have. If you only have time for one nature-focused stop in Yosemite, this would absolutely be one of my top recommendations.
Sentinel Dome
Sentinel Dome ended up being one of our favorite hikes in Yosemite because the payoff is incredible without being overly difficult. The hike itself is fairly manageable for most people and leads to panoramic 360-degree views of Yosemite National Park. From the top, you can see:
- Half Dome
- El Capitan
- Yosemite Falls
- Glacier Point
- the surrounding mountain ranges
It’s one of the best places in Yosemite for sweeping views and photos. If you enjoy hiking but don’t necessarily want an extremely strenuous trail, Sentinel Dome is such a great option.
Half Dome
No trip to Yosemite feels complete without seeing one of the most iconic landmarks there. Even if you are not hiking all the way to the top, Half Dome is something you will spot throughout the park and it is honestly one of those views that makes you stop every single time. One of the best parts about Yosemite is how many incredible viewpoints there are to see Half Dome without needing to complete the strenuous full-day hike. Some of our favorite views were from Glacier Point, Tunnel View, and areas throughout Yosemite Valley where you can really appreciate just how massive and beautiful it is.
If you are an experienced hiker, the Half Dome hike is one of the most famous hikes in the country. The trail is extremely challenging and requires permits for the cable section near the summit, so it is definitely something you want to plan well in advance. Even if hiking Half Dome is not on your itinerary, seeing it in person is absolutely worth it. The granite dome towering over Yosemite Valley is one of those views that truly makes Yosemite National Park unforgettable.
Tips for Visiting Yosemite National Park
A few things we quickly learned during our trip:
Plan Your Trip
During certain times of the year, you will have to make a reservation to get into the park. Make sure you plan in advacnce to see if you need one and what restrictions there are.
Arrive Early
Parking fills up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons.
Bring Layers
Temperatures can change a lot throughout the day, especially in higher elevation areas.
Download Maps Ahead of Time
Cell service can be very limited throughout the park.
Pack Water and Snacks
Even shorter stops can turn into longer adventures once you start exploring.
Allow Extra Time
Everything takes longer because you’ll constantly want to stop for photos and viewpoints.
Final Thoughts on Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park completely exceeded our expectations. It’s one of those places that feels impossible to fully describe until you experience it for yourself. I knew it would be breathtaking and unique, but I definitely enjoyed it even more than I thought I would. The sheer diversity of the park is just so interesting. Between the waterfalls, granite cliffs, giant sequoias and incredible mountain views, every stop felt so different and unique. If Yosemite has been on your travel bucket list, this is your sign to finally plan the trip. It’s easily in our top 3 list of favorite National Parks. Are you planning a trip soon? What are your favorite stops?
