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There are a number of locations considered to be the best viewpoints in Yosemite National Park. The park is quite massive, with so many hidden gems, and deciding where to go can be overwhelming. Especially if you are on limited time, like most.  

I would have a hard time saying any view in Yosemite is bad, but I’ve highlighted the top 10 best viewpoints and how to access them.  

In the spirit of helping out, I’ve broken this into 2 sections – viewpoints you can essentially drive to and viewpoints that require hiking.

Best Viewpoints in Yosemite – via Car 

For those that want to see a good portion of the Yosemite highlights, but have a short amount of time, then the car accessible locations will be ideal. 

I’ve compiled a list of the Top 7 viewpoints accessible by car – some you can just pull over and take in the view, others have a very short walk to get to the main attraction.

1)  Tunnel View

One of the most iconic views in Yosemite is Tunnel View. This vantage point provides a solid perspective on the geological origin of the valley and the glaciation that created this breathtaking view. 

From Tunnel View, you can see El Capitan on your left and Bridalveil Falls towering above the Valley on the right. Glacier Point is straight out in the distance, with Half Dome looming further back in the horizon.

The outlook can be accessed from Highway 41, about 24 miles north of the park’s south entrance. From Yosemite Village, it is about 8 miles away.

Tunnel View is just a short distance from the parking lot. Due to the ease of access, and the incredible sight, it does get crowded and parking is minimal.  Arrive early.

The viewpoint is a must for everyone visiting Yosemite.

2)  Yosemite Valley View

Yosemite Valley View is about as postcard worthy as it gets (are postcards still a thing?).  Like Tunnel View, you can see El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Falls.  But here you are on the valley floor, right along the Merced River, looking up at the grandeur.

The highly photographed Valley View is stunning during any season.  Spring and summer are of course the most popular times to visit. However, if you visit Yosemite in the Fall, the leaves have changed colors and the contrast with the evergreens is stunning.  Winter in Yosemite provides a unique experience. Snow capped river boulders contrasted with the often bright blue skies coupled with no crowds – it’s a little slice of heaven in my eyes. 

The parking lot is right at the viewpoint, making for easy access for almost anyone.  While a small lot, people come and go fairly quickly, so it shouldn’t be too hard to get parked. 

While in the lot, look for the flood water level sign from the 1997 Merced River Flood.  It will give you a visual of how deep the river got and why it is still referred to as the worst flood in Yosemite history. Hard to fathom. 

3)  Sentinel Meadow

While the sheer granite walls in Yosemite Valley are breathtaking, the meadows provide peaceful, easy pathways to take it all in. Sentinel Meadow is the perfect place to enjoy what the Valley has to offer.

Overall there are 2 meadows, and often there is confusion. Just remember, Sentinel Meadows is on the south side of the Merced River, with Cooks Meadow on the north side of the river.  

Access to Sentinel Meadow is via Southside Drive. Sentinel Bridge, on the southwest corner of the meadow, passes over the Merced River and frames Half Dome perfectly.

You can access this meadow via your car, and take in the views without hiking. There are some pull outs along the way, as well as a parking area at the bridge. 

If you opt for a hike, the trail is 2 miles long, flat and provides sweeping views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Falls. 

The meadow itself is full of tall grass and wildflowers, and is home to deer, bears, birds, and countless other animals. 

Always remember, Yosemite has a delicate ecosystem, and many visitors, so please stay on the trail!

4)  El Capitan Meadow

You will have views of El Capitan from many points along the way, but the best viewpoint is along Northside Drive as you are leaving the Valley.

The granite monolith that is El Capitan is one of the most famous climbing walls in the world, and from here you will understand why.

There are plenty of parking spots along the shoulder to take in this spectacular behemoth of a wall. Be sure you bring binoculars, as there are sure to be climbers either climbing or camped out on their portaledge. It makes for a fun search. 

If you have watched the documentary Free Solo, you will be a bit familiar with the different sections of this wall and the challenges for rock climbers.  If you haven’t, be sure to check it out – it will keep you on the edge of your seat and is highly recommended.

5)  Glacier Point

Another Top 10 viewpoint in Yosemite is Glacier Point. To access this 7,200 foot elevation view, drive to the very end of Glacier Point Road. 

This vantage point will give you a close up (well from a viewpoint) of Half Dome.  You will surely see all the hikers on top. 

About 30,000 years ago, glaciers carved out Yosemite Valley, giving Glacier Point its beloved name. Take some time to really soak in this majestic view.

The drive is about an hour from the Valley. At the end of Glacier Point Road, you will find a parking lot, restrooms, and easy access to the spectacular view. 

The road is closed in the winter, so be sure to add it to your list of things to do in Yosemite in the summer. 

6)  Olmstead Point

If you are looking for the best viewpoint in Yosemite off Tioga Road, Olmstead Point is the spot to go.  

The high country of Yosemite is one of my most favorite places in all of California – and I’ve been to ALOT of amazing areas – and at 8,400 feet, Olmstead Point is simply one of the best. 

More remnants of glacier activity can be found here. There are boulders all over that seem ‘out of place’, as they got pushed and left behind when a glacier moved through the area. 

The trees around this viewpoint are Western Junipers and seem to grow right out of the granite.  They look like stubborn trees, living in minimal soil, and are over 1,000 years old.  Be sure to check them out.

Olmstead Point is one of the best Yosemite sunset spots.  The unique view of Half Dome, with Clouds Rest to your east, with the sun dropping over the horizon is a sight to take in.

The parking lot, right off Tioga Road, gives direct access to this view. There is a short trail leading to a small dome where you can get a less obstructed view. If you are able, this is worth your time.

7)  Tenaya Lake

Once at Tenaya Lake, you may get a better understanding of why this section of Yosemite is my most favorite.

Tenaya Lake is situated at 8,150’ in elevation in the Yosemite high country.  This alpine lake was carved by glaciers and is surrounded by granite formations and towering peaks.  And thanks to all the granite, that lake is quite blue and clear.

If you are looking for the best spot for swimming in Yosemite, this is it. The water is not warm, but is so refreshing.

For easy access, there are spots to pull over along Tioga Road, and a parking lot at the picnic area on the far east end. 

Once at the east end picnic area, you will have easy access to the sandy beach. Plan to stay a while and enjoy the late afternoon sun. 

Best Viewpoints in Yosemite – via Hiking Trail

Now for those that want to get off the main roads and explore further into the heart of the park, then the trail accessible viewpoints are something you want to add to your list of things to do in Yosemite in the summer.  

Here are the top 3 viewpoints accessible only by trail.

8)  Taft Point

The breathtaking views from Taft Point make this one of the most popular viewpoints in Yosemite. 

Located along Glacier Point Road, this vantage point is 3,500’ feet above valley floor along the south rim.

The Taft Point trail is only about 2 miles round trip and fairly flat.  There is a parking lot for easy access to the trail.

Few words of caution – If you are afraid of heights you may want to stay back.  The Fissures along the way are large cracks in the granite with peaks of the valley floor below.  And, there mostly are no guardrails so please make wise decisions when taking photos. 

9)  Clouds Rest

If you are looking for a more challenging hike, with amazing views, Clouds Rest wins as the best viewpoint in Yosemite.

From Tenaya Lake, off Tioga Road, the hike is about 14 miles round trip, has 3,100 feet of elevation gain, and puts you on what feels like the top of the world at 9,900 feet. Not easy. 

Once at the top, you are actually looking down at Half Dome. Be sure to bring your binoculars as you will be able to see the line of hikers going up and down the backside of Half Dome. Yet you will be sitting at Clouds Rest with basically no one around.

This was actually my very first backtriping in Yosemite. I fell in love with the high country on that trip and Clouds Rest holds a special place in my heart.  

Before you go, PLEASE make sure you are ready for the challenge.  Start early, have plenty of water, and ensure you can handle the elevation.  If you check all those boxes, then definitely go!

10)  Half Dome

I saved this one for last.  Yes, Half Dome is known as the pinnacle of destinations in Yosemite.  The viewpoint from the top is amazing, and understandably so.  

Due to the iconic nature of this hike, permits are required. This is the only day hike within Yosemite that requires a permit, so please plan in advance.  Way in advance.  

The hike is about 17 miles round trip, has an elevation gain of about 4,800 feet, and is strenuous.  You will pass Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls – standalone highlights within the park – prior to arriving at the steel cables along the backside of the dome.  This hike alone causes many folks to list Yosemite as the best national park in west. 

The cables and wooden planks are removed every fall, and reinstalled every spring. There are 300 permits allocated for each day, so it will be crowded. The earlier you start, the less crowded the cable section will be.

Do not take this hike lighthearted – you must be prepared.  Tons of water, correct footwear, and willingness to be mindful and careful of others while on the cables.

Hidden Gem in Yosemite – via Hiking Trail

With so many iconic places in Yosemite, it’s easy to miss some amazing areas.  This hidden gem is close to the valley, and fairly short hike, and surprisingly not too crowded.

Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake is one of Yosemite National Park’s hidden gems.  It’s so close to the Valley, yet doesn’t get that crowded.

The trail is about 4.5 miles round trip, and fairly easy.  The best time of year at Mirror Lake is in the spring or early summer.  By late summer, especially if it was a mild winter, the water gets quite low and sometimes non existent.

I usually go in the early morning, and each time I have hiked this trail I have seen multiple bears.  They are usually minding their own business and I always feel fortunate to get a glimpse. 

Summary

Trying to decide what to see in Yosemite National Park? With so many amazing areas, I’ve narrowed down the long winded lists you will find, into a Top 10 viewpoints list.   

Where are the Best Viewpoints in Yosemite?

The Top 7 best viewpoints in Yosemite from your car are:

• Tunnel View
• Valley View
• Sentinel Meadow
• El Capitan Meadow
• Glacier Point
• Olmstead Point
• Tenaya Lake

The Top 3 best Yosemite viewpoints via a hiking trail are:

• Taft Point
• Clouds Rest
• Half Dome

I hope you get out there and take in all the beauty Yosemite has to offer.  And always remember, do not feed the bears or any wildlife.  Keep them wild!