Yosemite National Park's Best Photo Spots

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Yosemite National Park has a rich history that dates back thousands of years, with evidence of Native American tribes inhabiting the area for at least 3,000 years. In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant, protecting the Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove, making it the first land set aside for preservation and public use. In 1890, Yosemite became the third national park in the United States, recognized for its stunning granite cliffs, majestic waterfalls, and diverse ecosystem. Check out a few of our favorite photo spots below. For a more comprehensive guide, download the Fotospot App to access our offline guides that work even when you don't have an internet connection!

Upper Yosemite Falls

Overlook Trail, Yosemite Village, CA

Saves: 197

Check-ins: 13

At a drop of 1,430 feet, Upper Yosemite Falls is easily the tallest waterfall in North America. The trail, six miles roundtrip, is heavily trafficked, being the most visited place in Yosemite. Unfortunately, to see this spectacular cascade up close you must be an experienced hiker as the trail is strenuous and difficult.

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Bachelor and Three Graces

Mariposa Grove Rd, Fish Camp, CA

Saves: 3

Check-ins: 1

The Bachelor and Three Graces are a group of four giant sequoia trees located in the Mariposa Grove of Yosemite. The Bachelor is a single giant sequoia tree that stands 230 feet tall and has a diameter of 24 feet at its base. It's named "The Bachelor" because it's the tallest tree in the grove and stands alone. The tree is estimated to be over 2,000 years old. The Three Graces are a group of three giant ...

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Fallen Monarch

Mariposa Grove Rd, Fish Camp, CA

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Check-ins: 2

The Fallen Monarch is a giant sequoia tree located along the Mariposa Grove Road in Yosemite. The tree is estimated to be over 2,000 years old and has a height of approximately 60 feet and a diameter of 30 feet. It earned its name because it fell to the ground over 100 years ago and has since been left where it fell, creating a unique landscape for visitors to explore. Despite being downed, the tree stil...

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Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Mariposa Grove Rd, Fish Camp, CA

Saves: 1

Check-ins: 2

The famous grove covers an area of approximately 3.5 square miles and contains around 500 mature giant sequoias which are some of the largest trees in the world. The largest tree in the grove is known as the Grizzly Giant and is estimated to be be between 1,800 and 2,700 years old. In addition to the Grizzly Giant, the grove also contains other notable trees such as the California Tunnel Tree which was c...

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Tunnel View

Wawona Rd, Wawona, CA

Saves: 6

Check-ins: 9

One of the most popular and picturesque spots in Yosemite National Park, Tunnel View is a scenic overlook offering up a stunning panoramic view of some of Yosemite's most iconic landmarks, including El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. The viewpoint is named after the Wawona Tunnel, a 4,233-foot tunnel that carries traffic through the mountainside and into Yosemite Valley.

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Bridalveil Fall Viewpoint

Bridalveil Falls Trail, Yosemite ...

Bridalveil Falls Trail, Yosemite Valley, CA

Saves: 5

Check-ins: 8

The Bridalveil Fall Viewpoint is a popular attraction offering up stunning views of Bridalveil Fall, a 620-foot waterfall that cascades down from a granite cliff into a pool below. The viewpoint is easily accessible from the parking lot via a short, paved trail, making it a popular spot for visitors of all ages and abilities. The trail to the viewpoint is less than a quarter of a mile long and is mostly ...

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Yosemite Valley Chapel

9000 Southside Dr, Yosemite Valle...

9000 Southside Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA

Saves: 2

Check-ins: 10

Yosemite Valley Chapel is a small historic chapel built in 1879 and is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture. The Chapel is a popular wedding venue due to its picturesque location and historic charm. It's also used for religious services and community events. You can attend Sunday services during the summer months and enjoy concerts and other performances throughout the year.

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Vernal Falls

Mist Trail, Yosemite Valley, CA

Saves: 5

Check-ins: 2

Vernal Falls stands at 317 feet high and is a popular hiking destination for visitors to Yosemite. The trail to the top of the falls is called the Mist Trail and is approximately 3 miles round trip. The trail is considered to be strenuous as it involves steep climbs and many stairs, but the breathtaking views of the waterfall and surrounding scenery make it well worth the effort.

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Taft Point

Pohono Trail, Yosemite Valley, CA

Saves: 3

Check-ins: 0

Taft Point is a popular viewpoint located in Yosemite. It's situated at an elevation of 7,500 feet above sea level and offers stunning panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains. To reach the viewpoint, visitors can take a moderately difficult 1.1-mile hike from the Glacier Point parking lot. The hike offers beautiful scenery along the way,...

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Horsetail Fall

Northside Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA

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Check-ins: 6

What makes Horsetail Fall particularly special is that during the winter months around mid to late February, the setting sun hits the waterfall just right, causing it to light up and appear as if it's on fire. This phenomenon is often referred to as the "Firefall" or "Natural Firefall."

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Three Brothers via Cathedral Beach

Southside Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA

Saves: 5

Check-ins: 4

From Cathedral Beach you can take in a stunning panoramic view of the Three Brothers which are three towering granite peaks that rise up from the valley floor. The three peaks are known as Eagle Peak, the Middle Brother, and the South Brother. Eagle Peak is the tallest of the three, standing at a height of 3,936 feet. The Three Brothers are a popular subject for photographers and artists who come to capt...

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Cook's Meadow Loop

Northside Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA

Saves: 6

Check-ins: 9

Cook's Meadow Loop is a approximately 1.5 miles long and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, meadows, and the Merced River. The trail is considered an easy hike and is suitable for hikers of all skill levels. It's a popular choice for families with young children as well as those who want to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautiful natural landscape.

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Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake Trail, Yosemite Valle...

Mirror Lake Trail, Yosemite Valley, CA

Saves: 7

Check-ins: 4

Mirror Lake is actually not a true lake, but rather a seasonal pool that only contains water during the spring and early summer months as it dries up by late summer and fall. During the wet season, the lake can stretch up to 600 feet in length and 120 feet in width, but it typically has a much smaller surface area. The surface of Mirror Lake is known for its mirror-like qualities, hence its name, and it ...

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Yosemite National Park's Best Photo Spots

Upper Yosemite Falls

Bachelor and Three Graces

Fallen Monarch

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Tunnel View

Bridalveil Fall Viewpoint

Yosemite Valley Chapel

Vernal Falls

Taft Point

Horsetail Fall

Three Brothers via Cathedral Beach

Cook's Meadow Loop

Mirror Lake

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