Yosemite is one of the most photogenic places in the world. With magnificent waterfalls and towering cliffs, there is something to see around every bend. Even the less popular areas or no name cliffs have enough grandeur to drop your jaw to the floor. However, seeing things in a different light can really add or detract from its beauty. If you see something in bad light you may be disappointed or even disinterested while if viewed in great light, it might be a memorable experience of a lifetime. Since Yosemite is a valley with 3,000 foot cliffs on each side, getting decent lighting can be challenging. So here are some of the best times of day to see Yosemite’s most iconic features.
Bridalveil Falls – Evening
Most people pull into Bridal veil falls and visit this waterfall as soon as they enter the park in the morning. However, that is probably the worst time of day to see the falls! To avoid the crowds and for the best time to photograph the waterfall, visit in the late afternoon as you leave the park! Not only will you avoid the crowds, but the falls really light up with the sun hitting it directly.
Lower Yosemite Falls – Afternoon
It’s an easy stroll to see this great waterfall but if you visit before noon, shadows will veil half of the waterfall. The best time to see this waterfall is in the afternoon as the sunlight fully hits the waterfall. However, if you are visiting in the spring or early summer, when the waterfall is at its peak, the crowds can be insane. In order to ensure you get a parking spot, be sure to arrive before noon or park elsewhere and ride the free shuttle system. Then, in the afternoon, make the short walk to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls and enjoy the mist coming down from this magnificent waterfall.
Upper Yosemite Falls – Any time of day
Upper Yosemite Falls is so exposed that you can have a great view of it pretty much any time of day. The best time to see this icon is probably in the morning right as the sun begins to peak over Half Dome. Since the waterfall is facing South and is above the valley floor, it gets good sunlight at any time of day. If you are planning to hike the Upper Yosemite Falls trail, you can get the best views of the waterfall as you ascend out of the valley.
Half Dome – Evening
With its cliff face exposed on the North West side, the view of Half Dome will be backlit most times of the day. The best time to photograph perhaps the most iconic feature in Yosemite is at sunset. As the golden rays hit the face of Half Dome, it makes a spectacular sight and an incredible photograph. With great views of Half Dome throughout the valley, you don’t need to schedule a time and place when to see this iconic dome. However, note that if you want a great shot of Half Dome, you will need to wait until later in the day.
El Capitan – Midday
El Capitan is a sight to behold as a stunning 3,000 foot granite cliff soars into the sky. It’s hard to understand how massive it is until you see it for yourself. This granite Monolith faces South and is a v shape with sides slanted both East and West. Because of this, El Cap is easily photographable at any time of day. In the morning it’s East face is exposed to the first rays of light and in the evening, the setting sun illuminates the Westward wall. However, if you want to shoot it directly on the nose, photographing it at midday best illuminates each side of the monolith.
From Tunnel View – Afternoon to evening
Right as you exit the tunnel on highway 41 entering the valley, you are struck with perhaps the most iconic view of Yosemite Valley. The tunnel view is a fantastic view but if you visit at the wrong time, it can be underwhelming. If you visit in the morning, which is when most people do as they enter the park, the view is no good. In the morning the sun is directly in front of you and the valley is difficult to even see with all of the shadows. The best time to take photos of the Valley at Tunnel View is afternoon to evening. Depending on the time of year, the angle of the sun in the evening can change your view. This makes tunnel view interesting because you rarely see the same thing twice as the seasons change. However, it also makes getting a great photo of Yosemite Valley a little more challenging. However, if you visit in the late afternoon, the view is consistently spectacular. My recommendations for when to photograph the Valley at Tunnel View is to arrive in the late afternoon and take your time and enjoy the view as the sun sets.
Vernal Falls – Afternoon
Vernal Falls is accessed by the Mist Trail which can be very popular. While the best time to photograph the falls is in the early afternoon, that is also the busiest time on the busiest trail in Yosemite. The best thing about Vernal Falls is the trail and hiking in a cloud of mist. The areas with the best views are on narrow ledges of a wet and slippery trail. Add in the hordes of people and it can be somewhat precarious. So while it can be hard to photograph, the trail is a thrill and simply enjoy the hike and the views, even if you can’t get that shot.
No matter what time you visit Yosemite or whether you can make it to each location at the optimal time, make sure to enjoy the moment. Even if the photo isn’t exactly what you want, be sure to enjoy the view and be in the moment and take in the beauty of nature!
