Yosemite: a bucket-list location for many, and a place very near and dear to my heart.
I have had the opportunity to visit and explore Yosemite since I was little, and I have accumulated many photos and tips for visiting the park. This post is just a summary of my favorite places and photo spots in Yosemite, but I will be making other posts about the park in the future.
Glacier Point
I sell the above photo as a canvas:
I sell the above photo as a framed print:
Glacier point is my personal favorite spot in the entire park. The views of Half Dome are phenomenal, and the drive up to the point is well worth it. The road is usually closed in the winter, so if you want views like the photo above, you have to go in the warmer months of the year. I recommend going closer to sunset and seeing the sun go down from the point, it is jaw-dropping. There is also a gift shop and bathrooms.
Half Dome Hike
This hike is definitely for more experienced hikers, but was one of my favorite memories at Yosemite. This past summer, I was lucky enough to receive a spot to take on the fabled Half Dome Cables (pictured above). This intense hike took 13 hours total, but the views were beyond perfect. I'm planning on making another blog post specifically about this adventure, so stay tuned!
The Mist Trail
I sell the above photo as a canvas:
The Mist Trail is probably the most popular hike in the park, and for good reason. It takes about 2-3 hours round trip, and the views at the top (pictured above) are great! The hike mostly consists of walking up stairs next to the impressive Vernal Falls, and ends with great views and swims in the Merced River. Remember to expect to get wet on this hike!
Valley View
Valley View is the best place to see the park from the ground. On a clear day, El Capitan places a marvelous reflection on the water below it (shown above). I recommend to make the stop here just to take in the view.
Lower Yosemite Falls
I sell the above photo as a canvas:
Lower Yosemite Falls is one of the easier hikes in the park, offering up close shots of the falls, and if you're lucky, some rainbows in the mist! This walk is perfect for small kids or people who don't want to take on some of the more intense hikes in the park.
Upper Yosemite Falls Hike
If you are more of an advanced hiker, I recommend taking on the trek of Upper Yosemite Falls! It took me about 7 hours roundtrip, and it was beautiful! At the top, you don't get much of a view of the falls, but the view of the valley is what actually matters. It felt like I was on top of the world!
Tunnel View
Tunnel View is hands down the best place for sunset in the park. Seeing the sun set on El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Falls is unbeatable! The photo above was taken in winter, and I definitely recommend dressing WARM if you will be out there for the whole sunset.
El Capitan Meadow
I sell the above photo as a canvas:
This meadow is the perfect spot to take in the size and intensity of El Capitan. If you have time I also recommend doing the hike to the base of El Cap. Just putting your hands on the rock feels crazy! Looking at this enormous rock in person makes me wonder how people could actually climb, even free solo, this thing.
Overall these are my favorite photo and viewing spots throughout the park, but this didn't even scratch the surface! In the future I will do a second installment with more places to visit, but these should keep you busy for now.