33 BEST Yosemite National Park Viewpoints: By Car & Hike

National Parks Mom

Yosemite is home to over 25 dramatic waterfalls including the tallest waterfall in North America. You’ll also find ancient, Giant Sequoia trees, other types of diverse fauna, and impressive sheer granite rock.

Many of the epic views are visible from one of the 282 hiking trails, but some of the best photo spots are easily accessible from the side of the road. There are many Yosemite National Park viewpoints so it’s easy to become overwhelmed with choices.

Glacier Point

Located in the ‘High Country’ part of the park, this viewpoint is only around a quarter of a mile from the car park. Its side-view of the Half Dome rock and Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America, is unbeatable from Glacier Point.

01.

Washburn Point

Washburn Point is also located at the end of Glacier Point Road though not quite as far along. There are steps and a slope to reach Washburn Point from the parking lot so it’s accessible to all and the closest bathrooms are at Glacier Point.

02.

Tunnel View

All of the incredible scenery is visible right from the parking lot. It’s a great place to enjoy Yosemite National Park viewpoints for those with limited mobility or kids in strollers. 

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04.

El Capitan Meadow

From the meadows, you can get a completely unobstructed view of this impressive landmark of the national park. This is also a great spot to see Cathedral Rocks in the opposite direction.

05.

Yosemite Valley Chapel

It dates back to the 1870s and has been incredibly well-preserved. If you stand right next to the chapel, you can clearly see the top of Yosemite Falls and watch it flow into the trees below.

06.

Yosemite Valley View

This is another of those beautiful Yosemite National Park viewpoints that takes very little effort to reach! Lots of bang for very little buck. This picnic area has views across El Capitan and the lower valley that reflect into the Merced River when the water is high and still.

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