Photograph Yosemite's Tunnel View

Overlooking the Valley

Someone had convinced me that you'd be able to see the lights from Yosemite Valley up here so I was a tiny bit disappointed but overall the view lives up to it's reputation. It was incredible! If you're wanting to see the lights and activity in the Valley, check out Glaciers Point.

Iconic view

This spot is great for that cliche photo that everyone must have, but for good reason, the view is magnificent and if you are seeing it at golden hour its even more stunning. The only real issue is that because of its easy accessibility there are always a lot of people, but if you wait until after sunset then you will only have photographers trying to photograph the night sky, assuming you are trying to do the same.

Never gets old.

No matter how many times I drive through the tunnel, this view always leaves me in awe. Rain, shine, or snow, Tunnel View is always a must see for every trip to the Valley.

Stunning

We just sat out here for an hour soaking it in

Arrived at sunset

I drove to the Bay Area in California from Washington for my grandpa's memorial this weekend. We had just a few hours on Saturday to go for a drive so we went out to Yosemite. We arrived in the park at 6:00pm with sunset at 6:10pm. I followed directions to Tunnel view because I knew we didn't have time to hike anywhere. When we arrived at 6:30 the sun had already set but the glow of dusk lit up the granite. This was a magical place to stop on our long road trip home and I'd highly recommend it at sunrise or sunset!

Scenic but crowded

Recommend getting off the beaten path to really get a feel for Yosemite. Hike up the Pohono Trail or find another route that will give you some scenic views without the clamouring tourists and noisy cars. Get out there and enjoy!

Hike to Artist Point

This is a world famous view and for good reason. If you want to dodge the crowds and tour buses, try hiking up to artist point for an awesome view!

Awe Stricken

My first visit to Yosemite was this July and we headed toward Glacier Point first along the drive when we reached this view I was in "awe"! A bit crowded so we did choose to hike up to Artist Point with an equally amazing and private view!

A Valley must-see

Even if you've been to Yosemite many times, this view will never get old. Really puts the whole valley into perspective, especially if you've been sight-seeing on the valley floor all day. The best time for photography will be towards the end of the day, but if you're not looking for a money shot, come at any time!

Gorgeous Views, Arrive Early for Sunset

Tunnel View has one of the most iconic views in the park. It can get crowded at times, but during the day people are often coming and going frequently enough that you won't have to wait long for a nice vantage point (really, all the vantage points from here are great). However, if you are planning on watching sunset here arrive early! Photographers start staking out their spots an hour (or more!) before sunset and won't be leaving until after the show is over!

Superb spot for winter night photography of the valley.

Iconic, but NOT where Ansel Adams took that picture

The always crowded, always beautiful vista of Yosemite Valley. Photography-wise, definitely try and be here for sunrise when there are less people around. PRO TIP: The iconic "Clearing Winter Storm" shot by Ansel Adams was actually shot from Artist Point (a couple hundred feet above Tunnel View). The trailhead starts on the hill just behind the parking lot, and after a short hike, you're likely to have that view all to yourself!

Great place for sunrise - often pretty crowded.

Neat view, very accesible and can be kinda crowded.

It can be a little windy up there, bring a jacket! Also, if you like to draw / paint, you can park in the lot, and walk to the wall surrouding it (facing the valley) and work up there for hours. On full moon nights you'll see a number of photographers that set up for long shots here too.

Stunning view of the valley! Even though it can get a little crowded, you should be able to find your spot to take it in. There's parking on the right side of the street as you head up the hill, before you hit the parking lot. I'd recommend taking one of those as the lost fills up quick.

Time it for a moonrise in the middle of the valley!

No matter how many times or ways you see the valley, this is breath-taking!