Top Wow Spots of Yosemite

From Cathedral Rocks to Toulume Meadows, these are the views you won't want to miss on a trip to California's iconic national park

Sunset  – July 6, 2009 | Updated October 22, 2019

When it comes to things you must see in Yosemite, there are more spectacular vistas, wildlife encounters, and otherworldly features than you could cover in a lifetime. Still, there are some sights so iconic that they belong on any national park lover’s bucket list. Whether you’re driving (or biking) through, or hunkering down in the park for a few days, make your way to these landmarks for an unforgettable Yosemite trip. 

1 of 9 Creative Commons photo by Beau Rogers is licensed under CC BY 2.0

El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls from Tunnel View

From the Tunnel View vantage point, you can take in sweeping views of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall—all in one clean shot. The trifecta is why the Tunnel View—made famous by Ansel Adams—tops any list of spots you must see in Yosemite. Find it just outside the Wawona Tunnel on State Highway 41.

2 of 9 Ian Shive

Tenaya Lake

Tenaya Lake has swimming, picnicking, and a stunning setting. With its location on the busy Tioga Road, it can get crowded, but a winter visitor will find a significant reduction in traffic and dreamy snow-covered views.

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3 of 9 Creative Commons photo by Thomas Hawk is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Hike among more than 500 massive sequoias at Mariposa Grove in Wawana, near Yosemite’s South Entrance. Last year, the breathtaking grove reopened after a three-year, $40 million renovation that improved visitor access while protecting the ancient trees, once again making it a must see in Yosemite.

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Yosemite Falls from Glacier Point

Gaze at the two-tier, 2,425-foot falls from Glacier Point for a serenely magnificent scene. You can reach the overlook by car from May through October; on snowy months, cross-country skis are required. The payoff includes this arresting view of the falls, along with Half Dome and Yosemite Valley. Plan accordingly if you plan to visit in 2021, when the park will shut down 10 miles of the access road for improvements.

5 of 9 Creative Commons photo by Will Voelker is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Merced River from Sentinel Bridge

Catch some cool views on Sentinel Bridge looking over Merced River and taking in majestic Half Dome. Autumn colors frame the river in this scene. If you’re planning a visit in summer, lazily catch the views from a rafting trip.

6 of 9 Keeny Karst / DNC Parks & Resort at Yosemite, Inc.

Cathedral Rocks and Three Brothers from Cook's Meadow

Stroll the Cook’s Meadow boardwalk, just west of Yosemite Village, for a view especially spectacular in winter. Looking southwest you’ll see Cathedral Rocks (center, wrapped in clouds) and, to the right, Three Brothers.

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Yosemite Valley

Gorgeous hikes and lazy picnics are yours for the taking in Yosemite Valley. Soak in the peaceful splendor that invites you to relax under expansive granite views. Visit in fall, and you'll catch some spectacular autumn color, too.

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Tuolumne Meadows

Spend the afternoon at a cool 8,600 feet in Tuolumne Meadows, a must see in Yosemite, located an hour and a half north of the Valley. The short climb to the top of Pothole Dome provides an ideal vantage point. It's one of those things you just must see in Yosemite.

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Ahwahnee Hotel

Built in 1927 in a pristine meadow with panoramic views of Glacier Point, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls, this national historic landmark does justice to its setting. Stop by Ahwahnee's concierge desk to inquire about free history tours of the hotel, usually offered at least once a day on weekends.

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