Length: Minimal
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Route Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy
El Capitan, in Yosemite National Park, is a prominent vertical granite monolith loved by rock climbers and photographers alike. It can be seen from multiple locations across Yosemite, but my favorite view of El Capitan can be found while driving along Southside Drive. About 7 miles (11.3 km) from the western entrance of the park, the drive is mostly surrounded by trees, but when you get to this point, the trees clear and El Capitan stands 3,000 feet (914 m) above the valley floor. Parking is located along the side of the road. This location also provides access to Bridalveil Fall, another popular attraction.
Accessing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park
Starting Location: Southside Drive, Wawona, CA
GPS (DD): 37.720543, -119.648455
The above El Capitan viewpoint, on Southside Drive, is one of the easiest places to see El Capitan because it’s along a major road of the park. Parking in this location can be difficult depending on how many visitors are trying to park, but the views of El Capitan are amazing! This location is located on the side of Southside drive, about 7 miles (11.3 km) from the western entrance to the park. The road is one way and parking is located on both sides of the street. There is no additional parking besides street parking. This location is open year-round (as long as the park and roads are open) and is very accessible.
Best Time of Day to Photograph El Capitan
Sunrise and sunset are the best times of day to shoot this location. If the sky is overcast, then this location can be shot any time of day. Because this is a popular photography spot at sunrise and sunset, I recommend arriving early to scout compositions and claim a spot before it gets busy.
When photographing sunrise at this location, the sun rises behind the scene. Because it will be backlit as the sun comes up, it can wash out the scene. Arriving early for blue hour will offer the best lighting.
As the sun sets, El Capitan catches the light and can provide nice lighting, although there will be a shadow on El Capitan as the sun sets because of other rock formations. This shadow slowly rises as the sun sets.
Because of how popular this location is, arriving early (roughly before 9-10 am) will provide the easiest chance of finding a parking spot. During summer months, this location is extremely popular and people looking for parking will cause traffic jams. Plan ahead and arrive early. It may take several loops around before a parking spot is available. Additionally, you could park in the parking lot for Bridalveil Fall and walk to this location.
Best Seasons to Photograph El Capitan
Photographing this location in winter after a snow storm provides something different than any other part of the year. Crevices in the rock will catch some of the snow, which adds interest to the scene. The trees in this area can be used as foreground elements, and after a snow storm, they can catch the snow, which looks beautiful. These trees are mostly evergreens, so the rest of the year will provide similar views. There might be a few trees with fall colors in the area that could provide additional color as foreground elements.
Photography Tips for El Capitan in Yosemite National Park
The best advice for this location is to arrive early. It is very popular with all visitors, mainly after 10 am. The trees in the area provide nice foreground elements and natural color contrast. El Capitan is mostly warm colors, while the trees will be either white covered in snow or green when not covered in snow. Fog drifts can provide interesting photographic elements as it drifts across El Capitan’s face.
Horsetail Fall (Yosemite Firefall)
Another favorite photographic feature of El Capitan is Horsetail Fall, also known as the Yosemite Firefall. “Horsetail Fall flows over the eastern edge of El Capitan in Yosemite Valley. This small waterfall usually flows only during winter and is easy to miss. On rare occasions during mid- to late February, it can glow orange when it’s backlit by sunset.” (NPS)
Although the conditions need to be just right to see it, it is an amazing experience if you have a chance to go. As of this writing, you will need a reservation to get into Yosemite during that time. The most famous viewing location for the Firefall is at the El Capitan Picnic Area (GPS (DD): 37.72821, -119.62055), however, this fills up quickly. You can also view Horsetail Fall from other locations, including several spots along Southside Drive. If you see a sea of photographers, you will know that you’ve probably found a good viewing location. It is a tiny waterfall, so you will want to bring a zoom lens for the best experience.
Other Popular Viewing Locations for El Capitan in Yosemite
Valley View, in Yosemite National Park, is another great viewing location for El Capitan if you are looking for a different perspective of this amazing rock formation! From Valley View you will get amazing views of El Capitan, Sentinel Rock, Cathedral Rocks, and Bridalveil Falls all in one scene from the banks of the Merced River. This location is a popular photography location which offers multiple compositions and can vary depending on season and time of day.
El Capitan Meadow is also a popular viewing location for El Capitan. (GPS (DD): 37.72427, -119.63539) You can access the El Capitan Meadow from Northside Drive. There are several parking pullouts along the road near the meadow. After you park, you will find a small dirt path that takes you into the meadow. (NPS) If you want an elevated view of El Capitan and the Yosemite Valley, Tunnel View also provides a great viewing option.
Closing remarks
El Capitan is one of the crown jewels of Yosemite National Park and well worth photographing. I love the Southside Drive view of El Capitan because of its visibility and ease of access. Even though it’s visible from other locations in the park, this viewing area provides an up close view of El Capitan and gives the viewer a greater sense of the immense scale of this massive rock formation. Be sure to arrive early for the best possible experience!
Find Your Favorite Location
No matter where you go in Yosemite National Park, be sure to take your time and find your favorite location along the way. If you are lucky, you may even spot some wildlife! Don’t forget to add detailed macro shots, change your perspective, and most importantly have fun.
Before making your trip, consider checking the official Yosemite National Park website or contacting the park’s visitor center for the most up-to-date information on trail conditions, accessibility, and any recent changes. As with any visit to a national park, it’s important to follow park regulations, practice “Leave No Trace” principles, and prioritize safety while exploring this beautiful area. Best of luck photographing El Capitan!
Happy shooting!
Tom, Featured National Park Photographer
Want to learn more about Yosemite National Park? Check out these maps, guides & books:
- Yosemite National Park Map (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map)
- Yosemite: The Complete Guide: Yosemite National Park (Color Travel Guide)
- Lonely Planet Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks 6 (National Parks Guide)
- The Complete Guidebook to Yosemite National Park
- Historic Yosemite National Park: The Stories Behind One of America’s Great Treasures
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