Length: Minimal
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Route Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy
Valley View, in Yosemite National Park, offers 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.
Yosemite closes sometimes during summer months for wildfires that could threaten public safety. Additionally, roads in the park could close in the winter after heavy snowfall. Check the park website for current conditions and any closures that may affect getting to Valley View.
Accessing Valley View in Yosemite National Park
Starting Location: Yosemite Valley View Parking Lot, Northside Dr, Wawona, CA
GPS (DD): 37.717217, -119.662016
Valley View is located on Northside Drive near the west end of Yosemite Valley. This is a one-way road. There is a small parking lot right next to the location. You can walk along the banks of the Merced River for small portion, although the water level of the river may limit access. 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 Valley View
Sunrise and sunset are the best times of day to shoot this location. 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. Depending on the season, there may be limited spots for a good composition because of the Merced River water level.
When photographing sunrise at this location, the sun rises behind the scene, so it will be backlit and as the sun comes up, it can wash out the scene. Arriving early for blue hour will offer the best lighting.
Since this location faces East, the sun sets behind the scene. 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.
If you like astrophotography, the Valley View area could also be used to capture star trails at night, but because of how it is oriented, photographing the Milky Way Core would not be possible. If you are looking to photograph the Milky Way, consider visiting Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park for a clearer and more complete view.
Best Seasons to Photograph Valley View
Photographing this location in winter provides amazing compositions, because the Merced River flow is at its lowest, exposing more rocks and logs that can be used as foreground elements. Photographing after a snow storm can provide more interest because the rocks will catch the snow.
In spring, the Merced River flow is at its highest, so it will move quickly. The high water level can also limit access to the river and the amount of foreground elements available for compositions. Spring will have the trees across the river either starting to bloom or bright green depending on whether it’s early or late spring.
Summer and fall will have slow to moderate flow of the Merced River depending on how much rain has fallen. The flow can vary throughout summer and fall. The leaves on the trees across the river will start to change color as fall transitions into winter.
Photography Tips for the Yosemite Valley View
The best advice for this location is to arrive early. It is very popular with photographers, especially at sunrise and sunset. Arriving about 1-2 hours before sunrise or sunset will provides plenty of time to explore compositions and give you the freedom to choose your spot before lots of people arrive.
Try including foreground elements, such as rocks or logs to add interest to the photograph. Using a longer shutter speed can produce streaky water that adds more interest to the photograph.
Try experimenting with telephoto compositions. If conditions are right, El Capitan lights up with beautiful light during sunset. Bridalveil Falls is also visible from this location, along with many other spectacular rock formations that provides lots of opportunities for telephoto shots.
Closing Remarks
Valley View is a classic viewpoint in Yosemite because the scene is beautiful anytime of day and year round! It’s located right next to the parking lot off the main road of the park, which makes it easy to reach.
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. I hope you enjoy your time visiting Valley View!
Happy Shooting!
Tom Wagner, 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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