Welcome to my Yosemite Client guide! Where I’ll give you recommendations on where to stay, eat, and play in Yosemite. Hi I’m Alyssa! I am elopement, engagement and epic maternity photographer based out of Fresno, California but I love to travel for sessions and elopements! My style is natural, timeless, and true to life color with rich tones. I am a wife and a proud mama who picked up a camera as a hobby and turned it into her passion. traveling, throwing backyard get togethers, listening to an audiobook while I edit, riding my bike, camping, sushi and going on adventures with my amazing clients! I absolutely love Yosemite National Park and all the spots it has to offer. As your photographer I’m able to help you choose the perfect spots for your elopement or session! Enjoy this Ultimate Yosemite Visitor Guide!
Alyssa’s Favorite Photo Locations in Yosemite | Ultimate Yosemite Visitor Guide
TAFT POINT
This location is so incredibly breathtaking and overlooks Yosemite Valley. The pictures honestly speak for themselves! It is located west of Glacier Point. To get there you drive down Glacier Point road for about 6 miles and the trail is on the left! Hiking there is only 2.2 miles there and back! It is a fairly easy hike. Taft Point doesn’t have any guardrails which is great for photos but if you are bringing your kids along it can be dangerous for small children!
GLACIER POINT
This is a very popular spot to in Yosemite! You can drive up to Glacier Point so no hiking is required! If you’re thinking about eloping in Glacier point this is a great spot! The park also allows you to have up to 50 people during your ceremony. If you are having multiple family members of all ages at your Yosemite elopement, or family photos then this spot will be perfect! You can get to Glacier Point by heading down Wawona Road and after traveling about 13 miles, turn on to the Glacier Point Road at the Chinquapin intersection.
TUNNEL VIEW
Tunnel View showcases the best views of Yosemite Valley! April is the perfect time to capture the stunning sunrise at Tunnel View. Unlike the period from October to early April when the sun rises around 2-3 hours later, from mid-April to September, you can witness the sun peeking just after sunrise, offering a breathtaking sight. It’s an exciting opportunity for photographers to be able to capture stunning photos! It is located at the east end of the Wawona Tunnel along the Wawona Road. Additionally, you can drive up to this spot and walk up to the beautiful vista!
SWINGING BRIDGE MEADOW
This location is popular and it has gorgeous scenic views. You can actually see Yosemite Falls in the backdrop. To get here start at the Wawona store and Yosemite History Center and follow the paved Forest Drive for two miles to the Seventh Day Adventist Camp. From there, turn left onto a dirt road and continue a half-mile to Swinging Bridge.
YOSEMITE FALLS
This backdrop is like no other and features a beautiful waterfall! To get to the waterfall From Yosemite Village, walk half a mile west to the trailhead. The hike there is not difficult, however it is a very popular spot for tourists, so a sunrise session is ideal! Also remember you will most likely get wet, depending on how close you are to the waterfall!
VALLEY VIEW
This is such a great spot for catching the sunrise and sunset in your photos! It is located on Northside Drive, near the west end of Yosemite Valley! It also has a parking lot so you are able to just drive up to it! There is not a lot exploring to do in this area but it is a great backdrop with the scenic views for your Yosemite photos.
HALF DOME MEADOW
This meadow offers stunning views of the iconic Half Dome, a granite rock formation! The best time to take photos here is during sunrise and sunset when the lighting creates dramatic effects on the granite. To get here head to Yosemite Valley, once you are there look for parking near Yosemite Village or Half Dome Village!
COOKS MEADOW
If you want a background with lush greenery then consider Cooks Meadow! The best season for Cooks Meadow is definitely spring and summer since the grass is super green! The walk to Cooks Meadow is short and easy and has beautiful views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Sentinel Rock! The trail’s in Yosemite Valley! Once you’re in the valley, follow Southside Drive east until you see the sign for the Swinging Bridge!
EL CAP MEADOW
This meadow is surrounded by mountains which serve as a great backdrop! You can usually see cliff hangers on the granite mountains from this meadow. It is a great place to see the sunrise and sunset and for photos. El Capitan Meadow is located on Northside Drive near the west end of Yosemite Valley.
THE YOSEMITE CHAPEL
If you’re wanting to get married in a chapel, or have it as a background for your Yosemite photos then you should consider the Yosemite Chapel! It is historic and known as a great spot for an elopement! It is a great place to start and explore the areas near the chapel for some great photos! The Yosemite Chapel is located on Southside Drive, in eastern Yosemite Valley!
Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park | Ultimate Yosemite Visitor Guide
Inside the park
- Yosemite Valley- Book this on the yosemite website here
- Wawona (private land within Yosemite)
- Yosemite West (just outside of, but only accessible from, Yosemite)
Highway 41 from the south:
- Fish Camp and Oakhurst
Highway 140 from the west:
- El Portal, Midpines, and Mariposa
The Highway 120 from the west:
- Buck Meadows, Groveland, and Sonora
Highway 120 from the east:
- Lee Vining, June Lake, and Mammoth Lakes
- (no access to Yosemite approximately November to late May or June)
Lodging
Yosemite West Airbnbs
Website: https://www.airbnb.com/yosemite-west-ca/stays
Tenaya Lodge
Website: https://www.visittenaya.com/
Phone: (888) 514-2167
Autocamp Yosemite
Website: https://autocamp.com/location/yosemite/
Phone: (844) 993-9888
Address: 6323 CA-140 Midpines, CA 95345
Yosemite Valley Lodge
Website: https://www.yosemite.com/places-to-stay/hotels-and-motels/yosemite-valley-lodge/
Phone: 888-413-8869
Address: 9006 Yosemite Lodge Dr, TUOLUMNE MEADOWS, CA 95389
Camping
Housekeeping Camp
This experience is somewhere between camping out and staying in a rustic cabin. Guests are provided a developed “campsite” that features a covered shelter, a cooking and dining area, cots, a table and a fire ring. You must bring your own linen and cooking supplies. Open from spring to early falls. Book on Recreation.gov
Yosemite Valley Camping
- North Pines (open April-Oct) $26 daily fee. Book on recreation.gov. 81 spaces
- Upper Pines (open all year) $26 daily fee. Book on recreation.gov. 238 spaces
- Lower Pines (open April-Oct) $26 daily fee. Book on recreation.gov. 60 spaces
- Camp 4 (open all year) $6/person. First come first serve. 35 spaces
Wawona Camping
- Wawona (Open all year) $26 daily fee. Book on recreation.gov April-early September. Otherwise first come first serve. 93 spaces.
Glacier Point Road Camping
- Bridalveil Creek (open Aug-mid september) $18 daily fee. First come first serve.
Entrance Reservations
A reservation is required to drive into Yosemite National Park on some days from April 13th through October 27, 2024, for those driving into the park between 5 am and 4 pm as follows:
- April 13 through June 30: A reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and on holidays (May 27 and June 19). A reservation is not required on other days.
- July 1 through August 16: A reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm every day.
- August 17 through October 27: A reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (September 2 and October 14). A reservation is not required on other days.
Driving through the park also requires a reservation if entering between 5 am and 4 pm (on days a reservation is required).
Get your Reservations here:
https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086745
Where to Eat in Yosemite | Ultimate Yosemite Visitor Guide
Yosemite Village Eateries: There are lots of places to eat in the valley – you just have to know where to go! Yosemite Village has a lot of great options. Some restaurants you can check out are:
Degnan’s Kitchen – Sandwiches, salads, pizza, breakfast, coffee, and more.
- The Loft at Degnan’s – BBQ chicken, wings, ribs, and more. Great lunch or dinner option!
- Village Grill Deck – Burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, and salads. Seating is outside on deck.
- Village Store – General store with lots of things from groceries to meals you can cook
Yosemite Valley Lodge Eateries: The lodge has 2 places to eat:
- The Mountain Room – A more luxurious dining option, but a nice steak dinner option
- Base Camp Eatery – A food court at Yosemite Valley Lodge which includes a Starbucks coffee bar, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Curry Village Eateries: Lots of eating options for those lodging in Curry Village, near Half Dome:
- Pizza Patio – A great outdoor option for some quick and delicious pizza on the patio
- Coffee Corner – The place to get coffee and a quick breakfast in the morning for Curry Village.
- Curry Village Pavilion – The food court of curry village. Lots of options for dining depending on the day.
- Meadow Grill – Burgers, sandwiches, salads, and other vegetarian options
Activities to do in Yosemite| Ultimate Yosemite Visitor Guide
Hikes:
| Trail | Difficulty | Distance | Elevation Gain |
| Bridalveil Fall Trail | Easy | 0.5 mi / 0.8 km (round trip) | 80 ft / 24 m |
| Lower Yosemite Fall Trail | Easy | 1 mi / 1.6 km (entire loop) | 50 ft / 15 m |
| Cook’s Meadow Loop | Easy | 1 mi / 1.6 km (entire loop) | Flat |
| Mirror Lake Loop | Easy to Moderate | 2 mi / 3.2 km (lake & back) 5 mi / 8 km (entire loop) | 100 ft (to lake) 200 ft (loop) |
| Valley Loop Trail | Moderate | 6.5 mi / 10.5 km (half loop) 13 mi / 20.9 km (full loop) | Mostly flat |
| Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Trails | Moderate to Strenuous | 1.6 mi-8 mi / 2.5 km-13 km (round trip) | 400 ft to 2000 ft 120 m to 600 m |
| Yosemite Falls Trail | Moderate to Strenuous | 2.0 mi / 3.2 km (round trip) 7.2 mi / 11.6 km (round trip) | 1000 ft / 328 m 2700 ft / 825 m |
| Snow Creek Trail | Strenuous | 9.4 mi / 15.1 km (round trip) | 2700 ft / 825 m |
| Four Mile Trail | Strenuous | 4.8 mi / 7.7 km (one way) | 3200 ft / 975 m |
| Half Dome Trail | Strenuous | 14 mi-16.4 mi / 22.4 km-26.2 km (round trip) | 4800 ft / 1475 m |
Rent a Bike:
Yosemite Valley Lodge 209-372-1208
Curry Villiage 209-372-8435
https://www.travelyosemite.com/things-to-do/biking/
There are more than 12 miles of paved bicycle paths
Guided tours:
https://www.travelyosemite.com/things-to-do/guided-bus-tours/
209-372-1240
Fishing:
Available Mid April to Mid November
Swim in Merced river or Mirror lake:
https://www.travelyosemite.com/things-to-do/swimming/
Rafting:
Short window of availability on the summer. Check out https://www.travelyosemite.com/things-to-do/rafting/
Horseback riding:
https://www.travelyosemite.com/things-to-do/horseback-mule-riding/
Wilderness Center:
Located in Yosemite village
Pack a picnic:
Enjoy an interpretive Program
Consult the Yosemite guide for daily activities
Art Classes:
Sample Itineraries
https://www.travelyosemite.com/things-to-do/sample-itineraries/
More info on what to do in Yosemite here:
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/yosemite-national-park-travel-guide/
Looking for a Yosemite Photographer?
I hope you found this Ultimate Yosemite Visitor Guide both informative and inspiring! If you love Yosemite as much as I do, consider making it the backdrop for your next big moment! Whether it’s an elopement, family photos, or maternity pictures. There’s nothing quite like capturing the beauty of this incredible park. I’d be absolutely thrilled to be your photographer and help you create memories! You can check out my Yosemite packages here and see more of my work here! If you think we are a great fit then fill out a contact form! I can’t wait to hear from you!
