Where to go:

B and C are a must do every time I go to Yosemite. They are a sunset shot only. Check what time sunset will be and get there 30-60 minutes before depending on how busy the park is, maybe even earlier. Sometimes it’s deserted, other times it’s packed. Winter is less busy in general.

B:

There is a parking lot on your left before you get to the junction of Northside Drive, Southside Drive, and El Portal Road and is a must do every time you go to Yosemite. Probability is very high you’ll get a good shot, just get there early, have a tripod and shutter release and you’re good. Hike down from the parking lot to your right as you face the river to get the best shot. A 1-2 minute hike! Bad weather and your shot will look like the one below and you get skunked. Make the best of it and do your best to keep the snow and rain off your lens.

In good weather your shot can look like:

C:

There is a parking lot on both sides of the street. When it’s snowy or icy this place is dangerous and many drivers don’t know this so be cautious.

You can get in line like everybody else above, or go climbing like this guy below: 

The climb is easy, start the climb on towards the right and it’s easier. This is where the photographer was that shot the background screen for MacOS 10.11 El Capitan and is an outstanding shot. This is where he took it from around where that guy above is standing.

Don’t forget about using a telephoto in this area to get:

Note that there are other spots in the valley to take a good shot so hike and drive around. I shot the image below when it was snowing a few yards from a parking lot between the Ahwahnee Hotel and the Vistor’s Center, so right off the street!

The base of Yosemite Falls is a super popular place for tourists to take selfies, but these two shots above are the ones to get at sunset.

When to go – Any season, I like winter but any season is great. Summer is usually packed with tourists though

Sunrise – Honestly, I haven’t found a great place to shoot the sunrise in the last 35 years.

Where to eat – Cafeteria, Mountain Room, Ahwahnee Hotel in order of price. You have to dress better for the Ahwahnee since they may have a dress code on. The brunch there on Sundays is worth the $50. Prime rib comes out around 11am.

Where to sleep

How to get there: Coming from the Bay Area traveling east into the park, take 680 to 580 to 5 to 99 to the 140 all the way in. Do not take the 120 into the park since it is too curvy and hilly as it gets closer to the park. The 140 is pretty straight and flat.

Entrance Fee

What to watch out for – Don’t leave food in your car cuz a bear can tear your car door off to get at your cooler. Youtube this if you don’t believe me.