There’s just something about a Yosemite sunset. *audible sigh* As if spending the day in one of the most beautiful places on the planet weren’t enough, sunset in Yosemite paints the entire landscape with pink and warm golds and it just doesn’t feel real.

If you’re planning a trip to Yosemite National Park, make sure you carve out time to catch at least one sunset (I’ll tell you where the best Yosemite sunset is if you can only see one!). It’s hands-down one of the most memorable things you can do here.

In This Article:

• My favorite Yosemite sunset spots and how to reach them (+ options for non-hikers!)
• Tips for timing sunset, avoiding crowds and finding parking

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Best Yosemite Sunset Views For Non-Hikers

If you’re looking for the best Yosemite National Park sunset views that do not require a hike you’re in luck! Some of the best views in Yosemite are drivable, and many are located right in Yosemite Valley.

1. Tunnel View Sunset

This one is a classic for a reason. Tunnel View is where you get that iconic postcard scene… El Capitan on the left, Bridalveil Fall on the right, and Half Dome way in the back. At sunset, the whole valley glows.

Tunnel View is super easy to access with two small parking lots right off Wawona Road. But get there early because they fill up fast for Yosemite sunset.

TIP: If you’re doing a quick Yosemite day trip, this is the perfect sunset stop on your way out. It’s the best sunset in Yosemite you don’t have to hike to, and it won’t add unnecessary drive time to your itinerary.

2. Valley View Sunset

This spot flies under the radar but it’s a favorite of mine. Valley View is a pull-off along Northside Drive with a perfect view of the Merced River, El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls and Cathedral Rocks.

It’s one of the easiest places to stop for a Yosemite National Park sunset, and you often get beautiful reflections if the river is calm.

I stumbled upon this spot by accident on my recent 2 day trip to Yosemite. Make sure you’re paying attention because it can be easy to miss, and the road is one-way here so you’ll have to circle the entire valley to backtrack!

NOTE: Valley View is similar to Tunnel View, but from a lower vantage point.

TIP: There is very limited parking here, so I recommend arriving at least 1 hour before sunset in Yosemite to snag a spot!

3. Glacier Point Sunset

Glacier Point is one of the best panoramic views in the park. You get a front-row seat to Half Dome, plus sweeping views of Yosemite Valley and the waterfalls below.

During sunset in Yosemite, the light hits the face of Half Dome and makes it glow.

You’ll need to drive a bit to get here (about an hour from Yosemite Village), but the effort is worth it. It’s also one of the few viewpoints that’s accessible without a hike and still offers a dramatic Yosemite National Park sunset.

NOTE: Glacier Point Road is only open seasonally, usually late May through October.

4. Half Dome Sunset

Watching Half Dome light up at sunset never gets old. While you can’t be on Half Dome for sunset unless you’re backpacking (hiking down at night is too dangerous), you can catch its glow from several locations in Yosemite National Park.

Best spots to see Half Dome sunset in Yosemite National Park:

• Glacier Point
• Sentinel Dome (hike)
• Cook’s Meadow

The meadow is the easiest way to enjoy sunset in Yosemite. I recommend grabbing an early dinner in Yosemite Village, then head over to the meadow with a picnic blanket (this is the one I have, I like that it’s waterproof and compact) and have a low key evening.

READ MORE: Deciding between Yosemite vs Sequoia National Park? See how they compare in this article.

Yosemite National Park Sunset Spots You Can Hike To

If you want to avoid the crowds, and have less drama finding a parking spot for sunset in Yosemite National Park I recommend one of these hikes. They’re fairly short, so hiking back after dark won’t take too long.

TIP: I highly recommend using a headlamp if you’re hiking at night. A flashlight will work, but you’ll have to hold it so you can’t use trekking poles. Definitely do not rely on your cell phone flash light.

5. Taft Point Sunset

Taft Point is a short hike (2.3 miles round trip) but it ends at a dramatic cliff edge with epic views into Yosemite Valley below.

The trailhead is the same as Sentinel Dome, off Glacier Point Road (open seasonally). You’ll walk through a quiet forest before the trees open up to a sheer cliff that looks directly across to El Capitan.

NOTE: The drop-offs here are intense and unguarded, so if heights make you nervous, this might not be your best choice.

READ MORE: Not sure what you need for hiking in Yosemite? Check out my guide to hiking gear for beginners.

6. Sentinel Dome Sunset

Sentinel Dome gives you 360° views with way fewer crowds than Glacier Point. It’s a 2.2-mile round trip hike with a pretty mellow incline, and the view from the top is unreal.

You can see Half Dome, El Cap, and Yosemite Falls from up here. It’s a great choice if you want a short hike for sunset, and a great way to avoid crowds.

TIP: The summit can be chilly, especially after the sunsets so pack a sweater. Also remember a headlamp since you’ll be hiking back after dark!

🏞️ Check out my list of National Park trip essentials on Amazon!

7. Olmsted Point Sunset

Olmsted Point doesn’t get nearly as much attention as it should. It’s such a short hike (just under half a mile total) that it could probably be in the non-hike Yosemite sunset category.

This viewpoint is on Tioga Road and gives you a side-angle look at Half Dome, with big sweeping granite slabs all around. It’s a different angle than most of the Half Dome views in Yosemite.

There are definitely fewer crowds at Olmsted Point than anywhere in the valley, but the views are slightly less dramatic, in my opinion. It’s a good option if you’ve been exploring Tenaya Lake or Tuolumne Meadows, as it’s on your way back towards the valley.

TIP: Download this self-guided audio tour ahead of your trip. It uses GPS to prompt audio overviews of noteworthy spots in the park. It’s just like having a tour guide, but on your own schedule.

How To Perfectly Time Sunset In Yosemite National Park

There’s a few things to consider when timing sunset in Yosemite National Park. First, parking can be exceptionally challenging during peak season (summer months), especially in Yosemite Valley and along Glacier Point Road.

Second, the valley floor will get darker much earlier than it will at higher elevations (like along Glacier Point Road). Depending on where you plan to watch sunset in Yosemite National Park you’ll want to make some adjustments.

For Yosemite sunset spots close to the valley I would plan to arrive 1 hour before sunset, and for anything at higher elevation I would arrive at least 30 minutes early.

Yosemite Sunset Time by Season

Sunset timing in Yosemite shifts depending on the time of year. In the spring and fall, the sun goes down between 6:30 and 7:45 PM. In the summer, it stretches out until 8:30 PM or later.

Use this tool to find the exact Yosemite sunset time for your Yosemite itinerary dates:

What to Bring for Sunset

Even in summer, evenings cool off fast. I always bring a jacket, even if it’s hot during the day. A headlamp is a must if you’re hiking, and I like to hike with trekking poles, especially in low visibility because they add extra stability.

• Jacket
• Bug spray
• Headlamp (if hiking)
• Trekking poles (if hiking)

How to Add These Spots to Your Yosemite Itinerary

Depending on how many days in Yosemite you’re planning, I recommend different sunset spots.

If you’ll just be in Yosemite for one day then catch sunset at Tunnel View or Valley View to maximize your time in the park. Both are easy to access and don’t require hiking.

With more time in Yosemite, definitely put Glacier Point on your schedule. You can drive to the overlook, or opt to hike to Taft Point or Sentinel Dome.

TIP: Drive from Yosemite to Sequoia National Park for even more epic sunset views in California.

Best Place To Stay For Sunset In Yosemite National Park

Hands down the best place to stay for sunset in Yosemite National Park is in Yosemite Valley. Luckily, there are several hotels and campgrounds to choose from.

Hotels in Yosemite Valley:

• Yosemite Valley Lodge (YSL) – best value, most affordable
• The Ahwahnee – beautiful historic lodge
• Curry Village – glamping options

Campgrounds in Yosemite Valley:

• Upper Pines – the largest campground and open year-round. I stayed here and loved it!
• Lower Pines
• North Pines
• Camp 4

Camping reservations can be made on the reservation.gov website.

If rooms are sold out in Yosemite National Park, the next best option is to book a hotel near El Portal (Yosemite View Lodge is my recommendation) or one of the rare homes in Yosemite.