There’s no place like Yosemite National Park to watch the sunrise. Rosy dawn colors the sky as the light edges over the horizon, highlighting towering granite cliffs, sparkling waterfalls, and lush valleys. In the early morning, the air is fresh, the crowds are small, and the sense of untouched beauty takes your breath away.
Everyone should experience the sunrise in Yosemite at least once, and we created this guide to share our favorite places to be when dawn breaks in the park. The best places to watch a Yosemite sunrise include Glacier Point, Panorama Trail, Tunnel View, Sentinel Bridge, Valley View, and Vista Point Big Oak Flat. We’ll cover where to find each of the best sunrise spots, offer insider insights, provide tips for planning your visit, and answer frequently asked questions to help you make the most of your early hours in the park.
Glacier Point
Glacier Point offers one of the best sunrise views in Yosemite, but many visitors don’t make the journey because the road can be long and dark before dawn. This means smaller crowds and a tranquil, almost-private viewing experience as you watch the sun summit over Yosemite.
- Where: Glacier Point is about an hour drive from Yosemite Valley along Glacier Point Road. The overlook sits at 7,214 feet and offers a sweeping, unobstructed view of Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and the High Sierra.
- Best For: Iconic, panoramic sunrise views; dramatic photography; a quiet vantage point with plenty of space to spread out. Perfect for travelers who want a Yosemite sunrise snapshot without dealing with crowds.
- Arrive By: Plan to arrive 30–45 minutes before sunrise to catch the full color progression and secure your preferred viewpoint.
- Insider Tip: Bring a warm layer (even in summer) and keep an eye out for faint alpenglow on Half Dome before the sun crests the horizon. The soft pink-and-gold light here is some of the most striking in the park.
Panorama Trail
Panorama Trail is one of the most rewarding ways to experience a Yosemite sunrise. Stretching between Glacier Point and the Mist Trail, it offers multiple elevated viewpoints where you can watch early light sweep across Half Dome, Nevada Fall, and the expansive Yosemite Valley. If you’re hoping to pair a stunning sunrise with an all-day adventure, this is the best trail to choose.
- Where: The trailhead is located near the Glacier Point Amphitheater. From there, the Panorama Trail winds 8.5 miles down toward Nevada Fall and the Mist Trail, with several scenic overlooks along the route.
- Best For: Hikers who want the sunrise before a full-day trek; sweeping sunrise vistas over Half Dome; varied scenery, including waterfalls, granite domes, and forested switchbacks.
- Arrive By: Aim to arrive 30–45 minutes before the Glacier Point sunrise if you want to catch dawn light before starting your hike. This gives you time to enjoy the view, take photos, and begin the trail as the morning brightens.
- Insider Tip: Start your hike at Glacier Point and descend to the valley. This direction offers front-facing views of Half Dome as the sun rises. Bring trekking poles if you’re continuing past Illilouette Fall, as the downhill sections can be steep and long.
Tunnel View
Tunnel View has been an iconic vantage point since 1933 and offers one of the best sunrise views in Yosemite. As you exit the Wawona Tunnel, the entire valley unfolds before you: El Capitan rising on the left, Bridalveil Fall drifting on the right, and Half Dome anchored in the distance. It’s a sunrise spot that delivers a dramatic, postcard-perfect panoramic view.
- Where: Located at the east end of the Wawona Tunnel on Wawona Road (Highway 41). There is a designated viewpoint with parking directly at the overlook.
- Best For: Photographers seeking a wide, valley-spanning composition; travelers looking for a breathtaking payoff without a hike. Visitors who want Yosemite’s most iconic view should choose the Tunnel View sunrise.
- Arrive By: Plan to arrive 20–30 minutes before sunrise, especially during peak season, as this popular viewpoint fills up quickly.
- Insider Tip: For a quieter experience, walk a short distance up the Pohono Trail from the parking area. Even a few minutes up the trail gives you an elevated angle to view the incredible morning light on El Capitan and Half Dome.
Sentinel Bridge
Sentinel Bridge is one of the most accessible places to watch the sunrise in Yosemite Valley. Known for its stunning view of Half Dome reflected in the calm waters of the Merced River, this spot offers a peaceful place to begin the morning, no hike required.
- Where: Sentinel Bridge spans the Merced River in the heart of Yosemite Valley, near Sentinel Meadow and the Yosemite Valley Lodge area.
- Best For: Iconic sunrise photos featuring Half Dome and its mirrored reflection; visitors who want an easy-to-reach viewpoint; peaceful early-morning scenery without committing to a trail.
- Arrive By: Arrive 15–20 minutes before sunrise to catch the sky’s early color and secure a good position along the riverbank.
- Insider Tip: The reflection is best on days when the river is calm. Walk slightly upstream or downstream along the riverbank to find the clearest angle and the strongest mirror effect of Half Dome.
Valley View
Valley View offers tranquil riverfront scenery framed by towering granite. From this riverside vantage point, you’ll see El Capitan glowing with first light, Bridalveil Fall catching the morning shimmer, and the Merced River reflecting soft dawn colors. It’s a peaceful, intimate viewpoint that feels close to the valley floor’s natural beauty.
- Where: Located along Northside Drive in Yosemite Valley, just past the Bridalveil Fall viewpoint and before Pohono Bridge. A small parking area sits directly beside the river.
- Best For: Classic sunrise views of El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall; serene waterside photography; travelers who want a quiet, easily accessible spot with big valley scenery.
- Arrive By: Arrive 20–30 minutes before sunrise to set up along the riverbank and catch the shifting colors on the cliffs and water.
- Insider Tip: For the best reflections, walk a few steps down to the river’s edge. Some of the strongest compositions come from positioning your camera low to the water. After sunrise, this spot is perfectly placed for quick access to Yosemite Valley highlights, including Bridalveil Fall and Tunnel View.
Vista Point Big Oak Flat
Vista Point along Big Oak Flat Road is an easily accessible pullout where you can catch the Yosemite sunrise. From this roadside overlook, you’ll have wide-open views across rugged Yosemite Valley to El Capitan and Half Dome. It’s an excellent option for travelers who want a beautiful sunrise without navigating deep into the valley.
- Where: Located on Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120) as you descend toward Yosemite Valley. The overlook is a designated roadside turnout with clear east-facing views.
- Best For: Panoramic sunrise views over Yosemite’s granite landscape; travelers seeking a convenient stop with minimal walking; quick sunrise photography before continuing deeper into the park.
- Arrive By: Plan to arrive 15–20 minutes before sunrise to catch the shifting colors on El Capitan and Half Dome as the first light reaches the valley.
- Insider Tip: This overlook is especially beautiful on mornings with atmospheric haze or low mist, which make the granite cliffs look dramatic in the sunrise glow. It’s also a great spot to stop again later in the day for contrasting midday or afternoon views.
Tips for Planning Your Yosemite National Park Sunrise Visit
Catching sunrise in Yosemite is an unforgettable experience, but it takes a little planning to be in the right place at the right time. Here’s what you need to know to make the early wake-up smooth and stress-free.
Best Months To Watch the Sunrise in Yosemite
While sunrise is beautiful year-round, the best months to visit are typically May through October. These months offer clearer skies, fewer road closures, and milder early-morning temperatures.
- Spring (April–May): Waterfalls are at their peak and morning mist adds atmosphere.
- Summer (June–August): Long daylight hours make for clear, golden sunrises, but you need to arrive early to avoid crowds.
- Fall (September-October): Autumn brings crisp air, fewer visitors, and beautiful warm tones on the granite.
- Winter: Sunrises in winter are stunning but unpredictable; snow can close roads and delay early-morning access.
When To Arrive For Yosemite Sunrise Views
To fully experience the color progression of dawn, plan to arrive at your chosen viewpoint 20–45 minutes before sunrise. Arriving early also helps secure parking, which can be limited at popular viewpoints.
- Panoramic overlooks (Glacier Point, Panorama Trail): Arrive closer to 45 minutes early.
- Valley and roadside spots (Sentinel Bridge, Valley View): 15–30 minutes early is usually enough.
What To Bring To See the Sunrise in Yosemite
Early mornings in Yosemite are often cooler than expected, even in summer. A small sunrise kit will make your experience more comfortable:
- Warm layers: Temperatures can be 10–20 degrees cooler at dawn.
- Headlamp or flashlight: Extra light is essential for navigating parking areas or trails in the dark.
- Water and snacks: Bring your own; park services are limited early in the morning.
- Camera or binoculars: You don’t want to miss anything.
- Sturdy shoes: Even flat viewpoints can be dewy or slick in the morning.
- Small blanket or cushion: Keep yourself comfortable while you wait for the sun to rise.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Sunrise Visit
- Check road conditions the evening before. Roads like Glacier Point Road or Tioga Road may close seasonally.
- Know your route in advance. Cell service is limited in many parts of the park.
- Watch for wildlife on early-morning drives, especially deer along valley roads.
- Give yourself buffer time. Yosemite’s layout can take longer to navigate than you expect in low light.
Frequently Asked Questions About Watching the Sunrise in Yosemite
Planning a sunrise visit to Yosemite often brings up a few common questions about timing, entry, and the best spots to watch the day begin. Here, we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions to help you prepare for an unforgettable morning in the park.
What time is sunrise in Yosemite National Park?
The time of sunrise in Yosemite varies by season, so you should always check for precise times ahead of your visit. Here’s when the sunrise typically occurs each season:
- Summer: 5:30–6 a.m.
- Spring and fall: 6:30–7 a.m.
- Winter: 7–7:30 a.m.
Be aware that the sun rises in different locations throughout the year, meaning some areas of the park may stay dimmer longer depending on the sun’s position and the surrounding cliffs.
Where is the best place to watch the sunrise in Yosemite?
Some of the best places to see a Yosemite sunrise include Glacier Point, Tunnel View, Panorama Trail, Sentinel Bridge, Valley View, and Vista Point Big Oak Flat. Each offers different scenery — panoramic overlooks, riverside reflections, or iconic valley views — so your ideal spot depends on the experience you want.
What is the best trail to see the sunrise in Yosemite?
The Panorama Trail is one of the best sunrise trails in Yosemite. Starting at Glacier Point, it offers several elevated viewpoints with stunning dawn light on Half Dome, Nevada Fall, and the valley. It’s ideal for hikers who want a sunrise moment at the start of a rewarding full-day trek.
Can I enter Yosemite Park before 5 a.m.?
Yes. You can enter Yosemite at any time, including before 5 a.m. Early entry is encouraged for sunrise viewing, photography, or avoiding congestion during peak season. Check whether an entrance reservation system is in effect during your visit. If so, you’ll need a valid reservation regardless of entry time.
Is sunrise at Yosemite worth it?
Absolutely! Sunrise is one of the most magical times to experience Yosemite, even if you aren’t an early riser. The soft light on the granite cliffs, calm morning air, and smaller crowds make dawn a uniquely peaceful and photogenic moment in the park. Many travelers consider it one of the highlights of their entire Yosemite trip.
If you’re looking for where to watch the sunrise in Yosemite, there are plenty of spots to choose from. Yosemite is known for its beautiful landscapes and unbeatable natural views, meaning a picture-perfect sunrise is never too far away. Rise and shine when you pick from our Yosemite hotels, conveniently located less than 10 miles from Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat entrance and Yosemite’s west entrance.