Four of the Most Instagramable Places in Yosemite During Winter

Let’s be frank… Yosemite is photogenic. There’s a reason why Ansel Adams and John Muir fell in love with this location. Nearly every nook, cranny and summit offer up AMAZING opportunities to get that once-in-a-lifetime picture. Here’s four of the most Instagramable places in Yosemite during winter.

We couldn’t have this list without naming the iconic shot that Ansel Adams made famous. Of course, this a great year-round spot to take a picture but it REALLY shines in the winter. After a winter storm blankets the peaks, it adds contrast to the granite icons of El Capitan and Half Dome. In addition, Bridalveil Fall, whose main water source is Ostrander Lake, is re-energized by the melting snow.

A VERY popular scene in the summer, it can be challenging to get a photo during the hottest time of year. So, if you want that perfect shot of these majestic falls, come in the winter. It’s also a great place for lunar photography typically for a couple of months in the spring for capturing the legendary Yosemite Moonbows. The trail to the view is only a ½ mile making it a good option for families. Be careful to stay in the designated viewing areas and don’t be tempted to scramble on the rocks below the falls.  They may look like fun but the water polished granite is very slippery even when dry and Yosemite Search and Research personnel have had to rescue more than just a few people due to injuries over the years.

What might be the TOUGHEST place to get to in the winter? It also provides THE spot to see Yosemite Valley. The 10.5-mile journey isn’t for the faint of heart, but once you get there, you’ll have scenery and views unrivaled. As any photographer knows, the journey is part of the joy of getting that perfect shot. (Please note: the Glacier Point Ski Hut is closed for the 2023/2024 winter season.)

While similar to the Tunnel View, it provides something the other “shot” cannot. The glass-like clarity of the Merced River in the foreground against the juxtaposition of El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall in the background provides a lively action against the granite texture. The view is particularly beautiful when the meadow is dressed in a fresh snowy blanket.

Now that we’ve helped you find the most Instagramable places in Yosemite during winter, we hope that you'll share your work with us by hashtagging #YosemiteMadera and #YosemiteNOW on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.

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